Right. Why didn’t I think of that? Because I’m too busy freaking out. “Yeah, if the door is even unlocked.” But it is, and Knox easily opens it.
“Hold on.” I take a few tentative steps inside. Knox flips on the light, and my head swings in one direction, then another. “I don’t get it. It’s all different.” There is new flooring, new walls. I can still smell the fresh paint and lumber.
Knox whistles. “It looks good, though.”
“It looks nothing like it did before. Lisa didn’t mention anything about renovating the place.” It’s not like we’ve talked every day or even once a week, though. Why would she think to call me and keep me in the loop? I was glad enough that she accepted my needing time away from work and didn’t want to press my luck by bothering her, so I’ve stayed under the radar. Now I wish I had been more involved somehow.
“Where did she get the money for this?” The rooms are incredible, with all new equipment—not so much as a patched mat or scuffed beam in sight. It practically gleams; it’s so new. The walls have been repainted, and the floors replaced in each of the rooms we pass. Even the offices look like they’ve been renovated.
“What do you think?”
I jump in surprise at the sound of Lisa’s voice. She’s standing behind us, smiling from ear to ear while I sputter in shock. “What is all this? I had no idea you were renovating.”
She waves her arms around. “Do you like it?”
“I love it! It’s absolutely gorgeous! Like, dream-come-true levels of gorgeous.” I can’t stop gushing over it. “I would’ve loved to train in a gym like this when I was competing.”
“What about owning a gym like this?”
My head snaps back. “Sure. That would be good, too.” Where did that come from? I look at Knox, wondering if he thinks this is as weird as I do, but his expression is unreadable.
“Because you do.” Lisa covers her mouth with her hands while tears sparkle in her eyes. “We both do. We’re partners.”
I think I need to sit down. All the air leaves my lungs in one big gust. “What?” I manage.
“She’s telling the truth.” Knox’s arm hooks around my waist, holding me up. “You’re half-owner now, along with Lisa. I put up the money for the renovations.”
Now I really need to sit. And maybe a drink would be good. “Are you serious?”
“You wanted to know why I’ve been ducking in and out so much lately? Now you know. Surprise.” He presses a kiss against my forehead while Lisa cries, still beaming.
It’s all too much to make sense of. I can’t get it to come together in my head. “You’re saying you did all this for me?” No wonder he’s been so secretive. No wonder he kept so much from me. Here I was, thinking he was up to the sort of stuff I didn’t want or need to hear about.
“Yeah. For you. And Lisa, too.” He pulls me closer. “But mostly you.”
“This is too much.” I can’t stop shaking my head. I can’t stop shaking in general.
“Nothing is too much for you. You deserve this. You have something of your own now.”
Lisa comes to me and gives me a hug. “What do you think, partner? You ready to help me run this place?”
Am I? This is the first time in so long anybody’s had faith in me. I’ve spent so long being told I’m worthless and stupid, lazy and useless. I always told myself I didn’t believe it, but maybe a tiny part of me did. After you hear something long enough, it’s bound to sink in.
But it’s my choice whether I want to believe it—and whether I want to move on with my life.
Which is why I nod with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. “Yes. I’m ready. I can’t wait to start.”
“Well, you won’t have to wait long. Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the changes before we officially re-open.” She links her arm with mine. “You’ll love it.”
I already do. What I love more is the man who’s now smiling at me, encouraging me to look around. Nobody would guess he’s capable of so much love and support. Nobody would imagine he’s so protective and gentle underneath that monstrous façade.
Only me. Because he’s mine—and lucky for me, I’m his. For always. Now, the future looks brighter than ever before.
* * *