Dylan’s eyebrows lift in surprise, then he chuckles. “Right now? Man, you’re not wasting any time.”
I nod. “Yeah, I want to catch her before she gets wrapped up in her day or finds another gym to go to. And I need to do this face-to-face.”
“Bold move,” Dylan approves, grinning. “She’s a lucky girl, having someone sodedicated looking out for her.” He flutters his eyelashes and clasps his hands under his chin like he’s a heartsick lovebird.
I can’t help but shake my head and smile back. “Thanks, Dylan. Wish me luck.”
“Always, man. Go get ‘er,” he replies, giving me a supportive nod.
I push off from the counter, feeling more determined with each step. “Catch you later, Dylan. And thanks for the coffee.”
“No problem, Adam. Let me know how it goes—” Dylan calls after me as I head for the door.
“Will do,” I respond back as I swing the door open.
Stepping outside, I take a deep breath of the fresh morning air.
This is going to work.
The drive over to Carlie’s apartment isn’t long, but it gives me enough time to organize my thoughts and mentally prepare for the conversation ahead.
As I navigate through the streets, my mind whirls with possibilities and plans.
This isn’t just about offering Carlie personal training. It’s a chance to start something new—deepen the connection between us …
And maybe, in the process, lay the foundation for my dreams.
Turning onto her street, my grip on the steering wheel tightens. There’s an excitement bubbling inside me, mixed with a not-so-subtle hint of nervousness.
Will Carlie see this proposition as too forward—too presumptuous? Or will she understand the genuine intention behind it?
Parking the car, I take a moment to collect my thoughts. Sneaking a glance at my phone, I notice Carlie texted me back.
Of course, I’d love to see you Friday.
A smile inches across my face and lightens the pressure on my chest. No matter what happens, or what she says about the training—we still have this.
I head towards Carlie’s house, rehearsing in my mind the words I want to say. When I reach the deck, I walk to her door and press the doorbell before I lose my nerve.
I’m so focused on my thoughts that I almost miss the sound of another door opening.
I turn to find Carlie’s grandmother, her eyes sharp and assessing as she looks me over. “Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Adam,” she says, her voice tinged with humor.
I offer a polite smile, slightly taken aback by her directness.
“Hi, you must be Carlie’s grandma. It’s nice to meet you,” I say, holding out my hand.
She eyes it, then swipes my hand back. “Around here, we hug.”
Before I know what’s happening, the tiny woman wraps her arms around me and squeezes tight.
“My, you’re a solid one, aren’t you?” She says, practically give me a pat down.
I chuckle, opting not to step into that one. “I’m here to see Carlie. Is she around?”
As she steps back, she crosses her arms, giving me an assessing look. “She’s upstairs. But before you go up to see her, I have a few questions for you, young man.”
I nod, understanding the protective nature of her interrogation. “Of course. What do you want to know?”