Mikey held his hands up. “Wait, you’re not fooling around? You’re actually dating?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
“Like, in a relationship with a New York Ranger?”
I nodded again.
“And that’s why they’ve been in?”
And again. “He knew I worked here and came looking for me.”
“At least that explains why they only came to your classes, and why you’ve been looking particularly glowy lately.”
I couldn’t argue with that last point. I did feel glowy.
“Why didn’t you say anything before now?” asked Jessie, nervously.
I shrugged slightly. “Because I wanted to keep it to myself for a bit. I wanted to see where it was going, and didn’t want to look like an idiot.”
“Understandable.” Mikey pulled me in for a hug, kissing my head. “Don’t worry, doll, we’ll keep your secret safe. Just be sure those muscles make some regular appearances. And now Drew Crawley’s off the market, maybe I’ll try my luck with Felix Cleverley. I’ve heard he’s just as big of a demon.”
My lip twitched as I tried not to laugh. “Thanks. I don’t know how much they’ll come back now the season’s started, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“That’s all we’re asking for.”
The reception area had started filling up with riders who’d arrived for the next sessions, including mine.
“Okay, I need to get the class ready. I’ll see you guys later.”
I threw my hand back in a wave as I walked off, chuckling, letting them continue with their gossiping about me. I stuffed my jacket and hoodie in my locker along with my sneakers and took out my cleats, checking my appearance in the mirror before I walked out.
My outfit for today was all white pants and sports bra, which crisscrossed over my back and were covered in a bright flowers and leaves print. To top it off, I’d plaited my hair into a braid crown.
Gotta say, I looked pretty cute. I’d have definitely rocked the sixties.
I made my way down to the studio to set up the music and had it booming from the speakers before the first lot of people entered. Soon, the room was filled with sweaty riders powering away, pumping their legs hard to the beat as I pushed them to climb higher and faster over and over again. Happiness surged through me, and I couldn’t tell whether the endorphins were coming from exercise or Drew.
But I knew I hadn’t felt like this in a long, long time, and every day was better than the last.
The cleaning crew entered after the final riders left, thanking me on their way out. I reset the sound system and collected my things, heading up the stairs. There was a lot of noise coming from the reception area, still full with everyone who’d been in my class and more. Ashley was handing out shoes to new riders coming for the next session. Then I saw who was standing next to her and my heart started beating hard again, barely having recovered from the class. The way my body reacted to him was like my own personal HIIT session - or the strongest caffeine buzz.
Drew was behind the reception desk, leaning over the counter, signing autographs.
He looked up as I got closer, the corners of his mouth turned up into a smile just for me. He signed one more sweaty t-shirt, then put the lid on the Sharpie he was holding.
“Thanks, guys. I need to head off now.”
The space started to clear as people milled out onto the street, and soon it was just new riders and Ashley, plus Mikey, and Rose, who’d appeared from nowhere. Their Drew homing beacon was clearly turned up to max.
“What are you doing here?”
He put his arm around me, giving me a quick kiss. “Came to pick my girl up from work and take her home.”
It was a good job he was holding onto me, because this guy made my knees weak.
I cocked my head, with a grin. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. Jas used to do it all the time for Wolf, and I wanted to do it too.” He started laughing, “Plus, I heard you spoke to Jupiter.”
