Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1)(8)
After I finished up my two mile run on the treadmill, I moved over to one of the stair climbers and stared helplessly at the buttons. There were so many options I had no idea which one to press. Since Bree was still on the treadmill, I figured if I pressed some of the buttons, one of them would make the machine work.
Before I could start pressing random buttons, a gloved hand reached over my shoulder and pushed one for me. Immediately, I stiffened. Seeing the glove and the tattoos circling up his arm could only mean one thing.
I took in a nervous breath. Hopefully, he won’t know who I am. The heat from his body radiated across my skin, and instead of moving away from the flame, like I knew I should, I shivered with the sheer closeness, especially when his voice came out right above my ear.
“Not that you needed any help, or anything,” he explained cautiously, “but I figured level three would be perfect for someone with your muscular tone. It’s a tough routine, but I’m curious to see how you match up against Bree over there. She claims to be the best.”
When I turned around, I just barely held in my gasp. It was Tyler. He was standing on the machine next to mine, leaning across the hand rail, smiling at me. Before I could say anything, he winked and hopped off, making his way toward the back of the gym and through another door. If he recognized me at all, he sure didn’t give any indication that he had.
As soon as Bree got done with her treadmill run, she rushed over to me with a mischievous grin on her face. I had already started on my routine, so I was trying to concentrate on my breathing when she gasped.
“Oh my goodness, what did Tyler say to you? Isn’t he just the hottest thing you’ve ever seen? Like sex on a stick.”
Sure, he was a good looking guy, but I refused to think about him anymore. Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “Not really, Bree. All he did was show me which button to push. I’m sure a guy like him tries to help all of the girls that come in here.”
“Actually, he doesn’t. When I first started coming here, I tried to play dumb so he would come and help me, but he never did. Cole ended up being the one to show me what to do. You’re the only one I’ve ever seen Tyler approach.”
“Please, you’re not here every hour of the day,” I pointed out. “I’m sure he helps out his fair share of women. Anyway, you’re reading more into this than you should. I’m here to work out, not meet guys.” Especially the fighters.
Bree snorted. “I think what you need is some fun in your life, sweetheart. Even though you have a million responsibilities weighing you down, you still need to take care of yourself in the process. You haven’t gone on a single date since I’ve known you. My company alone can’t be giving you what you need.”
It was true, there was something missing. I just didn’t have time to meet anyone and go on dates. At least, not while I had so many distractions. After I finished the thirty minute stair climbing program, Bree only had a few more minutes left on hers, so I decided to get us both a bottle of water while I waited.
Ignoring the catcalls coming from some of the guys as I walked past, I disappeared around the corner to the drink machines. I’m so ready to leave this place. Getting our water, I turned around and jumped in surprise. Tyler was leaning against the wall, arms crossed at the chest, and a huge smirk stretched across his perfect face. I didn’t hear him come up behind me.
“I see you survived level three. I knew you could,” he announced.
I flashed a fake grin and quickly let it disappear. “Yeah, level three wasn’t that difficult,” I gloated. “Thank you for helping me, though. I’m sure next time I’ll know what to press.”
I tipped my head and strolled past him, ready to get out of the vacant corner. Much to my dismay, he followed alongside as I made my way back to where I’d left Bree. When I rounded the corner, I found her happily talking to a guy by the stair climbers. I assumed it was Cole, judging by the dark hair and blue eyes Bree loved so much. He had his shirt off, wearing a pair of navy workout shorts, flexing his muscles as he talked to her.
“This must be your first time here,” Tyler guessed. “I’ve never seen you before. I know there’s no way I could miss seeing that beautiful face of yours.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please tell me that’s not your pickup line. Because let me tell you, it’s not going to work. Yes, this is my first time here, but it’s probably my last, too.” I didn’t want to sound offensive or rude, but I knew it came out that way by the look in his eyes.
Tyler lightly grabbed my elbow and halted me before I could move any further. “Why is that?” he asked, genuine interest appeared in his stormy gray gaze. “If it’s what I said, I swear I wasn’t saying it to hit on you. You honestly and truly do have a beautiful face. I’ve been known to come up with some pretty ridiculous pickup lines, but I can assure you that wasn’t one of them. Besides, when did it become bad to tell the truth?” He stuck out his hand. “My name’s Tyler, by the way.”
Shifting both bottles of water to my left hand, I closed my eyes and sighed, extending my hand to his. “Okay, fine, I was quick to jump to assumptions. My name’s Kacey,” I admitted, “and I guess it’s a good thing you weren’t trying to use your pickup lines on me.”
Curious, Tyler lifted his brows and smiled. “Oh yeah, and why is that?”