Chapter 5
Scarlett
I’m writing notes from today’s clients after yoga class when the door opens and a clean scent filters through the room.
My head turns towards the interruption. Mr. Red walks in, freshly showered, in a fitted, navy polo and jeans.
I try not to show how attracted I am by keeping my face still and unmoved instead of surprised.
His hair is styled like he brushed through it with his hands and he walks in with a confident stride. He stands in front of me, legs wide with his chest protruding—pure masculine energy.
“Something I can help you with?” I ask, trying to remember I hate this guy.
He grins, turning one side of his mouth up. I respond by biting my bottom lip. I can’t think about what the smile is doing to my insides.
“Yes,” his voice vibrates through me. “I’m Matthew Reding. I’m joining the gym and wanted to introduce myself. Seems we bump into each other a lot.” He holds out his large hand, revealing his muscular, toned arm.
I stare at his hand like it’s a raptor and choose not to reach out. He needs to realize being a dick will get you nowhere with me. I look up at his face and cross my arms over my chest.
“Yeah, I deserve that,” he mumbles, his face falling into a frown as he drops his hand. He looks away and down at the ground.
“I think what you mean is you keep trying to bump into me.” I raise an eyebrow.
He looks back up at me. “You sure? I saw you at the bookstore. You weren’t spying on me, were you?”
My eyes open wide and my face heats. I can’t control my jaw dropping. I know I yelled at them, but I thought I had gotten away in a discreet manner.
Who is this guy—a detective?
A few moments pass by before my brain remembers to close my gaping mouth. I inhale a deep breath and straighten my shoulders. “It’s a tiny town. I can walk into any store, just like I’m allowed to hike on any trail.”
“Right. Do you yell in bookstores often?”
“Only at people who are mean.”
He clears his throat and adjusts his watch. “What happened this morning was a bit out of character. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Is that an apology?” I squint my eyes.
“I’m just trying to catch your name to let the manager know about what a great class you taught.”
“I don’t need you to tell them, they already know. You wouldn’t be an accurate source, anyway. You left early.” I swish my hand at the door.
“Awe, you noticed. Did you miss me?” He smirks.
“Wow.” I roll my eyes. “That’s my cue to leave. Don’t bump into me again.” I start walking away.
“Are you always so difficult?”
“Are you always so conceited?” I say over my shoulder. Then I walk out with my chin held high, not giving him a second glance.
~
I take my time in the locker room because if I run into Matthew Reding again, I’m going to lose my shit.
As I’m about to leave, I run into Jason.
He’s in gray shorts and a polo with the gym’s logo on the side of his chest. The muscles of his arms look like they’re about to bust open his shirtsleeves.
Jason is usually grounded and has always been there for me. He’s easy to talk to with a sweet and understanding side.
“Hey, you. What are you doing tonight?” I ask, brushing my hand on his shoulder. A navy shirt walking towards the exit catches from the corner of my eye.
“I have a hot date. At least I hope he’s hot. Someone from a new app, Let’s Play . I’m trying to play tonight!” He wiggles his eyebrows, oblivious to my hard gaze on Matthew Reding departing...finally.
“Lucky him. The girls and I are going to our favorite spot; if it doesn’t work out, meet up with us!”
“Girl, don’t jinx me! Hopefully I won’t be seeing your hot asses tonight!” He gives me a playful slap on the behind.
“Okay, okay. Have fun. Be safe!” I tell him and start walking to the door.
“Wait, Scarlett!” he yells, making me turn back around. “Guess what?” he asks in an excited tone.
“What?”
“I just booked you with a new client!”
I freeze. My shoulders stiffen. My heart beats in my ears. “Don’t tell me it was a man named Matthew Reding.”
“He requested you specifically.” Jason taps his pen on the desk with a grin the devil would love.
I have no grounds to say I don’t want to work with him. I can refuse after we’ve worked together twice, or he says something so inappropriate it would end his contract. Somehow, I think he’s smarter than that.
Fuck me.
“When is his first appointment?” I rasp, my throat is so dry you’d think I just went hiking in the desert.
“Tomorrow at ten-thirty in the morning. It’s a little bit earlier than normal because of the extra time for the intake forms and measurements.
He agreed to book with you every day you’re here for a month!
It’s been a while since you had a new client.
Plus, it’s a new client who looks like a perfect, chiseled statue. ”
Jason does a little bit of everything at the gym: front desk, scheduling, and sometimes he stands in for a trainer. Other days he helps in sales. He’s amazing. Right now he’s too amazing. I’m fighting the urge to be mad at him for doing his job.
“Did you tell him my name?”
“Of course.”
My stomach drops.
“Thought it was funny he requested you, but didn’t know who you were. Besides, I need to tell the client who they’re going to be working with.” He gives me a side hug. “This is good news. It’s the part where you say, ‘Jason, you’re the best!’”
“Right.” I fake a laugh. Not quite sure why I didn’t want Mr. Red to know my name, but it felt like I had some leverage. “Thanks for getting me booked. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow! I’m hoping we’ll both have a lot of fun tonight!” His eyebrows dance as he waves goodnight.
My shoulders deflate as I walk out to my car. I’ll have to dissect this new information with the girls tonight. We’ll have to try to figure out a way to get me out of this over drinks. Lots of drinks.