“I need to make a run to the grocery store, then meal prep for the week. And then, because of all these doughnuts I keep eating, I need to spend some time working out.”
“Working out? That sounds like fun.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You like to work out?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. But not really. However, watching you work out would be great fun! That’s what I was talking about.”
A delicious smile spread across his face. “Just say when.”
I helped a group of customers, conscious of Nico’s gaze tracking me. While I was thoroughly enjoying talking to Nico every day and seeing him—we hadn’t missed a day yet—my curiosity about how this would change after the twenty-one days was ramping up. And I had a feeling he was intentionally stirring that curiosity with the little bitty frogs.
When the wave of customers lulled, Nico slapped the counter. “I should go if I’m going to get anything done today. I could push my workout to this afternoon... until after the shop closes. You could come over.”
“And I could make you dinner after an exhausting workout.”
“Sounds perfect.” He tapped the counter again. “See you later then.”
“I’ll seeyoulater. Can’t wait.” I ran around the counter and stopped in front of him.
There were a few customers scattered around the room, but they didn’t even seem to notice all the attention I’d been giving to Nico. Or maybe they noticed and didn’t care. Either way, I didn’t feel bad about chatting with him.
He smiled down at me. “Yes?”
“Want a hug?”
In the blink of an eye, I was off my feet and wrapped in his arms. With my face buried in the curve of his neck, I breathed in his cologne or maybe that was just bodywash. No matter what it was, it smelled like Nico.
“I like you.” I kept my voice quiet, which ended up sounding all breathy.
He set me on my feet and brushed a knuckle down my cheek. “Same.”
I’d say this day couldn’t get any better, but that wasn’t true. Later, I’d be watching Nico work out. My heart beat faster just anticipating the view of his muscles straining during exercise.
Actually seeing it would get my heart rate way up. That was the whole point of exercise, right?
Even though I had absolutely no intention of exercising, I changed into exercise leggings and a tank top before heading to Nico’s. For late February, the weather was perfect. Days like this were the reason people put up with the heat in August.
I loaded grocery bags into the passenger seat, then on the way to his house, I called my mom.
“Hi, Layla. How are you? You haven’t gone over to your sister’s house recently, and you haven’t called. We were worried about you.”
“I saw Issa just the other day. I’m fine. Better than fine, actually. I met this guy.”
“Sweetheart, don’t rush into anything. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
Mom’s vote of confidence was why I hadn’t called. I reminded myself often enough of past failures. Having her bring them up had me wishing I’d kept my mouth shut.
“I have your recipe for Spanish rice written down, but I was hoping you could walk me through the steps.”
“Now? It’s a little early for dinner, isn’t it?” That was Mom’s way of asking for more information.
“I’m making dinner later for my friend. After we work out.”
My mom had the audacity to laugh. Out loud. For almost a minute.
“I figured tacos for dinner would be good, and I wanted to make rice to go with it, but if you’re busy, I’ll just use the recipe.”
“Darling, don’t be mad. It’s just—the thought of you working out is funny. You’re beautiful, and I wouldn’t change a thing about you, but I’ve never seen you even break a sweat.”