Page 11 of Embers of Torment

"Hi, I'm Jace. Since you've been studying me so intently, I have to ask. Is there something wrong?" I shoved my hands in the pockets of my track pants and gave her a pointed look.

"I'm Addie, and no, there's nothing wrong. Sorry." She made a face and raised her shoulders in an apologetic gesture. "You lift weights like you know what you're doing, so I was observing your workout. You killed it on those Romanian deadlifts, and your form looked perfect."

"Thanks. And in case you didn't realize it, the way you're watching me is a little weird."

"Yeah, I guess it does appear that way. I can't help it. I had an eye-catching view." Her cheeks pinkened, and she shuffled her feet, the color deepening when I arched my brow. "So…I was wondering if you wouldn't mind working with me on the Romanian deadlift and the seated dumbbell shoulder press. You know, show me the correct way to do them?"

I stared at her, my brain whirling. I was no expert by any means, and the last thing I should do was pretend to be one and give someone else advice. That kind of stuff came back to bite you…big time. It would be my fault if she were to get hurt or anything went wrong, and that wasn't a position I was willing to be put in, especially by a stranger.

"Hey, I appreciate your request. But it would be best if you found yourself a professional trainer to ensure you're using the proper form and technique. I'm not an expert and still learning a few things myself."

"Darn. I was hoping you'd take me up on it. I'm sure we'd have fun." She gave me one of those sad puppy dog expressions and shrugged when her efforts failed to sway me. "How about if we work out together and I don't ask for advice? We could keep each other company and get a coffee or something afterward?"

Okay, Addie is too pushy for my comfort level, and I have no desire to start anything with her, which is the direction she's trying to lead me.

She pulled on one of her pigtails when I didn't reply. "Well, what do you think?"

Trying not to be rude, I chose my words carefully. "Again, I appreciate your request, but I must decline. I'm not looking for a workout partner, and I'm being honest when I say you'll be much better off working with a professional trainer." I purposely ignored her mention of having coffee.

Addie gave an exaggerated pout, increasing my frustration. Unsure how to respond, I shifted my attention to the exercise class in progress in the glass-fronted wellness studio across from us. Surprised, I did a doubletake and focused on one of the women dancing enthusiastically in the front row. She spun in a circle, confirming she was who I thought.

Della Nash.

Smiling, I crossed my arms and leaned against the weight bench behind me, intending to enjoy the show. That was until Addie's voice disrupted it.

"Do you know someone in the hip-hop dance class?"

"I do. It's a friend of mine. You'll have to excuse me. I want to move closer so I can get a better view." I smiled politely, picked up my water bottle and towel, and headed toward the class. I stopped several yards away and watched. I was close enough to hear the music, and it was apparent by Della's moves she was into it. I could also tell she was more than proficient with the dance workout and was keeping up with the instructor,mirroring her every step. Not to mention, I was getting an unexpected eyeful. Della had replaced her loose-fitting neon pants and buttoned-to-the-neck barnyard animal blouse with a powder blue sports bra and matching leggings.

I swallowed hard while I scanned every one of her delightful curves.Damn, Della is hot. Who knew there was a body like that hiding underneath her work clothes?

Della caught me watching when she executed a complicated dance move and turned toward the glass. She broke into a huge smile and waved without missing a beat.

I grinned, her enthusiasm and energy instantly lifting my mood. Interrupted by Addie, I never got to finish my workout, and now I didn't care. I wasn't moving an inch until Della's class was over.

The music stopped, followed by clapping and a few hoots and hollers. The attendees dispersed, and Della went to the back of the room, pulled a towel out of a small black backpack, and wiped her face and chest. After putting her towel away, she picked up a water bottle and took a drink while I patiently waited for her to join me.

As usual, Della was a bundle of energy, practically skipping toward me a moment later. "What are you doing here? The fitness center is a private facility for the residents." Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened into the shape of an O before I could respond. "Oh, wow. No way. You live here?"

"I do, and since you're here, it must mean so do you."

"Wow, this is weird. What are the odds? I moved here after I got promoted and had to work long hours every once in a while. On those days, I'd drive to work instead of taking the T, and it got to be irritating. It was like paying for parking twice between the monthly fee at my apartment building and the daily rate at my office complex. I figured if I relocated here, I'd save moneyon gas and parking costs. Plus, Adam and I hang out down here all the time. It just made sense."

"Seriously? I thought the same thing. Living close to my job seemed like it would be easier on my wallet. Not to mention, the area has all the amenities I need, and it's walkable. I was choosing between this apartment and one a few blocks away and ended up leasing here because of the move-in special management had going on."

"Well, I think it's nuts we're neighbors. Are you sure you're not stalking me?" Della cackled and gave me a playful nudge. "Just kidding. You're not the type."

"Oh? And what is the type? I didn't think you could tell."

"Creepy. Stalkers are super creepy. My boss got stalked a few years ago. It was her brother, and he was super scary besides creepy."

"Damn, what happened?"

"It's a long story filled with tons of drama, and I don't want to dredge up the past. So I'll sum it up by saying her brother got caught, thank God, and is still in prison. Thankfully, the other two people involved are out of the picture, one of which is dead."

"I know you said you don't want to discuss it, but I'm too curious not to ask. Why is your boss's brother still in prison? That's unusual unless he did more than stalk her."

"Oh, he did a lot more than stalk her. He also got convicted of assault, conspiracy, drug distribution, and some other charges. Anyway, that's all history. I guess I should head upstairs to clean up."

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