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"Thank you, Jeremy," I respond, touched by his kind words. We stand there for a moment, but my thoughts undeniably begin to drift back to Ty and the intoxicating feelings he's awakened within me.
"Is everything alright?" Jeremy asks, his concern evident in his furrowed brow. His empathy is like a balm against the storm of emotions raging inside me.
"Actually," I begin hesitantly, "there's something I've been struggling with. My friend Cassie signed me up for gym sessions, and I think I've developed feelings for my personal trainer. He's attractive, but..." My voice trails off as I struggle to put just what Ty makes me feel into words.
Finally, I shake my head, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I can't believe I'm unloading all this onto you. You're just easy to talk to, I guess."
"Not at all!" Jeremy assures me. "I consider you a friend, Ophelia, and if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
I smile at him sincerely. "Thanks, Jeremy. That means a lot."
"Sure thing." He grins back.
"Well, I guess I'd better get going," I say as I hold up the leashes in my hands attached to over-anxious pups.
"Ophelia," Jeremy says gently, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder before I can turn away, "trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's important to listen to that inner voice. You are strong and capable, and I believe in you."
I blink, both touched and startled at his words. "Thank you. Well, I'll see you around."
"See ya, and remember I'm always here if you need an ear."
I smile at him, but my mind is already a few blocks away—with Ty.
* * *
I step into the gym, my heart pounding in anticipation. The air is thick with the scent of sweat and determination. I can't deny that I'm drawn to my enigmatic personal trainer like a moth to a flame.
"Ophelia!" Ty calls out from across the room, his voice deep and resonant. "Glad you made it today. Are you ready for an intense workout?"
"Always," I reply, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Ty approaches me, his muscular physique on full display beneath his tight-fitting tank top. As he comes closer, I can't help but notice the way his dark beard contrasts with his piercing blue eyes. He's like a beautiful, dangerous storm that I can't resist getting caught up in.
"Let's start with some warm-up exercises," Ty suggests, leading me to a corner of the gym. "We'll begin with jumping jacks."
As we work through the warm-up, Ty's focused attention makes me feel both exhilarated and self-conscious. My body is flushed with heat, and not just from the exertion. I glance over at him, catching him watching me intently.
"Great job, Ophelia," Ty says, his voice low and seductive as he leans in close. "Keep going. Push yourself."
His words ignite a fire within me, and I push myself harder, desperate to impress him.
"Alright, let's move on to some weightlifting," Ty says, guiding me to a rack of dumbbells. His hands linger on my waist for a moment longer than necessary, sending shivers down my spine.
Our eyes meet, and we stare at each other for what seems like forever. I watch as Ty's eyes darken and then flick to my lips.
My own emotions are swirling like a hurricane inside of me, and as much as I want to give in to my desire for Ty, I can't shake the feeling that doing so would be like diving headfirst into a tempest. The storm may be thrilling, but it could also destroy me.
Thankfully, Ty breaks the spell. "Let's finish our workout," he suggests, his eyes still locked onto mine.
I wordlessly nod and swallow, but for the rest of the workout, I feel the tension pulsing between Ty and me like a live thing.
And I have no clue what to do about it.
* * *
I'm walking Mr. Snuffles again when I spot his owner waiting for me outside his apartment building. The sunlight catches the lenses of Jeremy’s square glasses, making them glint like twin stars in the sky. With a soft smile, he pushes up the sleeves of his plaid shirt, revealing tanned forearms that would make most girls' hearts race. But I feel nothing—certainly not the same electric jolt that I feel around Ty.
"Hey, Ophelia," Jeremy greets me. "How was your workout?"
