Page 38 of Captured Love

Knox is deep in conversation with another guy, someone even taller and bulkier than him. It takes me a second to realize it’s Wilder, his teammate and roommate. They’re laughing about something, and I take the moment to observe Knox in his element. There’s an ease to him that I find intriguing, a confidence that’s not overbearing but quietly assured. He catches me looking, and for a split second, I consider bolting. Instead, I give a small, tentative wave.

Knox's face lights up with a smile that could melt the polar ice caps. He says something to Wilder, who glances over at me and gives me a goofy smile before he walks off toward the locker rooms. My heart does this weird little flip-flop in my chest as Knox starts making his way over.

“Selene,” he says, his voice cutting through all of the noise that surrounds us. “How's it going?”

I wipe my hands on my leggings, suddenly aware of how sweaty I am. “Good. Just finished a run.”

He looks at the treadmill and raises an eyebrow. “Excellent. Are you thinking about coming over to the free weights?”

Shit. How does he—Oh right, he probably saw me eyeing them earlier.

“I was,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just checking them out for now.”

He laughs, but not in a mean way. More like he's amused by my cautiousness. “They're not as scary as they look, you know.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Everyone starts somewhere,” he says, shrugging. “I can show you some basics if you want.”

I hesitate. It’s one thing to fumble through on my own; it’s another to have someone like him watching me. But having someone who knows what they're doing could make all thedifference. It’s a chance to learn without diving in completely blind. And if I say no, then what? Back to the treadmill for another mindless jog? Leave the gym all together?

“I don't want to interrupt your workout,” I say, testing the waters.

Knox waves a hand dismissively. “I just finished my sets. Besides, helping you out sounds more fun.”

Fun. I didn’t know he knew what that words was. “Okay,” I say, and it feels like I’m leaping off a cliff.

“Cool,” he says, and there's something warm in his eyes that makes me think he really does want to help.

We walk over to the free weights area together. The closer we get, the more my stomach tightens. People are grunting and sweating, their faces scrunched up as they hit their sets. It’s a far cry from the stretches and running I'm used to.

Knox picks up a light dumbbell and hands it to me. “Let's start with something easy. Ever done a bicep curl?”

I take the weight and shrug. “Once or twice.”

“Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart,” he says, demonstrating. “Keep your elbows close to your sides and slowly lift the weight up toward your shoulder.”

I mimic his motions and notice he winces slightly. “Everything okay with your shoulder?”

“Yeah, it’s much better. Thanks for asking…you have good form.”

I glance at him, half expecting sarcasm, but it seems as if he’s being genuine. The compliment makes me straighten up more, and I feel a tiny spark of pride. Maybe this won't be so bad.

We go through a few more exercises: shoulder presses, triceps extensions, and some variations of lunges with weights. During one of the lunges, Knox steps behind me, gently placing his hand on my lower back. “Keep your spine straight,” he says, his voice low but clear. The warmth of his hand lingers, and Ido my best to keep my balance without overthinking it. “Engage your core too,” he adds, moving to my side to demonstrate. “This will help you stay steady.”

I try to follow his instructions, adjusting my posture slightly. His presence is grounding, even as it leaves me hyperaware of every movement I make. “That's it,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “You're getting it.” Knox is patient, correcting my form with gentle suggestions rather than taking over. At one point, he steps closer, lightly placing his hand on my elbow to adjust the angle. “Here, just a little lower,” he says, his tone calm and steady.

I’m convinced the brief touches he’s giving me are about to set me off like a rocket. My brain is transported back to the way he touched my body, bringing me pleasure in ways I could never imagine. I refuse to think about what happened after that for fear of ruining this moment.

After finishing the set, I set the weights down and take a deep breath, feeling a mixture of accomplishment and exhaustion. “I’m starting to think you missed your calling as a personal trainer,” I say, half teasing.

Knox chuckles. “Maybe. But I don’t know if I’d have the patience for everyone.” He leans back against the nearby wall, his towel slung over his shoulder. “You did great today. Seriously.”

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. “Thanks,” I say softly, glancing down as I wipe my face with a towel. “I didn’t think I’d actually enjoy this.”

“Told you,” he says with that easy smile. “So, are you going to make it a regular thing?”

I think about it. The idea of coming here on my own still intimidates me, but now it feels a little more doable. “Maybe. We'll see.”

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