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Chapter Five
Blue
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The sound of NF’sTurn the Music Uppulses in my ears as my feet pound against the treadmill. This week has been challenging, to say the least, and I find the only way to relieve some of the tension building up inside of me is to sweat it out.
I thought after a couple of days Harris would lose interest. That he would see I wasn’t falling for his little games and he’d go find someone else to harass. Unfortunately, my constant blow offs only seem to have fueled his fire.
He’s relentless. Always finding excuses to come to my desk or finding reasons to touch me when we’re near. It’s infuriating, and yet surprisingly, a little exciting at the same time. There’s something to be said about being the sole focus of someone’s attention. Especially when that someone looks like Harris Avery.
That doesn’t mean he’s wearing me down. Because he isn’t. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. But truth be told, I’ve always felt a certain chemistry with Harris. Maybe that’s why I try to make myself dislike him so much. Because disliking him is easier than liking him.
The weirdest thing of it all is how easily he can turn it on and off. When we’re having a meeting, just the two of us, which is when you’d think he’d be the worst, he’s all business. He’s professional and courteous and listens to my ideas. But then when the work is done and I think thatmaybehe’s going to let me get away unscathed, he turns on that infuriating charm of his and his demeanor instantly shifts.
I kick up the speed on the treadmill, determined to get Harris out of my head. It’s only been five days since we’ve been working alongside each other and already he’s got me so wound up I can barely sleep at night.
I manage to get another two miles in before my lungs are screaming for mercy and my body feels like it might keel over at any moment. Slowing the treadmill down to a stop, I grab my towel and blot some of the sweat from my forehead and chest. I’m right about to head to the showers when something, or rathersomeone, catches my eye in the mirror. Sure I’m seeing things, I turn around and nearly hit the floor when I see Harris on the treadmill three down from where I was...and he’s shirtless.
My eyes sweep across his muscular frame. Sweat drips down his defined muscles, giving him an almost sparkling effect under the bright fluorescent lights. I nearly have to bite back the moan that almost escapes my throat.
I knew Harris was in good shape, but I had no idea that this is what he’s packing under his casual button downs. Holy hell.
Staring at Harris, I lose all focus on my surroundings. All I know is that when I finally snap out of my fog, I’ve been caught red handed.
Harris gives me a smile and switches his treadmill off. It slows to a stop and within moments he’s standing in front of me.
Pulling my earbuds from my ears, I give him the most annoyed look I can muster.
“Are you stalking me now?” I accuse.
“You only wish I was stalking you.” His eyes sweep over me, and even though I’m wearing a sports bra and athletic shorts, I suddenly feel completely naked under his gaze.
“Actually, I don’t,” I snip. “What are you doing here, Harris?” I cross my arms over my chest which seems to prompt his eyes back up to my face.
“Working out.” He gestures around the gym.
“Since when? I’ve never seen you work out here before.”
“Well, if you must know, the gym in my building is under construction, and since this one is so close to work, I thought I’d try it out for a few weeks until mine is operational again.”
“So it has nothing to do with the fact that this has beenmygym for nearly five years.”
“I didn’t know this wasyourgym.” He plays coy, but I can tell it’s an act. He knew damn well this is the gym I come to. “Besides, it’s less than a block from the office so it makes working out after work more convenient.”
“You’re a shit liar,” I tell him, spinning on my heel before heading off in the direction of the showers.
“Hey.” Fingers close around my bicep right as Harris steps in front of me. Shaking off his grasp, I hit him with another annoyed stare.
“What?” I grind out, eager to get away from him and his mouthwatering, glistening muscles. I can’t stop my eyes from going in for another quick glance. My god, his body reallyissomething to be admired.
“What are you doing after you leave here?” he asks, throwing a towel over his shoulder.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“I would, actually.” He looks around. “I noticed Brucey boy isn’t here tonight.”
“And?”
