Page 7 of Unraveling with You

Liam clenches his jaw. “He’s– He’s on a break.”

My heart flips. “Josh?”

“Oh fuck, no.” Remington leans on the desk, digging into his pocket. Whipping out his wallet, Remington throws his gym card onto the marble with a rattling clatter. “Cancel my membership then.”

I gasp.

But Remington turns to me, softening his voice. “How about I pay for your membership to Dynamo to replace this one?”

Shaking my head vigorously, I step closer. “N-no, Rem, I couldn’t have you pay for me–”

“Well, that asshole made it impossible for you to feel safe here anymore, so what does that leave you with? That you can never go to the gym again? That’s not fair to you at all, Lilibeth.”

I drop my chin, tempted to cry again. After sharing with Remington how badly I wanted to become physically stronger, the ache in his eyes tells me he knows how deeply this incident cut my heart.

But before I can speak, Liam huffs. “Fine, fine– I’ll refund you in cash. Just– Just don’t tell Josh I was the one who gave it to you.”

Handing me a wad of cash as he safely escorts me from the gym, Remington waits until we’re fully out the gym doors to turn to me, lifting his hand for a high-five. I have to jump to slap it, and Remington bursts into laughter with me.

“I can’t believe this shit! You just scored at least 20 gym visits with how ridiculously overpriced this place is.”

My jaw drops. “W-what?!”

Remington lets out a sharp, delighted laugh. “Yeah! If they didn’t have one stupid machine I can’t find at Dynamo, I’d never go here.”

My breath catches. If Remington hadn’t come for that one machine today, I’d have gone through Josh’s harassment all alone. Remington’s eyes widen as I clutch my hands to my chest, my eyes warping with emotion.

“Remington, I–” My voice breaks. “C-can I hug you?”

His features soften into a gentle, welcoming warmth. “Thanks for asking first. Come here.”

With his big arms outstretched, I can’t help but laugh despite the tears pricking my eyes; his vibrant energy makes me want to enjoy life.

Dashing into his chest, I squeeze him hard, my tote bumping his side. Remington tightens our embrace, wrapping his full arms around my shoulders.

“Thank you for today,” I whisper.

He softly chuckles. “Even though I’m getting you all sweaty?”

I laugh. “Y-yes. I– I had a good first day now, actually.”

It’s far past time to let go, but I linger. Well, no, maybe we both are? Am I imagining it, or is his heart beating faster against my cheek too? He’s so cozy - a firm plushness to his body that makes me want to snuggle in deeper for a peaceful nap.

The second Remington lightens his hold on me, I hurry back two steps. I haven’t hugged a stranger in a long time, but Remington’s gaze flips my heart when I look at him again - ten times stronger than the first time we met eyes. It’s probably time to leave, isn’t it?

But what if I don’t want to?

Remington’s eyes zip to the cash in my hand. I gasp, hurriedly shoving it into my bag, and Remington laughs.

“I, uh–” He licks his lips, and my stomach tenses. I hadn’t realized how full they were until he wet them. He rocks on his feet, and my gut twists even tighter. Is he nervous?

The more he speaks, the faster he talks. “I wasn’t kidding about the gym buddy thing. I’d be happy to be a real gym buddy with you. Or just help you settle in at Dynamo, if you’d like. But all of this is only if you’d like–”

“Yes,” I blurt out.

My lungs are tight, and I don’t know how to stand, where to look, or what else to say, but Remington’s half-up grin almost extends into a full smile.

“Alright. Same time next week?”

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