The cool evening air brushes against my skin as we step out of Hanabi. The buzz of our laughter mingles with the sounds of the bustling city, making my heart beat faster.
I glance at Carlie, her face is illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun.
She’s radiant.
Her eyes sparkling with a joy that echoes in my chest.
“So, did the sushi live up to your expectations?” I ask, hoping to keep the light, easy vibe we’ve had since I picked her up.
Carlie’s smile widens. “Absolutely. That was some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. Thank you for introducing me to that restaurant.”
Her gratitude is sincere and unguarded, and it deepens the warmth I’ve been feeling all evening.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say, taking her hand in mine, despite the flip it causes in my stomach. “Now, for the next part of our evening, as corny as it might sound, I thought I’d show you where our training sessions will be held on Monday. If you’re up to it, that is.” I try to sound casual, but the truth is, I’m eager to see her reaction to the surprise I’ve set up back at my place.
She looks at me, narrowing her gaze, as a mixture of curiosity and excitement lights in her eyes. “Um, sure. That sounds great.”
I beam back. “Great. I was hoping you’d say yes.”
Her gaze drops as her smile widens.
I wish I could tell what she was thinking—but hopefully whatever it is, she won’t realize what I’m really up to.
The drive to my house is a blur of anticipation, despite how short it is.
Every now and then, I steal glances at Carlie, her presence filling the car with a comforting yet exhilarating energy. It’s hard to believe how quickly things have progressed between us, but I can’t even bother to question it because it all feels so right.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone—and truth be told, it’s as unnerving as it’s awesome.
Pulling into my driveway, I park the car and turn to her. “So, this is it. Your new gym.”
Carlie looks around, her eyes taking in the quaint charm of my house.
It’s a classic Craftsman bungalow, typical of Duluth’s older neighborhoods, with its low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and exposed wooden structural elements. The exterior, thankfully, is a harmonious blend of natural stone and warm, earthy tones, exuding a cozy, inviting vibe.
At least to me.
Of course, there’s the small front porch, adorned with a couple of rustic chairs that completes the scene. I don’t know how many nights I’ve sat out there with Dylan or Brian, drinking beers and talking shit into the wee hours of the morning.
“This is where the magic happens, huh?” she teases, her tone light.
“You could say that.” I chuckle, feeling a flicker of nerves. “Let me show you.”
“Okay,” she says softly.
I get out, making my way to her door so I can help her out—as much a show that I’m a gentleman as it is a precaution. However, Carlie’s been the epitome of balance tonight, which has been interesting.
We walk up to the front door, and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride showing her this part of my life. I hope she likes what’s inside and doesn’t think I’m pushing for anything.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, if things were to develop, I wouldn’t say no.
It’s just—no expectations.
I just want her to feel special.
My key clicks into place and I swing the door open and I lead her inside.
“Welcome to my humble abode.” I grin, stepping aside to let her in as I flick on the light in the entryway.
She takes a tentative step past me and I stuff back the flutter of nerves happening in my midsection. In just a few more steps, she’ll see that my living room—which I’ve transformed into a romantic oasis, awaits her.
Soft instrumental music plays in the background and dim lights cast a warm glow in the room. Everything provides a simple intimacy, which feels like a stark contrast to the usual straightforwardness of my decor.
I had to make a trip to Pier One to get a few plush cushions and pillows to accent my pretty boring couch, but they were the right choice when I hear her audible gasp.
Carlie’s eyes widen as she takes in the scene. “Adam, this is ... beautiful.”
Her reaction eases my nerves, and I find myself smiling as I reach for the lighter and make quick work lighting the candles around the room. “I’m glad you like it. I thought we could relax here for a bit before I show you the training area. In fact, we don’t really need to check it out at all, if you don’t feel like it. I really just needed an excuse to bring you here.”
She chuckles, her gaze lingering on the candles before meeting mine. “I love it. This is so ... thoughtful. Thank you, Adam. And to think I was just expecting fluorescent lights and the smell of gym socks.”
I grin at her and take her hand. “Well, then my plan worked perfectly. Lull you with my allure of smelly socks and wow you with candles and fuzzy pillows instead.”
She smirks at me and nudges me with her shoulder.
We settle onto the couch, the plush pillows bringing us closer together than a typical sitting arrangement. I notice how her body language opens up, a relaxed posture that invites conversation. And truthfully, I’m here for it.
