High Risk

by Vivian Arend

  “Thanks.”

  Becki changed before stopping by the floor-to-ceiling windows to check the aquatic centre. The sunshine had faded to grey as clouds moved in, but in the pool area an oasis of light and heat remained.

  “Weights first?”

  She twirled to discover Marcus standing directly behind her. He’d changed as well into casual running shorts and a well-worn T-shirt with the logo of one of the local restaurants emblazoned across the front. A neoprene sleeve covered his stump and wrapped over his elbow—probably both for protection and to provide a better grip. “You move very quietly for a big man.”

  “Helps me sneak up on all those innocent deer in the parking lot. Come on.”

  He held open the door to the weight room and she stepped in, the cool of the air-conditioning brushing the bare skin of her arms and legs like a caress. A few others were in the room, doing bicep curls or using the machines. Rock music from the local station played softly in the background, a fitting counter to the low-pitched hum of the treadmills.

  “General arms, legs? What are you thinking?” she asked.

  “Up to you. I’m game for more lower-body work in here—the swim later will be enough upper body to finish.”

  Perfect. She pointed to a couple of steppers that faced the exterior windows, and soon they were both moving. Outside the grey skies had gone nearly white, the brown grass making everything almost monochromatic. The mountaintops were dusted with fresh snow—the rain earlier in the week freezing at the higher elevations. Spring in Alberta—there was still a long way to go to get to the lush green that would take over the place in the summer.

  The conversation as they warmed up stayed generic. Comfortable. Fifteen minutes passed quickly as Marcus led the discussion of nothing important. Becki was grateful, even as she cursed herself for spending more time looking at his reflection in the mirrorlike glass than staring through it at the gorgeous mountains surrounding them.

  They moved to the weights, and she took charge. “Squats. We’ll use the power rack, if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Load your starting weight—I’ll follow after. I don’t need to try to impress you, do I? Loading three times as much weight on seems like a useless venture.”

  She snorted. “Trust me, being impressive in the workout room isn’t. I’ve spent too much time around people who easily outpressed me, yet couldn’t transfer that into any kind of strength when they needed it most.”

  Becki stepped under the bar, resting it on her shoulders as comfortably as possible, which meant not very. She stood the final two inches it took to release the security clasps, twisting the metal bar to flip the hooks out of the way.

  She focused on her reflection in the mirror. Legs spread shoulder width apart, toes facing forward, she bent her knees and lowered the weight until she was in a sitting position. Reversing direction made all the muscles in the front of her thighs engage, the thicker bands in her butt having to work to bring her back to vertical.

  “One. Nice form. You keep that up, and I’m going to feel like a wimp when it’s my turn,” Marcus teased.

  “You’ll have as good form or better—remember, you asked me to train you. I don’t let my partners muck around.” Becki continued on as she spoke, the blood moving into her legs warming her. Her heart rate steadied, and she concentrated to keep her breathing smooth.

  All the different components of training were a balancing act she loved. Part of using her body as the tool, making it fit, keeping it strong. Making demands now so that in the field she would go on autopilot and do what needed to be done.

  Marcus kept his count going, walking behind her to rest his hand on the metal bar between where it rested on her shoulder and the palm of her right hand.

  “I hope you don’t expect me to flake out this soon,” Becki said. “It’s going to be a damn short workout if you’re spotting me already.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t be offended. I’m sure you can easily finish this set.”

  She completed two more squats, only now? She wasn’t focusing on her core body. On watching her legs to make sure she powered up using her thighs.

  No, a lot more of her attention was struck by the distance he stood behind her. How the heat from his torso crossed the narrow gap between them, and how when she did complete the set and twisted the bar to engage the security hooks, he slipped his hand to her shoulder and trailed his fingers down her back.

  “Good start.” Marcus switched positions with her. He had to bend lower to get under the bar, and she was way too aware of his glute muscles rubbing past her thigh.

  Becki stepped back to a nice safe distance.

  His gaze in the mirror as he began his set? Mocked her.

  He knew why she’d moved away.

  Oh God.

  Becki took a drink from her water bottle and reconsidered her entire game plan. Working out with Marcus wasn’t supposed to be some kind of long, extended session of foreplay.

  “You going to count for me? That was three.” His wink only made her more aware of him. Of his dark colouring reflected in the mirror. Of the way his shoulder muscles bunched against the fabric of his shirt as he had his arms raised to support the bar.

  “Four.” She had to think of other things. “Adjust your right foot. Your hip is out of line at the bottom of the squat.” He followed her directions, but on the next repeat he still was wrong. “More.”

  “More what?” Marcus hooked the bar into position and stepped from under it. “Show me when I’m not holding the weight.”

  Becki nodded. “Face the mirror.”

  He turned. Lowered himself. She stepped behind him and leaned in. “Here, you’re pressing your hip back at the three-quarter point.”

  “Like this?”

  Marcus adjusted, but it wasn’t enough. She placed her hand to the outside of his knee, but he was still out of line. She pressed her hip against his butt as well to get him to move the way she wanted. “There. Do you feel that?”

