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The bedsit is too quiet once she’s left. I start a playlist on my music app, putting the volume up as loud as I can without disturbing the neighbours, and make the bed. It’s only when I’m running my hand over the creases that I decide to strip it and wash the sheets instead. I chuck them in the wash and then run the vacuum and duster around before tackling the bathroom. I clean like my life depends on it, singing along to my diva’s playlist while I scrub. It’s not something I enjoy, but it’s a great distraction when I feel out of sorts on my day off. If I was working, I’d go in early and do something there. But I know Tom will growl at me if I turn up on my day off.

Once the place is spotless, I pull out my phone to shoot Cassidy a text:

Me:

Is your gym-obsessed partner going to the gym today?

I’ve got Jack’s number and could text him directly, but I want to check in with Cass. Maybe I’ll even be able to convince her to come along. Her response comes back quickly.

Cass:

He took his gym bag to work so guessing yes. How are you? How was your weekend of debauchery? *eyebrows raised GIF* Got any fodder for my next book?

Me:

It was good. Wanna come to the gym, and I can give you all the dirty details? Ooh, and Saff, Cam’s friend, has read your books! Hoping I can introduce you both next time she visits.

Cass:

*blushing emoji* It’s still strange to know that people I don’t know are reading and enjoying my dirty stories. I’d love to meet her. It’s a no from me for the gym, but could meet you after for a post-workout snack? My workout being wrangling these words into a publishable book.

Me:

You’re on. How about the café at the gym? If you come a bit early, you can ogle your man while he bench presses and squats.

Cass:

Now that’s a fantastic idea. Maybe I’ll come and spectate the whole session and do the editing later.

Me:

Are you going to let Jack know or shall I text him?

Cass:

You text him. I wanna surprise him.

It's a fifteen-minute walk to the gym, which serves as a good warm up. I think about what I want to work on today. Lifting weights. It makes sense when Jack and I can spot each other, and he’s good at urging me on for a few more reps. Then we can have another race on the treadmill where I can kinda keep up with him, even with his maddening long stride.

I wave hello to the staff behind reception as I tap my membership card and walk the long way to the changing rooms to get a sense of how busy it is. No sign of Jack yet, so I start with the small hand held weights, working on my arms and shoulders, making a note in an app on my phone of reps and weights.

I’m in the zone when I spot Jack’s reflection approaching in the mirror.

“Fancy seeing you here.” He waggles his brows at me. “Come here often?” he jokes.

“Don’t be a dick,” I counter, which I find myself saying at least once every time I’m in his company. “What’s your focus today?”

“I wanna work upper today. You?”

“That works for me too. And then we could finish with a race again?” I quirk a brow at him, a smirk pasted on my lips.

“Think you can beat me, little lady?”

“I can run faster than you. I just can’t cover as much distance because I don’t have long legs.” I realise I’m pouting.

“Let’s do it.”

We work our way round all the weight machines and spend some time with the free weights before finishing up with the treadmills, running as fast as we can. I beat him on a faster speed for a whole minute, which gives me the win, and we are both chuckling between gasping breaths as we gradually slow down. I glance over to the cafe and see Cassidy sitting up at the bench in the window. She waves before her gaze flicks back to her man and his sweat-stained back.