Page 17 of Without Judgment

CHAPTER SEVEN

Avery

Although the dogs had put me in a good mood yesterday, I was confused by my feelings about Mason. So what if he wanted to date Melanie? Who cared if he’d acted the nicest I’d seen with someone other than me? It was almost as though I was jealous, which would be stupid. I hardly knew the guy, and it was clear I wasn’t his type.

I’d changed into my workout attire and had made my way downstairs into the kitchen to grab breakfast when the object of my thoughts walked in.

“What’s this appointment you have this morning?” he asked.

“Personal trainer. I was supposed to meet him at the gym, but in light of everything, we figured it would be better to do it here in the house.” I’d informed Mason about the workout session last night, exactly as he’d asked, so I wasn’t sure why he was standing there with frown number one hundred and forty-three.

“Is he someone you’ve worked out with before?”

“No. Actually, it’s our first appointment. His name is Jed, and he came recommended.”

“I need to screen him.”

I quirked a brow. “Screen him how? He’s arriving in twenty minutes.” I was looking forward to the hour of physical exertion. And sure, I knew how to work out and tried to do it regularly, but I’d never done much more than cardio. That’s why I’d scheduled a few sessions with Jed, so he could show me a weight routine.

“Ideally, I would’ve had his information before now. What’s his last name?”

“I’m not sure. His first name is Jed, and he’s with Premiere Fitness.”

He frowned. Shocker. It seemed to be perpetually etched on his face when I was around. “I’ll need to run him when he gets here. Then I’ll be watching the cameras in there.”

“There’s a camera in the gym?” I knew we had them on the entrance and outside, but this was new.

“Every room with an outside entrance has one now. I installed them yesterday.”

“Oh. But there isn’t one in my bedroom? Right?”

Another scowl joined by a tick in his jaw. Wow, without even trying, I really annoyed him. It bothered me that he was still hot despite his constantly negative reaction to me.

“Of course not. No cameras are upstairs. But I will be installing sensors on the windows.”

I let out a breath. “Okay. I’m sure the cameras will be fine with him, so if you want to watch us in action, then have at it.”

The second the words left my mouth, I realized they sounded dirty. Like something someone with a sex video might say.

He merely turned on his heel, saying, “I’ll answer the gate call and then the door when he gets here.”

Once the doorbell rang, I walked to the front entry. Of course, Mason was already there. He must’ve buzzed Jed in from the gate, too.

When I’d scheduled the guy, I’d only asked about qualifications, but when the tall, blond, handsome—and muscular—guy stepped through the door, I thought it might be a gift from above. As if to say sorry for the sex video scandal and grumpy bodyguard. Here, have some eye candy.

He had an easy smile and brightened when he saw me. “Hi, you must be Avery. I’m Jed.”

I returned his grin, taking his offered hand. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for accommodating the home visit.”

“It’s not a problem. You ready to get started?”

Mason had an epic scowl on his face. “Before that happens, I need your driver’s license and some more information.”

I apologized as I looked at the handsome stranger. “With everything going on, we’re taking security precautions.”

Jed didn’t seem to mind. “Not a problem. If you want to go and warm up on the treadmill, doing an easy walk, I can have your bodyguard lead the way to the gym once he’s finished.”

You guessed it. Mason frowned. At least it wasn’t at me this time. Equal opportunity.

---