“Okay, I’ll meet you at the front desk. See you in a few,” she replies before hanging up.
“Yes!” I holler in the confines of my car, my palms hitting my steering wheel a few times in celebration. Giving myself a few seconds to enjoy the prospect of another new job, I finally pull from my parking spot and head toward the gym, boot shopping forgotten for the time being.
It only takes me a few minutes to get there, and when I pull into the lot beside the building, I spy Colton’s familiar truck in the back. My heart starts to beat a little faster in my chest, and I can’t help but wonder if I’ll see him, but then I think about how stupid that line of thinking is. It doesn’t matter if I see him or not, right? I’m here for a job, nothing more, and that job doesn’t involve ogling my landlord while he’s at work.
I get out of the car and head to the front door, thankful for the extra layer of warmth. Inside, I instantly find Gabby, who’s smiling widely, her hands resting on her slight baby bump. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, pulling me into a hug.
“Me too,” I tell her.
“Let’s go. We’re meeting in his office.”
I fall in step beside her as we make our way through the massive gym. Even for the time of day, there are a bunch of people walking or running on treadmills and ellipticals. They’re using rowing machines and free weights. There’s even a handful of older gentlemen standing around the water cooler and pointing to the football game muted on the television.
“We’ve been crazy busy,” she says, walking swiftly down a short hallway. When she rounds the corner, we’re in a small room where what I assume is her desk is positioned. Gabby heads over to the open door and knocks as she walks in, me tagging along behind her.
“You must be Hollis. I’ve heard a lot about your work,” the man behind the desk says with a smile. “I’m Harrison Drake, owner of All Fit.”
I’m going to be honest with you. Harrison is hot. Like walking on the sun barefoot kinda hot. He’s tall and muscular, with a tight All Fit T-shirt and dark glasses perched on his nose. Actually, he reminds me a little of Chase. No, there isn’t much of a resemblance outside their physical bulk, but there’s just something about their charming smiles and bad boy demeanor.
But as good-looking as they both are, neither of them are Colton Callahan.
Funny, Chase and Colton are brothers, yet I don’t feel the slightest attraction toward the younger brother. Colton, on the other hand, has this way of constantly keeping my heart pounding and my panties wet, and he doesn’t even realize it. At least, I hope he doesn’t realize it. Otherwise, things are going to get awkward real fast.
“Pleasure to meet you,” I tell him, shaking his extended hand.
“Have a seat. Gabby has been raving about your work for the last week or so, and we were finally able to sit down and review the information you emailed her,” he starts, steepling his fingers at his lips. “I’m definitely ready to improve our online presence. I think it’s a logical step in marketing the company, but I’m honestly a little hesitant to do this now.”
My heart skids to a stop, and I just pray my eyes don’t bug out of my head in shock. “Oh.”
Not exactly how I expected this meeting to go. He couldn’t decline my business via the phone? No, he just had to bring me to his office and fire me face-to-face.
Well, not fire, really. You can’t be fired from a job you didn’t have.
The letdown is real as I feel myself sag in my chair.
“Don’t be an ass, Harrison. Tell her the rest,” Gabby demands, opening up his candy dish and taking a mint from the jar.
Harrison chuckles and glances my way, a small smile on his face. “My assistant loves to point out when I’m being an ass. Anyway, here’s my concern,” he starts, sitting up straight and looking across the desk at me. “Gabby is going to be taking maternity leave in a few months. I’m afraid to start this project, train our clients to check it for updated classes and such, and then her be off for six to eight weeks post-baby. What I’d like is to have someone maintain the site for us. Someone who can make the adjustments quickly online in a timely manner. I want this person to show Gabby how to do it, but then take the reins and maintain the site for a period of up to six months. You interested?”
I find myself staring back at him, listening to his words, but not truly hearing them.
“I’m sorry, you want me to maintain your site?” I ask, stuttering and stammering around like an idiot.
Harrison smiles. “I do. I’d pay you, of course, for your time.”
My own grin breaks out as I think about his offer. “I could do that,” I tell him without even really considering it. The thing is, I know my websites. No one can navigate them as quickly and as easily as I can. It does seem logical to have me do it.
“Umm, yeah, I think that can be arranged,” I tell him.
He grins again and stands up. “Perfect. I’d also like you to design a branding package. Gabby says she’s already mentioned it to you, so go ahead and come up with a design or two and send them my way.”
I blink once, twice. I can’t seem to find my words.
“Are you okay?” he asks, a concerned look crossing his face.
“Hollis?” Gabby asks, moving her head into my line of sight.
“Oh! Yes! Sorry, I was just…”
Embarrassing myself.
“Does that sound okay?” he asks, taking his glasses off and watching me closely.
“Yes, that sounds amazing, actually. I’m definitely interested in designing your site and logo and am more than willing to help maintain the site while Gabby’s gone,” I assure him, elation bubbling up in my chest.
“I’m glad,” he says, smiling across at me. When he stands up, I do the same. “Work with Gabby on the project, okay? When she’s happy with it, I’ll sign off on final approval.”
“Sounds good, Mr. Drake,” I tell him, unable to stop the grin on my lips.
