Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69945 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
I’d never seen Dom in anything but a suit or his silk pajamas with his velvet robe over them. He was hot as hell all dressed up, but like this, in tight gray sweats, he looked fucking edible.
I thought about his injured leg, the one he favored. I could tell he was using the right to push more forcefully. I had no doubt using the left at all hurt like hell.
I wasn’t sure if the way he pushed himself was admirable, or if someone really needed to let him know that it was okay to need help. I supposed both things were true. Stubbornness has its advantages and disadvantages.
“Are you going to work out or just stand there?”
His voice startled me. He hadn’t even turned around, yet he knew I was there. “I…um….”
“If you don’t intend to use the gym, you should leave.”
What was it that his sons saw that I didn’t? Because all I saw was a man working hard to push me away. Was he that ornery even if he wanted something? Did he deny himself everything he needed? He was obviously willing to punish his body, but I assumed that was to keep himself and his family—and me—safe.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d want me in here when you were.”
“I’m almost finished.” His voice sounded strained, and his left leg was shaking.
I wanted to ask him if he was all right, but instead, I programmed the treadmill for a run and got on. I couldn’t help but glance in his direction every few seconds. His face was pinched as he did two more leg presses, then got off the machine. He moved to a mat and lifted some dumbbells. I forced myself to look out the window instead of watching him.
He didn’t want me staring, and I didn’t need to check on him. He probably had a series of exercises from a physical therapist, right? Or he at least knew what he could do.
Right, because he seems like a man who really accepts his limits.
I watched cars go by as snow fell, adding to what already lay on the ground. As the treadmill began to move faster, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush a run always provided. I let myself fall into my zone, doing a reasonable job of ignoring Dom until he cried out, and I heard the clatter of a dumbbell falling.
I hit the button to stop the belt and hopped off the treadmill, rushing over to him.
He was on his knees, cradling his left arm. I could see the puckered skin where he’d been burned years ago. I couldn’t see any other sign of injury, but I dropped to the floor beside him.
“What can I do to help?”
“Go away.”
“Dom.” It was the first time I addressed him by his given name. His eyes shot up immediately, meeting mine, but he quickly looked away.
“I don’t need your help. I don’t need you here in my house.” I almost backed away, but then I thought about what his sons had told me.
“You do need help, even if you’re too stubborn to admit it, and you’re stuck with me just like I’m stuck with you. Would it help if I massaged your arm? It looks like the muscles are spasming.”
“That’s what happens. It’s what always fucking happens.” He squeezed his eyes shut tight.
“It’s all right.” Here, I laid my hand against his arm, and he jumped. “Did I hurt you?”
“No.” The word was much softer. He sounded almost confused.
Had he felt the jolt of electricity that I felt touching him? I grasped his arm in both hands, working my fingers into the muscles that were giving him pain and keeping him from using his hand to grip.
His muscles began to ease and soften. His arm no longer trembled.
I kept my focus on my hands, not daring to look up at him. His skin warmed as I touched him. The muscles started to feel soft and pliable. My heart was pounding, my whole body alert at the sensation of touching him. I wanted to know the rest of his body the way I was getting to know his forearm. Since when was a forearm sexy? I wasn’t sure, but his was to me now.
Eventually, I knew I had to stop.
When I looked up, our eyes met. “Thank you,” he said. My eyes widened, and he smiled. “I know how to say it.”
My hands were still on his arm. I seemed unable to let go. He was right there, so close. His eyes held mine. They were dark, full of something I hadn’t seen before. I shifted slightly closer to him without even meaning to, then he lifted a hand and cupped the side of my face.
I sucked in my breath. “Dominic?”
“Was your offer serious the other night?”
All I could do was nod. He moved closer, then the sound of glass shattering had us jumping apart.