Page 83 of Shattered Rhythm

We sit there for a while longer, talking about lighter things to distract him and after a long while, he falls back asleep, and I close my eyes too.

When I get up to go home and get ready for the day the next morning, I leave the charcuterie board and Moscato with him.

“I’ll come by in the evening, okay? We can watch a movie or something,” I say, and he smiles at me.

“That sounds nice,” he replies.

I give him one last hug before leaving, feeling grateful for the chance to be there for Gunner for once when he needed me, but hating the reason I had to.

CHAPTERFORTY-TWO

Liv

I close my locker and slip on my shoes. I don’t feel like dancing today, since we already did some in class, so I decide to focus on my workout instead. It’s almost comical how all the gymbros who usually smile and say hello to me now avert their gazes. I chuckle to myself.Jaxon, you little shit.

I make my way to the treadmill and start walking to warm up. Suddenly, someone jumps on my treadmill behind me, and I nearly fall because of it. Strong arms circle me, holding me up until I find my rhythm again.

“Slow and steady, baby,” Ryder whispers in my ear. I step out of his hold, turn my head, and flip him off.

“I could have hurt myself,” I tell him, my eyes fixed again to the front.

“No, I’ve got you,” he says, his hands on the treadmill to both sides of me, caging me in from behind. “How’s my baby girl doing?” he asks, continuing his playful flirting.

“I’d be better if I could do my workout in peace,” I reply, acting annoyed but secretly loving his silly advances.

“Nah, Liv, you have four boyfriends now. You better learn how to be around others,” he says with a smirk, and I laugh.

“Last time I checked I had three,” I point out.

“So, you’re in denial too,” he whispers in my ear with a chuckle.

He slams his palm on the stop button, grabs me by the waist, and steps off the treadmill, holding my feet above the ground. Back on the floor, he turns me and kisses me passionately.

“Missed you, baby,” he whispers against my lips, and I swoon.Damn, why does he always have this effect on me?

Turning, Jaxon is standing next to us, arms crossed over his chest. I worry that he’s not handling Ryder’s open affection well, but he surprises me by grabbing my wrist and pulling me into him, kissing my temple.

“Stop interrupting her workout, dumbass. Those are my perks as her personal trainer,” he says, smirking, and I feel a weight lift off my shoulders.

“Yeah, yeah, have fun, you two,” Ryder says as he winks at me and walks away.

“Ryder, for fuck’s sake, could you please sort out the dumbbells before you hide in the office again?” Jaxon yells after him.

Ryder just turns and waves at him, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Do you find that funny, little brat?” Jaxon asks me, his eyes intense with heat.

“Yes, sir,” I whisper, and he groans.

“Now you have to stand in front of me while doing your workout to hide my boner,” he says, making me blush. “Too much?” he asks, concerned, but I shake my head.

“No,” I reply. He tilts my chin up with his thumb and forefinger, looking into my eyes.

“Good to know,” he says huskily before pecking my lips. “Now, get on with your workout.”

I chuckle and walk away from him, but not before he slaps my ass. I laugh and make my way back to the treadmill, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement at Jaxon’s playful flirtation. As I start running, I can feel his eyes on me from across the gym, and it’s both unnerving and thrilling at the same time. I push myself harder, trying to ignore the tingling sensation spreading through my body.

After my workout, I head to the showers, feeling energized. As I’m leaving the locker room, I find Jaxon leaning against the opposite wall, watching me with a smug grin.

---