“Please, call me Harrison,” he replies with yet another smile.
I nod. “Harrison. I’ll be in touch with Gabby by the end of the week,” I tell him, reaching down for my handbag.
“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to meet Winnie and the kids for lunch before the appointment.”
And just like that, Harrison Drake is gone.
“Wow,” I whisper, forgetting I’m not alone in the room.
“Yeah, he’s something. Pisses me off more often than not, but he makes my sister happy, so I try not to bust his balls too much,” Gabby says.
“Whose balls are you busting now?” Chase asks, entering the way Harrison just left.
“Yours, if you’re not careful,” she sasses, crossing the room to where her husband stands.
Chase wraps his arms around his wife. “I love it when you do anything to my balls.”
I snicker a laugh because even I saw that comment coming a mile away.
“Oh, hey, Hollis. You talk to H about the website?”
I nod as Gabby replies, “She did. She took the job and is going to knock this site out of the park.”
“Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I guess I should probably head home and get to work. I’ll have a few more ideas to you by Friday,” I tell her, heading toward the doorway.
“I’ll see you out,” she says, her arms wrapped around Chase’s waist.
“No need. I can find my way,” I tell her.
Chase winks at me and gives a knowing grin. “Thanks, Hollis,” he replies, confirming my suspicion that he’s going to take advantage of a few minutes of alone time with his wife.
Waving goodbye, I head out the way I came. As I reach the end of the little hallway, a wall moves into my path, hard and unforgiving. I practically bounce off it, no doubt heading toward the floor until two arms reach out and wrap around me. I’d know that scent anywhere. It’s a touch of woodsy, mixed with spice and sweat.
Colton.
“Hey, sorry about that. I wasn’t watching— Oh, H
ollis.”
“Hi,” I reply, my voice sounding dangerously high-pitched for a late twenties woman. “I didn’t mean to run into you.” I’m flustered and probably flushed with embarrassment, my body suddenly sparked to life.
“My fault,” he says, those blue eyes gazing down at me. I swear he can read me like a book. “I was headed to find Chase. Was he in the office?”
I glance back the way I came, and it’s the first time I realize his arms are still wrapped around me. He must notice too because he suddenly straightens and drops those strong arms from around my body. “Oh, uh… yeah. But you may want to give him a few minutes. He had that look in his eyes that said he was about to do something to Gabby that you can’t unsee if you were to walk in there.”
He chuckles that deep, sexy sound that makes my lady parts tingle. “Thanks for the warning. It’s been a while since we were kids, and seeing my brother’s naked ass isn’t something I care to see again anytime soon. Not to mention my sister-in-law…”
“Yeah,” I reply, glancing down at the floor to where a few sheets of paper lie at his feet. Bending down, I gather the flyers and look at the headline. “Self-defense for beginners?”
He nods. “We’ve been talking about starting a class, and I was finally able to nail down a schedule. We’ll meet Wednesday evenings for four weeks.” He seems to study my face for a few long seconds, and I can’t help but wonder if he sees the curiosity and hesitation I feel as he talks about it. Curiosity because I’m seriously considering taking this class, but hesitation because I’m not sure I can be around the instructor without embarrassing myself further.
“Are you interested in taking the class?” he asks, clearly able to read my body language and my facial expressions better than I’d like.
“Umm… maybe?”
“Is that a question?” he asks with a smile.
Oh, that sexy smile.
“No?”
He laughs.
Fuck, that sexy smile.
“Well, how about you join me tonight and give it a try? I won’t even charge you. If you don’t like it, no harm, no foul.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t do that. If I come tonight, I insist on paying,” I tell him, but my mind zeroes in on that one word.
Come.
There’s no denying the way his man-brain homes in on it as well. His eyes dilate dark and fierce, and his breath catches in his throat. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, and suddenly all I can think about is that dark dusting of stubble on his jaw and neck. I bet it would feel amazing rubbing against my—
“So what do you say, Hollis? Join me tonight? We can just ride together. Mom is coming over to watch Milo.”
Milo. Right. His son. The reason I need to stay away from my landlord and not imagine all the… stuff I was just imagining. He has priorities that don’t involve giving me a whisker burn on my thighs.
“Um, okay, that sounds good. What time should I be ready?”
“Class starts at seven, but I’d like to be here by six thirty. Be ready at six fifteen?” His arms cross over his broad chest, the shirt pulled tautly over his arms. Arms that were just wrapped around me a few minutes ago.
The words just don’t come, so I nod in agreement.
Colton flashes me a warm smile. “Great. Just knock on the door when you’re ready,” he says, taking the flyers and moving toward the hallway. “Oh, Hollis?” I glance over my shoulder to where he stands. “Can’t wait.”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. My brain officially stops working, just like it did in high school when the star basketball player stopped by my locker after school to chat. I turned into a stumbling, bumbling idiot then too, barely able to form sentences.
Cooper Miller didn’t have anything on the man standing behind me right now.
“Bye,” I mutter, throwing him a wave and practically hightailing it for the front door.
My heart hammers in my chest, and my palms are a little sweaty as I reach my car and lock myself inside. “Holy shit,” I whisper as I turn on the ignition and crank up the heat.
