Page 41 of Messy Strokes (Wrecked Roommates)

“I know, but––”

“You’re holding yourself to unrealistic expectations.”

“Being a good parent shouldn’t be unrealistic––”

“But refusing to cut yourself any slack is.”

He doesn’t get it.

“Milo––”

“You don’t have to do this by yourself.”

I bite my lower lip in hopes of keeping it from quivering, but it doesn’t work.

“You’re allowed to want alone time, Mads. I’m here to pick up the weight when you feel like you can’t carry it anymore. It doesn’t make you weak,” he clarifies. “It makes you human.”

“Says the strongest person I know.”

He laughs. “Look at me, Mads.”

I scan him up and down, taking in his muscular shoulders, handsome smirk showcasing his dimples, and warm, kind eyes. “Yes?”

“What did I do today?”

“Um…” My gaze drops to his gym clothes. “You worked out?”

“Yeah. It was leg day.”

“So?”

“I worked my legs hard today.”

“Okay?”

“What else do you think I did today?”

“Um…played video games?” I offer, waving my hand toward the darkened television on the opposite side of the room.

“I drank a protein shake, sat my ass down, and played video games. Do you want to know why?”

Head cocked to one side, I ask, “Where are you going with this?”

He nudges my shoulder with his. “I’m saying, I worked my legs, came home, and took care of myself so I could recover. Tomorrow’s arms and cardio. The day after is a rest day. The next, I’ll work my legs again. You’re allowed to push yourself. But you’re allowed to rest too. Without feeling guilty. Or weak. Trust me.” He squeezes my bare thigh. “I could barely walk down the stairs after racing up them to see if you and Penny were all right. But it doesn’t make my legs weak. It makes them tired from overexertion. There’s a difference. We clear?” The warmth from his touch on my leg disappears when he grabs my chin and forces me to look at him. Again. The same commanding aura clinging to him like his sexy gym shirt.

“We clear?” he repeats.

I nod.

“Good. What are your plans today?”

“Um, I’m not sure,” I answer, practically trembling from the feel of his calloused fingers against my skin. I should pull away. I should put some distance between us. I should nip whatever the hell is going on with us in the bud.

I should do a lot of things. Not only for my sake. But also for Penny’s…and Milo’s too.

“You should go out,” he decides. “Get some fresh air and shit. I’ll watch Penny.”

“You will?”

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