Page 83 of Lessons in Heartbreak

Chapter NineteenGriffin

“You know what’s interesting?”

Marcus’s head popped up over my shoulder while I did bicep curls. With gritted teeth, I stepped away from him. “That you have a sudden obsession with being around me all the time? I’d pick a different word besidesinteresting.”

He chuckled, taking a seat on the weight bench next to me while I finished my reps on that set. I set the bar down and rested my hands on my hips while my chest heaved on deep breaths. Across the room, Ruby stood with one of our head trainers. He was taking her through a weight routine that would be manageable for her with the equipment she had available, adjusting her form as she did some upper-arm reps.

They’d started with a review of what her existing routine was, and with our team physician listening in, they talked a bit about her history. Because I could tell she was a little embarrassed by all the attention, I’d excused myself to go through my offseason weight routine.

To my utter annoyance, Marcus was still sitting near me, his long legs stretched out in front of him and his arms crossed over his chest as he also watched Ruby.

“Interestingis the fact that you’ve confiscated our dear Steven’s Fuck Me car and had a romantic little road trip to the team facilities—whereyou’ve never worked out—and your friend is also here getting special treatment.”

There was no way I’d be lucky enough that a simple glare would get him off my fucking case, but I gave it a solid try. He did nothing except chuckle.

“She’s got some ... health issues,” I replied lamely. “I wanted to help.”

Marcus pursed his lips thoughtfully. “What kind?”

“Not my story to tell, dickwad. Go do your workout.”

“Don’t feel like it. Giving you shit is more exciting.”

I rolled my eyes and unloaded the plates off the bar, setting them back onto the correct rack. “I’m surprised you were able to pry yourself away from Lauren long enough to come into work.”

“Me too,” he said seriously. “But you know what’s even more interesting than the fact that she’s here, or you’re doing all these book-boyfriend things for her—”

“What?”

“Lauren told me about it. Anyway,” he continued gamely, “it’s the way that you’re looking across the room right now.”

My eyes snapped away from Ruby. “I’m not looking at her any certain way.”

Marcus hummed. “You have this feral light in your eye,” he said, easing his hand out in the air, like he was gesturing to an invisible board with all his notes on it. “Primitive, one might say. Or possessive.”

Yeah, well, it was easy to start feeling possessive after she’d worked me into a mindless orgasm in the middle of a parking lot with nothing but her hand and the eager look in her big gray eyes. All these feelings were like a thorn splintering my chest, and I didn’t quite know what to do about it.

“Henderson,” someone barked from across the room.

“Oh, baby,” my friend hooted. “I cannot wait to include you in this conversation. Davies, we need your opinion on something.”

I straightened, immediately recognizing one of the Denver team captains—Liam Davies. He was one of the few Brits playing in the league, and he was an absolute beast on the field. His off-field reputation was just as intimidating, as Liam was well known for having no filter, no people skills, and a protective streak for the guys on his team.

We’d only met once, but I wasn’t even sure he’d remember me.

Based on the glint in his eye, he did. One tattooed arm stretched out, and I clasped his hand in mine.

“Griffin, right?” he asked. At my nod, he sucked in a deep breath and gave me an appraising look from head to toe. “Welcome to Denver. We could use your help on the left side.”

“That’s what I hear,” I told him. Despite my best efforts, my gaze wandered back to Ruby. She laughed at something the trainer said, then adjusted her stance when he touched her gently—professionally—on the backs of her arms.

“That your girl?” Liam asked.

My head snapped in his direction. “No.”

“Yes,” Marcus said at the same time.

Liam’s already impressive glower deepened. “So sheisyour girl?”

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