Page 18 of Fumbling for Perfection

“So now what?” Rowan asks.

I lift my head and finish my margarita. “What do you mean?”

“Are you moving in with Jackson?”

“Not until after we get married in two months, and I’m not giving up my apartment.”

Kendall’s phone vibrates. “Shit. I’ve gotta go. Play practice. You guys are coming Thursday night, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” After a round of hugs, Kendall tosses a twenty on the table and scurries off.

“We’ve been friends for five years, but I still can’t believe that woman teaches kindergartners.” Rowan picks up the last nacho and brings it to her mouth.

“Sometimes I wonder if the kindergarten teacher is the real Kendall or the dirty talking sex addict is the real her.”

“She’s a chameleon, that’s for sure. If only I had a tenth of her confidence, I wouldn’t be celebrating my six-month dry spell.”

“No shame.” I tap my water glass against hers. “I was celebrating the same until the other night. She makes an awesome wingman.”

“From what I heard, you didn’t need her at all. That Walker guy only had eyes for you.”

“He was amazing, Row. If only...”

If only we’d exchanged numbers.

If only it was more than a one-night stand.

If only I didn’t have to get engaged the next day.

If only.

CHAPTER FIVE

WALKER

This is either the dumbest thing I’ve ever done or the smartest. I’m not even sure if it’s my dick that’s leading me here or my gut. Definitely not my heart. I spent one night with the woman. My heart wasn’t something I shared or planned on sharing.

Another night like the one we had a few weeks ago is all I’m after.

I push open the door to Boston Strong and am immediately impressed with the welcoming feel. It doesn’t carry the typical smell of sweat and rubber mats like the gyms I’m used to.

To the right, racks of dumbbells, a Smith machine, and various other pieces of gym equipment are nicely spread out across a decently sized space. I’m impressed with the square footage Riley was able to acquire in the city. From the outside, it doesn’t look this big.

To the left is a small check-in desk, and beyond, I can see the green of indoor turf. In the middle is a wide staircase leading to what appears to be offices or possibly private rooms for physical therapy patients.

“Hi. Can I help you?” a woman from the desk asks.

I take one more quick glance around the gym and frown when I don’t see Riley among the nine people working out. I lower the bill of my hat on my forehead and head over to the desk.

“Hi. I’m looking for Riley...” Shit. I can’t believe I don’t even know her full name. “Is she available?”

“What’s your name? Do you have an appointment with her?” The woman taps on the keyboard and glances at me. I’ll give her credit. She does a decent job of hiding the way she’s checking me out and keeping it professional.

“Uh, Walker. And I don’t.”

“Oh. Are you here for a tour of the facility before joining? We offer a three-day pass. I can sign you up if you’d like.”

I scratch the back of my neck and glance around the facility again. “Maybe. I, uh, is Riley here today? If not, I can come back another time.”

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