Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
I want to blame the men for ordering whiskey and suggesting I drink with them, but I know I made a handful of bad decisions all by myself that led to what happened. I regret it, even though part of me can’t fully regret it, not when it all felt so good.
I do trust that Owen won’t say anything, but I have no idea whether or not he can keep Jordan and Colin quiet, and Zane had already opened his mouth about our pre-tour night together, so I don’t have much faith in his ability to keep a secret either. Surely, none of them will want to put their jobs in jeopardy, but maybe I’m the only one who would lose my job. I’m the boss, after all. I’m the one who should have known better.
Owen tries to pay when we finish breakfast, but I put it on the company card. A heavy sense of dread joins the food in my stomach as we leave the cafe. I’d prefer to find Toad, get on the van, and run away, leaving the men here, but the tour must go on. Last night will be a distant memory someday, I tell myself, though I can’t imagine how much time will need to pass before I forget even one second of it.
Who knew being with multiple men would be so amazing? These aren’t even men I particularly like — though I have to admit they’re growing on me — and last night was incredible. I can’t let myself imagine how much more incredible it could be if sex was on the table.
On our way through the lobby, Owen brings us to a stop with a hand on my shoulder that seems to burn through my clothing. “Zane’s over there,” he says, pointing toward a table in the corner.
Zane’s looking at his phone, but he also has a folder open in front of him and a pen in hand. I’m not eager to see any of the other guys, but curiosity gets the better of me, and when Owen suggests we go over, I go along.
“Morning,” Owen says when we reach Zane, who glances up, looking distracted. “Still working on the business plan?”
I look between the men, trying to recall if I’ve heard anything about this, and decide that I haven’t. “Business plan?” I ask.
Zane gives me a wary look, no doubt recalling the way I started his day. “I’m working on opening my own gym,” he says. “I need a solid business plan before I can get a loan.”
“Looks like it’s giving you trouble?” Owen asks, and the answer is clear on Zane’s face.
“Parts of it,” he confirms.
I start to take a step back, not sure I should get involved with anything that doesn’t directly involve the tour. Last night was a giant overstep, and it was my second intimate encounter with Zane. Apparently, I can’t control myself around the man, so it would be best if I keep my distance.
“Can we help?” Owen offers.
Now it would just be rude of me to hurry off, and I’ve already been plenty rude this morning.
Zane turns a sheet of paper in our direction, showing us what he has so far and pointing out the parts he’s struggling with. I have zero knowledge about business plans, but he also shows us a website he’s using for reference that explains what’s expected. He’s having trouble describing the success factors of his prospective business, so Owen and I ask a few questions, and the three of us talk things through.
When I imagine a typical gym, I picture it filled with muscle-bound meatheads, but Zane has plans for a very inclusive environment. Instead of big open rooms, he describes ways he plans to build in some privacy to help everyone feel comfortable there. He also has ideas for unique coaching programs.
“I’m not a gym person, but your ideas sound really great,” I tell him. “I’d be tempted to try a place that’s like what you’re describing, and I’m sure a lot of other people will feel the same.”
The smile he gives me makes my chest warm, and it’s probably the best I’ve felt today.
Owen and I help him put what he described into words that will sound good on his plan and impress the bank. By the time we’re done, Zane’s looking much more positive about it all and thanks us for providing an outside perspective, but I’m once again left regretting my actions.
I’m glad to have been able to help him, but it wasn’t a good idea for me to learn about his plans. I already knew that he’s ridiculously good looking and an excellent partner in bed. Now I also know that he’s clever and ambitious, and that just makes me like him even more.
I’ve also learned that Owen seems to be a genuinely nice guy. He came looking for me this morning to try to make me feel better, and then he went out of his way to help a friend. I don’t dare let myself think about how he made me feel last night, about the way he took command, and took from me what he wanted … and the way he kissed me afterward.