Page 76 of Burnout
Don’t be. It was the first hit when I searched your name.
Me
Was the second my sex tape?
She types, then the bubbles go away.
Me
Kidding.
Me
You’re going to show them what a badass you are when you start competing again, but for now hold your head up high and tell them whatever you want. Don’t let them make you doubt yourself.
Avery
????
Me
Is that your way of blowing off my advice?
Avery
No. I’m repeating your words over and over in my head. I am a badass.
Me
Damn straight.
She goes quiet and I keep watching the live footage. People are commenting and an idea hits me. It’s Brogan’s account so what do I care. I smile as I type the words and hit send.
A second later the girl behind the camera reads it out loud, stepping closer to Avery. “Brogan Six says Avery Oliver is his favorite gymnast of all time and says he can’t wait to watch you dominate this season. Oh, and several people are agreeing. You’re a fan favorite.”
Avery flushes and looks at the camera with a confused expression. The camera girl moves on and then a text pops up on my phone.
Avery
Thank you for that. Or thank your brother.
Me
You’re welcome, princess.
When they interview her twenty minutes later and the first question is, “Is your knee ready for the season?” she looks straight at the camera, smiles so big no one else could tell it’s contrived, and says, “It’s never been better.”
TWENTY-FIVE
“Are you listening?”I ask Knox.
His gaze travels up my legs. “Huh?”
I tilt my head to the side and give him my best sassy, authoritative look. His lips pull apart into a smile. “Kidding. Yeah, I heard you. Slowly up and slowly down.”
The way he says the last part, I’m certain he’s talking about something completely different than me. My face heats and my stomach dips. I have spent every minute since he walked into the gym tonight imagining his hands on me again. If this is part of some elaborate game to have me desperate and needy so I’m too distracted to torture him with exercise, it’s working. Today’s training session has been more stolen kisses and little touches than workout.
“I am going to help Hope. You stay here and work on that.” Distance. That’s what we need. Otherwise, I might try to jump him in the middle of the gym.
