Page 40 of Whatever Happens

“Hey, Wallace,” a voice shouts, breaking up the tense moment.

Finally breaking our gaze, I turn to see Gabe standing near his office.

Without so much as a word to her, I get off the machine and make my way over to him.

“Hey, man,” I greet him as I shake his hand. “How have you been?”

“Not as bad as you.” Gabe eyes Lexie. “Or as good. Nice looking workout partner.”

“Therapist,” I tell him.

His voice lowers to a whisper. “Is she the girl from the video?”

For a moment, just a moment, I had forgotten about that stupid video.

“No. Not even close.”

That video is going to be the death of me. The idea of men—men I know—seeing Lexie like that makes me feel extremely protective and possessive about a woman I can’t have.

“Good to know.”

“Don’t even think about it,” I tell him noticing the look in his eye.

“I’m just fucking with you, man.” He nods to where Lexie is standing with her arms folded across her chest and her foot tapping on the floor. “That one has too much attitude for me.”

“You and me both,” I tell him. “Let’s grab a drink while I’m in town.” I return to where Lexie’s standing.

“Are you ready to start now?”

I breeze past her and walk over to the chest press machine.

“Carter—”

“Don’t,” I warn her.

“No, you don’t. Doing that is a stupid risk. Any progress you’ve made could go out the window with one false move,” Lexie says, her voice stern and adamant.

“I don’t take orders from you,” I snap.

“I’m your therapist, so yeah, you do.”

“You’re my therapist, not my mother. Get out of the way, Lex.”

“Fine, big shot. Have at it.” She steps away from the machine, allowing me access despite not wanting to.

I pull the pin and set the machine to ten pounds. It’s heavier than I’ve done before, but with the progress I’ve been making, I’m sure it won’t be an issue. Besides, I have a point to prove.

Push. Release.

One.

Okay, that’s not too bad.

I push again.

Two.

Damn, who knew ten pounds could feel so heavy.

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