This morning, however, I went straight to the top of the building. A couple dozen laps around the indoor track were just what I needed. Once I got my head cleared, I could go to the gym, do a bit of training with Sara, and forget that last night ever happened.
I supposed it was a sound plan in theory. In practice, however, it didn't work out quite the way I wanted. I still had a bit of the usual endorphin high when I entered the gym, so things felt like they would work out perfectly. I nodded at the few guys who were already there and training, all the while scanning the room for Sara. She was usually early, and I was arriving right on time, so for once, she should've been waiting for me.
And she was...sort of.
She was here and dressed, standing near one of the bags in the back while she stretched. If that'd been all, I would've been fine, but it wasn't all because she wasn't alone.
Tyrell was standing with her, clearly staring at her ass as she bent to touch her toes. When she straightened, she smiled at him, the sort of coy smile that told me she'd moved right past what happened between us. Jealousy twisted dark and deep through me.
So much for everything going back to normal.
Chapter Eleven
Sara
No matter what I'd done, I hadn't been able to sleep last night. My brain kept running through the entire day, over and over. Everything from the moment I'd arrived at the Forbes' house, to how much I'd enjoyed spending time with Dorian and his father. And, of course, what we'd done after.
The memory of his hands and mouth on my body, how he felt inside me, all of it made me want him again. But then I'd remember the rest of what happened. The things he said, the way he behaved.
It had made me sick to my stomach, and I was still feeling nauseous the next morning when I headed to the gym. It was only sheer stubbornness on my part that made me go in. Not because I needed the money, but because I wanted to prove to Dorian that what happened meant no more to me than it had to him.
If only I could convince myself.
I didn't know what it was about Dorian that drew me to him, that had made me so completely forget myself, but I didn't like it. I wasn't a control freak, but I considered myself to be the sort of person who thought things through. I didn't behave impulsively. Or, at least, I didn't until I met him. I'd taken the job as his trainer without much thought, but I'd written that off as needing the money. I told myself that stopping things with Tyrell had been about needing space, but then I had sex with Dorian the very next night.
Unprotected sex. My gut churned and I reminded myself that I was already planning on getting tested right after work.
And then I was going to look for a better job, one where I didn't have to struggle to keep myself from either slapping or kissing my boss.
I showed up even earlier than usual, but mostly because I had too much nervous energy, and if I'd stayed in my apartment, I would've ended up pacing. Here, at least, I could stretch and warm up.
I'd only been stretching for a few minutes when Tyrell came over. I greeted him with a smile, and then immediately felt bad for the way his eyes lit up. I knew I didn't need to feel guilty though. I'd made it clear to him that I wasn't interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. If he read into me being polite, that was on him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the front doors open and Dorian walk in. My stomach flipped, and I immediately bent down to touch my toes. I didn't want Dorian thinking I was looking for him. I could feel Tyrell's eyes on me, and wondered if Dorian was watching too.
“How are things looking for your fight?” I asked as I straightened. I was genuinely interested, but I couldn't deny that I was mostly asking because I needed something else to focus on instead of Dorian.
“Good,” Tyrell said. “Paul says I'm in the best shape of my life. We're heading to Vegas tomorrow so I can adjust before the first fight.”
I flipped my braid over my shoulder and smiled up at Tyrell. “That's great. I really hope you do well. You've worked hard and deserve it.”
“Thanks.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Listen, about the other night–”
“I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression,” I jumped in, forcing my eyes to meet his. “It'd just been a long time since I'd gone on a date and I wasn't sure what I felt and–”
“It's okay.” He reached out and took my hand. “I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but it's okay. Sometimes great chemistry translates into romance, sometimes it's friendship.” He squeezed my hand. “And that's what I'd like, if you're okay with it. Just because we don't work as a couple doesn't mean we can't still hang out.”
Apparently, I was getting my signals all wrong. I thought Tyrell still wanted me, but now he was saying he'd be content with friendship. I thought Dorian had been interested in me as a person, but all he wanted was sex. I hadn't realized things with Gordon had gone so wrong until I caught him cheating.