He was already shirtless when she got to the gym.
The heavy clang of weights, the grunts of exertion, the low hum of trap beats — they filled the space, but all Ainsley noticed was him. Kade. Red tank tossed to the side. Skin glistening with sweat. Biceps flexing as he curled a barbell that looked heavier than it should’ve. She’d seen him here every night this week. Like clockwork. Always around ten. Always pushing harder than anyone else. And always with that cocky smirk when he noticed her watching.
Tonight, she didn’t look away.
He dropped the weights and stretched, catching her eye in the mirror.
Their gaze locked.
He didn’t smile. Neither did she.
But there was heat. Enough to spark a fire.
She finished her sets, slower than usual. Let him watch her bend, lift, exhale. Let him
