Page 2 of One Night with a Mountain Man

The gym fades away and it's just Natalie and me now—her determination driving me, challenging me to go further. And damn if I don't want to impress her.

The rest of the workout passes in a blur of exertion and stolen glances. I push through each set determined to prove I know what I'm doing in spite of the fact that it's clear I'm in great shape. When we finish, sweat rolling off me like I've stepped out of a sauna.

Natalie nods in approval, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not bad for your first day with a new coach."

"Not bad at all," I agree, halfway thinking about throwing Josh to the curb.

Two

Natalie

When Dillon breaks the silence that's settled between us, I hand him a bottle of water. He didn't expect to get a new trainer today, and he definitely didn't expect to be trained by a woman instead of his guy Josh. Thankfully I didn't get attitude. I'm not in the mood to deal with that today, or any day truth be told.

He takes it and nods. "I gotta admit, Natalie," he says, easing out of a casual lunge with the grace of someone who's spent a lifetime mastering his body, "I wasn't sure what to expect when I found out Josh was out today."

I offer him a smile, one that's meant to be reassuring but probably shows a bit too much of my relief. "I get it. The bond with your trainer is kind of sacred. It's my good fortune you didn't throw any dumbbells at me."

He chuckles, a sound that rumbles through the room and makes something flutter in my chest. "Not my style."

I watch him as he stands up straight, his muscles tightening as he takes another drink. He's put together in a way that speaks of discipline and maybe a few superior genes. The guy's commitment to fitness isn't just for show—he lives it, breathes it. And damn if he doesn't look delicious doing it.

Dillon catches me staring and I see a flicker of something in his eyes that suggests he might know what I'm thinking. It's unsettling how the hottest man I've ever laid eyes on is also the most humble.

"You're not too shabby yourself," he says with a grin that hints that he has a sense of humor. "For someone who isn't Josh."

I snort, crossing my arms over my chest. "Gee, thanks."

He holds up his hands in surrender. "Hey, I mean it. You're good at what you do. I didn't think anyone could make me sweat like Josh does."

My cheeks heat up at the unintended double meaning but quickly shove those thoughts aside. "That's the point of the Sweat Shop Gym, isn't it?"

He laughs out loud and nods. "I think you've got a point there." He picks up his towel and dabs at his forehead.

We stand looking at each other for a moment before he extends his hand toward me—a peace offering or maybe an acknowledgment of a job well done.

"Thanks for the workout, Natalie."

His hand is warm and firm, and I fight back the urge to hold on longer than is professional.

"No problem, Dillon. Anytime Josh can't make it, I've got your back."

And as he nods and turns away, packing up his gear with swift efficiency, I can't help but watch the easy way he moves—the way his shirt clings to his back—and think that maybe today wasn't so bad after all.

His gaze lingers on me a beat too long, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that's both confident and possessive. The intensity in his dark brown eyes stirs something deep within me, a warmth that rushes to my cheeks and makes my heart tap a quickstep. I should bristle at the suggestion of ownership in his stare, but the truth is, I don't.

When he asks me to dinner, the word "yes" slips from my lips before my brain can catch up. I don't hesitate or weigh pros and cons. My eagerness is as surprising as it is genuine.

"Meet me at Billy's Southern BBQ," he says with a smile that suggests he's already looking forward to it. "It's my favorite spot in town."

The mere mention of Billy's, with its smoky scents and hearty portions, brings back the old anxieties about weight and self-image. I've battled those demons before, wrestled them into submission with knowledge and sweat. Still, they lurk in the back of my mind, whispering doubts every time I pass by a mirror or consider a menu.

Shoving those worries aside, I focus on tonight. The unexpected connection sparking between Dillon and me is all I want on my mind. It's about stepping out of the comfortable routine and embracing something new, even if it scares the hell out of me.

I nod, locking those insecurities away where they can't dampen this moment. "See you tonight," I tell him with more assurance than I feel.

As he walks away, I watch the door swing shut behind him. Anticipation buzzes under my skin, excitement for what the evening might bring. And as I head back to the front desk to check out for the day, I'm looking forward to dinner at Billy's—worries be damned.

Three

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