Page 17 of No Way Forward

“Goodnight.”

“But…”

Zaid turned his back and moved to overhead straps that would allow him to do reverse crunches a couple feet off the floor. He performed the moves effortlessly. Jeff reddened. When he realized as far as Zaid was concerned the conversation was over, he said goodnight and left them alone.

“So when will you get back in here?” he asked her, dropping to the floor.

“Who me?”

“Is there anyone else in the room?”

She rolled her eyes at him. “I told you I kept my routine up while I was gone.”

“Prove it.” He moved to the mat where they had sparred many nights. Her belly muscles clenched. Not because she was scared of him, but in a way she was.

“Okay, fine.” She kicked her shoes off and tossed her phone on the weight bench. Cracking her knuckles over her head, she performed a few stretches then danced around on the mat.

“You were always dramatic, Novette.”

“Who’s being dramatic? I’m about to shut you up.”

“And groundlessly boastful.”

She lunged at him. He dodged her attempt to grab him. A move she’d seen many times would have put her on the floor in the beginning, but she deflected his hand. He couldn’t get a hold of her wrist. If she kept moving, he wouldn’t get the upper hand.

“Good.” He nodded at her.

She knew he wasn’t giving all he could because he was far better at defending himself than her. “Don’t go easy on me.”

“If I don’t, you’ll lose motivation.”

She laughed. “Please, you can’t keep me down.”

“Now that’s true.”

She grabbed his arm, meaning to hold it just long enough to use her weight against him. He was supposed to drop with the kick to his instep. Her foot missed the mark. He kicked her foot away and caught her arm. A swipe and her legs gave out. She hit the floor, but he went down as well and pinned her to the mat.

The wind left her lungs in a rush. She choked. He loosened his grip. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. My ego’s bruised a little. I honestly thought I could surprise you.”

“Really?”

“You don’t have to look so shocked.” She laughed, and he grinned down at her.

All the laughter disappeared when she noted their positions, her on her back and him bending over her. He pinned both her hands over her head, and if he leaned closer his chest would touch her boobs. She sucked in a startled breath. They stared into each other’s eyes.

He lowered his voice. “You’re better than I thought you would be. I can tell you’ve been exercising a little. If you weren’t your muscles would be much softer.”

“Thanks.”

“Zaid!”

She jumped at her dad’s voice and would have sprung away. Zaid didn’t flinch. He took his time releasing her and straightening. When he climbed to his feet he held out a hand to help her up, and then he turned to her dad.

“Sir? Is there something you need? I’ve been assessing Novette to see where I need to start training her again. However, we can quit here if you need me.”

Novette looked from her dad’s annoyed expression to Zaid’s calm one. How in the world did he act like there wasn’t a moment between them just now and they were caught? Of all people, her dad had to walk in. Then again, maybe the “moment” was all on her side.

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