Kyle's Return (Gloves Off #5)(13)

“You haven’t yet.”

After he finished his set of towels, he scurried away to help a girl who had issues with getting her treadmill to work. For the rest of the day, I was on cloud nine. My cheeks hurt from smiling, but I couldn’t stop.

“Girl, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like that before. You got a man now?”

Giggling, I turned to find Sherry in her usual pink yoga pants, polka dot tank top and her bright red hair in a high ponytail. She was in her mid-fifties with two grown kids who lived in different states and a husband who passed away about five years ago. I loved her heart and she was the sweetest thing, but definitely had her own sense of style. About that time, Kyle waltzed through the door and my attention went to him.

“Uh-huh, see I was right. He’s a cutie patootie.”

“No,” I gasped. “That’s not why I was smiling. I’m happy about something else.”

“Okay, honey, tell that to someone who believes you. Are we still having class this evening?”

Kyle walked by me, winking, and I tried my best to keep my face straight for Sherry. “Yes, we still have class. Although, I have to say, you’re pretty intimidating in your pink get up.”

She looked down at her clothes and lifted her chin. “And that’s why no one messes with me, dear.”

“I hear ya. All right, Miss Sherry, I’m going to make my rounds and I’ll see you in about an hour.” I walked away and did a turn through the gym, purposefully keeping my eyes away from Kyle. Instead, I strolled over to Jared who was running on the treadmill.

“You’re not still pissed at me, are you?” he asked.

Smiling, I bumped up his speed. “Oh, for making me think you wanted a threesome? No, not at all, *. You should’ve just told me what you were doing. I would’ve played along.”

His breathing picked up as he pounded his feet to the speed. “Actually, I was kind of serious about the whole threesome deal. Don’t tell Patrick though. I was curious to see if he’d be up for it. But when you hesitated, I knew you’d say no.”

Eyes wide, I bumped his speed up faster and moved closer. “You were serious?”

Sweat started to bead on his brow and he chuckled. “Why not? You’re hot. I thought it could be fun. But I can see now your tastes are for something different.” He nodded toward Kyle who was off in the corner lifting weights. “Don’t even try to deny it, Meg.”

Rolling my eyes, I dialed his speed down. “You’re too much.”

He blew a kiss at me and winked. “But you still love me. Just remember, the offer still stands.”

Shaking my head, I waved at him and started for Kyle. His back was to me, so I sat down on a weight bench, waiting for him to turn around.

“I know you’re there, love.”

“I just wanted to say hey before I disappear. I have a class to teach in just a few.”

He set his weights down and wiped his forehead before turning around. “Will I see you afterward?”

“If you’re still here in another hour you will. I have some good news.” Tyler came out from the back so I stood and straightened my smile. “I’ll tell you later, okay?”

Kyle noticed my hesitation and nodded. “I’ll be here.”

I walked away, hating the look of rejection on his face. Most would say he deserved it, but he hadn’t done anything to hurt me. The room I used for my self-defense classes was nicely sized with mirrors along the front wall like a dance studio. It was perfect for my group, considering they felt more comfortable away from the prying eyes of other gym patrons.

With only ten minutes to spare, I sat down on the floor and stretched. Sherry came waltzing in and sidled up next to me, copying my movements. Once all ten ladies showed up, we were ready to get started.

“All right, lovelies, tonight’s session is going to be with just me. Tyler will be joining us again in a few weeks. How about we spend the first fifteen refreshing on what we’ve already learned and then afterward I’ll show you a whole new move.” After I put them with partners, I walked by and helped each of them. “You’re doing great, guys. I pity any man who tries to mess with you.”

That earned a few giggles and the energy in the room built. I loved pumping them up because that was what they needed . . . confidence. “Okay, let’s move on, ladies. Who wants to partner with me for a minute? I want to demonstrate a move Gabriella Reynolds showed me. As you all know, she’s a UFC fighter and holds the women’s Bantamweight title.”

Olivia raised her hand and moved forward. Out of everyone in the group, she was the one who was most lucky to be alive. She was twenty-eight years old with innocent, big blue eyes and long, silky blonde hair, but married a man who was a raging alcoholic. He was dead now, after she’d stabbed him in the neck with a glass shard from the same bottle he broke against her face. She healed, but you could still see the scars on her skin.

I smiled as she approached and put my arm around her. “Olivia, it’s good to see you again. Everyone, I’m going to have Olivia lie on the floor. Just watch the first time and then you can practice on your partners.” We got into position and I demonstrated what they should do if an attacker were to pin them to the ground. They had several options and I was going to show them every single one. After the first demonstration, Olivia did as instructed and knocked me off.