Page 7 of Raise Me Up

That’s just my assumption, though. I wouldn’t know from experience.

Rolling my body down onto the bench, my gaze snags on the pointed canines he reveals with a flash of a wicked grin. Hot blood rushes through my body.

Not helping my workout.

Had I dealt with that gym bro faster, Liam wouldn’t have even bothered walking over here. For the most part, he leaves me alone. Occasionally, he confuses my brain with flirtations I know don’t hold any weight because Liam doesn’t date.

Hefucks.

I should have picked a different gym. I knew the vibes were off as soon as I walked in, but considering this place is across the street from my apartment and getting anywhere in Dallas is a pain in the ass, I thought I was doing myself a favor by saving time and gas.

Liam leans over the bar, putting his face right above mine. “You good?”

And there goes my heart rate all over again. I’m gonna need medical intervention soon.

I do my best to shove him from my mind, but it’s hard when his powerful thighs are right beside my head and his sleeveless black shirt is cut wide enough on the sides to show off what he’s working with—a thick trunk of a body cut with too many abs for him to be human.

Don’t look at his dick. Don’t do it, Stas.

Swallowing, I grip the bar and adjust my body position. If I can’t lift this, I’m proving those guys right and Liam wrong.

Liam stands back and tucks his hands into his pockets, not even pretending to spot me. Better him than a stranger stepping in trying to tell me what I’m capable of. I’m already well aware of my limitations. There’sno need for anyone else to add to the negativity circling like vultures in my head.

Speaking of vultures, I haven’t heard back from my mom. She’d asked if I planned on attending dad’s family work event at the country club this coming Sunday, and I’d explained that my appearance depends solely on whether or not they invited Hail. Not that I expect him to go, but if they can’t accept my brother for who he is, then I need to reconsider if I want them in my life. I’ve given them plenty of time to adjust to the news of him dating a man.

Sensing multiple pairs of eyes on me, I lift the bar from the rack. I don’t know what it is about me that screams “weak” to others, but I’m getting kind of sick of it.

The bar glides down to my chest easily enough. It’s pushing it back up that has my arms quivering and my teeth clenching.

God, this is heavy.

Five reps in, and I’m breathing hard. Toxic thoughts creep out of the cages I’ve shut them in, seeking purchase in my mind.

Life was supposed to get easier when I finished my DPT program, passed my NPTE, and completed a neurologic physical therapy residency. I’m several months into a career at a renowned inpatient rehabilitation center.

But now there’s student loan debt to pay back. And family drama. And finding a house that doesn’t cost my soul to afford. Rent is bad enough as it is…

Eventually I’m going to have to figure out dating because I don’t want to spend my life alone.

“Three more. You got this. Shut those fuckers up,” Liam murmurs.

Fire sparks in my chest. I don’t care about those guys anymore. I only care what Liam thinks. I care about him more than I’m willing to admit.

The weight gets stuck a few inches above my chest. Liam uses one hand to take some of the pressure off my arms. With his other hand, he slips a wireless headphone into my ear. I recognize the chugging guitar instantly, having heard it through my bedroom wall almost every night growing up.

“New stuff?” I ask, eyes widening.

His mouth quivers, teasing me with a grin. “New stuff. Get to it.”

He removes his hand, and I push through the last three reps, letting the heavy guitars and pounding drums power me through the pain in my muscles.

Maria, the vocalist who replaced my brother when he shifted into Liam’s empty spot as lead guitarist, absolutelydestroys. She may not have the lower register like my brother, but her highs are bone-chilling.Demonic.

I sit up and give the song the attention it deserves as I catch my breath. When it ends, I pop the earbud out and hand it back to Liam. He keeps those eyes on me, heavy and expectant. “Well?”

“It’s good.”

His dark eyes glint before he narrows them at me. I can’t help a little laugh and a soft eye roll. “You know I’m not your target audience, right?”