I took another look at my watch before calling into the locker room. “Come on, Kyle. It’s just you and me here right now, buddy. Nobody else will see your weight or measurements. I promise that you can trust me, but we won’t know whether or not you’re successful if we don’t have a starting point.”

Kyle walked out of the locker room with a resigned look on his face. I forced myself to keep my eyes on his face and ignore the tight workout pants he was wearing. A quick glance had revealed how they hugged his crotch and displayed the goods. I had a feeling that Kyle would be horrified if he knew.

He looked at the scale then back at the measuring tape in my hand. “Is this a pick-my-choice scenario or are you making me suffer with both?”

I rolled my eyes and pointed at the scale. “Both. Now hop up there. Let’s get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible.”

“That’s what he said.” Kyle smirked as he stepped onto the scale. He looked up at the ceiling while I adjusted the dial and took his weight.

“Kyle, it’s not as bad as you think. You only weigh two hundred and fifty-three pounds. The recommended weight for your height is two hundred and nine, according to the chart, which I don’t necessarily agree with. But if you want to go by these numbers, you’re only forty-three pounds over goal weight.”

He sighed as he stepped back off the scale. “You say that like forty pounds is no big deal. It’s going to take forever to get that off—if it’s even possible.”

“It’s possible, Kyle. Especially if I’m helping you every step of the way. Remember, you’re not alone in this—you’ve got a support system in me. Now hands out to your sides so I can get your measurements.”

My knuckles accidentally grazed his left nipple as I measured his solid chest. I kept my face impassive but filed away the way he’d shivered at the slight touch. Somebody had sensitive nipples. Good to know. I also didn’t miss his increased heart rate and the way the vein in his neck pulsed. Boyfriend or not, he wasn’t unaffected by my touch.

Kyle distracted me from my thoughts and pulled my attention back to the task at hand when he spoke. “Are you planning to feel me up all day like a perv, or are you actually going to read off my measurements? I was fitted for a tux a few years ago when I was in a buddy’s wedding. Mr. Grabby Hands at the shop didn’t even take this long, and he had to measure my inseam.”

I flashed him a wink. “Sorry, I was lost in thought. Your chest is just a shade under fifty-five inches.” I didn’t want to measure his waist from the front for fear of being distracted by that delicious bulge so I walked around to the back side. Big mistake.

How had I not noticed his juicy bubble butt when he’d been on the scale? Seriously, it was just begging to be grabbed. No, squeezed. Hell, the only way to do that ass proper justice would be to drop to my knees and bite into it like a ripe peach.

“Are you perving again?” Kyle looked back over his shoulder, catching me in the act before I had a chance to avert my eyes.

I shrugged. “Hey, I’m an ass man, what can I say? When I see something I like, I’m gonna look.”

Kyle’s ears turned bright red as he gave an embarrassed cough. “How about we just measure my waist and not look at what’s below it?”

“That was my intention. Why do you think I came around here to avoid temptation in the first place?”

I waggled my brows and flashed him a wink. Kyle snapped his head forward again as though he hadn’t heard me, but the blush climbing around the back of his neck said otherwise. Putting my mind back to business, I took his measurements as efficiently as possible.

“Forty-eight inches around the waist. Again, not too far from average and easy enough to bring down. Just wait until I get you doing sit-ups and burpees. You’ll have toned abs before you know it.”

Kyle dropped his arms as I came back around and made notes on his chart. He chewed his lip thoughtfully, vulnerability shining in his eyes as he watched me. “Dallas, are you being serious when you say that you can help me?”

I set the clipboard and pen down and gave him my undivided attention. “Kyle, you’re a tall and muscular guy. When I say that this is an easy fix, I’m not trying to downplay it or make you think that it won’t involve real work—because it will. But if you dedicate yourself to the program we put you on, you will see results.”

“What about diet? You want me to keep a food diary or something, because I could do that.” His eyes brightened as if he were finally getting on board the hope train.

“A food journal is in excellent idea. If we can monitor your food intake and see what you’re putting into your body, it will help us know what we need to get out of your body, workout wise. I’d like to see you on a protein-based, high-fiber diet with less carbs.”

Kyle shook his head sadly. “I’m guessing that means I’ll have to quit stopping for my morning bagel and latte?”

“Not entirely,” I laughed. “But maybe just cut it back to once or twice a week with the bagels. As for lattes, if you get nonfat milk and cut the sugary syrups, I’ll allow it.”

“So much for my daily stress relief. Don’t laugh, I realize that caffeine isn’t ideal for mellowing out. It’s just that it’s the one thing that’s only mine, you know? And I do love my bagels.”

I wanted to hug him but settled for resting a hand on his arm. “You need to find something else that’s just yours. I’m not evil so I’m not going to tell you that you can’t enjoy things in life. I’m just saying, let’s find you something healthier. For example, have you tried Ethan’s yoga class? Gym employees get a fifty percent discount on all classes. You should check it out. It’s great for relieving tension.”

“Yoga? I thought that was made for people like Gideon or Houston. You know, bendy little twink types.” Kyle shook his head with a chuckle. “Wouldn’t a big guy like me get laughed out of the class?”

“Have you not met Ethan yet? The dude is bigger than me and looks meaner than Beau. And yet, I’ve seen him hold positions that I wouldn’t think were possible outside of a gymnastics studio. I started taking his class last month just to check it out and see what he was offering the members, and I have to admit that it’s a great class. Not to mention a fantastic way to unwind at the end of the day.”

Kyle bit his lip and smiled apologetically. “If the classes are only in the evenings, then I wouldn’t be able to go. I have to be home by five-thirty so that Fred’s dinner isn’t late.”

As much as I wanted to share my two cents on that one, I kept my mouth shut. His relationship wasn’t my business, although I’d love for it to be otherwise. Instead, I whipped out my phone and double-checked our class calendar.

“How about this? He has a class twice a week at the beginning of your shift. What if you came in an hour earlier on those days, then took an hour off to do the class before finishing your shift?”

“You’d really let me do that?” Kyle seemed skeptical. “I mean, if you’re serious, I’d be happy to give it a try.”

“I absolutely mean it. And as your trainer, I heartily endorse it. Give it a shot and see if it helps you. If your schedule ever changes, you can always add more classes later.”

“So tell me about Ethan. He’s that really big guy with the blue mohawk, right? I’ve seen him come in and out, but he’s never even said hello. I thought he was scary, if I’m being honest.”

I shook my head. “Ethan is a doll. He’s really shy, believe it or not. He does great in a classroom situation, but unless you’ve met him and he knows you’re okay, he doesn’t really interact much. Given his size, it puts people off and makes them think he’s mean or an asshole. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“Huh. That just goes to show how you can’t judge a book by its cover.” Kyle grinned. “I’ll give him a shot. But maybe you could introduce us first so that he knows I’m okay?”