Page 39 of Win My Heart

ChapterTen

BERNIE

While it has warmed up slightlysince I was out earlier, Wade has an Uber waiting for us since it’s a long walk. We make chitchat until we arrive at Squeaky Bum Climb, and Wade ushers me inside.

The front of the gym contains several chairs and a large wall of gear, which I’m assuming is for sale, as I spy price signs and tags hanging from some of the items. The place, as promised, is void of people, but a man about Wade’s age stands behind the rustic wood front counter toward the back of the lobby area. Holding several pieces of paper in his hands, he looks up and grins as we walk closer.

“Hey, man,” Wade greets.

“Weren’t you just here?” He eyes him with a knowing grin. “You changed.”

Wade clears his throat. “I had to run home. Couldn’t find you before I left. This is Bernadette Ross.” He gives the man a look I can’t quite read.

The man chuckles. “I’m Luke Farley. It’s nice to meet you, Bernadette.”

I smile at him and give a little wave. “Bernie. Everyone calls me Bernie.”

Luke’s grin is wide, and I remember now that this is the guy Wade used to live with.

“Bernie. I dig it.” His smile is infectious. “I hear you’ve never been rock climbing before.”

Wade’s been talking. I glance at him, and he gives me a wink as he shrugs out of his coat. I ignore the butterflies he causes with a blink of his eye and turn back to Luke.

“True story. But I’m excited to give it try. A bit nervous, though.” As I say this, Wade tugs at the hood of my coat, and I take it off and hand it to him.

Luke, still grinning at us, watches the whole exchange. “Well, you’re in good hands. I’m heading to my office to work on the boring part of managing a business. Let me know when you leave.” He tells Wade the last part, and Wade salutes him as he guides me out of the small lobby and into another small room where they rent out the supplies.

We are completely alone now, and anxiety starts to build in my gut. I don’t want to mess this up. I don’t want to ruin this maybe date by expecting too much or not enough. Wade stores our coats in a cubby, then tells me my purse is safe in one as well.

We walk to the shoe counter, and he pulls out a pair for himself and then asks what size I wear. He hands me my pair, and then I follow him to the next counter, where they have all the harnesses. He gathers what we need and then motions me to one of the large round benches for us to change our shoes.

Wade sits next to me on the bench, and I toe off my shoes. I want to ask him why he doesn’t have his own climbing shoes, but I don’t because what a mundane thing to ask about. Instead, I focus on getting the shoes on and then try not to stare when Wade stands in front of me and peels of his sweatshirt. The T-shirt he’s wearing underneath rides up, and his taut stomach shows.

I gulp.

My mind is transported back to when I saw him in nothing but a towel and how hot and bothered that made me. My eyes break from his body when he tugs his shirt down and walks over to our cubbies. My heart is pounding, trying to tamper down the memories. He sits back down next to me, then he’s leaning his shoulder into mine just as I finish tying my shoe.

“What’s going on?” I can feel his gaze, but I study my shoes to ensure the perfect lace-up.

“Hmm. What do you mean?”

He reaches down and gives my thigh a quick squeeze, chuckling. “You’re acting funny. And not being chatty.”

“Oh. Nope. No funny girl here,” I sputter, then risk looking at him. I catch his eyes for a split second before I dart mine away and pretend to survey the space.

“Are you nervous?” His tone is questioning.

“No,” I reply too quickly.

“Climbing will be easy, and I won’t let you fall, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“It’s not.” I twist my lips and snag the inside of my cheek with my teeth. “You weren’t joking about private time. Is this place closed?” My eyes dart to the lobby.

“It is. Is that bothering you? Being alone with me?” His voice almost sounds hurt when I force myself to look back at him. He’s concerned that I don’t want to be alone with him.

“No, not at all.” Still biting on my lip, I rest my gaze on his shoulder for a second. “I guess I’m just confused.”

He grunts. “About what?” He leans away from me just a little, and the shift garners my eye contact.

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