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“Oh... not at all,” I say with a smile.
He got us breakfast?
Curiosity gets the better of me as I walk past the reception desk, and I ask, “Does Mr. Sterling do this often, Levi?”
“No,” Levi replies, sipping his coffee, steam still billowing from the lid. “But I wish he would. Being on a college budget means Ramen Noodles are my usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” He chuckles, then takes the last bite of his muffin.
I hurry to my desk, where a large hot coffee and a pastry bag are waiting.
Is this because of me?
I bring the cup to my lips and take a sip, the aroma of pumpkin filling my senses. Julian chose pumpkin-flavored coffee for me! A wave of warmth spreads through me as I reach for the pastry bag, pulling out a dark orange muffin adorned with cream cheese and walnuts. Biting into it, the familiar taste of pumpkin confirms my thoughts.
Julian Sterling, where have you been all my life?
***
I’m learning that life is unconventional, not just my past but also my present. Secretly dating my boss and meeting with him while he’s in a physical therapy workout is very unconventional, but I’m not complaining.
I spot Julian and another man, who must be his physical therapist. They’re in the weight section of the gym, working on the chest press. Inhaling deeply, I get a lungful of the gym’s musky scent, a mixture of sweat and testosterone. I don’t usually like working out in gyms, but I can see the benefit. Nothing is hotter than men exerting themselves, their muscles working under the strain.
They should sell tickets for this show. I’d buy one. It’d likely be the only way I’d enter a gym.
Case in point: Julian is wearing shorts showcasing his muscled thighs and calves, and his arms glisten with sweat.
“Julian, you’re not listening to me!” The therapist hisses.
What’s going on?
My feet slow as I remove my lust-colored glasses and take in the reality. The tension in the gym is palpable, like a thick fog.
Julian’s jaw is clenched, and his face is etched with anger. He’s arguing with his therapist, who looks ready to pull his hair out. I glance around, hoping to see other coworkers, mainly because I feel like an intruder.
With my luck, there is no one else here yet. Aren’t people into cardio?
Why is it just Julian, the therapist, and me?
I quickly grab my phone and text Harper.
Poppy:What would you do if you walked into a gym and saw two men on the verge of fighting?
She replies right away, as usual.
Harper: Grab a chair and cheer them on. Nothing is hotter than modern-day Gladiators. Who is fighting?
Poppy: Julian and his therapist. I think.
Harper: Therapist?
Poppy: His physical therapist. Our first meeting this morning coincides with his appointment, so I will be the designated phone holder and take notes as he does his session.
Harper: Fuck me sideways. You’re getting paid to watch a man like him work out. Where can I sign up?
I stifle my giggle.
Poppy: I’ll text you later.
Daring to move from the entrance door, I tiptoe closer to them.
