Page 20 of Covet (The Red #3)

Chapter Twenty

Max

Listen to Mystical Magical

by Benson Boone

“ H ey! You’re late,” Coop said as I joined him and Noah at the juice bar.

I bumped shoulders with them in greeting and ordered a Wake Up shake to get my ass moving. “Sorry, I got held up.”

“What’s her name?” Coop drawled.

An image of Gabby flashed in my head. I couldn’t stop thinking about our last encounter last week.

We’d texted back and forth a few times, but I hadn’t seen her outside of Red because of my schedule.

When she mentioned she was hitting a work-out here today, I figured I’d show up. “No one. How was the workout?” I asked.

Noah sipped a green juice and shrugged. “Good. Nothing special, though. I know a lot of these classes are for beginners but I think you need to offer something different. It was basic weight lifting—could’ve gotten it on YouTube for free.”

I paid and took the shake from a buffed dude in a cropped t-shirt. I wondered what Gabby would think. The guy looked ridiculous with his oiled abs on display. Definitely an overreach. “Good to know. Coop, you agree?”

“Yep. I think we beef up some advanced classes. Just need the right instructors.”

Coop and I had been hitting various gyms in the area on day passes and trial periods, trying to get a good vibe of what each was offering and what seemed to be working.

We were narrowing down exactly how we wanted our gym branded, and I was pretty pumped we were finally nailing our niche.

There was a whole component of people who craved better advanced group classes without the expense of private trainers.

We’ve had some consults and kept revising the business plan as we shopped for the right location and began networking with vendors.

“It’s gonna be you and me for now,” I said to Coop, settling half my ass on a stool. “We have enough certifications to start. Did you register for the classes I sent you online?”

Coop nodded. “Yeah, but damn, my schedule is fucked. I never see Elle anymore. She’s doing her music and Red, and with the gym, taking classes, and photography, I barely sleep.”

“It’ll be worth it,” I reassured. “Better get used to it, though. This year will be nonstop. We need to keep our focus.”

Coop scratched his head and groaned. “I know. Guess I didn’t realize how much went into this venture.”

Noah grinned. “Did you think you’d find a place and slap a sign on the door Open for Business?”

“Kind of?” Coop admitted.

We all laughed. I had to admit, since we made the decision, each day brought a new challenge.

We both wanted to be certified in additional areas so we could teach classes, and needed to hire a shitload of people.

Between the immense loans, finding real estate, researching equipment, and dealing with the financial/business end, I sometimes wondered if we’d jumped into the deep end.

But I was determined to make it work and show everyone I had what it took to be successful.

It was finally time to step into my full power.

“How’s the recording going?” I asked Noah. We hadn’t seen each other in a while and I felt bad. It was only the three of us now and I needed to make sure I kept Noah tight. I didn’t want to lose another friend in the group.

He focused on his shake, jigging the straw. “Good. It’s only been a week but we’re beginning to fall into that sweet spot of writing. We recorded one song already. I got a gig to DJ Schminski end of the month. JJ wants me and Elle to do a song together live. Get some early PR and see how it hits.”

Coop cocked his head. “Elle didn’t tell me. Damn, congrats. Guess we’re hiking it to Brooklyn.”

A strange expression flickered over Noah’s face. “Yeah, if you want to come. Like you said, things have been crazy with everyone’s schedules. No worries if you can’t make it.”

I cut in. “We’re not gonna miss it. I’ll put in to get coverage at Red.”

“Plus, Elle and Gabby,” Coop reminded me. “Doubt all of you will get off.”

“Drop us the info. We need to show up for one another,” I said.

Noah smiled but it was lacking emotion. It reminded me of how Adam acted when he was secretly seeing Landon. Like he’d been deliberately creating distance with us. Noah had always been closer to Adam, but I wanted him to know he was important to Coop and I. Attending his gigs would build trust.

I kept my attention on the door while I settled into easy conversation with the guys.