  His voice was lower when he spoke. “I feel it.”

  Becki snapped her head up to find his face only inches away from hers. She was pressed tight to his torso, her left breast against his arm as she reached her right hand forward. Basically, she’d wrapped herself around him.

  She scurried back to safety. “You’re a terrible person, Marcus Landers.”

  “I think we established that fact a long time ago.”

  He got under the weight and proceeded to do five more squats, all with impeccable positioning. His heated expression taunted her because she had lost the ability to tell him to cut it out.

  The entire damn training session turned into a twisted form of sexual torment.

  Marcus stood beside her to spot her. Always in a way that was logical, but a little too close. He didn’t take the weights from her when they switched position; he laid his hand on her and touched lightly. Her forearm. Her waist. The swoop of her lower back right over her ass. All the while watching her with his dark eyes, the trace of a smile on his lips.

  She could have said no. Should have said no, but after the morning’s stress—

  No, there was no excuse other than she wanted it. Accepted it. Wanted to revel in the fact that this man made her feel completely and utterly alive.

  He caught hold of her towel as she stood after completing the final machine. His fingers wrapped slowly around the fabric and pulled her closer. They’d both worked hard enough she was sweaty, a sheen of moisture covering her bare arms.

  The desire to rub all over him like she was marking territory wasn’t good, but she’d given up telling herself that thirty minutes earlier.

  He looked at her, his gaze fixed on her lips. Instinctively, she licked them.

  His eyes closed briefly, mouth closing tight over a groan. When he did speak, it was soft—for her ears only. “I don’t know if I should compliment you on your workout ethics or assume I’m the only one feeling the heat.”

  She hesitated. Lying was no use, but
the urge to take out a few of her own frustrations on him made her reckless. “We said we’d work out together, not fuck each other’s brains out.”

  The answering flash in his eyes said she might have made a mistake poking the beast.

  So when he simply stepped back she was a little disappointed, and how twisted was that?

  He nodded slowly. Let loose his grip on her towel.

  “Right. Good point.” He trailed his fingers the length of material where it hung between her breasts, his knuckles skimming the side of one curve. Her breath caught in her throat. The way his smile grew darker made it clear he’d caught her reaction.

  Fake it. It was her only defense left. “See you in the pool?”

  He nodded, moving away from where he’d had her trapped by his body. She slid past, ignoring the brush of their torsos as much as possible.

  Just before she’d completely made it to freedom, he spoke.

  “Becki?”

  She turned to face him. “Yeah?”

  He full-out grinned, and her knees trembled. “About working out together? You let me know when you want to make some additions to the list.”

  Becki fled, hoping there would be a power shortage and the pool would be icy cold.

  She was in so much trouble.

  CHAPTER 8

  Marcus passed the pile of paperwork across the table to David. “Thanks for bringing all that over.”

  “No problem. No use both of us fussing with a trip to the accountant.” David slipped the files back into his briefcase and tossed it aside before staring out the window. “Slow spring. Weather reports are calling for more snow later this week.”

  “Trails are going to be a mess for a long time still.” Marcus looked his brother over with amusement. “And now that you’ve done me a favour and made some prerequisite small talk, what do you want?”

  “What? I can’t drop in for a visit? I’m crushed.”

  “Right. When you stop in for a visit you head to the fridge and drink my beer.” Marcus leaned on the glass of the French doors leading onto the deck. “Spit it out.”

  David’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “Fine. Fund-raiser for the school.”

  “What about it?” Marcus eyed the calendar on the wall. “It’s in two weeks. You have troubles with the booking?”

  “Of course not. Everything’s been organized since last year. Ballroom at the Banff Springs, cocktails, dancing. A little motivation speech or two from some local celebrities . . .” David trailed off. “You know, staring at a person with that expression doesn’t encourage communication.”

  “I figure my expression should match what I’m thinking. Explain why you looked at me when you said local celebrities.”

  His brother shrugged. “I’m listed as the MC as usual. But having you and the Lifeline team show up—”

  “Oh, no. Asking the team is one thing—most of them love doing the dog-and-pony routine for you. But you promised you’d never again suggest I put on a monkey suit and parade around for people to throw peanuts at. I won’t do it, David. It’s not worth it.”

  “Yeah, well, last year Lifeline hadn’t recently gained any major acclaim, and having the team there in their monkey suits still brought in enough to help put a couple of kids through on a scholarship and equip the weight room.”

  Marcus sighed. “You had to mention that damn article again.”

  “They’ll be running snippets all week leading up to the event.” David raised his hands in defense as Marcus stepped toward him. “Not my idea, by the way. Paper told me what they had planned. Face facts—you’re big news.”

  “Because there’s nothing happening—that’s the only reason it’s still news.” He had good reasons for his animosity toward gala events, but David was right. The fund-raiser brought in the money and made a great evening for locals and tourists alike. “I’ll mention it to the team. You’ll probably get at least half of them. Alisha and Devon for sure. They’d be great reps as alumni and all that crap.”

