Page 10 of Whiskey Reveals

“Don’t get me started on paperwork.” He grumbled again and left her to fill out what she needed to. When she was done, she handed it over, and he handed her a temporary card and took her photo, saying he would send over her real card in the next day or two.

He went back to working on whatever he was doing on the computer, and she wondered if it had to do with the gym or the secret security firm that she really had no idea about. Maybe she’d been reading too much recently because her mind kept going to secret agents and spies rather than what was probably just a guy and his team who put up security systems and cameras for houses. She really needed to get a life rather than letting her imagination wander.

She was so busy in her head, that she didn’t notice the man in front of her and slammed right into his very sweaty, very hard body.

She gripped his arms, his thigh going right between her legs as she pressed into him and looked up.

“Fox.” She practically breathed the word, her pulse racing. Of course, she would run into Fox at his brother’s gym. Of course, she would be clinging to him like a heroine in one of her favorite romance novels, her fingers digging into his biceps. Of course, his thigh would be pressed firmly against her crotch enough so he could probably feel the heat of her as she pulsated just from touching him—the day after they’d both promised each other they would just remain friends. Because this was Melody, and this was her life. What else could happen in a town named Whiskey with a man she’d had far too much whiskey with?

“Melody.” His voice came out more like a growl than an actual word, and he cleared his throat. “Melody, shit, I didn’t see you. Did I hurt you?”

She hadn’t let go of his arms, but he hadn’t moved away from her either. She was aware that there were other people in the gym, but she knew they weren’t looking at them. They were focused on their workouts and not the two of them clinging to each other as if they couldn’t get enough.

And because she thought that particular thought, she let go of him and backed away. Her inner thighs missed Fox’s touch immediately, but she ignored her traitorous lady parts and their needs and desires.

Damn them anyway. They always got her into trouble.

“I’m fine, and I’m the one who ran into you anyway.” She swallowed hard, doing her best not to think about how exactly he’d felt pressed up against her. He fit far too perfectly, and she hoped the fact that she couldn’t stop thinking about it was because she was hyped up for the gym.

And in terms of rationalizations, she’d just reached a new level.

He frowned. “If you’re sure.” He reached out as if to touch her before lowering his hand. For two people who had vowed to try and be friends, they were acting far too awkward for their promises to be of any consequence.

“I am. So, I guess you come here often?”

If there were a sinkhole for her to fall into, she’d look for it because, dear God, what was wrong with her?

Fox’s mouth quirked into a smile, and Melody couldn’t help the internal sigh at the sight of it. She must not have been getting enough sleep if just that grin put her slightly on edge. Of course, it could also be the fact that she could still feel the heat of his body against hers.

“My brother owns the place, and I try to stay in shape, so I tend to come here instead of running outside. There’s a few too many hills on the side roads for my comfort, and during tourist season, which happens to be every season here for some reason, there’s way too many people to make jogging a thing.”

Now, all she could think about was him jogging, sweating, and looking far too attractive for his own good.

“Melody?” He slid his fingers through the part of her hair that had already fallen out of its ponytail and tucked it behind her ear. She licked her lips, unable to hold back even that barest of movements at his touch.

“I should go work out. I got a membership from Loch. Sorry again for running into you.” And before he could say anything else and possibly woo her into something she had already been fighting not to think about, she ran away. Okay, she didn’t quite run away, but she did walk really fast to the other side of the gym where the ellipticals were located. She could feel Fox staring at her but chose to ignore it as she got on the machine and then did the silliest thing ever and waved at him, giving him a very bright smile that he would probably know was false, then went about her workout.

Fox gave her a strange look but waved back before walking out of the building. Her shoulders immediately relaxed as soon as he wasn’t in her line of vision, and she forced herself to move a little faster. About ten minutes in, however, her stomach revolted, and she had to practically jump off the elliptical and search for the restroom sign. Thankfully, the door was close to her, This time, she ran.

She emptied the contents of her stomach into the bowl, her body shaking. She didn’t think it was from working out. It was probably just stress. Moving to a new town, opening up her own business, and meeting her formally one-night stand all in the space of a few days would set anyone’s nerves on edge.

And as she sat on the cool tile, her back resting against the stall wall as she tried to figure out if she were going to dry heave again, she really hoped that was the only reason.

---