Page 10 of Shattered Rhythm

“Yeah, Jax.” Ryder smiles slyly. “Why are you here?”

“I could ask you the same,” I retort.

“Oh, that’s easy,” River says. “Ryder and I wanted to see her again because she’s cool.”

I roll my eyes and walk away.

“No answer is an answer too!” Ryder yells after me, and I hear Chase laugh.

CHAPTERNINE

Liv

It’s a busy Saturday at the gym, with many more dance classes on offer than during the week. I arrive early, eager to get in some quality training time. As I dance, I feel myself getting better and better at the choreography, so I focus on making sure that my movements flow seamlessly into each other.

I’m packing up my gear when the doors to the studio open and in walks Chase, flanked by two girls. One of them is holding his arm at the bicep, and the other is smiling at him as they walk.

“Could you help me with my footwork today, please? I think I need to concentrate more on that part,” asks the girl on his arm.

“Yeah, I need some help with my hips. You always get them moving so well,” the other girl adds.

I can’t help but laugh at their shameless attempts to flirt, making Chase notice me.

“Hey, Liv, already done for today? Want to join the class?”

“Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to move my hips all by myself,” I tease with a grin.

He coughs, and I decide to have a bit of fun by giving my hips a little more swing than necessary as I walk out of the studio, smiling to myself.

That little player.

After leaving the dance studio, I make my way to the lockers. I love having a personal locker in this studio where I can leave my belongings without having to carry them around. I open mine with my pin code and decide to stay a bit longer. It’s still early, and I would like to do my first workout in the weight section. It’s important to train the muscles surrounding our joints so that they are better equipped for the hard dance moves, and I want to try the machines out, but for that, I need to change into my other shoes.

Inside my locker, I find a twenty-dollar bill. I grin and take it out, noticing the words “The ‘you’re so good’ bucks” written with a Sharpie. I swoon a bit. I noticed yesterday that Ryder and River were wearing black Tanner Fitness attire.

What are the chances?

They both work at Tanner Fitness too, so that explains why Ryder has access to my locker. I find the move more thoughtful and funny than creepy, so it’s okay. I leave the money in the locker, change my shoes, and make my way to the weight section to begin my workout.

* * *

I can’t help but feel impressed once again. I had already seen the room on the tour Chris gave me, but it’s still the most welcoming fitness room I’ve ever laid eyes on, not that I’ve seen many. The room is spacious, with high ceilings, and it’s light, airy, and filled with lots of white. The glass windows in the back give an amazing view of the ocean and palm trees.Sometimes, I still can’t believe I’m here.

“Telepatia” by Kali Uchis is playing softly in the background, adding to the beach vibes. There are some people working out, mostly gym bros and beautifully shaped girls in shorts and sports bras. I look down at myself, noting my black leggings and long-sleeved white crop top with a minty sports bra peeking out, and shrug. I’m not here to impress anyone, although I do catch Jaxon walking by in my peripheral. As I make my way through the gym, a guy approaches me with a sleazy grin on his face.

“Hey pretty lady, you new here?” he asks. “I’m Kevin. Need someone to show you around?”

“No thank you. I think I got it,” I reply, giving him a tight-lipped smile.

He smirks at me. “Sure thing. I’ll be over by the heavy weights if you change your mind.”

I roll my eyes and continue making my way to the first weight machine that’s free, hoping he won’t bother me again.Sitting down, I look at the instructions written on the leg extension machine. I’m not sure if this is good for my knee, but I plan to start easy on the weights anyway. As I’m just starting the second set, I hear a rough voice above me.

“You’re doing that wrong.”

I look up and see Jaxon standing beside the machine, arms crossed over his chest.

“Your form is horrible. Did you ever do weights?” He’s incredibly broody and standoffish, which I find completely attractive.

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