Page 126 of Changing Rules

Of course he can stay! Get some rest. See you tomorrow

Me:

See you

I lock my phone,smiling from ear to ear. Little does she know, she’s going to see me tonight. And with any luck, she’ll like my surprise.

With the season starting, life has been busy, so I’ve had to settle for calling and texting since our day at the park. It’s not ideal, but it’s a vast improvement on our year of silence.

We talk about what she’s watching, what she’s reading. What events she’s working on for Ben. Where she goes with her friends and family. She even told me what gym she goes to, and by now I’ve figured out her routine.

All because she gave me a chance and met me and Milo at the dog park.

She let me hold her hand. That and a kiss to her temple were the extent of our physical affection. Fine by me, though I can’t deny I want her.

I miss her. That’s why I drove straight here from the airport.

It’s almost ten, so the gym is mostly empty, and I slip into the locker room without being noticed.

I quickly change into athletic shorts and a tank that shows off the tattoos she used to love so much. I’m banking on her still having a thing for them, but there’s always a chance she’ll send me packing. This new Bella won’t hesitate to tell me off. As much as I love her newfound feistiness, I’m hoping she’ll let me stay.

The moment I enter the workout area, I home in on her. She’s a beacon, impossible to ignore. She’s on a treadmill, focus fixed on her phone screen, headphones covering her ears.

Smirking, I pull my cap lower and head her way. The closer I get, the more intense the heat in my lower abdomen. It spreads all over my skin, flowing straight to my dick. I want her so damn much, and her tight black leggings definitely don’t leave much to the imagination.

A man strides across the room and takes a treadmill next to Bella. They smile at each other, and she pulls off her headphones. She talks to him but doesn’t slow her pace.

Curious about this interaction, I drift over to the chest fly machine. From here, I have a perfect view of the treadmills—and Bella’s ass.

I adjust the machine, adding weight, then place my feet flat on the floor and sit tall. It’s a good exercise for my chest andtorso, but it’s also a good distraction, because the guy is clearly flirting with her.

Instead of giving in to my urge to stomp over there and piss on her leg to mark her as mine—and erasing all the progress I’ve made—I silently observe.

She smiles and responds, but then she’s settling her headphones over her ears again and facing forward. Wow. The way she shut him down is epic. And sexy.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and quickly type a message to her.

Me:

Watching you handle that guy was hot as hell. 10 out of 10. Good job

She grabs her phone and checks the text. I can’t see her face, but I do notice the way her shoulders tense.

Bella:

Where are you?

Before I can stop myself, I chuckle.

She stiffens, stumbling a step. Once she’s steady again, she glances over her shoulder. Our eyes lock for a heartbeat, and then she looks away.

She taps the red button on the treadmill, and as it comes to a stop, she says something to the guy next to her. Then she steps off and heads my way, pulling off her headphones. Eyebrows furrowed, she stops in front of me and puts her hands on her hips.

“Hi.” I grin at her.

Her eyes flare. “What are you doing here?”

“Working out.”

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