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“Stop it.”

I laugh. “I’m not scared of you, grumpy.”

He mutters something under his breath.

I don't catch all of it, but I’m pretty sure fucking menace is involved.

I'll take it.

Roman moves toward a padded bench.

I get off the treadmill and follow.

He stops and looks at me. “What?”

I smile.

His eyes narrow. “Are you going to follow me through my entire workout?”

“I haven't decided.” My smile widens. “Probably.”

He stares at me.

I stare back.

Finally, he exhales through his nose and lies down on the bench.

Interesting. He isn't telling me to leave.

I move around the equipment until I'm standing near his head.

Roman looks up at me.

“Hi.”

“What are you doing?”

“Watching.”

“I noticed.”

He reaches for the dumbbells beside him.

I look down at him.

He looks up at me. “Don’t even think about it.”

My smile spreads. “What?”

“Don’t ‘what’ me. I know you.”

My chest does a stupid little squeeze at his words. It's such a simple thing. But after he disappeared for two weeks and I wondered if I’d ever see him again, those words warm my heart.

Now he's lying beneath me, glaring up at me because he knows I'm about to say something inappropriate.

I missed this.

I lean closer. “You know, from this angle⁠—”