Chapter 7 Austin #2
When he walked in, the place was practically empty.
He could see Rodrigo training someone in the distance.
The guy, who was like a stunning muscled god, waved at Austin.
He waved back. Rodrigo then focused back on his client.
There was nobody else around, which was perfect for Austin.
He did a quick two-thousand-metre row to warm his body up before he hit the weights.
He was going for a full-body workout today, which he preferred to do anyway.
The most he ever went to the gym was three times a week, so he had no interest in hitting different muscle groups depending on which day it was.
He’d hit chest, back, and legs, and was working on his shoulders with a dumbbell press when he heard a laugh that made him almost drop the weights.
Could it be? He lowered the weights and grabbed some water, making it look like he was having a rest between sets.
His eyes were focused on Rodrigo and his client, and it looked like they were wrapping things up.
They shook hands, and when Rodrigo pulled the guy into a hug, it was as he suspected – his client was Liam.
Austin knew he was just staring now, but he didn’t care.
Liam had been hiding a gorgeous body under his bakery apron, and he wanted a closer look.
Austin wasn’t sure if Liam would see him sitting here.
He could leave, but Austin wasn’t about to miss an opportunity to speak to Liam again and clear up whatever catastrophe he’d manifested in his head about Austin.
Rather than overthinking it, Austin picked up his stuff and headed towards them.
As he got closer, he saw Rodrigo had his hand on Liam’s bicep, and it looked like he was caressing it.
Austin flared with something, although he wasn’t sure what it was.
You didn’t mess around with your clients.
That was definitely the reason, and it had nothing to do with him wanting to be the one touching Liam’s bicep.
He wanted to spend hours exploring his body, and finding all the spots that brought him pleasure, before slowly taking him apart.
“Liam, how are you?”
He startled and then looked at Austin. He went bright red, which was cute and concerning at the same time.
Rodrigo’s hand was still on Liam’s bicep, so Austin glared.
He removed it with a smirk and a shake of his head.
The guy was naturally flirty with everyone, but Austin had made his feelings clear with one look.
Austin turned his attention back to Liam, who was staring at him. Well, it looked like he was focused on his arm. Did Liam have a problem with tattoos? Austin had a full arm sleeve, although that’s all he had on his body.
“You want to see?” he asked, moving his arm closer to Liam.
His eyes flashed with heat as he looked at the artwork.
For a second it looked like Liam might want to touch it, but he stuffed his hands in his pockets.
That was interesting. Austin would have to rethink his winter wardrobe.
If Liam had an ink kink, then Austin was more than happy to indulge him by having it on display more often.
Liam kept staring at Austin’s tattoos and was still bright red. He glanced at Rodrigo, who looked amused by the whole interaction.
“Can we talk, Liam?” asked Austin.
“Oh . . . I . . . I need to get home. My dad’s waiting for me.”
“I’ll only keep you for two minutes.”
“Okay then.” His shoulders slumped, like he was bracing himself for something bad.
“I’ll leave you to it,” said Rodrigo. “See you on Wednesday night, Liam,” he added with a wink.
Austin got that flare in his stomach again, but he’d deal with that later. Now he had Liam in front of him, he wasn’t sure what to say. This wasn’t him. He was always confident, but this guy had him tied up in knots.
“I missed seeing you this week.” Real subtle that was, Austin!
Liam blushed and looked at the floor. “Sorry, I’ve been busy.”
No, this wouldn’t do at all. Austin used his thumb and finger to lift Liam’s chin so he could see into his eyes.
“I know you heard something about me, and I’d like to know if that’s the reason you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve just been busy.”
Austin was done dancing around. He hated seeing the self-doubt in Liam’s eyes. He needed to make his intentions clear, even if it blew up in his face.
“Do you know how much restraint it’s taking for me not to kiss you right now?”
Liam’s eyes widened, and his breath hitched.
“I know the timing’s shit, but I want you to know something, Liam.
I’m not looking for one night with you. In fact, I want to woo you for a while before I take you to bed and give you the best night of your life.
You can tell me to fuck off, but I think you want this too.
I know you’ve got a lot going on right now, so how about we leave the ball in your court.
This is just me making my intentions very clear, Liam.
I can’t stop thinking about you, and I’d love to take you out for dinner. Can you give me your phone, please?”
Liam looked like he was shell-shocked, so Austin pulled his own phone out of his pocket and held it up.
That seemed to jerk him out of whatever was going on in his head.
Liam pulled his phone out, unlocked it, and passed it to Austin.
He punched his number in and saved it before texting himself.
There was no way he was walking away from here without Liam’s phone number. Austin passed the phone back to him.
“I look forward to your call,” said Austin, before leaning forward and kissing Liam on the cheek.
Austin heard him gasp, and when he looked into his eyes, they were watering. It made Austin want to pull Liam into his arms, but he’d put all his cards out there now. Liam had to make the next move.
He smiled at the beautiful man, getting one back. Then he did something he didn’t think would be so difficult – he walked away, out of the gym, without looking back. All he had to do now was hope Liam would call.