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She put her jacket on, then pulled her long hair out of the back. “As long as they don’t hide again and make me think they’ve run away, I’m good. But I’m thinking they already have a plan on how to best torture their auntie today.”
I laughed as she walked out.
A glance at the clock showed I had time for a quick workout before dinner was ready.
The house had a sunroom that was as big as a gymnasium. It had become my unofficial workout room. I’d decreed there were only fun exercises allowed in there, so now the space was home to two exercise trampolines, a pole, and a few ropes hanging from the ceiling that I’d unsuccessfully tried to scale and wrap around me.
The only equipment I knew how to use at the moment was the trampoline. But since I enjoyed it, I didn’t mind. Tackling the pole and ropes would involve hiring a trainer, and I hadn’t been brave enough to do that yet.
After spending nearly an hour following an exercise video, I was sweaty but happy. I didn’t think that after following such a strict exercise regimen for so long, I’d still be able to enjoy exercise, but with so much time on my hands and all the food I wanted to eat at my fingertips, I’d found a healthy compromise.
Getting off the trampoline, I turned the video on my phone off. There was no TV in the room, but I should sort that out soon since it was hard to watch a tiny screen while jumping up and down.
I resisted the urge to go past the office on my way to the bedroom.
The room felt different when I walked in. Gabriel’s clothes were in his closet, still leaving mine mostly empty. The air held hints of his aftershave, something I couldn’t say I hated.
I shed my clothes as I walked, making my way to the closet. I picked out leggings and an oversized sweater. The cotton underwear I’d been so proud to choose myself after throwing out all my bras and panties looked plain. For the first time, I regretted getting rid of every piece of clothing from my former life.
I wondered what Gabriel wore under his suits. Looking behind me to make sure the door was still closed, I went to his closet. Suits and shirts hung up, neatly organized by color.
I opened drawer after drawer, finding a collection of ties, watches, and cuff links. A smile stole over my face when the next drawer I opened revealed silky boxer shorts.
Not thinking about it twice, I reached out, picking up a forest-green pair. I held it up in front of me, picturing Gabriel wearing it.
“I didn’t take you for a boxer shorts kind of girl. But since we’re married and what’s mine is yours, you’re, of course, welcome to them.”
I jolted, and his underwear fluttered to the floor. I held my clothes in front of my body that had no doubt turned fire-engine red. I couldn’t decide what I was more embarrassed about: getting caught inspecting his underwear or getting caught naked.
“It wasn’t… I didn’t mean… never mind.”
Shuffling past him so I wasn’t giving him a view of my exposed backside, I noticed he was almost as naked as I was. His hair was damp, and the only thing covering him was a towel loosely wrapped around his hips.
As I shuffled my way to the bathroom, my gaze inadvertently moved to his cut abs and wide chest that was covered in tattoos. I hated that he had such an effect on me.
When my hand hit the bathroom doorframe, I backed up and closed the door, resting my back against it with a stuttered sigh.
Pull yourself together, idiot.
Shaking off thoughts of my husband, I showered and dressed myself, not bothering to put on makeup or dry my hair. I braided it to keep it out of my face, then took a deep breath for courage and left the safety of the bathroom.
Checking my phone, I saw I had a message from Caspar. It made me realize I’d forgotten to message him back.
Caspar: How about dinner tomorrow?
I didn’t think dinner was a great idea.
Me: Hey, sorry for not responding to your message. How about lunch instead?”
He replied immediately.
Caspar: Sounds good. When’s good for you?
Me: Next week Wednesday?
Caspar: Look forward to it.
I texted him my address, receiving a thumbs up in return. Gabriel would have to suck it up, because I wanted to see my friend.
