Page 26 of Over the Moon (Rosewood River #3)

I opened the door, and my attention immediately moved to the loud laughter coming from the dining room. I’d know my father’s laugh anywhere, but it was also Clark’s laughter that was so familiar.

The hostess greeted me, and I took in the cherry wood décor and the rustic chandeliers hanging throughout the dining room.

“I see my party over there,” I said.

“Great. They were just waiting for you to arrive.” She led me to the table, even though I could clearly see them a few feet away.

“Thank you,” I said to the hostess, and all four men pushed to their feet.

I hurried over to my father, catching Clark’s eye over Dad’s shoulder.

“Look at you, Ells. I missed you,” Dad said.

“Missed you, too, Dad.” I pulled back and made my way around the table, greeting the other men.

Randall’s cheeks were flush, so it was clear he was a few cocktails deep. He pulled me in for a hug, which surprised me. He was in his fifties, close to my father’s age, though Dad hadn’t gone gray as Randall had.

I hadn’t met Sebastian Wayburn yet, and he was a good-looking man, a few inches shorter than Clark, with dark hair and a dimple on his left cheek. I extended my hand for a quick handshake and then turned to Clark. I wasn’t sure if we would hug or shake hands, but I didn’t have time to decide.

He gave a curt nod, no hug or shaking of the hands. “Hello, Eloise.”

And then he took his seat, which was on the other side of the round table from where I was sitting between my father and Sebastian Wayburn.

“We’ve been hearing how much you’ve been torturing our superstar,” Sebastian chuckled, tossing me a wink.

“Well, it is my job. But he’s done all the hard work, and it shows.” I looked up and smiled at him, and he didn’t so much as give me a glance.

Damn. He was really playing the part well.

“You should be proud, John,” Clark said, as he turned his attention to my father.

“She’s all business. She pushes me hard and is probably the most professional trainer I’ve ever worked with.

She makes you seem social, Randall.” Clark barked out a laugh, and I hated that he was doing exactly what I asked him to do.

Note to self: When I spiral, I cannot be trusted.

“I think that means she takes her job seriously,” Sebastian said. “That’s exactly what the Lions team is about. Working hard. Pushing hard. Winning big.”

“Thank you,” I said, swallowing down the lump in my throat.

“Well, some of us like to have a little balance in life.” Clark raised his beer, and his laugh sounded forced.

“Life is all about balance,” Randall said. “Unless you work directly for me, and then I fully support being a workaholic. So you just keep doing what you’re doing, Eloise.”

“Pay him no attention,” Sebastian chuckled. “We work hard so that we can also enjoy life.”

I chuckled. “It’s fine. I enjoy my job.”

“Yeah, Chadwick was telling us how you’ve adapted the workouts to push his limits. But he also made it clear you will both be thrilled when you aren’t stuck working together every day.” Sebastian’s lips turned up on one side. “Keep pushing him. We need him in his best shape.”

“Well, she can only do so much during this part of the training, as she doesn’t have the experience yet. The real work comes when he returns, because I show no mercy, and Chadwick knows that.” Randall’s words slurred the slightest bit.

“Well, I can’t imagine him doing more than he’s been doing since I arrived here.

I’m sure you’ve all looked at the workouts I’ve been sharing each day, and it’s just a reflection of the effort he puts in.

He shows up every single day. I think he probably knows he could have trained himself this summer.

I’m sure he’s tired of being stuck with the babysitter,” I said, trying to keep my voice light.

I looked up at Clark, and he glanced over at me, the move so quick it actually stung because he turned his attention back to my father.

The rest of the evening went exactly like this.

Randall fawning all over Clark, my father sharing stories from last season about the way that Clark rose to the challenge, game after game, and Sebastian just taking it all in.

He didn’t say much in response to any of the conversation, aside from leaning in and cracking a few jokes just for me.

Everyone agreed that Clark’s workouts had contributed to him returning for the new season in the best shape of his life.

