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“But it’s all closed up right now.” I throw a dubious glance out the window.
“Yeah, Hank closes up early three nights a week for family time. I’ve got a key, though, and he’s already given me permission to use it tonight. We just have to lock up and alarm the place when we leave.”
I swallow, slipping out of the car and following Liam.
The gym is a big, airy space. The lights clunk on, and the ominous mass of black becomes an invite to get fit and live your best life. Behind the counter is a basic gym with all the typical gear you expect to see—treadmills and weight machines, a wall of mirrors lined with free weights and bands. On the other side is a boxing ring, and behind that are a bunch of bags hanging from the ceiling.
This place must be humming when it’s open.
“Come on.” Liam takes my hand, pulling me toward the ring.
Unlocking a cupboard against the wall, he pulls out some gloves.
“Take off your coat and boots.”
I do as I’m told, nerves making it hard to function properly. I’m seriously not sure if I can do this. Ugh. Liam will work out that I was always picked last in gym class soon enough. I’m the gangly kid who dropped the ball or fumbled the pass. I was the slowest kid at any running event, puffing over the line red-faced and ready to pass out.
“Here we go.” Liam lifts the cords around the ring so I can crawl under.
Standing up in the middle, I brush my hands along the back of my leggings. My palms are sweaty.
“Okay.” He walks into the middle of the ring. Having shed his outer layers, he’s now standing there in sweats and a loose tank that hides nothing. His rippled muscles move beneath the fabric, and he looks sexy as all get-out. How the hell am I supposed to concentrate on anything he’s saying to me?
“Let me see those fists of yours.” He takes my hand, curling them into a fist and showing me where my thumb should be sitting before demonstrating a few basic moves.
I follow his instructions, punching through my body, twisting the way he was, relishing his praise when he tells me I’m doing good.
“That’s it.” He smiles. “So, if I was coming at you like this…” He slowly does the move, and I throw up my arm to block him.
“Yes, that’s it. But strong, okay? Don’t be hesitant. I might be stronger than you, but with the right technique, you can bring me down.”
I’m boosted by that, so I give my next few moves a little more effort. It pays off, my confidence starting to build as we work up a sweat.
He takes me through blocking, how to get out of a hold, what to do if someone attacks me from behind. I even manage to flip Liam over my shoulder.
Landing on his back with a thud, he lets out a soft “Oof” while I stand over him with a gaping mouth.
“Holy shit, did I just do that?”
“Yes, you did, cariña.”
“Oh my gosh!” I squeal, jumping on the spot with a surprised laugh before straddling his waist. “I just threw you—Mr. Muscles—over my shoulder!”
He laughs along with me, the sound rich and delicious. Throwing my head back in triumph, I lift my arms and whoop. I seriously can’t get over how good this feels. I did it. I fucking did it!
“We’ll keep practicing until you feel totally confident with all this stuff.” Liam rests his hands on my thighs, smiling up at me. “You’re a sweaty mess, Miss Beauford. I kinda like it.”
I grin down at him. “You like making me sweaty?”
His eyes heat with a look that makes my insides sizzle.
Poking my tongue out the side of my mouth, I join him in the eye sex we’re currently having, my V-jay getting instantly wet. I’m so turned on right now I can barely see straight. Is it the empowerment of throwing a punch and flipping a large human over my shoulder? Or is it the fact that Liam is the sexiest man on this planet?
“Careful.” His husky voice warns me.
“Of what?”
“That tongue.”
