Page 85 of Destined To Fall

“Mmm.”

“You left a job because you had‘stuff’to do?”

I scoff.“No. Like I’d get away with that.”

“Then?”

“I…uh, decided not to stick around in LA once the job was done.”

“So it had nothing to do with me?”

“You?”

“That you hadn’t heard from me? You did think I was ignoring you when I answered the door. That happened, right? And the conversation with your dad?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hmm.” He doesn’t sound like he believes me but doesn’t push further, instead going back to his pho, shrouding the room in silence.

“I may have been somewhat concerned…” I admit a few minutes later,but trail off as I turn to Jeremy, finding his head lolling on his shoulder and his eyes closed.“Sleeping beauty strikes again.”

A soft smile teases the corners of my mouth, and I chuckle lightly, taking the bowl precariously balanced in his lap before the last remnants spill. I place it on his bedside table and gently remove one of the pillows propping him up. Jeremy groans as his head flops back to a more sustainable angle. I watch his chest rise and fall for a while, the movement less jagged than earlier; only occasionally does the bare skin ripple with a stuttered breath. Pulling the sheet across, I’m relieved when my fingers graze his chest and find the fever has finally broken.

“Sleep,” I whisper against his forehead, lightly brushing my lips across his taut skin. He sighs, and I smile.

I take one last look, content he’ll be okay, and walk out of his room, sending a text message to his phone telling him I’ll check in later before letting myself out of his apartment. I have daddy issues to deal with.

Fuck. What was I thinking?

Chapter Sixteen

The cab comes to a stop on Columbus, idling while Jeremy insists on paying, and I mutter about taking an Uber next time. He steps out after me, an eyebrow rising as his gaze sweeps past me to the brown-paneled building ahead of us.

“Burn?”

Jeremy stills a few feet from me, and I smile, taking note of his awkward stance, his hands hanging by his sides, unsure of what to do with them. I loop my arm in his, pulling him with me toward the fitness center.

“Well, you wanted to know how I stay so fit, and you assured me you’re feeling fine.”

“I was sick a week ago, Viv. I’m more than fine.” He clears his throat.“Thanks to you.”

“Yeah, well. Like I said, I like the competition.”

“So you say. Tell me, then, what are we competing at tonight?”

“You’ll see. I’m going to test just how fine you are. You may regret wanting to tag along so badly.”

He chuckles and shakes his head, following me through the door, the bell at the top tinkling as we enter.

“Never judge a book by its shop front, eh?” His eyes widen, taking in the chic space with its white linen chairs, glass table, and gray marble floor tiles, a mismatch to the plain exterior.

“Welcome to Burn Fitness.”We’re greeted by a petite blonde.

“Hey, we’re here for Lisa’s class.”

“Ah, the bo—”

“Yep!” I blurt out, cutting her off before she can send Jeremy running out the door. Jeremy shoots me a sideways glance, clearly noticing, and the receptionist grins.“Has it started yet?”

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