My father gave a little kudos to me, Sebastian gave a lot of kudos to me, and Randall didn’t acknowledge me whatsoever.

Clark stayed quiet on the topic and didn’t say much.

The cocktails flowed, though I didn’t drink, as this was not the group I wanted to loosen up with.

I noticed Clark wasn’t drinking either, but the rest of the group was having a very good time, my father included.

“It’s a good thing you aren’t indulging tonight, Chadwick,” I said, looking up at him as everyone listened intently. “I wouldn’t want you to be hungover tomorrow. Monday is going to be the most grueling workout we’ve had yet. I suggest you rest up tomorrow.”

He just stared at me, lacking all emotion. “Like I told you, gentlemen. This arrangement can’t come to an end soon enough.”

I startled at how cold he sounded, even though this was what I wanted. What I asked for.

Careful what you wish for.

Loud laughter bellowed around the table.

“Nice job,” Randall called out from the other side of the table. “She’s not too bad for a beginner, although working with one client is a lot easier than working with a ton of guys on the team. But she’ll learn a lot once she shadows me back in the city.”

My father patted my back as if he knew it was a backhanded compliment, and I looked up at Clark in hopes he would be looking back at me, but he wasn’t. I did note the way his hand fisted on the table at Randall’s words, but he didn’t say anything.

“I’m looking forward to being back in the city with the team,” I said, forcing the words from my mouth as I turned to my dad. “We can spend the day together tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. I think Randall and Sebastian are going to go see Clark’s home gym setup tomorrow, and then we’re all having Sunday dinner with Clark’s family tomorrow night.

Have you had a Chadwick family dinner yet?

” Dad’s voice was all tease, and I suddenly realized how wrong I’d been about all of this.

He expected me to have gone to dinner. The Chadwicks were lovely people, and of course, they would extend the invite to someone living there for a few months while working with their son.

But before I could answer, Clark jumped in.

“Nope. Working together for practice has proved to be plenty of time,” Clark said with a laugh, and I didn’t look at him this time.

I messed up, and I knew it.

“Oh, you’re going to love it. Clark’s mom is a fabulous cook, too,” my father said. “And I’m hoping you and I can spend the day together while they’re with Clark tomorrow, and then we’ll head to dinner together.”

“Sounds good,” I said. “I’ve met a bunch of the Chadwicks in town; I just haven’t been to dinner over there yet. But I could take you downtown and show you around.”

I knew Clark had spoken to his family about not mentioning that I attended dinner there on Sundays because Henley had told me about it. I made him feel like he had to lie about everything.

“Actually, I don’t need to see Clark’s home gym, as it’s just a temporary training facility for him.

I came to make sure he was doing well, and clearly, he is.

I also came here to meet our new physical therapist, and I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, Eloise.

Would you both be okay if I tag along with you tomorrow instead, and go check out the downtown? ”

I felt Clark’s eyes on me for the first time tonight, and I looked up and saw the anger there.

“Of course, you’re welcome to hang out with us,” my father said, completely oblivious to the tension at the table.

“You afraid I’ll challenge you to a workout, Sebastian?” Clark said, his tone light and playful, but I noted the way his jaw ticked as he looked at him.

“Nah. I just don’t need to hear Randall talk about training plans anymore,” Sebastian laughed. “I’d rather hear about the program Eloise has implemented for you this summer, as you’ve made it clear you’re in the best shape of your life.”

“Well, all of these workouts have been overseen by me,” Randall snipped, holding his glass up for our server to bring him another.

“Well, Randall, I’ve been watching you train the team for the last eight weeks, so I’d like to see what Eloise has up her sleeve,” he said, glancing at me and smiling.

“My girl is a rock star in her own right,” my father said, his cheeks rosy from the three beers he’d had tonight.

“I don’t doubt that for a second,” Sebastian said, and if looks could kill, Clark Chadwick would end him right here at the table.