  “That’s what the board wants—they want to play up having the team around as a draw for the event.”

  “Just to be clear, I’m not speaking,” Marcus growled. “I’m not crawling behind any microphone and waxing poetic about how saving lives saved my life.”

  “Got it. I know that. Wouldn’t dream of pushing you into anything you’re not comfortable with.”

  All of Marcus’s bullshit monitors went off at the same time. He glanced over at David, who squirmed under his scrutiny. “Who do they really want to speak? Because I can tell from the way you’re twitching you think I won’t like it.”

  David cleared his throat. “The board wants me to ask Becki.”

  “Goddamn, no.” Marcus shook his head.

  “She’d be great,” David insisted. “If she’s anywhere near as good a public speaker as she was during her school days, it’ll be a huge success. Man, she could talk her way out of anything back then—she’ll charm the money from their pockets.”

  “You’d really put her into that position now? I told you what happened when she climbed. Give her time, idiot.”

  David rolled his eyes. “I don’t expect her to scale the interior of the hotel and belay to the podium, Marcus. She’ll say a few words about the school and how great it is to be back. That’s it.”

  “If that’s it, why are you looking at me for permission before seeing if she’s interested?”

  David smiled sheepishly. “If you ask her, she’ll do it.”

  “What?”

  “Oh hell, you think I haven’t already spotted you’ve marked territory on her? You as good as pissed on the corner of the dorm house when you were talking about her yesterday.”

  Marcus shook his head and went for the fridge. “You’re fucking nuts.”

  His brother leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Don’t even try the innocent act. I know you too well, and you’ve got her labeled as yours already. Or are you saying I can ask her to come with me to the food and wine festival next week? I haven’t got a date, and it would be good for her to get out. Meet a few more people than just the team. Or I could take her dancing.”

  “She’ll be working for you. You don’t date employees.” Marcus kept his expression as blank as possible.

  David hummed. “Well, this is a different situation, don’t you think? She’s more like my equal than a direct employee. I doubt it’s a problem. And with her being around all the time now?” He stood and considered. “You know, I was pulling your leg, but if you’re serious about not being interested, then damn, maybe I will give her a little more attention.”

  Marcus deliberately unclenched his fingers and spread them casually on the island countertop. “Whatever. Just don’t think you should ask her to speak yet.”

  “You’re right. I’ll give the lecture as planned if I have to. That’s not an issue.” David stared at the ceiling. “I bet she looks great in a dress. She kicks butt in climbing gear. Your guys are working with her this afternoon? Maybe I’ll come by and watch for a while.”

  “Maybe you should find something else to do.”

  “No, I think I need to roll with this. I’ll come by to make sure she’s settling in comfortably.” David stepped forward to slap Marcus on the shoulder. “You know, this is awesome. I haven’t felt this interested in anyone in a while. Of course, it’s partly the way she moves, combined with knowing how strong she is. Damn, can’t you imagine her using her climbing grip on your dick? Or her thighs—I bet she could crawl up a guy and—”

  Red-hot anger rolled through him, and Marcus blinked in surprise to find he’d grabbed his brother by the shirtfront.

  David didn’t so much as twitch. Just stood his ground and smirked.

  “Fuck. You,” Marcus growled, releasing his grip and stepping away in disgust. He had the control of a two-year-old when it came to Becki.

  “Lying to me never works. You should know that by now,” David drawled. “Besides, what’s the point? There’s nothing
wrong with you being hot for her.”

  Nothing and everything. “Stay out of it, David.”

  “Over and out. Except . . .” David tapped the countertop. “If you won’t ask if she’d like to be the keynote, I’m going to. She deserves a chance to make her own decision on the matter, don’t you agree? Or does getting involved with you mean she’ll be walking three paces behind at all times?”

  Getting involved meant he’d be calling the shots, but only in bed. “I’m not that kind of asshole.”

  David snorted. “So, we have established you are some kind of asshole. Awesome. I wasn’t completely positive.”

  There was no way he could stay pissed at his brother. Marcus shoved him in the shoulder and they jostled for a moment like kids.

  “Go ahead and ask her.” Marcus caved, but only partway. “But if you show up at training, I’ll make you climb, and then everyone will know what a pansy ass you’ve become.”

  “Ooh, I’m scared.”

  “You should be. Devon attached a new Drop of Doom from the ceiling and set the rope to lock less than a foot from the floor. You’d scream like a girl. Again.”

  David shuddered. “Ass. Stop reminding me about that.”

  Marcus poked again. “If I can’t tease my little brother, who can I tease? Now get the hell out. I have things to do.”

  Only he didn’t, not really. Watching David drive off meant Marcus had plenty of spare time to go over more plans for the team. More plans of how to fill his day until it wouldn’t be ridiculous to head back to the dorms and see if Becki was free.

  More time to figure out how he was going to convince her she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

  CHAPTER 9

  “So, thank you. For helping rescue me, and for being understanding.” Becki smiled across the short distance between them on the climbing mat.

  Alisha nodded. “It’s not an issue. Really.”