“Thanks.” I panted. It definitely wasn’t something I wanted to do again anytime soon, but I was proud I was able to at least keep up, for the most part. The fact that Travis did a workout like this six days a week was mind-boggling.
By the time we arrived back at Talon after completing two miles that felt like a marathon, I was ready to collapse onto the ground in a pile of putty. But it was Theo who actually did.
“Fine,” he groaned from his place on the ground. “I admit it. I’m fucking sore.”
I grinned down at him, hands on my hips. “Of course you admit this after I just finished your torturous workout,” I remarked dryly. “Technically, you reneged on the bet. I’d say that adds another week of my classes to your schedule.”
“I agree,” Travis agreed immediately.
“Fuck all of you,” Theo grumbled as Declan smacked him with a towel.
Despite the early hour, and putting myself through hell for a bet I hadn’t actually lost in the first place, I’d had fun. With each day that passed I felt more a part of Travis’s world, and I found that I really liked it there. So much so, I wasn’t sure I’d ever want to leave.
****
I arrived at Travis’s that evening ready to collapse into bed. After the morning I’d had, then working at the preschool and teaching three yoga classes, I was more than ready for some rest. Since Trav was working late, I headed straight upstairs when I got home, Able and Buster hot on my heels.
After a quick shower and changing into my coziest pajamas, I was ready to find something on Netflix. My phone pinged with a text from Danny just as I was perusing my options.
How’s it going?
Good. Feeling pretty tired. Ready for a boring night.:)
Better not tell Travis his speech is boring. LOL.
Her response had my brow pinching in confusion.
Speech?
Yeah, his speech at the conference tonight. I never asked you what you ended up wearing!
I stared at the words in disbelief, my heart hammering painfully in my chest. Travis hadn’t said a word to me about an event tonight.
I’m at his house. He didn’t mention it.
I watched the bubbles linger again and again, indicating she was typing and then most likely erasing, unsure what to say. Finally, my phone rang, her name flashing on my screen. I debated not answering—I felt so humiliated—but decided to face it head-on.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” Her greeting was followed by a worried sigh. “I’m so sorry. I feel awful. I just assumed you were with him.”
“Nope,” I murmured. “He didn’t mention anything about it.”
“Shit.” She sighed. “Well, I’m sure he had a good reason.”
I wasn’t so sure I bought that, and from the tone of her voice I could tell she wasn’t sure either.
“So, what is the event?” I asked, forcing myself to keep my tone light.
“It’s a security conference—Travis is the keynote speaker. Then there’s a dinner afterwards.”
“Ah,” I replied, tears pricking the backs of my eyes. I tried to say more, but I was too choked up.
“Are you okay? Want me to come over?” she asked worriedly.
A sniffle broke free, and I swallowed hard. “No, I’m okay,” I lied as I hoisted my tired body out of bed. There was no way I was staying there after he’d blatantly lied about where he’d be tonight. That, compounded by the fact that clearly he didn’t want me on his arm, had me realizing with crushing force that we were likely over.
I wouldn’t be with someone who wanted to hide me away—who wasn’t proud of me. Most of all, I wouldn’t be with someone who lied to me.