Beth huffed. “You need a license for that, and unless you are good at handling a weapon, someone could take it away from you and shoot you.”
Beth was not helping. “Fine. Mace, or possibly a taser, might be better.”
Her friend smiled. “I agree. Tomorrow’s Saturday. Let me know when you need my help packing Trent’s things.”
“I’m not sure about my plans yet, but I’ll call if I go over to his place.”
They both slipped into their cars. Beth drove south toward her home, while Ariel headed north on Harm’s Way—the road that ran behind the vet’s office. She only had to go two blocks to reach the Hard Body Gym. She probably should have walked, but she didn’t like the idea of returning in the dark. It would be colder at that time, and she didn’t have her warm jacket with her.
Ariel didn’t want to believe Beth’s comment about possibly being in danger in Wildwood, Montana. Though Sam might have thought the same thing. That whole concept unsettled Ariel, but it wasn’t going to stop her from asking questions.
The gym parking lot was mostly empty, meaning Preston might be free to speak with her.
Don’t be nervous. If he had anything to do with Sam’s death, he won’t harm me with others around—assuming others were around.
With that little pep talk concluded, Ariel went inside. Wow. It sure was bright in there. That might partially be due to the mirrored walls. The design element also served to make the place seem larger than it actually was.
The equipment was highly polished, and the space was jam packed with treadmills, elliptical machines, and weights. Except for marked pathways made out of colored tiles, the floor’s surface was black rubber. And whoever had chosen the music had good taste.
Only three people were still working out.
“May I help you?” asked the very pretty woman behind the desk. Her makeup was flawless and her outfit flattering.
Ariel looked down at her beige scrubs that consisted of a loose pullover top and rather baggy pants. She inwardly groaned. Could she look any more unattractive? Ariel never wore makeup to work since the animals didn’t care, though it shouldn’t matter how she was dressed. She was here to find answers, not ask Preston out on a date.
“I would like to speak with Preston Daniels.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
It never occurred to her that she’d need one. A grunt came from one of the flat benches. A man was lifting an enormous amount of weight.
Hold on. That was Preston. As much as she didn’t want to disturb someone in the middle of a workout, she couldn’t afford to delay any longer.
Preston placed the bar on the rack, sat up, and looked right at her as if he could sense her presence. Ariel averted her gaze at his uncomfortable scrutiny. The last thing she wanted was for him to catch her staring, but damn, what a body. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have those huge arms wrapped around her.
Stop it.She was here for information only. Ariel turned to the woman at the front desk. “Perhaps I should make an appointment.”
“Are you wanting Preston to train you?”
“No. I have a few questions for him.”
Before the woman could respond, the very tall, glistening Adonis strode toward her. “Ms. Williamson, is it?”
He knew her name? That kind of creeped her out, though it was possible he’d sat through the trial, and his roommate had pointed her out. That made more sense. “Yes, I’m Ariel.”
“Can I help you with something?” He shifted his weight as if he was the uncomfortable one. Why? Did he have something to hide?
As if her eyes had a will of their own, she lowered her gaze to his crotch—but only for a moment.Holy shit. A bulge was evident. Most likely all the exertion on the weight bench had caused it. She didn’t want to consider any other explanation.
Ariel needed to answer him, but she was having a hard time breathing around this man. His muscles were bulging, and he was sending out a highly sensual vibe that she found alluring but totally inappropriate.
Say something.
“May we speak in private?” That sounded professional.
“Sure. My office is in the back.”
His office? If she went with him, they’d be alone. An erotic image of running her hands down his washboard abs entered her mind’s eye, causing heat to race up her face. Thankfully, she was able to push aside that ridiculous thought.