“Oh, there’s a workout room?”
She nodded. But before she walked to it, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why didn’t you correct him?”
His jaw worked, and he admitted, “I’m sorry. I should have. I like the idea of ticking Blaine off.”
She smiled. She wouldn’t mind putting Blaine in his place either, but she felt she had to say, “I don’t sleep around.”
He studied her, and she read something in his eyes she didn’t like. He absolutely thought she was a player and didn’t know if he could trust her.
“I’m a Christian and I believe in the sanctity of marriage,” she reaffirmed, giving him a challenging look.
“Good for you,” he said softly. It was hard to get a read on him right now, but his words weren’t discriminating. “You’ll avoid a lot of heartache and diseases that way.”
She shook her head. “You went there.”
He half-smiled and shrugged, looking almost boyish, which was a laugh. This tough bloke was a hundred percent man if she’d ever seen one.
“Do you …” Wow, how did she ask this? “Believe in premarital relations or abstaining?”
That was too formal and awkward.
“I just told you I don’t like to be touched. What do you think?”
“I think that was the most gormless answer I’ve ever heard.” She gave him a challenging look and strode down the hall.
He laughed—laughedat her—and followed. Didn’t like to be touched? Not willing to give her a straight answer? Oh, she’d show him. She’d have him begging for her touch.
The door to the exercise room opened as she reached it. Blaine pranced out, all sweaty and wearing a thin, barely-there tank top like a gym-rat punk. It was obvious he thought he looked incredible. To most women he probably would, but she knew what a jerk he was.
“Mia.” His gaze slid over her, possessive and heated.
“Blaine,” she said coldly.
“Sorry you have to be with the American,” he said in an undertone. “I’m sure it makes you long for me.” He winked and flexed his chest muscles.
Long for him? He made her want to sick up.
She could feel Zeke at her back. Didn’t like touch? Then why was he brushing against her back with his chest like an angry bull ready to tear into Blaine? She’d tried to keep them from fighting earlier, but Blaine absolutely needed to get put in his place. When his blue eyes focused on her chest, indignation filled her.
“Not in the least,” she said to Blaine. “My Rambo is brilliant.”
It was too possessive and maybe she shouldn’t goad either of them, but Blaine could get knocked down a peg or two. Zeke didn’t seem to mind her calling him “my Rambo” as he wrapped his large palms around her waist and gently lifted her to his side. She was shocked and warmed clear through by his unexpected touch. If only she knew if he’d done it because he wanted to touch her or to get her out of the way so he could be face to face with Blaine.
Blaine’s blue eyes went from ogling her tank top to looking up the couple inches that Zeke had on him. His eyes got icy cold.
Zeke’s jaw and fists were clenched. He might claim he wasn’t confident all the time, but in this moment he was ultra-confident, ultra-appealing, the picture of the tough alpha male who would best his opponent and win his lady’s heart.
Please let me be that lady.
It was out of character for her to be this invested in a man or want any man to “win” her. That was one of the many reasons Blaine would never suit. He’d wanted to control and possess her. But with Zeke … it wasn’t about control or possession. She wanted to be his lady. He would respect her and stand by her side, not expect her to simper behind him.
With a man like Zeke … who could blame her for wanting to be his everything?
Neither of the men said anything, studying each other as if sizing up their opponent. The moment stretched, and Mia really hoped Zeke would win this silent battle.
Surprisingly, Blaine looked down and stormed out of the doorway. He slammed his shoulder into Zeke’s as he walked past.
Zeke pivoted, grabbed Blaine’s shoulders, and tossed him to the floor so quick Mia was stunned. Blaine bounced on the carpet and then settled. His eyes were wide but filled with anger.