Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
But as much as I was enjoying our lesson, I felt it was time to bring it to an end soon; Avery was moving slower, and a layer of sweat glistened on his brow. But before I could suggest we end the session, my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of beep, beep, boop…beep, beep, boop.
“Is that your phone?” I asked curiously, but Avery shook his head no. He lifted the hem of his shirt to reveal a small, square device attached to the waistband of his shorts. He pushed a button and the beeping stopped.
“I need to take a break.”
“Of course.” When I noticed how unsteady he was on his feet, I wrapped my arm around his shoulders to help support him as he walked to the far end of the room. Avery pressed his back against the wall and slid down until he sat on the floor.
His shaky hands unzipped his gym bag and lifted out a bag full of raisins. He dumped some into his mouth before offering the bag to me.
“Thanks, I'm starving,” I said instinctively as I poured the fruit into my palm; my big ass was always hungry. But it took only a moment to realize how rude I was being; the poor guy looked a mess and I was harfing down his food.
But to my surprise, it was Avery who apologized as he looked around the empty gym, “I'm sorry; I've kept you way past closing, haven't I?”
“Technically, I've kept you,” I argued, “And I've enjoyed every minute of it.”
“So have I,” he answered with a tiny smile. I noticed that the color (even though he was naturally pale) was beginning to return to his cheeks. “But I'll grab my stuff so you can get out of here for dinner.”
Avery reached for his bag, but I stopped him with a hand on his. “Let's just sit here until you're feeling better. I don't want you driving away when you're sick.”
“I've been way worse,” he shrugged, which didn't calm my worries.
“Well, that's comforting,” I replied with an eye roll, getting a small chuckle in return. I hated to be nosy, but I wanted to know how to help him, so I asked, “What did the beeping mean?”
“I have Type 1 Diabetes. That was my glucose monitor going off; it lets me know when my blood sugar is too high or too low. As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not used to a lot of exercise, and I think my body freaked out a little.”
“I'm sorry; I pushed you too hard.”
“No way,” he insisted with a head shake. “This is what I need. I'll get used to the exertion and get better.”
“Okay, but before tomorrow's lesson, I want you to meet me for dinner so I know you've got food on your stomach.” It was a bold move, but I was a bold guy. I wanted to spend more time with Avery, while also making sure his body was getting what it needed.
His eyes widened with shock and his cheeks pinked, overtaking any lingering paleness. But just as quickly, his expression fell. “I can't.”
Shit. “I'm sorry.” It felt like I was saying the words an awful lot. “Was I too pushy?”
“No, no,” he said, firmly shaking his head again. “I mean I can't tomorrow; I have evening classes. But…” Avery chewed his lip while looking hopeful. “Would Wednesday be okay?”
“Of course. Let's plan on meeting at five. There's a restaurant around the corner called Paleo Place that's really good. I think this gym alone keeps them in business; their food is perfect for a fighter's diet.”
“I eat paleo foods a lot,” he replied with a smile. “They help regulate my blood sugar.”
“Perfect; it's a date, then.”
Avery’s eyes bugged again. “A date? Like a date on the schedule or a date date?” The color drained from his face once more, making me question whether I'd read him completely wrong. “Because I've got to be honest with you; I don't date much. Or…at all, actually. I'm garbage at it, and not just because I’m nerdy and awkward. And I really haven’t tried for a while. Not since…”
His words trailed off, suggesting a story he wasn't ready to tell. While I was dying to know, I didn't want to push him. He'd already had one medical issue, I didn't want him to add a heart attack into the mix. I hoped the issue was mainly nerves. That I could work with.
“Yes, a date date,” I nodded. “And there's no need to be nervous; I just want to feed you and get to know you better. I know I look big and tough, but I'm very chill. You can relax and be yourself with me; you're safe.” And I loved awkward, nerdy guys, but I kept that to myself, since Avery seemed to think those were negative qualities.