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I just hoped that wouldn’t get ruined, too.
CHAPTER NINE
TEMPERANCE
When I got to the gym, the doors were locked. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Asher. Instead of an answer, the doors opened, and he was standing on the other side.
“Hey,” he said, a soft smile on his face. It was friendly, but I could tell there was a bit of concern there as well.
“Hey back,” I said as I walked past him. I looked around the massive gym while he shut and locked the doors. “Wow. You weren’t kidding. This place is great.”
In the front left corner was a matted area for floor exercises. There were exercise balls, floor equipment, stretching equipment, and more. Past that was stationary equipment where you could hang and do ab workouts or pullups as well as weight benches.
Past that, workout machines were in the back corner and all along the back wall. Treadmills, ellipticals, leg presses, chest presses, and more. In the middle on the right wall were a couple of speed bags, punching bags, and a station for jump ropes and such. Next to that, a small boxing ring was in the front right corner.
Climbing ropes, balance beams, and even a set of uneven bars were in the center of the room.
This place hadeverything.
“I told you it was pretty great. I’m glad you like it. It’s probably the only redeeming quality for Crestview.”
Looking around, I couldn’t decide where I wanted to start. I figured easy was best. Elliptical for sure.
“From what I’ve seen, I honestly can’t argue with you,” I said, as I turned to face him. “Have you been here long?”
Asher shook his head. “About ten minutes. I stretched a little before you got here. Oh, before I forget.” Reaching into his pocket, he removed a key. “This is for you. I asked the janitor to make it for you, so don’t fuck anything up in here.” He smiled after saying that last bit.
“A key to the gym? Seriously?” I asked.
“Yep. I asked for one a while ago when I realized you’d signed up for classes here. It was obvious you worked out, so I thought you’d want one. Damian has one, too, FYI, but he usually comes in the morning. The gym closes at six, except anyone on the football team can come in here whenever they want.”
“Ah, that’s ‘surprising,’” I said.
He shrugged. “They expect us to stay in shape, so they give us a free pass.”
I snorted. “There seem to be a lot of those handed out around here.” I pointed at the back wall. “I’m going to get on the elliptical. It’s been a while since I’ve worked out, so I need to start slow and pace myself. I don’t want to hurt myself.”
Realization reflected in his expression. “The accident.” I looked at the floor and nodded. “Okay. No problem. We can take it slow. I’ll go with you.”
We were quiet as we walked to the back of the gym. It was kind of peaceful. I saw Asher with my own eyes earlier today. Whether or not they were really bullying Chad, I saw his face. Heard his voice. If it was a setup, he’d put effort into the plan. It was obvious he wasn’t a good person, but whenever I was around him, he just seemed so… peaceful.
I couldn’t explain it. I just felt comfortable around him.
And I hated it.
Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I wanted to trust him. Fortunately, my brain was more in control than my gut.
I got on the elliptical and didn’t bother putting in a program. I didn’t want to work at anyone’s pace but my own. Programs usually had varying degrees of tension and elevation, and I didn’t even know if I was up for the normal stuff yet. Slow and steady would be good for a first day. I wasn’t in any hurry.
“So, about today,” Asher said, his voice barely audible.
“It’s complicated,” I replied quickly as I took off my hoodie and breakaway pants.
I wore a pair of short, tight charcoal shorts and a form-fitting, black, ribbed men’s tank top that had a tight neck and armholes. I didn’t like anything hanging off me while I worked out, and I didn’t like the feeling that my boobs could fly out the top or sides at any moment. I always opted for tight, breathable clothing.
“Fuck.”
Such a simple word, one of my favorites. But when spoken in a deep, breathy voice that was quiet enough I knew he didn’t mean to say it and didn’t mean for me to hear it…