“Go ahead and lie face down.”
I swallowed, the double meaning clear. She did as much, and I was suddenly very thankful for that baggy tee. I was half tempted to pull it down to cover a backside I’d dearly love to explore with my hands. For starters.
“Grab the handle, keep your torso flat and stretch your legs fully,” I said, just after adjusting the weight. Again impressed with how easily she completed the movement, I added more weight for a second set.
By the third, I was done. Calf raises could wait. I had to get away from her.
“Nine sets is enough for day one. I’d do some light cardio to finish off your workout. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water.”
Rae cocked her head to the side as if trying to figure me out.
Good luck with that.
“I’m meeting with your sister this afternoon.”
“I knew she was reaching out. Glad you two could connect.”
“Thanks for the workout tips.”
I didn’t want to walk away from her. Odd, since I didn’t really care for the woman. Coming into the brewery the way she did rubbed me the wrong way. Coupled with the fact that she was the daughter of Howard Watson, I had no interest.
Didn’t seem like you had no interest during the workout.
“No problem. Shaun will take care of you from here. He’s a great guy, and obviously knows what he’s doing.” One look at him even in the off season, there was no doubt he knew how to build muscle.
“I guess I’ll see you around.”
I nodded to the upstairs loft. “Cardio machines are up there.”
As if she couldn’t see that for herself. Rachel Watson threw me off my game.
“Ok thanks.”
“See you later.”
I watched her take my advice and climb the stairs. It was only when she got to the top that I realized I was still watching her. Quickly turning away, I all but fled from the gym. Being rattled by a beautiful woman was a novel feeling for me. Not one I relished.
Thankfully she was Min’s problem now.
Time for a cold shower.
EIGHT
rae
“Thanks so much for meeting me.”She stuck out her hand and I shook it. “Dominica Grado.”
“Rachel Watson,” I replied, unable to help staring. She was exactly what I’d envisioned a female version of Marco to look like. As she came into the office that Brien and I currently shared, I gestured for Dominica to sit.
Holy hell, the woman was pretty. And thin, though not overly so. Something I’d never be which was, mostly, fine. At least I told myself that once a week hoping to make it stick.
“First of all,” she said. “I’ll start by apologizing for my brother Marco. I heard you two met already?”
Met? I could still feel his hands on my hips. No mere mortal had a right to be that good-looking. It was such an unfair advantage to our relationship which was, at best, adversarial.
“We did. But I should be the one to apologize. I’ve only been here a few days, and with all the talk about the new brewery, I wanted to check it out. I should have introduced myself.”
She didn’t disagree. But neither did she dwell on it. “If you don’t mind me being blunt...”