Page 7 of Seizing Mack
Her eyes flashed for just a moment—interest, maybe?—before she continued. “We have a small onsite canteen, too, stocked with healthy, organic snacks and smoothies if you need to refuel.”
“So... if I want a burger and fries...?” he teased.
The corner of her mouth twitched. “You’ll have to hit Lou’s. But that’s okay. We get a lot of new members that way.”
She turned away and leaned over the desk, offering him an unobstructed view of her toned, nicely curved ass. Nick caught himself staring, then shoved his hands into his pockets and focused his attention on the leafy green plant/tree in the corner. What was wrong with him? First, he’s sharing personal info, then he’s ogling her like they’re in high school or something. It was a little unsettling. And kind of arousing. How long had it been since he’d had such an instant,positivereaction to anyone?
Slow your roll, Benning, he told himself.Just because you’ve decided to wander beyond your own self-imposed fence doesn’t mean you have to go pissing on every bush you see.
“Here’s a temporary key card and a brochure that explains everything. We’ve got an app you can download, too,” she said, straightening and turning back around to face him. She was looking at him expectantly, and he realized she was holding something out to him. Nick took it, his fingers brushing hers lightly in the process. She didn’t seem to notice, using her free hand to summon someone behind him. He frowned, irrationally annoyed with whoever was taking her attention away from him.
“The key card is good for the two-week trial,” she continued. “If you decide to join, we’ll issue you a permanent photo id and take your money.” She flashed him a grin that sent tiny sparks firing simultaneously in his chest and his groin.
“This is Carl,” she said, nodding to someone behind him. The new arrival entered the office and positioned himself next to Mack. Carl turned out to be a lean, muscular guy sporting a polo with the gym’s logo. In an instant, the strange fog clouding his rational thought processes cleared and Nick felt more like himself again.
“Carl, this is Detective Benning. Carl is in charge of our wellness programs. He can give you the grand tour and answer all of your questions. Sorry I can’t do it myself, but we’re a little shorthanded today.”
Strangely disappointed that Mack wouldn’t be giving him the tour, he shook Carl’s hand. As he did, Mack stiffened, her expression going from friendly and welcoming to instantly guarded as she once again looked past him. Nick turned to find out why and found a tall, svelte blonde ogling his backside appreciatively.
“Hello,” the blonde purred.
“Hello,” he said, his smile faded as quickly as Mack’s had.
“Delilah.” The low female growl came from Mack holding no trace of the warmth it had only seconds earlier. “Thought you weren’t getting in until later tonight.”
“I got an earlier flight,” the leggy blonde said, shifting her weight skillfully to accentuate her sleek form without bothering to glance over in Mack’s direction.
“Fucking awesome,” he heard Mack mutter, pulling him back from the dark thoughts that had started rolling in. He suppressed the smile that tried to take hold.
“Carl was just about to show Nick around. You can wait in my office.” Mack told her.
“Oh? Mind if I tag along?” Dee asked, fluttering her eyes. She didn’t give Nick a chance to answer before she slipped her hand around his bicep and made an appreciative noise.
Nick gently but firmly removed her hand. Chancing a glance at Mack, he saw her with hands on hips, body tense, and little flames in those pretty gray-green eyes. Clearly, she wasn’t any more pleased with the situation than he was.
Mack’s gaze met his, and something passed between them. He knew in that moment that she understood. “Imind,” she said firmly. “Carl, give Detective Benning the grand tour. Dee, you and I have a few things to discuss.”
“Follow me.” As Carl led him away, Nick chanced a quick, appreciative glance over his shoulder. Mack offered a quick nod of acknowledgement. Something told him he was really going to like it here.
