I nod, feeling a rush of emotion. “Yeah, there is. I’ve never felt this way so quickly about anyone. It’s kind of scary, but in a good way.”
“I know what you mean,” she whispers, holding my gaze with the kind of intensity that could bind planets together.
The honesty of the moment hangs between us, a tangible connection that seems to draw us closer. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe—a mix of excitement, hope, and a bit of fear, but above all, a deep sense of connection.
After Jillian’s betrayal, I honestly never thought I’d feel like this again.
We sit there for a moment, just looking at each other, letting the weight of our words settle in. I realize then that what I’m feeling isn’t just a fleeting attraction. It’s something deeper, something that has the potential to grow into more than I’d ever imagined.
Maybe I sensed it before I really had the conscious realization, come to think of it.
I know one thing for sure—I’m totally ready to see where things lead with Carlie.
CHAPTER22
Carlie
The sky is a bright blue without a single cloud in the sky as I pull up to Adam’s house—or should I say my new gym?
I’m trying to maintain my excited optimism, but the nervous flutter in my stomach is a stark contrast to the steady rhythm of the upbeat music blaring from my car’s speakers.
Taylor Swift’s “The Man” can only hype me up so far, turns out.
We’ve reached our first official training session at his place, and I’m not really sure how I feel.
I mean, it’s not like exercise has been a BFF up to this point.
Stepping out of the car, I take a deep breath, trying to quell the butterflies. But it’s no use. They keep multiplying.
Adam’s already at the door, waving me in with a warm smile that does something to my heart. He’s dressed in his own workout gear this morning—a tight-fitting white tank top and gym shorts.
From here, he’s absolutely drool-worthy.
“Morning, Carlie. Ready to get started?” he asks when I get close enough, his voice laced with a playful edge that somehow manages to ease my nerves a bit. I don’t know how he does it.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, hoping my attempt at confidence is more convincing than I feel. I should have played “The Man”one more time.
Inside, the now familiar scent of his home—a mix of citrus and something uniquely Adam—fills my senses. He leads me past his living room, which no longer has all of the pillows or candles laid about. As I walk past, I can’t help but smile at the memory of date number two.
He has such a sweet, romantic side that I can’t help but swoon over.
“Do you need water? Coffee before we get started?” he asks over his shoulder.
I shake my head. “No, I’m good. Drank a whole carafe of coffee before I got here. If anything, I’ll need the directions to the bathroom soon.” I slap a hand over my mouth, mortified I let that one slip out.
He just huffs a sexy laugh and points down the hall. “Well, it’s right there when you need it.”
I nod like an idiot and follow him to the workout area. He’s converted what looks like an old garage into a workout space most people would dream of. It’s neat and well-organized, much like Adam himself.
“Okay, may as well stick to what we know, right? Let’s start with some basic stretches to get you limbered up,” he instructs, taking on his professional tone. It instantly reminds me of that first day at St. Mary’s.
God, it feels so long ago.
I nod, trying once again to mirror his movements as he demonstrates but feeling more like a clumsy imitation of a graceful swan—if the swan had two left feet and zero flexibility.
“I’m not exactly the poster child for agility,” I joke, wobbling slightly as I reach for my toes.
Adam chuckles, stepping closer to assist. “Don’t worry, you’re doing great. Flexibility comes with practice. And to be honest, your hamstrings are more limber than mine.”