Page 42 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
Kyler, all easy charm and athletic grace, climbed into the ring with a fluidity that spoke of years of experience.
“All right, Ro, let’s start with the basics,” Noah said as he slipped the padded mitts onto Kyler’s waiting hands. “These are called hook and jab pads. While Ky is wearing them, it is safe to box him, butonlywhen he is wearing them.”
I leaned against the ropes, watching Ro bounce on the balls of his feet, his small fists raised. Noah demonstrated each punch, his muscles flexing under his T-shirt. “Now, I want you to try,” Noah said. “Jab, jab, cross. Nice and easy.”
I tried to focus on Ro’s form, but my gaze kept sliding back to Noah. The way his biceps coiled and released with each movement was hypnotic.
“Keep your guard up, kiddo,” Noah reminded Ro, throwing a quick glance in my direction. Heat rose to my cheeks. I tore my gaze away, attempting to mask my reaction by studying the scuff marks on the mat.
“Like this?” Ro’s tentative tone pulled my attention, and I watched him mimic Noah’s combo, his gloves thudding against Kyler’s mitts.
“Exactly like that,” Noah praised, and the obvious pride in his chest made something warm unfurl in my chest. I smiled, despite myself.
Noah adjusted Ro’s stance, and again, those muscles shifted. It was ridiculous how much effort it took not to stare.
I shook my head to regain my focus. This was about Ro, not whatever ridiculous attraction I thought I had to Noah. But even as I chided myself, I had no choice but to acknowledge the truth. It would take a great deal of willpower to turn a blind eye to Noah Alexander.
“Zoey, if you drool any more, we’re going to need a mop,” Heather teased from beside me.
I shoved her arm playfully even as I blushed. “Shut up,” I said, unsuccessfully hiding the small laugh that slipped out. God, had laughing always felt this good? I couldn’t remember.
In the ring, Ro took to the basic combos like a fish to water. His tiny fists pummeled the mitts with surprising accuracy. The mom in me wanted to believe he excelled at everything he tried, but I didn’t know a thing about boxing. I glanced at Noah and Ky, and their impressed expressions told me I had it right. Ro had a talent for boxing.
Noah approached my sister and me after bumping gloves with a beaming Ro. “He’s a natural,” Noah said with a grin. “He picks things up quick and has great hand-eye coordination.”
“Really?” I wavered between surprise and delight, my guard momentarily slipping.
“Yeah, he’s impressive,” he said. His gaze lingered, assessing me. “Got some questions about him, though. You free for dinner?”
“Dinner?” I echoed, biting the inside of my cheek. “Can’t we just talk in your office?” I glanced at Heather for some kind of support.
Heather slapped her forehead softly. “Zoey,” she groaned, her exasperation filling the space between us.
Noah simply smiled, a subtle air of intrigue emanating from him. “It might take some time, and I have other clients this afternoon.”
“Maybe I can come back another time, then.”
“Nonsense,” Heather cut in. “I’ll watch Ro tonight. You go meet Noah for dinner.”
My gaze shifted between Heather and Noah, who now sported something that was almost a smirk. It tugged at the cautious walls I’d built around myself.
“Okay,” he said, those piercing eyes meeting mine. “I can pick you up, or we can meet there. Whatever makes you comfortable.”
“Meeting there works,” I managed. To my surprise, I didn’t feel cornered, although that was exactly what had happened.
“Great,” he said, scribbling down an address on a scrap of paper before handing it over. “Seven o’clock work for you?”
“Seven is fine,” I muttered, pocketing the paper like it was a grenade about to go off.
“I’ll see you later,” Noah said, then strolled back to the ring where Ro was waiting. He and Ro fist-bumped again. My heart did a little skip. Not from fear, but from something else entirely. Something I couldn’t quite place.
I watched Noah’s retreating back as he made his way to another client. The gym buzzed with the sounds of grunts and thuds, but they seemed distant, like background noise on a TV left on in another room.
I fingered the scrap of paper in my pocket as his words replayed in my mind.Seven o’clock work for you?My stomach dipped in a not-entirely unpleasant manner.
“Mom, did you see that?” Ro snapped me out of my trance, his face flushed with excitement. He reenacted a punch. “Pow, pow.”
“You were great, honey,” I said.
