Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(10)

“Hey, Summer,” he says, his eyes roaming over my black tights and tank top. They leave nothing to the imagination, even though most of my skin is covered, you can still see the shape of my figure. I suddenly feel a little self-conscious, so I walk in the direction Xander went. I can feel two matching sets of eyes on me as I walk away. Xander is on the phone, having a hushed conversation with someone, as I get on the treadmill and set it to a slow pace.

A very slow pace.

I used to dance in school, and that's the only form of exercise I’m really used to.

“Summer, I gotta go,” Xander says, looking distracted.

“What? Why?”

“Jack rang, he needs me for something. I’ll tell the twins to keep an eye on you,” he says, kissing me on the forehead before leaving. He says something to Reid and Ryan, and to my dismay, Ryan leaves with him. They leave in a rush. I hope everything is alright. Reid walks over, looking put out that he has to babysit me.

The feeling is mutual.

“They had to go, so I’ll take you home when you’re done,” he says, getting on the treadmill next to mine. Great, now I have to run right next to him. I layered on two sport bras hoping they would contain my breasts. Reid is about to have a first row seat to my DDs jiggling and bouncing as I jog. We exercise in silence for a few minutes, until I hear a soft groan escape Reid’s mouth. I turn to look at him only to catch his eyes on my boobs.

“Enjoying yourself?” I ask sweetly, laughing when he looks up sheepishly.

“You have nice tits,” he says, shrugging.

“How romantic,” I say dryly, crossing my arms over my chest.

“What? You were blessed in that department.”

“Thanks… I think,” I say, a flush working up my neck.

After twenty minutes I’ve had enough, and Reid sighs.

“Twenty minutes? That’s how much stamina you have?”

“Depends on what I’m doing,” I say with a grin.

Reid shakes his head, like he doesn’t know what to do with me. I have a few ideas in mind I could share, if he’s interested.

“Come on, I’ll teach you a few moves.” He gestures to the ring. I’m shocked when he grips me by the hips from behind, helping me up. Just a simple touch from him makes me shiver. I look down, not wanting him to see how he affects me. If he can make me feel like that with just one touch… Fuck.

He shows me a few different self-defence moves, and how to throw a punch. My heart races, and not just from the physical exertion.

“With all of us around you’re gonna be safe, but I guess it’s good to know, right?” Reid says after he takes a sip from his water bottle. I stupidly didn’t think to bring one, so he offers me his.

“Thanks.” I take the bottle from him, our hands touching briefly in the exchange. I lift the bottle to my lips and drink, our eyes still connected. I hand him back the bottle and sit down on the mat.

“How old are you?” I ask him.

“Twenty-three.”

I nod, he looks about that age. “Who’s older?” I ask him.

“I am,” he says, then drinks more water. I thought he would be older, even if it’s just by minutes. Something about the way he can be so serious, whereas Ryan is carefree and easygoing.

“Thanks for staying with me, and for not being a dick,” I say honestly, my eyes riveted on the smile that curves his lips.

“I have my moments.”

I can't help smirking. “I’m glad.”

“You liking it here?” he asks.

“I am.”

“Anyone asked you out yet?”

“Nope.”

“Probably don’t know what to do with such beauty,” he says softly.

I open my mouth, and then snap it shut. “What?” I whisper.

He shakes his head, as if clearing it. “You have to know how stunning you are.”

I know I’m not completely unfortunate looking. I’ve been called pretty, and been noticed by men before. But no one has ever complimented me with such passion and intensity.

“You confuse me,” I reply, averting my gaze.

He laughs humourlessly, sitting down next to me. “I can’t even explain it. There’s something about you.”

We watch each other in silence for a few moments.

Reid clears his throat. “I should get you home.”

“Okay,” I say. But we don’t move.

“Summer…” he trails off, staring at my lips. I move a little closer to him, and he moves the rest of the way so there is no space left between us.

“Are you going to kiss me?” I whisper, arrested in his blue gaze.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he whispers back, his eyes dropping to my mouth.

“Good ideas are overrated,” I say breathily. I lick my lips, and his breath hitches.

He emits a low curse before capturing my lips with his, his hands in my hair. He licks at my mouth until I open for him, and then groans as he tastes me. When he starts to suck on my bottom lip, I shudder with pleasure. His hands move to my hips, but instead of pulling me closer, he pushes me away. He stands, turning his back to me and locking his fingers behind his neck. When he faces me again, his expression is once again shuttered. I puff out a sigh, and stand up, getting off the mat and walking towards the exit, picking up my jacket and phone on the way. I know exactly what he's going to say and I don’t want to hear it.