Page 4 of Fight for You

“Well, that's comforting,” I replied with an eye roll, getting a small chuckle in return. I hated to be nosy, but I wanted to know how to help him, so I asked, “What did the beeping mean?”

“I have Type 1 Diabetes. That was my glucose monitor going off; it lets me know when my blood sugar is too high or too low. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not used to a lot of exercise, and I think my body freaked out a little.”

“I'm sorry; I pushed you too hard.”

“No way,” he insisted with a head shake. “This is what I need. I'll get used to the exertion and get better.”

“Okay, but before tomorrow's lesson, I want you to meet me for dinner so I know you've got food on your stomach.” It was a bold move, but I was a bold guy. I wanted to spend more time with Avery, while also making sure his body was getting what it needed.

His eyes widened with shock and his cheeks pinked, overtaking any lingering paleness. But just as quickly, his expression fell. “I can't.”

Shit.“I'm sorry.” It felt like I was saying the words an awful lot. “Was I too pushy?”

“No, no,” he said, firmly shaking his head again. “I mean I can't tomorrow; I have evening classes. But…” Avery chewed his lip while looking hopeful. “Would Wednesday be okay?”

“Of course. Let's plan on meeting at five. There's a restaurant around the corner called Paleo Place that's really good. I think this gym alone keeps them in business; their food is perfect for a fighter's diet.”

“I eat paleo foods a lot,” he replied with a smile. “They help regulate my blood sugar.”

“Perfect; it's a date, then.”

Avery’s eyes bugged again. “A date? Like a date on the schedule or adatedate?” The color drained from his face once more, making me question whether I'd read him completely wrong. “Because I've got to be honest with you; I don't date much. Or…at all, actually. I'm garbage at it, and not just because I’m nerdy and awkward. And I really haven’t tried for a while. Not since…”

His words trailed off, suggesting a story he wasn't ready to tell. While I was dying to know, I didn't want to push him. He'd already had one medical issue, I didn't want him to add a heart attack into the mix. I hoped the issue was mainly nerves. That I could work with.

“Yes, adatedate,” I nodded. “And there's no need to be nervous; I just want to feed you and get to know you better. I know I look big and tough, but I'm very chill. You can relax and be yourself with me; you're safe.” And Ilovedawkward, nerdy guys, but I kept that to myself, since Avery seemed to think those were negative qualities.

His eyes skittered away, but a smile took his lips. “Thank you.”

“So…Wednesday at five?” Avery answered with a nod. “Perfect.” I stood up and offered him my hand. When he took it, I pulled him to his feet, but he was lighter than I predicted. He lunged forward and our chests bumped into one another. I steadied him with my arms around his slim waist, and his eyes locked onto mine.

I could clearly see his nervousness, but he didn't pull away. Because hiding in his gaze was also intrigue and desire. I wondered if he was as drawn to me as I was to him; if he felt the spark and longing that I did. It wasn't just a wish, but aneedto get closer to this little beauty.

I don't know how long we stood there, gazing at one another while I held him close, wishing I could read his thoughts, but it wasn't long enough. Finally, Avery cleared his throat and took a step back, and I released him.

“Thanks for everything you showed me tonight. I'll keep practicing until I come back on Wednesday.”

“You're welcome, and that sounds great. The more you practice the movement, the more natural it will become.” Avery nodded and grabbed his bag from the floor as I offered to walk him out.

I turned off the lights and locked the gym door behind us before walking Avery to his car. If I wasn't mistaken, he seemed hesitant to climb in and leave; he opened the driver's door, but he only placed one foot inside.

I wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed our time together, and how excited I was for our date; that I wanted to learn everything about him. I wanted to promise that I'd keep an eye on his health and help him any way I could. But I wasn'ta wordsmith, and I also didn't want to alarm him. So, I instead told him, “See you Wednesday, Shortstack.”

But it was enough to draw a beautiful smile to his lips. “Bye, Big Mac.”

I wore a goofy grin all the way to my truck.

Chapter Two

Troy

It had only been forty four hours since I last saw Avery (but who's counting?), yet it felt like forever. While I was helping clients at the gym, I kept looking over my shoulder every time the door opened, hoping it was Avery, even though I knew he wasn't coming. I was distracted and tied in knots over a man I barely knew.

But I wanted to know everything about him. I wanted to teach him and protect him. I'd never felt this way, and it was a little scary. I definitely didn't want to frighten Avery, especially since he said he didn't have much experience with men. I had to play it cool.

Which is the exact opposite of what I did when I saw Avery entering Paleo Place, where I was waiting in a booth. I stood up too quickly and whacked my head on the low-lying light above the table. I cursed and rubbed my scalp, but lifted my hand into a wave when I noticed him looking in my direction. He smiled and headed towards me, and my heart raced when he came into full view.

Avery was dressed in pressed khakis and a light blue dress shirt, which was neatly tucked in. I felt a bit guilty; I was wearing a pair of loose shorts and a plain black t-shirt, since I'd come straight from the gym between clients. At least I applied some extra deodorant before walking over.

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