Page 109 of Tormented Billionaire Romance Series

Ryan shrugged. He patted the bar again and I repositioned my hands, strumming my fingers slightly to adjust my grip. Once I was satisfied with my hold, I pushed on the bar to raise it up.

I pumped a couple of rounds and then set it down again.

“Anyway,” I sighed as I relaxed against the bench. “I still don't know how this time will be much different. I'm afraid Clara will break up with me once I leave for work again.”

“Awe, man. You can't focus on that fear.”

“I know, but it's still a real fear.”

He nodded. “I get that. I think you two will figure out how to make it work. I mean, you love her, right?”

“I sure do.”

“Clara is a sensible woman and you're a practical guy. You're smart.”

I chuckled. “Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“She seems to want you, so I think it'll work out just fine.”

I smiled warmly and sighed. “Yeah, I hope so.”

“You done with the bar?”

“Nah, dude, I just got started.”

Ryan laughed. “Alright, let's go for round three.”

I positioned my hands on the bar and took a few cleansing breaths. When I was ready, I lifted the bar and pumped it a few times. I felt excited by my potential with Clara. Although things had originally appeared shaky, I was starting to feel hopeful.

And I get to see her today, I thought with enthusiasm.And I'll be brave about telling her about the domestic position. Maybe that will change her mind about things.

* * *

I bouncedup on my toes as Clara approached with a Styrofoam tray.

She held it up triumphantly. “I brought tacos for lunch.”

“My favorite.”

“Shall we sit down?”

I gestured to the blanket I had already set on the ground. “Beauty before age.”

She giggled. “Please, tell me you didn't hear that from Gabe.”

“Maybe not those words in that exact order.”

“Was he teasing you about being older?”

I shrugged and then sat down next to her. “He was just being a goober.”

“Well, that sounds about right for him.”

She opened the tray and revealed a row of freshly-made tacos. I could smell the spices and they incited my stomach to growl. My ears turned red as I reached for a taco. I hoped that she didn't hear my stomach rumble.

We ate in silence for a while. I hadn't realized I was so hungry until I had taken the first bite. But by the time the tacos were gone, I felt satisfied.

I grabbed a napkin and wiped my fingers. “So, I have news.”

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