Page 28 of They Are Mine

I might want him to.

The whole drive home I should be thinking about Noah.

About the dinner I’m cooking. About how easy this is going to be.

But instead, I’m thinking about him.

The man from the gym.

I don’t even know his name yet.

But I know his body.

Powerful muscle. Arms that flexed with every rep, strong and brutal. Tattoos that shifted over sweat-drenched skin, mesmerizing.

Noah’s hands were gentle.

I bet his wouldn’t be.

I bet he wouldn’t hesitate.

And now, I need to know more.

At home, I drop my gym bag by the door, head straight to my desk, and open a fresh notebook.

I don’t label it yet.

I just write.

Tuesday. 4:50 PM.

Already at the gym when I arrived.

Looks like he’d been there a while.

Does he come every day? Same time? Need to check.

I tap my pen against the page.

I should stop here.

I have Noah. Noah is perfect. Sweet, romantic, and falling hard. I don’t need more.

But it’s not about need.

It’s about completion.

And I think I just found my missing piece.

But first, Noah.

I set the table with care.

Candles, soft lighting, a meal made just for him.

Noah’s the kind of man who appreciates effort. He likes sweet, romantic things. He’s not like most men.

And that’s why I need to secure him.

---