That man is doing a number on me. I can’t seem to think straight, let alone speak. All I can think about are his shoulders and his chest and his stubbly jaw. Not to mention those lips that are full and perfect for kissing.
No, Hollis. You will not think about kissing him!
Oh, but I do. I think about the lingering graze of his lips to mine and the caress of his hands on my neck. I picture the burn of that stubble and the taste of his tongue. I envision the way he deepens the kiss, taking me on a ride I’ll never forget, all-dominating and consuming.
My body hums. A warm tingle of anticipation spreads through my veins. I can’t even close my eyes without suddenly picturing his large body hovering over mine, those lips so close to mine. I can practically taste his skin.
But it’s just a daydream, Hollis. A fantasy. It’s not real.
Tell that to my soaked panties.
Chapter 7
Colton
I got home a little after five. Since I’m going back to the gym tonight, I left early to spend a little time with my son before returning to All Fit. I’m excited about tonight’s class for a multitude of reasons. The first being I feel as though I’m actually bringing something to the table for All Fit. I’m not just Chase’s older brother, who didn’t know what to do with his life after the Army. Even though that’s true.
When I found out about Milo, I knew reenlisting wasn’t an option and that my savings would hold us over for a while, but I needed to find a way to support myself and my son. To give him what he needs. When Chase suggested All Fit, I first thought of it as a handout. One I was willing to take in order to get out of the newlyweds’ hair and into my own place. However, with each passing day, it feels more like home. I know that going to a nine-to-five job, dressing up every day is not my thing. Not when I spent my days in Army greens in the desert. No, I need a job that allows me to blend in as I try to find my footing back on American soil.
Teaching self-defense classes is perfect. I get to use the training from the Army to help others protect themselves if the need ever arises. I served my country in the Army, and these classes, they give me the ability to serve my community as well. Not to mention, I’m getting paid to do it. I couldn’t imagine a better outcome.
And then there’s Hollis. My running into her today and inviting her to class was impulsive and out of my lane as far as being her landlord goes. However, as a man, a man who’s extremely attracted to her, it’s perfect. So much so I can’t stop thinking about her. If I’ve looked at the clock once, I’ve looked at it a thousand times. Milo has had his dinner and his bath, and now we’re playing. Well, he’s playing. He’s lying on the floor under the activity mat that my parents bought him. He loves this thing. It has a lot of toys that hang down and a little mirror so he can see himself. He’ll lie under it for hours, his little arms and legs just swinging away.
A knock on the door tells me it’s almost time. That has to be my parents here to watch Milo. “Come on, buddy. That’s Grandma.” I climb to my feet and lift him into my arms before going to answer the door. Sure enough, it’s my parents. “Hey, come on in.”
“Colt, this place looks great. It’s really coming along,” Mom says, examining the house while Dad takes Milo from my arms.
“Thanks. I think so too,” I admit.
“We were thinking the roads are supposed to get bad with this snow rolling in. How about we keep this little guy at our place for the night?” Dad offers.
“I don’t know.” There’s an ache in my chest. An actual physical ache at just the thought of being away from him for a night.
“Come on,” Mom says. “We raised you and your brother. He’ll be just fine.”
“But what if he needs me?”
“Colton,” my mom whispers. “I’m so proud of you. You’re such a good daddy, but even daddies need a break. You’ve been working on the house, working long hours at the gym. Chase said you�
�ve been working on planning your classes at home at night. We don’t want you to burn out.”
“He’s my son. I could never,” I say, my voice louder and obviously defensive. I know they mean well, but after the way his mother just left him, it’s important to me that he knows I’ll always be there.
“Son, I know what you’re thinking,” Dad says. “He knows you love him. It’s okay for you to take time for yourself. When you and Chase were little, Grandma and Grandpa did that for us too. We’re going to do it for you and for Chase and Gabby. Let us have this time with him.”
“That means I don’t see him until tomorrow sometime.” That’s seems like forever away from my son.
“And you’ll both live,” Mom says before leaning down to kiss Milo on the back of his hand.
Before I can answer, I hear her soft voice. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. Colton, just let me know when you’re ready,” Hollis says from behind me.
“Hollis, it’s nice to see you,” Mom tells her. “You’re not interrupting a thing. In fact, maybe you can help me. We’re trying to convince Colt to let us take Milo for the night so he can have a break.”
“I don’t need a break from my son,” I tell anyone who will listen.
“I’ve been trying to get you to let us keep him so you can go out and have some fun. That’s not working, so at least give us this. If your class runs over, you don’t have to worry about rushing home so we can get home. I promise if we need you, we’ll call you.”
“We won’t need you,” Dad chimes in.
“Help me out here, Hollis.” I turn to look at her.
She shrugs. “He’s their grandson, and it’s good for all parents to take a step back now and then. Ask anyone who has kids. Your time is important.”
“How do you know that?” I ask her.
“Women’s intuition,” Mom speaks up, answering for her.
Hollis steps up and places her hand on my forearm. “He’ll be okay, Colton. They love him as much as you do.” Her words are softly spoken, and they calm me instantly.
“You’re right.” I nod. “Let me go pack him a bag.”
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