Page 5 of Stone's Promise

Trey Larson.

Every muscle in my body tensed as my ex strolled inside, looking around like he owned the place. He was dressed in black designer workout gear, the tight kind fitness buffs wore. I was sure he picked up on the trend not from actual gym goers, but from watching a bunch of videos online. His too-white sneakers gleamed under the lights. He flashed an unnaturally lunar smile at a young female receptionist at the front desk.

“Hey, Vanessa, busy this afternoon?” He swiped an imaginary strand of dark hair from his forehead to meet the rest of his gelled back coif.

“Yes.” The receptionist kept her eyes on the computer screen. “I just started my shift.”

“That’s a shame. I got a private invite to Highland Art Gallery this afternoon. I know you’re studying to be an artist.”

“I’m a kinesiology major.”

Trey blinked like a gnat just flew into his eye. “Right. Just making sure to keep you on your toes.”

He chuckled like he hadn’t just completely butchered her field of study, then let his gaze sweep across the gym. When his eyes landed on me, his insincere smile widened.

“Hmm,” he drawled, taking a slow step in my direction. “Didn’t expect to find you here, Emily. What are you doing at an MMA gym?”

My pulse ticked up, and I fought to keep my expression neutral. Beside me, Cody shifted slightly, his presence suddenly feeling a lot more solid. I thought I heard a low growl come from Max.

Just great. My stomach clenched. I knew Trey was back in town, but I hadn’t expected to see him here. And judging by the smug look on his face, he knew exactly what he was doing.

Cody’s eyes flicked from me to Trey. He said nothing.

"I’m working," I answered, shifting my purse strap higher on my shoulder.

Trey scoffed. "Around all these big, sweaty men?"

"Intimidated?" I shot back, keeping my face neutral.

“Please.” He shook his head like I was amusing him. "I could buy this gym if I wanted to."

Of course, he thought money solved everything. I wasn’t in the mood for his posturing, especially not with Cody watching us. I felt his gaze like a weight pressing between my shoulder blades. The last thing I needed was to let my ex get under my skin in front of him.

I took a step toward the door, but Trey blocked my path with an easy stance, hands tucked into his pockets like he had all the time in the world. "You never called me back.”

“I forgot. I’ve been busy with work all week.” It wasn’t a lie.

“We need to talk about Oliver," he said, dropping the words casually, like he was commenting on the weather.

I froze. He never mentioned our son unless it was to remind me how complicated parenthood was for a man like him, a man who was too busy and important.

"You have my number," I said, forcing myself to keep my voice even. "We can talk about it later."

Trey's upper lip curled as he gave me a mocking stare. "What, too busy to talk now?" His eyes flicked over my shoulder, sweeping over the gym floor in a way that made my skin crawl. "Come on, Emily. Be honest. You’re not here for work. You’re here for the view."

My stomach twisted. He wanted to get under my skin, rile me up, make me feel small in a place where I was already out of my element. And worse, he was doing it in front of Cody.

Before I could fire back, warmth suddenly pressed against my side. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me in close.

"She’s not looking," Cody’s voice was low and rough, sending a ripple of surprise through me. “She already found it.”

Trey’s smirk faltered. My breath caught. I felt Cody’s fingers flex where they rested against my hip. It wasn’t a tight grip, but it was steady. Certain.

I blinked up at him, my heart hammering against my ribs. What in all of the green earth was he doing?

Trey let out a sharp laugh, but there was something tight in his expression. "I see how it is." He gave a slow nod. "Guess I misread the situation."

Cody didn’t let go. His grip remained, like he was daring Trey to say something else.

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