Page 46 of Bodybuilders for the BBW

“And food.” He shrugged. “I sat down a small distance away and just… talked to him. About everything that’s been going on.” Those eyes seemed to stab straight into me now, seeing down into the depths of me. “I know he couldn’t understand any of it, but if he heard my voice, he might grow accustomed to it.” His smile was far gentler now. “Realise I wasn’t a threat.”

Who were we talking about now? I pulled away, but Bronson wasn’t having it, pressing into my legs.

“Drew got sick.” Rhys stood tall, reminding me of just how tall, how big, he was. “Him and Greg are always going to these weird places and eating seafood. If he doesn’t get gastro at least four times a year, I wonder if he’s even having fun. He said I had to come in right away and so I needed someone to look after Bronson.”

“You could’ve called me.” No, he couldn’t, I thought that as soon as the words came out. “I mean…” I swallowed hard. “I know the other night was weird.”

“Illuminating.” He made a show of considering his words. “Shocking.” Somehow I’d earned another crooked smile. “Tantalising, that’s how I saw it.”

“Right, so, whatever is going on with us, you should know that I will always put Bronson’s needs first.” I looked down and saw that the dog appeared to be hanging on my every word. The unconditional and complete love of dogs was a humbling thing that took my breath away. “You can always call me if you need help with him.”

“What about right now?” I looked up to see Rhys had edged closer. The lead had been picked up and he wrapped the loop around his wrist. “I’m just about to take him for a walk. It’s not exactly a treadmill, but…” He squinted at the sky. “Weather looks nice. We could head towards the beach and take him for a walk?”

I should’ve said no. That would be introducing a lot of new things to the dog, and yet when Bronson wagged his tail and then barked, as if to say, “Let’s go!” What else could I say but yes?

“OK, fine,” I grumbled, “but if Bronson gets scared?—”

Another couple of barks, as if the dog was assuring me that this could never happen.

“You’re in control.”

Rhys’ eyes twinkled as he handed over the leash.

Chapter24

Rhys

Thiswas meant to be. I could feel it in my bones, because why would Bronson be willing to come to the gym with me and why would Katie walk in the door at that moment? I fought the urge to grin as my girl took off down the road, our dog in tow. I scrambled to catch up, settling in to match her pace, assuming now we could really start to talk. Instead, she shot me a sidelong look, her eyes widening just a little.

Huh, the gods really were on my side. I’d pulled on an old tank top that was pretty threadbare and showed off the guns to good effect. I may or may not have flexed just a little. But instead of being impressed by my physique, she dragged her eyes sideways, focussing on the road ahead.

Interesting.

I forged ahead, getting out in front of them, and then started walking backwards to face her.

“So, are we going to talk on this walk, or is that too awkward?” More silence. Shit, I was dying out here. I leant down and peered into her eyes, trying to make eye contact. Bronson obliged me, giving me the best doggie smile ever. My boy was in his element and I knew why. He was happiest when he was around Katie, and I knew the feeling. “I mean…”

I had something smart to say, but of course, I had to go and collide with a metal sign one of the cafes had left out the front. It went down with a clatter, and the only reason why I didn’t go with it was because I flailed around like a drunken octopus. The cafe staff and some of the customers watched my display with some interest, so I put the sign to rights and then smiled at the server before walking more sedately beside Katie. A small snort caught my attention far more effectively than the stares of the patrons. When I looked sideways, Katie’s lips twitched up at the corner, her mouth fighting the smile, but it was a war it wouldn’t win. I grinned too, encouraging her to do the same and feeling a great big rush when she did. She shook her head, though, marching past the cafe and down the street.

“Oh, so that’s what it takes to get a reaction from you?” I asked. “Me nearly face planting on the footpath?” I angled my body towards her. “I will eat concrete if that’s what it takes to get you to go out with me on a real date.”

She stopped and stared, but rather than smile and say, “yes, please,” a small frown formed. My thumb itched, wanting to smooth it away. Bronson started to mill around her feet, obviously nervous now, but she said something to him quietly, getting him to sit by her feet.

“Why?”

“What?” I expected to deal with protests or rejection, but not this. I blinked and then shook my head.

“Why do you want to date me so much?”

Her arms crossed, the lead dangling from her wrist as her weight went to one hip, making clear what this was. The first hurdle. I needed to sail on over it, not come a guts at the initial obstacle.

“Why wouldn’t I…?” A small shake of her head made clear that she was not going to go along with that. OK, vulnerability time. I sucked in a breath, feeling the street, the noise of the cars, all fade away. It felt like I was sinking down into the core of me. “Because all my life I’ve dreamed of finding that girl, y’know? Not just someone funny or pretty, but the one that steals the breath from your lungs. The girl you feel that instant connection with and it only gets better over the years. Deepens, strengthens, becomes something so powerful nothing can withstand it.”

When I blinked, Katie was still standing there, which was promising. I was being way too heavy, way too fast, but hey, she asked.

“I thought I had that with my ex.” I shrugged. “It felt like that’s what we were moving towards, but now I know it wasn’t real. She was in it for multiple dicks, and I…” I rubbed my hand over my face, not really wanting to put my whole arse on display, but here goes. “I just wanted someone to love. Someone to belong to. Someone I can look after, protect and make feel safe, and maybe…” I swallowed hard. “Maybe she’ll do the same for me.”

“You…” She stopped herself, but whatever was going on in her head, it would not be denied. “You think that’s what’s happening here?”

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