Page 28 of Keeping Skylar
She drops the kettlebell on the ground and begins stretching. “That was never my intention, Kaden. I was only there to see you. I’ve missed you.”
I stroll over to the bench behind her and ease myself down, angling my body just enough to hide the now obvious erection in my shorts. “I know, baby. I’ve missed you too. More than you can imagine. I’m just glad we have tonight all to ourselves.”
As soon as she finishes stretching, she joins me on the bench, grabs her water bottle from the floor, and takes a long, thirst-quenching sip. Once she’s completely hydrated, she glances over at me with a small smile. “I knew there had to be a reason why you were avoiding me. And I had a feeling it had something to do with that night at the bar. You were right. We’ve been so reckless lately, not considering the consequences if we got caught. I understand now why you had to keep your distance. But next time, Kaden, please don’t shut me out, okay?”
My hands ache to reach for hers, but with the gym so crowded tonight, it’s too much of a risk. Instead, I offer a silent nod of agreement.
Lucia twists open the lid of her bottle and gazes at me. “I need a refill, and to use the ladies room. I’ll be right back.” She rises and strides briskly towards the filtered tap just outside the locker rooms. Meanwhile, I use this time to send Sky a quick message.
Me:Hi baby, how’s your night with the girls going?
Several minutes pass by before a ping from my phone alerts me of a new message.
Sky:It’s going great. Mila wants to get super drunk tonight, so I’ll most likely be on babysitting duties. It’s going to be a late evening for us. How’s training?
Me:Don’t forget to have fun too, baby. Training is going well. I’m doing my own thing, while Lucy works on her program. She’s picked it up fairly quickly, and her form is getting better.
I was upfront with Sky, telling her I’d be helping Lucia with her new training program tonight. She didn’t say much—just stared at me with what looked like a sceptical gaze. For a split second, I thought she could see right through my lie. But in the end, she simply nodded and wished me luck.
Sky:Okay, then. I should be back by midnight. So, I’ll see you then?
I’m about to type out a reply when an unfamiliar voice catches my attention. It’s a woman’s voice, and it’s directed at me.
“Are you still using this?”
I glance up to see a stunning blonde pointing at the kettlebell Lucia was using earlier. I tuck my phone away and smile at her. “No, go ahead,” I say, gesturing to the eight-kilo weight resting on the floor.
She offers a kind smile and picks up the kettlebell, then positions herself in front of the mirror. With legs slightly apart, she begins to do kettlebell raises with impressive form while shecarefully observes herself in the mirror. After completing two sets on each arm, she pauses just before starting the next set.
“You’re staring,” she points out, our eyes meeting in the mirror’s reflection.
I let out a soft chuckle and shake my head. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to. I was just admiring your technique. You execute that better than most people I know.”
She grins as she sets the kettlebell down, then spins around to face me. “I’m Gemma,” she says, extending her hand.
I take it without hesitation. “It’s nice to meet you, Gemma. I’m Kaden. Are you new here? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around.”
“Yeah, I am actually. I moved here from the Gold Coast two weeks ago and just joined the gym this week. It’s been quite an adjustment settling into a new city without knowing anyone,” she admits.
“I’m sure someone like you will have no trouble making new friends here.” A soft blush colours her cheeks as I offer her my signature grin. Just then, I feel the weight of someone’s eyes on me—heat crawling up the back of my neck like their gaze is searing into my skin.
When I turn around, I spot Lucia a few feet away, her expression blazing with fury.
She storms over and drops beside me on the bench, looping her arm possessively around my neck before pressing a hard, claiming kiss to my lips. “Sorry, baby. Took me a little longer than I thought—did I miss anything?” She looks over at Gemma, surveying her from head to toe.
“Lucy, this is Gemma. She’s new here in the city and just recently joined the gym.”
She throws her a fake smile—one that barely masks her jealousy. “So, Gemma? Are you done flirting with my man, or doyou need a little more time with him?” she snaps, her tone cold and bitter.
Gemma’s eyes widen, and her mouth falls open in shock.
“Lucia! First of all, we were only just talking, and secondly, you don’t need to be so rude!” I snap.
“Well, I don’t appreciate some bitch trying to make a move on my boyfriend the minute I leave him alone!” she barks.
Gemma shifts awkwardly on the spot, clearly caught off guard by Lucia’s outburst. Her cheeks are flushed, and unease radiates from her as she glances nervously between the two of us. “I wasn’t trying to make any move, other than to introduce myself. But I hear your message loud and clear. I’m sorry you got the wrong impression of me. I’m going to go. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Without missing a beat, she rushes away from us, her departure far more graceful than Lucia’s arrival.
Frustration boils inside me as I shake my head in disappointment. Without giving her a chance to speak, I rise and head towards the locker room, deliberately ignoring her as I pass by. I can sense her trailing behind me, silent but persistent.