Hell, I want to know all about her.
“So, how has writing been going this week?” I start, leaning back and watching her with genuine interest. “All good?”
Carlie shifts slightly, her eyes meeting mine with an honesty that’s both endearing and a little intriguing.
“Actually, it’s been a bit slow,” she admits, a small laugh escaping her lips. “I’ve been ... well, a bit distracted, I suppose you could say.”
“Distracted, huh?” I echo, a playful note in my voice. I can’t help but feel a little thrill at the thought that I might be the cause of her distraction.
“Yeah,” she says, her gaze flickering down to where our hands are nearly touching on the couch. “Thoughts of a certain someone have been occupying more than a bit of my mind as of late.”
“Plotting Jillian’s demise, huh?” I tease.
Again, she laughs and it makes my heart soar. I swear, that sound is swiftly becoming my absolute favorite.
Her eyebrows rise and she shakes her head. “I haven’t given that demon a second thought, to be honest. Not since … you.”
I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “Well, I hope I’m not causing too much trouble in that creative mind of yours.”
Carlie’s smile widens. “Let’s just say you’re inspiring a whole new level of creativity.”
I raise an eyebrow and reach out, bridging the gap and taking her hand in mine. The warmth of it spreads to whole new areas of my body. “Oh really? Do tell.”
Carlie’s laughter fills the room, easing the tension that’s been building between us.
“Well, I might just have to keep some of those details to myself,” she teases, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “But let’s just say that my latest book might have a certain ... intensity to it.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I reply, intrigued. I let my thumb brush softly against the back of her hand, a small gesture that draws us even closer. “So, about writing those scenes ... is it difficult? Do you ... um, pull from personal experience?”
Carlie raises an eyebrow, a playful challenge glinting in her eye. “It’s a mix, really. Writing sex scenes can be challenging. You have to balance the physical with the emotional to make it feel real. And as for personal experiences ...” she trails off, biting gently at her bottom lip.
I lean in, captivated. “Yes?”
She laughs, the sound light and musical. “Let’s just say a writer’s imagination is a powerful tool. But sure, experiences, fantasies, a bit of creative license—it all goes into the mix.”
My body reacts to her words, and I’m suddenly one hundred percent sure I need to find her books. I shift slightly, trying to ease the pressure building up behind my zipper.
“Sounds like an interesting process.” I can’t help but chuckle.
“It is,” she confirms. “And it’s about more than just the act. It’s about the connection between the characters, their emotions—their specific vulnerabilities. That’s what makes a scene come alive.”
I nod, understanding dawning. “That makes sense. It’s not just about the physical act, but about the intimacy—the closeness.”
“Exactly,” she agrees, her gaze meeting mine. “It’s about creating something that resonates with the readers—something that feels authentic and true.”
Forget readers, her words resonate with me, and I find myself thinking about the connection we’re building.
“That’s really insightful. It sounds like you put a lot of yourself into your work,” I offer, continuing to caress the back of her hand with my thumb.
Carlie smiles, a softness touching the edges her lips. “I guess you could say that. Each book is a little piece of me.”
Curiosity nudges at me, and I decide to venture a little deeper. “So, I’ve been wondering ... Are your books under your own name? Or do you have a pen name? I’d love to read some of your work.”
There’s a moment’s hesitation, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her head.
“I’m not sure if I’m ready to share that just yet,” she says with a playful yet cautious smile. “It’s kind of like baring a part of my soul, you know?”
I nod, understanding her need for privacy. “I get it. No pressure. Whenever you’re ready—if ever.”
Carlie’s appreciation for my understanding is evident in her eyes, a warmth there that wasn’t present before. “Thanks, Adam. That means a lot.” She leans back, her gaze thoughtful. “So, tell me about this idea of opening your own gym. Where did that come from?”
I lean back, feeling the comfort of the couch as I gather my thoughts. “Well, it’s always been a dream of mine. But lately, Dylan and my brother have been really pushing me to make it a reality.”
“Sounds like they really believe in you,” she observes.
I nod. “They do. They’ve seen me in the gym, working with clients, and they think I have what it takes to run my own place. They both run their own businesses, so I guess it’s also kind of innate in their thinking.”
“What’s your vision for it?” Carlie asks, reaching out and tracing her fingertips over my knee. The contact makes me shudder in all the right ways.
