Page 75 of Gigi and the Gym Rats

“I got to go,” she says. “Take care.”

The line clicks.

I close my eyes.

Then the door opens, almost spilling me to the floor, if not for a pair of strong arms catching me.

“Gigi?” Casey looks down at me, concern on his handsome face. “I thought I heard a scratching on the door.”

I’m torn between laughing and crying. In the end, I do neither. I get my feet under me and pull away. “It was me. I like scratching on doors. It’s soothing.”

He gives me a skeptical look. His hand lingers on my hip. “You sure you’re okay? You look a little shaken.”

“I’m fine.” I paste on a smile.

“Want a tea?”

“Make it a coffee and I’m your woman.”

“I thought you were into healthy living yet here you are, having coffee morning and afternoon,” he says and releases my hip.

“Hey, don’t knock my coffee. It’s good for the circulation, I’ll have you know.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” he says and leads me inside.

* * *

“Coffee isn’t fresh,” he says. “Sophie or Ronin must have made it in the morning.”

“You’re not a coffee person, huh?”

“Used to be.” He shakes his head as he pulls a mug out of the cupboard. “My stomach won’t take it anymore. Probably the stress.”

“Did you talk to Sophie again?”

“No, but Ronin…” His head bows. “Well, let’s just say things aren’t very relaxed.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault.”

“Is the ear stud new?” I sit at the table as he pours me coffee. “I don’t remember it.”

He gives me a faint smile. “I took it out when I introduced myself to you. I don’t know why, felt I might look more serious without it. I’ve always worn it. My aunt gave it to me when I presented as omega.”

“I like it.”

He puts the mug in front of me, leans back against the counter. His gaze has gone… distant. As if his mind is a thousand miles away.

“You okay?” I take a sip of coffee and find it lukewarm. I sip some more anyway, watching him over the rim of the mug.

He blinks. Rubs his face. “Yeah. Took some extra work. Stayed up most of the night to finish a website.”

“Sucks,” I whisper. “Don’t overwork yourself.”

He nods. “I just need to make enough to stay here, you know? I can’t go back.”

“Why not?” I ask softly, remembering his mention of his family, remembering too late he said he doesn’t want to talk about it.

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