Page 32 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

Marley has a bemused expression on her face as she comes around the counter, a carafe of deep brown heaven in hand. “Your fuel,” she says mildly, filling my cup. “You sure you’re good?”

“Have you ever had inappropriate thoughts about gutters?” I ask her.

Marley pauses, blinking at me. “Honestly? No. Can’t say I have.”

“Yeah,” I say with a sigh.Pretty sure there’s something wrong with me. “Thanks, Marley.”

She gives me a nod before going back to work, and I check the time.Shoot. I’m going to be late.

I chug the rest of my coffee, wincing as it scalds my throat on the way down, and then I close out my many work applications and shut my laptop. Once my things are packed, I head out the door. I have to swing by my apartment first, not wanting to leave my expensive computer in a locker at the gym. Thankfully, I’m only two minutes late to meet Joey.

“Sorry,” I heave, catching my breath after the short jog here. Joey is already positioned at a treadmill, another dude in the spot next to him. “Lemme change, and I’ll join you.”

“No rush,” Joey says, giving me his usual warm smile.

The guy next to him eyes me up and down, as if he thinks I’m considering challenging him for the honorary best bud spot next to my Joe-bro. I mean, not that I didn’t consider it for all of a second. But I’m not that petty.

I could take him, though.

I make quick work of changing into my workout clothes, unfortunately realizing partway through that I forgot to grab underwear. Not a big deal. The goods like to breathe, anyway.

When I get back out to the main part of the gym, Joey and the other guy are chatting. I hop up on the treadmill nearest, having to look past the stranger to see my friend. Joey cracks a smile when I wave.

“So what do you do?” Other Dude asks Joey.

“He’s in construction,” I answer, sending Joey a wink. “Knows his way around the ol’ nuts and bolts. Really good at…screwing?”

That doesn’t sound right.

“At least, I assume,” I go on quickly. “I haven’t experienced it firsthand yet, but I’m hoping one day Joey will show me his equipment.”

Other Dude seems surprised, but he quickly turns his attention back to Joey, whose eyes are wider than normal. I frown, going over what I said.

“Actual construction?” Other Dude asks.

Joey huffs a laugh. “Yeah. With the tool belts and everything.”

“Nice. I’m in finance,” the guy says, as if he expects Joey to be impressed. Joey nods, but he doesn’t look overly dazzled, and, for some reason, that makes me feel better.

I up my treadmill speed so I’m jogging at a nice clip. I’m hot after my rush to get here, so I grab my water bottle, chugging a bit before spraying some on my face to cool off. The water dripping down my neck feels like perfection, so I rub it back around to my nape, groaning a little.

When I look over, both men are staring at me.

“Needed to hydrate,” I explain.

Joey looks a touch red. How long has he been warming up?

“Want me to do you?” I ask, holding up the water bottle.

He shakes his head. “I’m good,” he practically croaks.

Shit, I hope he’s not coming down with something again.

Other Dude looks between the two of us before refocusing on Joey.Not like I wanted to give him my water anyway.

“Have you been to the bar across the street?” he asks.

“Which one?” I cut in. There are several. “The whiskey bar? The dive? The gay bar with the sketchy-as-fuck back rooms? Not that I’ve been in the back rooms,” I say, giving them a wink so they know I’m not bothered by those sorts of activities.

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