Page 6 of Mr. Red

He’s leaving?

Good riddance.

Chapter 5

Scarlett

I’m writing notes from today’s clients after yoga class when the door opens and a clean scent filters through the room. My head turns towards the interruption. Mr. Red walks in, freshly showered, in a fitted, navy polo and jeans. I try not to show how attracted I am by keeping my face still and unmoved instead of surprised.

His hair is styled like he brushed through it with his hands and he walks in with a confident stride. He stands in front of me, legs wide with his chest protruding—pure masculine energy.

“Something I can help you with?” I ask, trying to remember I hate this guy.

He grins, turning one side of his mouth up. I respond by biting my bottom lip. I can’t think about what the smile is doing to my insides.

“Yes,” his voice vibrates through me. “I’m Matthew Reding. I’m joining the gym and wanted to introduce myself. Seems we bump into each other a lot.” He holds out his large hand, revealing his muscular, toned arm.

I stare at his hand like it’s a raptor and choose not to reach out. He needs to realize being a dick will get you nowhere with me. I look up at his face and cross my arms over my chest.

“Yeah, I deserve that,” he mumbles, his face fallinginto a frown as he drops his hand. He looks away and down at the ground.

“I think what you mean isyoukeep trying to bump into me.” I raise an eyebrow.

He looks back up at me. “You sure? I saw you at the bookstore. You weren’t spying on me, were you?”

My eyes open wide and my face heats. I can’t control my jaw dropping. I know I yelled at them, but I thought I had gotten away in a discreet manner.

Who is this guy—a detective?

A few moments pass by before my brain remembers to close my gaping mouth. I inhale a deep breath and straighten my shoulders. “It’s a tiny town. I can walk intoanystore, just like I’m allowed to hike onanytrail.”

“Right. Do you yell in bookstores often?”

“Only at people who are mean.”

He clears his throat and adjusts his watch. “What happened this morning was a bit out of character. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Is that an apology?” I squint my eyes.

“I’m just trying to catch your name to let the manager know about what a great class you taught.”

“I don’t need you to tell them, they already know. You wouldn’t be an accurate source, anyway. You left early.” I swish my hand at the door.

“Awe, you noticed. Did you miss me?” He smirks.

“Wow.” I roll my eyes. “That’s my cue to leave. Don’t bump into me again.” I start walking away.

“Are you always so difficult?”

“Are you always so conceited?” I say over my shoulder. Then I walk out with my chin held high, not giving him a second glance.

~

I take my time in the locker room because if I run into Matthew Reding again, I’m going to lose my shit. As I’m about to leave, I run into Jason. He’s in gray shorts and a polo with the gym’s logo on the side of his chest. The muscles of his arms look like they’re about to bust open his shirtsleeves.

Jason is usually grounded and has always been there for me. He’s easy to talk to with a sweet and understanding side.

“Hey, you. What are you doing tonight?” I ask, brushing my hand on his shoulder. A navy shirt walking towards the exit catches from the corner of my eye.

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