Page 36 of The Weight of Love

He feels so safe, and I think that’s what scares me the most, but I can’t keep fighting how well we both fit.

My legs are starting to burn with the intensity of my run. I know I shouldn’t be going this hard on my warmup since I mean to do a solid leg day, and I don’t want to burn my legs out just running to chase away my inner demons.

I stop the treadmill and get a rag to wipe it down. I’m a hot mess. Sweat is pouring down my face and neck. I hadn’t meant to run for 2 miles, but maybe I just needed it.

I walk a bit numbly out of the cardio room towards the weights floor. I stop dead as I get to the linear leg press, seeing a familiar form sitting in it casually. Long legs propped up on the top of the plate, crossed at the ankle.

Clark.

He stands up far more gracefully out of the machine than anyone has a right to and straightens his suit coat as he does. He looks damn good and has flowers in his hand.

“Well fuck me…”

Chapter Sixteen

Clark

“Don’t worry, you’re definitely on my to-do list, Darlin’, but I was hoping I could take you out on a real date first.”

She is flushed, breathless, and just as beautiful as I have ever seen her. She gets this wild look when she’s mid-workout, which is captivating.

“A date?”

She looks down at my hoodie and yoga pants, then back up at me with a shrug.

“I’m feeling a little underdressed for the occasion. And I’m mid-workout.”

“So, I may have already had a plan for that.”

She raises a single, disbelieving eyebrow and shakes her head at me.

“Finish your workout. Then, shower. And I may have possibly brought you a makeup and hair crew to help you get ready.”

A riot of giggles bursts from the corner behind me as Riley and Annie jump out. They have makeup, a dress, and all manner of girly things with them.

“What…how?”

I like that she’s lost for words. Serves her right a little bit.

“Just do it, Mom. Give Mr. H a chance. He’s really nice.”

“Cheap shot, Cowboy. Using the kids with the puppy dog eyes.”

“Noted, but you can’t argue its effectiveness.”

The girls retreat to the bathroom to start getting things ready. Stella eyes me warily and looks down at the flowers in my hand.

“Daisies?”

“Your favorite, I’ve been told.”

“You’re not wrong.”

“So, will you come be my Valentine?”

“Clark…”

“I think we both know all the reasons why we think it’s a bad idea, but at this point, I can’t see my life without you in it. You ready to see yours without me?”

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