“Well, I want it to be more than just a gym. I want to create a place where people feel empowered—not just physically but mentally, too. I want to build a community where everyone supports each other and it’s not just a room full of equipment and guys grunting. You know?”
“That sounds amazing, Adam,” Carlie says, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. “A gym that focuses on overall well-being. I love that.”
I smile, encouraged by her response. “Yeah, I want it to be a better experience for people. Somewhere they can come to improve themselves in a supportive environment. We need fewer Jillians in the world.”
“You’re not wrong there.” Carlie snickers under her breath and nods. Then, she lifts her eyes to mine and I swear they somehow darken to the point where they’re giant emerald orbs. “With your passion and dedication, I have no doubt you’ll make it happen.”
Her words touch something deep within me, and I find myself leaning closer. “Thanks, Carlie. That means a lot—especially coming from you.”
Our eyes lock, and there’s a moment where everything else fades away.
It’s just her and me … in this bubble.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, I lean in closer, closing the distance between us. Carlie’s breath hitches slightly, her eyes fluttering closed as our lips meet in a tender, tentative kiss.
The world slows down to this one point of contact.
The kiss is gentle, and exploratory, as our lips move in a delicate dance. There’s no rush, no urgency—just a sweet exploration. I savor the softness of her lips, the subtle hint of citrus, and the warmth that spreads through my chest and the rest of my body.
Her hands tug at my hair, doing things to my pulse and the blood flow that rushes southbound.
As we pull away, our eyes meet again, and a silent understanding passes between us. We’re both breathing a little heavier, the air tinged with unspoken possibilities.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now,” I admit softly, my thumb gently brushing against her cheek.
Since the last kiss, actually.
Carlie smiles, a beautiful, genuine smile that lights up her entire face. “I’m glad you did.”
The moment feels perfect, but I don’t want to push things too far, too fast.
“I ... I should probably show you the workout space,” I say, clearing my throat. “I did promise you a tour.”
She nods, a playful glint in her eye, like she knows exactly why I’m redirecting us. “Lead the way.”
I stand up, offering her my hand to help her up.
As we walk towards the converted garage, I can’t help but both excited and content. This evening has turned into something far more special than I could have imagined.
My workout space is simple but well-equipped—a testament to my commitment to fitness and personal training, I suppose. I watch Carlie as she looks around, her eyes taking in the weights, the mats, and the small space I’ve set aside for personal training sessions.
“It’s perfect, Adam,” she says, turning to face me. “It’s got everything I’d need, that’s for sure. I can’t wait to start training with you again.”
Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself grinning from ear to ear. “I’m looking forward to it too. It’s going to be great, Carlie. I promise, nothing like whatever Jillian put you through.”
As we head back to the living room, I feel a deep sense of anticipation for what’s to come—both for our training sessions and for whatever might develop between us.
In the quiet comfort of my living room, with the soft glow of the candles casting a romantic ambiance around us, I find myself stealing glances at Carlie. She’s glancing around the room, a contented smile on her face, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s thinking.
“Everything okay?” she asks, noticing my pensive look.
“Yeah, more than okay,” I reply, my voice carrying a sincerity that I don’t often reveal. I take a deep breath, deciding to open up a bit more. “I’ve been thinking ... about us. This evening has been incredible, and I guess I’m just ... I’m really looking forward to seeing where this goes.”
Carlie’s expression softens, and she moves a little closer—her hand finding mine. “Me too, Adam. There’s something special here, isn’t there?”
I nod, feeling a rush of emotion. “Yeah, there is. I’ve never felt this way so quickly about anyone. It’s kind of scary, but in a good way.”
“I know what you mean,” she whispers, holding my gaze with the kind of intensity that could bind planets together.
The honesty of the moment hangs between us, a tangible connection that seems to draw us closer. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe—a mix of excitement, hope, and a bit of fear, but above all, a deep sense of connection.
After Jillian’s betrayal, I honestly never thought I’d feel like this again.
We sit there for a moment, just looking at each other, letting the weight of our words settle in. I realize then that what I’m feeling isn’t just a fleeting attraction. It’s something deeper, something that has the potential to grow into more than I’d ever imagined.
Maybe I sensed it before I really had the conscious realization, come to think of it.
I know one thing for sure—I’m totally ready to see where things lead with Carlie.