Page 12 of Unmasking Secrets
I step over to the PR package cabinet to grab the latest from one of my favorite fitness companies,Buff Nerds. Their sports bras are some of the most supportive, and their leggings are actually squat-proof. I know it would help my mental health to work out. I can grab a few selfies in the outfit to share for the company with my code too.
It’s better than sitting around here—an anxious pile of goo.
I enter my garage converted into a pink and black gym. Stepping across the various shades of pink checkered foam mats and towards the stair stepper. My phone automatically syncs up to the system, and I play myWorkout K-Pop Mix. I warm up for fifteen minutes and then move to grab one of the squat bands and head to the wall of lit-up mirrors. I play with some settings on the camera app of my phone and take a few selfies before resuming my warm up.
I stretch and warm up longer than normal, but I can tell my body needs it. I’ve been so stiff lately. My body moves on autopilot after that. I move back and forth between the cable machine and squat rack. Kickbacks, squats, deadlifts, and everything in between. I’m determined to get into the best shape of my life. It’s a new chapter for me. To finish it, I lower the bar on the rack and adjust the plates.
I have a love-hate relationship with hip thrusts. It always feels awkward, but I love the workout it gives my ass. I’m thankful Idon’t have to do this in a public gym. Talk about awkward. I can only imagine how people do it there. They probably pray others don’t stare or make eye contact as they essentially hump the air in slow motion.
I adjust the cushion covering the middle of the bar then move to hold my thrusts a second longer. One and pause. Two and pause. Three and pause.
A slight noise has me glancing in the mirror in front of me instead of the ceiling. The door opens, and Archie walks toward the treadmill. I quickly divert my eyes and finish the last set. I move to put things back where I like them and wipe everything down.
My eyes wander as if they have a mind of their own. I practically have to wipe away the drool before shaking my head and moving back to the mat to cool down and stretch my muscles. The sooner I can get out of this room, the better.
With every second I’m in here, I feel more wired than before. I stretch forward. I know I should keep my eyes down, but I don’t. They continue to roam across the room. It’s the last time I glance up and find him staring back at me that causes a hitch in my breath.
I stand and walk over to him. We need to get past this awkwardness. We were friends once. I need to ignore these urges. And. Oh. My God. Why is he wearing whore pants? Those gray sweats are hidingnothing.
My eyes lift to his, and he smirks at me.
“I’ve got a last-minute trip coming up the day after tomorrow.” I rest my hands on my hips. “One company I work with wants meand a few other cosplayers to help promote a new movie. They know I have a plus one, so all travel is covered by them.”
“Okay.” His brows push together. “Just forward the details to my email and I’ll work on requesting more security.”
“No,” I blurt out. “No extra security. I don’t want to draw even more attention.”
He pauses the treadmill, steps off, and walks closer to me. “If we’re going to be around crowds and out and about, extra security is needed.”
“No,” I argue. “We’ll be in a hotel. A photoshoot area that already has security. Then, when it’s time for the premiere, there’s extra security already there.”
“Tab—” he starts.
“No, Archie.” I interrupt. “I don’t want to cause a scene. I don’t want to bring more attention to the situation. That’s exactly what he would want.”
“Hey,” he says softly and grips my chin softly.
I hadn’t even realized my head had dropped.
“What do you want?” He peers down at me as he lifts my chin.
“I want things to be normal.”
His eyes glance down and then back up to my eyes. “But your ex.” He grinds his teeth.
“Will be several states away. It’s already been announced that I’ll be somewhere else during that time. The agency suggested it. With everything going on, my arrival will be a surprise.”
“A decoy?”
“Yeah.’ I nod and slowly pull back. “Okay, have a nice workout.” I turn to leave.
“Be prepared for me to be glued to your side, Tabitha.”
I pause and look over my shoulder.
“I mean it. I don’t want you out of my sight for a second.” His brows push together as if he wants to say more.
I nod again. “Okay.”
