Page 28 of Outspoken

Reaching a work computer with heavy steps, I check the schedule to review who is next for the day. My next client is a regular and then…I swallow, turning into a statue and staring at the screen. Theclangand buzz of gym equipment ring in my ears as I blink and try to make sense of the name I'm seeing.

Amber Burgess.Brody’s Amber? It could be someone else with the same name—a different Amber. But that’s a long shot. I don't think that last name is common. But it couldn’t be the Amber I'm thinking of, right?

My next client arrives before I can process the news, so I meet him near the stationary bikes. I’m glad he's a little early so we can finish sooner. I'll need the extra minutes after our session to prepare for what's next. I don’t know what the fuck Amber coming here means. Amber hasnevercome here. Brody is the obvious choice if she needs workout help, so why book a free session with me?

“Hey, Miguel,” my client says before pausing to lace his sneakers.

I ignore my pounding heart and try to sound normal. “Hey, let’s get you warmed up on the bike.” I set the resistance and wait for him to hop on.

The next hour is a blur as I work on autopilot. I’m thankful the client is a regular and I know his routines because I can barely focus. Every past interaction with Amber races through my head—some causing my heart to flutter, others making me grimace from the way I acted.

Mierda. Why is she coming here? Has she changed her mind and wants to start something?I'm reading too much into this.This is a gym—she's coming to work out and picked me because I’m familiar.

My heart dances.She picked me.That might mean she’s willing to forgive my previous mistakes and move forward.

Alright. How am I going to play this? Knowing how overeager I get, there’s a high chance I’ll screw this up if I don’t have a plan. This feels like a solid second chance for us to reconnect. If I can be chill and avoid flirting, she might be okay with hanging out in the future. If I show her I can take things slow and casual, she might unblock me. Then, when the timing is right, I’ll tell her the story of how we met, we’ll fall madly in love, and…

Stop.First, I need to get unblocked.

My client reaches the end of his routine. I nod at him while he is doing leg presses. “Finish your last set and you’re done. I need to make notes.”

“Got it.”

Grabbing a laptop to jot down session notes, I'm way too aware of the time and that Amber is scheduled to be here any minute. Erratic electricity courses through me, making me feel like shaking out my muscles as if I'm gearing up for something epic.Calm down.I can’t act eager or give away my feelings, especially around Amber.

From the corner of my eye, I catch a flash of a blonde woman walking into the women’s locker room. My heart ramps up and I grin.I may not survive this.

Once my notes are done, I wave to my client as he works on his stretches. Then, I rush to the bathroom to check myself—hair looks good and my breath smells minty. I switch out my gray work polo for a fresh one and then shake my limbs to release some of the built-up energy. Feeling ready, I return to the main floor, wiping down weight benches to look busy and play it cool.Take it slow.

A few minutes later, I catch a whiff of a flowery perfume as someone approaches. I turn, ready to greet Amber casually and be my most calm and collected self. My confidence fades in an instant. I struggle to take a breath. Amber has somehow become hotter than when I last saw her.

Her honey-blonde hair is tied up in a perfect messy bun, sexy wisps framing her flawless ivory-pink skin. Her cheeks are fuller, but she has the same dazzling blue eyes, slender nose, and captivating lips—her bottom lip plumper than the top and glistening with lip gloss. She's wearing a snug white T-shirt that highlights the curves of her chest. Tight black leggings hug her lower body, and her hips are rounder and more delicious than I remember. I can't see her ass, but it's going to cause problems for me when she starts working out.

She offers a disinterested smile and my eyes are immediately drawn to her lips. My mind flashes back to our kiss in Brody's kitchen, heating my skin.

Definitely not going to survive this.

“Hey,” she says. “Long time.”

Forcing myself to look away, I toss the towel I’m holding into a bucket like a pro. Despite my heart beating into my skull, I keep my cool and give her a half-smile. “Hey. I was surprised to see you on my schedule. What’s up?”

She huffs and scans the gym, which isn’t too busy right now. “I’m plump and hoping to fix it. Too many rolls, as you can see.”

Unconsciously, my gaze trails down her figure, loving everything. My expression must be betraying me because when our eyes meet again, she’s blushing.

Rolls?I only see sexy and tempting. I can’t say that, though. I need to keep it professional. “You look fucking amazing,” I say.Well, so much for being professional.Straightening, I try to switch gears and keep my tongue in check. “So, yeah. I can help with your fitness goals, but I’m curious about why you didn’t go to your brother.”

With one of her classic eye rolls, she says, “Because he’s ridiculous. You’re a foodie and share my love of chocolate, so I think you’ll be more understanding of my vices. Brody would smack the chocolate right out of my hand and demand I do twenty push-ups.”

I laugh. “Well, that’s why he competes. He’s passionate about fitness.”

Her gorgeous blue eyes scan my body, and I flex my chest so it’s broader. It feels great to have her eyes on me like this.

“You’re not as hardcore,” she says, “but you look like you can compete. Obviously, there are different ways to achieve the same results.”

“Or I’m blessed with a better metabolism.”

“True. Mine sucks, so I bet Brody’s does too.” She crosses her arms, waiting for my guidance about what to do next.

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