Page 24 of My Undead Heart

“Why?” She cocks her head and narrows her stare.

“Because of our mutual love of cosplay and zombies, of course.”

“Wait. You’re into that?” She eyes me skeptically.

“No, not really.” I laugh and her lips form a thin line.

“I’m going now.”

“Mia. Wait. Teaching and training, that’s what I’m good at. I’ll teach you how to defend yourself faster and better than anyone else.”

“But I don’t have any money.”

“Good. Neither do I.” A chuckle escapes along with the honest truth.

“I’m being serious.” Her brow pinches and she places her hands on her hips. I almost respond back with the same words, but she’s too earnest to cut off with another retort.

She shakes her head. “I won’t take up your time for free.”

“We’ll barter then.”

“What could I possibly help you with?” she asks and my mind lights up with endless possibilities. Most of them are inappropriate, but the obvious hits me and I open my mouth. She cuts me off with a scowl and point of her finger. “And so help me God if you suggest sexual favors, I’ll call the cops.”

My lips pull up with my laughter. Her mind was in the gutter along with mine. I take delight in that, even though she’s fighting it. “My website.”

Her mouth snaps shut and she raises her brows, as if she’s actually considering my proposal.

My head bobs along with my idea. “Yes, that’s perfect, really. You can give my website a makeover and I’ll gladly work you in with private training sessions.” I wasn’t planning on an overhaul to my online presence, mostly because I don’t have the funds, but if she’s able then I’m most certainly willing to trade services. Doesn’t hurt that there’s an unexplainable need to spend time with this woman.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” I’m surprised she conceded and it throws me off guard.

“I said yes. Unless you’ve already changed your mind,” she snaps with irritation.

“No. I’m still game. When can you train?”

“Late. Or really early, but fair warning; I’m salty as hell in the mornings.

“Evenings, it is. Tomorrow at ten okay?”

“That’s not too late?”

“Last session with my boys ends just a few minutes before then. Is that okay with you?”

“Perfect. Thanks, Matt. I’ll see you then.”

“It’s a date, Mia.” I smile with the words even though it causes her smile to falter. She opens her mouth to respond but my boys race back into the gym, a chorus of smack talk and ragged breathing that cuts her off. She gives one curt nod and turns on her heel, out of my gym before I can say another word.

But that’s okay because she’s coming back tomorrow. Funny what can happen within the span of a few days. Last week bordered on hopeless, but today things are looking up.