Page 5 of The Scars of Us

After Mr. Banks’ session ended, I briskly walked back to the cardio room to see if Kaiya was still on the treadmill. Slowing my pace as I neared, I tried to act cool and unaffected as I entered the space. Unfortunately, she wasn’t there, and I couldn’t stop the disappointment that filled me, my shoulders sagging slightly and my mouth turning down into a frown.

What the fuck is wrong with me ? She’s just some girl. They’re a dime a dozen.

Shaking off the unexplainable feelings, I focused back on work, turning around and leaving the room without a backwards glance. I didn’t need to be distracted by some chick, especially when there were plenty of others that could take her place. I knew I’d be able to find one at the bar later.

My next class was in thirty minutes, so I went to my office to work on some more fitness plans. On my way back, I caught sight of Kaiya talking with one of the regulars at the gym, Kamden.

I’d never seen her with him before, but this was the first time that I noticed her at the gym. They seemed very comfortable with one another, which caused a spark of jealousy to flare within me.Of course she has a boyfriend. Look at her.

Tugging on her ponytail, Kamden laughed with Kaiya. Her smile lit up the room, and I couldn’t help but wish I’d caused it.Stop thinking like that!I veered the other way before I did something stupid I’d regret, like starting a fight in my workplace over some girl I barely knew.Get a hold of yourself.

I exhaled a sigh of relief once I entered my office. I set my attention on my fitness plans, class schedules, and workout routines. I actually needed to figure out some new exercises for my self-defense class tonight.

As I attempted to drive away my thoughts of Kaiya, a knock sounded at my door. Turning around, I faced Kamden and the woman that was currently occupying my mind.Great.

I plastered my fake, customer service smile on as I greeted them, “Hey, Kamden. How can I help you and your… friend?”

“This is my sister, Kaiya. Kaiya, this is Ryker. He’s a personal trainer here at the gym.”

Sister?A genuine smile spread across my face.She’s only his sister.I noticed the slight resemblance between them now, but Kamden’s eyes weren’t the same color as Kaiya’s.

“We’ve met already,” Kaiya said as she tried to hide a smile.

Kamden looked back and forth between us, “When?” His tone was full of confusion, along with some apprehension.

“I slipped on the treadmill, and Ryker was there to rescue me,” Kaiya answered as her eyes met mine. The corner of my mouth curved up as her cheeks flushed with color again.I’d like to make that whole body flush. Over and over again.

Clearing his throat, Kamden broke whatever haze Kaiya had put me in. He narrowed his eyes, glaring at me as he gruffly said, “I just added Kaiya to my membership. I wanted her to meet some of the staff since she’ll be working out here now.”

“Great. Please let me know if you need anything,” I replied, excited that I would be seeing more of the beautiful woman in front of me. I wondered how long it would take to get her in my bed.

“I will. Thank you, Ryker,” Kaiya replied with a shy smile, causing my stomach to knot at the sight.

What the fuck?Snap out of it, man!

“We better get going. See you around,” Kamden said as he led Kaiya out. Turning to look over her shoulder, she gave me another coy smile as she walked out the door.

I was unable to fight the grin that spread because of hers.I’m so fucked.

Looking out of the window at the passing traffic, I bit my lower lip to contain the smile on my face. Butterflies performed elaborate, acrobatic routines in my stomach throughout the whole ride home after my encounter with Ryker. No matter how hard I had tried, I couldn’t push him from my thoughts. My mind had been preoccupied with the muscular, tattooed trainer ever since I laid eyes on him on the treadmill.

“You’re in a good mood,” Kamden observed, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye as he drove.

I shrugged my shoulders. “It was good to relax and get out of the apartment for a little bit.”

“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Did you like it better than your other gym?”

“Yeah, there’s more equipment and space. And I like having someone to go with—makes me feel safe.” I replied nonchalantly as I turned my attention to him.

“Good. Aren’t you glad I made you call in sick today?” he asked with a smile of satisfaction

Chuckling softly, I punched his arm lightly as I responded, “Yes. Thank you. I needed to relieve some stress.”

“Anytime. Let me know when you want to go back.”

“How ‘bout Saturday?” I asked, trying to hide my excitement. I told myself that my enthusiasm wasn’t because of a certain sexy-as-sin trainer, but the knots in my stomach expressed otherwise.

What the hell is going on with me? I never get like this.

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