I missed this. Grabbing a midday drink or greasy omelet at the diner after partying all night.

Discussing random crap while we ragged on each other for fun.

Opening up a gym with Coop was a dream for me, but I always enjoyed the dynamics of all of us together—girls and guys.

Guess I had to make the best of what was left.

“Hey, are you and Daisy finally gonna move in together?” Coop asked suddenly.

Noah stiffened. His nostrils flared like scenting a predator. “Why?”

I cracked up and slapped him on the shoulder. “Guess that’s the answer! Not ready, huh? Or is she actually as chill as she seems and doesn’t try to push?”

Noah shrugged. “We don’t discuss it. She’s working crazy hours at the hospital, trying to build a reputation there before graduation. I’m working late nights, so like you, we keep missing each other.”

I leaned in, curious. “Yeah, but if she asked, would you want to? I feel like you don’t spill much about what goes on with Daisy. Is the sex still good?”

Noah shifted in his seat. I had no idea what was going on. He was always the quietest of the group, different from broody Adam, but he’d seemed genuinely happy once Daisy came into his life. Somewhere along the way, he’d stopped sharing. “Sex is good.”

“She’s a giver, huh?” Coop laughed.

Noah joined in and finally relaxed. “Definitely. She’s a sweetheart. Puts up with my shit with a smile. But I’m not ready for anything permanent yet, even though she’s at my place a lot. I have no idea how this music thing’s gonna work out.”

I raised my eyebrow. “You think it can hit big? Like, head off to tour?”

“Maybe. Right now, I’m just having a good time making music, playing the clubs, and seeing what happens next.”

I envied him. Noah had his shit together.

A solid relationship, tons of space, and a career he loved.

He never seemed confused about what he wanted.

I smothered the flare of envy and grinned.

“Glad for you, man. We’ll all rally next week to come see you and—” I trailed off as my gaze caught on a flash of red.

Gabby strolled through the door. She wore tight Lycra shorts, a sports bra, and sneakers with pink glitter.

Her hair was up in a messy bun, and her face was scrubbed free of makeup.

She juggled her phone and small bag as she headed to check in at the front desk.

I tried not to stare at her juicy ass. I tried not to think about how bad I wanted to see her naked.

I waved to her behind the glass walls, and her gaze crashed into mine.

Damned if my dick didn’t rise to attention in seconds.

Her slow smile was a bit smug. I bet she knew. Bet she was trying to train me to salivate every time I saw her.

I fucking hated the fact she was winning.

She checked in and headed over. “Is this what you all do on your free time?” she teased, greeting everyone. “Ingest protein and compare muscles?”

“Nah, we all know I’d win that contest,” Coop said. “You work out here?”

“Yeah, it’s close to my place.” She took in Noah and Coop’s sweaty clothes. Her brow rose as she noticed I still looked fresh. “Skipped the workout to get straight to the shake?”

“I ran late so I missed the weight class. I’m heading in now. I’ll walk with you.”

Perfect timing. And exactly as I planned.

I said goodbye to the guys and fell into step beside her. “Hitting a cardio class?”

Her husky laugh stroked my ears. I wondered if her grip would be tight and ruthless around my cock, or gentle and teasing. “Hell, no. I come here for weight training. I’m not a Pilates or aerobic girl.”

“Cool. Wanna work together? I can practice on you. Coop and I are coming up with different routines and you can try them out.”

“Sure. It’s leg day. I’ll give you permission to do your worst.”

I laughed. We headed to the weight room. It was late in the day so most of the rush had cleared and we didn’t have to fight for any of the equipment. “I’ll take you through warm ups, and then we’ll focus on some cross fit training. Sound good?”

“I’m yours to do whatever you want with.”

Her green eyes danced and I smirked. “This is gonna get uncomfortable.” Another sexy laugh.

I tried to get my head in the game—the one on top of my neck—and really give her a good workout.

Most women I went to the gym with didn’t enjoy it, treating exercise like a necessary job to keep their bodies tight.

