Page 70 of Take Hold of Me

“Sorry we’re late, man. Traffic.”

“I’m certainly not going to miss that in Charleston. C’mon, let me introduce you to everyone.”

We spend the next half-hour meeting employees and members, although it is difficult telling the difference between the two sometimes. Complete is the definition of family.

We tour the various rooms containing the traditional treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and other weight training equipment. The special room containing the rock wall looks amazing. I wander away from Wills and David to run my hand over the resin rocks, testing how my fingers grab hold of them.

An unfamiliar male voice says, “Want to try? I’ll spot you.”

I jump. Turning, I say, “Sorry. I did not hear you approach.” I am now facing a very tall man with dirty blond hair and light brown eyes, which remind me of melted milk chocolate.

A smile blossoms across his very handsome face, giving his chiseled jaw a less harsh edge. “Zak Codey,” he bows. “At your service.” He kisses my hand.

I giggle at his obvious flirting. “Zak. I have heard so much about you.”

“You have?” He clears his throat and deepens his voice. “You have.”

Stifling another giggle, I respond, “Why, yes, my boyfriend talks about you all the time.”Boyfriend.

His eyebrows pull together, then he smiles broadly, his eyes dancing. Averyfamiliar male hand lands on my shoulder. “W. You’ve really been holding out on me, man.”

Wills snorts. Addressing me, he asks, “I take it you’ve met my Gal Friday?”

Zak punches Wills on the arm.

I raise my hand to my mouth to cover my reaction to the pair. “I have not introduced myself yet.” I turn to face Zak. “Enchanté. I am Emilie Dubois.” I kiss both of his cheeks, causing him to be the second man tonight to blush.

Addressing Wills, I say, “Zak graciously offered to spot me if I do some rock climbing tonight. Although, I am not in the right attire to do so.”

Wills shakes his head at his right-hand man. Without taking his eyes off of Zak, he says, “Nice try. If you want to climb, I’ll be your spotter.”

Zak’s lips twitch and his latte eyes sparkle. He mutters something under his breath, but I cannot make out the English. It must have been off-color because Wills hits him in the back of his head.

Retreating to a less dangerous topic, Zak asks, “Enjoying your tour?”

“Oui. The gym is very nice.”

Wills turns his head to mine. “I’m glad you like it here.”

Zak points to the doorway leading out of the rock climbing wall. “Have you checked out the specialty rooms yet? Complete really does live up to its name, with all the extras.”

“No, I have not seen them.”

As the three of us start to walk toward the room’s exit, David brings over a woman I have not met. “Wills, this is Laura, the business coach I was telling you about. Laura, this is Wills and his girlfriend Emilie. I believe you’ve met the newest addition to the Complete staff, Zak.”

Laura also is dressed inappropriately for a gym party, wearing a business suit. I guess that makes sense, given her profession. She starts to engage Wills about ideas she and David have been discussing. While I find her ideas intriguing, my attention strays to the smoothie bar.

Zak catches me in the act and whispers, “Can I interest you in a smoothie, since rock climbing is off limits?”

I glance at Wills, who is now in deep conversation with his brother-in-law and Laura. I squeeze his hand and his face twists to mine. I raise my chin toward the exit. Raising his index finger up to them, he leans to me. “Do you mind if Zak finishes up your tour? I haven’t really caught up with David and Laura, and I need to hash out a couple of things.”

Of course, I would prefer Wills to be my tour guide, but Zak seems nice and this is his night. I place my hand on his bicep and whisper back, “Take as long as you need.” I give him a kiss on his cheek and follow Zak out of the rock climbing room, directly to the smoothie bar.

A good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are ready to be blended on the spot. The bar itself has a unique granite countertop, which I run my finger over while Zak orders me a kale and carrot drink.

“So, you’re with W?”

Taking a sip of the refreshing smoothie—much better than the champagne offered at the art gallery—I puff up, remembering Wills introducing me as his girlfriend. “Yes. I am very lucky.”

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