Page 4 of Wine & Whiskey
Now it’s her turn to laugh and roll her eyes. She holds up her hands in front of her. “I know, I know, Jeremy Longmire.”
“J and J. We would’ve been perfect together.”
Elbows out and hands on hips, she scowls at Jason. “What did he have that I don’t have?”
Jason runs his eyes up and down her body. “Now, honey, do you really want to go there?" He slips his arm around her waist and gives it a squeeze. "But, you know I still love you.”
“I love you too.” Easing out of his embrace, she gives them both a small wave. “Just let me know when you're free, and I’ll come back.”
Nick’s amusement at their friendly banter fades. He can’t let her leave, not after she’s intrigued him more than any woman has in a long time. “You’re welcome to stay if you want. I don’t mind working out together.”
Jason’s eyes widen at Shae, and he nods his head toward Nick. “It’s okay. She and I can meet after we’re finished.”
Unspoken messages bounce between them. Nick can’t figure out the warning Jason’s trying to send her.
“I have to be there at one, so I guess I’ll just skip it today.”
What the hell? Why can’t she just work out with him? Nick keeps his expression neutral as he tries again. “I really don’t mind if you don’t.”
She wrinkles her nose in hesitation and glances at Jason. “Okay, I guess so.”
Jason frowns before rotating his finger forward. “Then let’s do this.”
At six-four and two hundred and twenty pounds, Nick towers over Jason by at least seven inches and eighty pounds. Yet, it’s Jason who owns this workout. After about sixty minutes, Nick’s white t-shirt looks gray from sweat and the weight of Shae’s damp hair has pushed her high ponytail down onto the back of her neck.
They lie on their stomachs stretching when she yelps and rolls onto her side. Nick’s chest constricts at the sight of her curled in a ball with her eyes squeezed shut.
The trainer kneels down next to her. “Are you okay?”
“It’s my back.”
Jason glides his hand across the bottom of her shirt. “You have a huge knot. Let me take a look.” He pushes up the fabric a few inches, revealing black and blue welts covering her torso. “Oh, Shae.” Anger flashes in his voice. “Not again.”
“I’m okay. Give me just a second, and I’ll be ready.”
Nick closes his eyes, trying to suppress the memories flooding his mind from seeing her bruised body. It’s unfathomable someone could hurt her like this, but his own life is filled with the harsh reality of abuse and regret for the woman he couldn’t save. He inhales deeply before opening his eyes again.
“I know it’s going to hurt, but you need to stretch your back out. Otherwise, it could lock up on you tonight.”
Kneeling on her mat with her bottom resting on her heels, she presses her body downward and pushes her arms out in front of her. Nick’s face burns hot at her eyes welling up with tears. Unwilling to watch her suffer, he picks up his hand weights and walks over to the racks. He rolls his head side to side, trying to calm his fury before turning back to them. He has got to get her away from the asshole who’s hurting her.
Relief washes over her face as she lifts up. Jason rubs her back before nodding. “There you go. I don’t think it’s quite as tight.”
“Thanks. I feel better.”
Jason stands up and extends his hand to Nick. “I know this has been an unusual training session, but I hope we can work together again. Let me know if you want to schedule another appointment.”
“Yeah, thanks. I’ll be in touch.”
Jason pauses and looks at Shae. “If you need me, let me know. I can work on your back again if it locks up.”
She gives him a shaky smile. “Thanks. I will.”
After the trainer walks out of the room, Nick drops down next to her. “I enjoyed working out with you. You’re pretty tough.”
“So are you. Jason gives a hard workout. Not everyone can keep up.”
“Yeah, he’s a beast. But, he seems like a good guy. I can tell he cares about you a lot.”