I had no judgment, but it was different for me.

I lived at the gym like Coop because working out gave me endorphins and cleared my mind.

I loved doing new routines and edging my body to the limit.

I didn’t feel as fucked up when I left, and it didn’t give me a hangover.

“Let’s go,” I said.

I had no expectations for our session. Just hoped I could work my magic to get another invite back to her place, where I could finally close the deal.

I led her through gentle warm ups, admiring her wicked curves and flexible muscles.

I showed her modifications of squats that added intensity, transitioned into a demanding Warrior flow, then finished with jumps.

Landon would’ve stalked away for making her sweat too much.

Coop said getting Elle to get physical was impossible—she was a couch potato on her off times.

But when I finished, ready to ease to the next interval with weights, she looked bored. I stopped and studied her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Is that all you got?”

I blinked. “Didn’t want to scare you off. Figured I’d see what you can handle first.”

“Nothing scares me, Max. And I can handle you just fine.”

I laughed. “Then I’ll bring it.”

I did. I stopped treating her like someone who could break and threw a full new routine at her I’d been working on.

I fell into my happy place, relishing the sound of weights clanging, the rush of breath, and the look of gritty focus on Gabby’s face.

I matched her one to one, tweaking her form if she was off, moving from calves to thighs, adding cardio and balance, while savoring every sweet grunt from her plump lips.

Our energy matched along with our rhythm. She never backed off or complained. By the time the hour was up, we were drenched and I had a hard time keeping my gaze off her perfect cleavage, pale freckled skin gleaming wet under the lights.

I handed her a towel and she wiped off. “What’d you think?” I asked.

I relished the spark of pleasure in her green-gold eyes. “That was the shit.”

“Yeah? Cause it’s a new routine I’m working on.”

Her gaze locked on mine. “I’ve dealt with a ton of personal trainers and not one of them came close to this workout. You’re good, Max. Really good. You’ll be teaching at the new gym?”

Pride flushed through me. It was rare I heard praise on something that meant a lot to me. “Both Coop and I are coming up with our own visions. Coop’s into straight lifting, but I like combining with other disciplines. We’re making routines up as we go along.”

“Well, it’s good.”

“Then I’ll need to hook you up with the arm circuit. You won’t be able to wash your hair when I get done with you.”

Delight crossed her features. Sexual tension seethed between us, easier and looser after getting rid of all our bodily tension. It left me lighter, able to enjoy simply being in her presence. Once again, Gabby surprised me. I’d never had so much fun being at the gym with a woman.

“Promises, promises,” she said softly.

Catching her flirty vibe, I leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Tell me when you’re ready to upgrade, Gabs. The workout I have in mind? You won’t walk for days.”

I heard the catch of her breath. Thank God, she was affected just as badly. I wanted to push like I’d normally do, but knew Gabby liked when I let her lead. So, I stepped back and stayed quiet. But my gaze roved over her body, showing all the dirty things I craved to do to her.

“I love when you’re good,” she said, rubbing the towel over breasts in a caress. “I think you deserve a reward.”

My brow shot up. Was it fucked up I actually relished her treating me like a pet? If my dick wasn’t so hard, I’d be running away from the mind-fuck. “I like rewards.”

I expected an invite back to her place. Imagined finally getting her naked on the bed where I can finally release all this pent-up tension. Instead, she glanced at her apple watch and spoke like we hadn’t just imagined fucking each other’s brains out.

“I’m going to shower. You know the family bathroom on the second floor?”

I nodded, confused.

“Meet me in there. Ten minutes. I’ll knock three times. Don’t say a word, just let me in.”

“But what?—”

“No questions.” She spun on her heel. “And don’t shower. I like you sweaty.”

I watched her walk away. My heart pounded with anticipation. I never knew what she was up to next, or how far she’d take this. But if she wanted to fuck me in the gym bathroom because she was in the mood?

I wasn’t going to say no.

I glanced at my phone and began the countdown.

I didn’t want to be late.