Page 68 of The Way We Collide

Her eyes move to the exit. She hasn’t looked at me since she attacked me in the pantry. On the drive here, she played the radio loud enough to prevent us from talking. Now she looks like she’s about to run.

“Hey, it’s okay, Pink.” I step forward, catching her chin. “I don’t mind if you attack me in the pantry.”

Her slim brows furrow over her pretty amber eyes. “I don’t know why I did that.”

“I should’ve warned you. I’m irresistible to women.” I give her a wink. “It’s my aura.”

A laugh bursts through her pursed lips, and she shakes herhead. “Still. I’m not trying to send you mixed signals. I think getting physically involved is a bad idea. For our plan.”

“I know.” I pat her shoulder. “It’ll be our little secret.”

“No secrets.” She shakes her head. “We’re not sleeping together.”

“Okay.” I nod, doing my best to be supportive.

“I’ll see you this afternoon.” She turns on that heel and strides to the door.

Stepping back, I watch her go, wondering how long that resolve will hold. After the last twenty-four hours, I’m not so sure.

Back in the weight room, Tyler holds the bar as I do my bench presses. Only 250 pounds are on the bar, but I’ll do twenty reps. It’s more about strengthening my passing arm than beefing up.

“How long is Raven staying at your house?” he asks.

Exhaling a loudtwenty, I hold the bar for him to place in the hooks.

“As long as she wants.” Sitting forward, I pull the weight glove off my hand, not really wanting to think about an end date for Raven or Haddy being with me.

“You tapping that?” He walks around, and I stand, letting him have the bench.

“No—not that it’s any of your business.”

“What?” His voice goes high. “Why not? She’s a fine-looking woman.”

“She’s the mother of my child.” A warning is in my tone.

“Right, so you already banged her once. What’s stopping you from doing it again?”

We trade places, walking around the weight bench, where he sits then lies back.

“We decided it wouldn’t be like that.” I lift the bar, placing it in his waiting palms and staying close while he does his reps. “She’s here so I can get to know my daughter.”

“So why aren’t you dating anybody?” His brow furrows as he does his last rep.

Because she’s my wife… It sure would be easier if people knew that fact.

Or would it?

“I heard Mikayla’s single again.” He hands me the bar, and I guide it between the hooks.

“No, thank you.” I can’t even imagine being with another woman—which is new.

“Give me one good reason.”

“Because I got off that crazy train.” He stands, and we walk to the leg press machine. “Anyway, it feels… disrespectful.”

“I give you one week.”

“Nope.” I sit on the chair while he loads up the weights.

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