Chapter 1

Six thirty A.M. Most people my age would be fast asleep in their beds. Or they would be grumpily getting ready for work. I grinned, thinking about all my high school friends who were now stuck in a corporate job they hated. But not me. Maybe it was luck or maybe it was the perseverance to stay away from everything that I hated, but somehow, I had managed to make a successful life for myself. I was healthy, I had own business as well as a killer sports bike that was for all intents and purposes, my baby.

I dismounted, letting my sneakers pound against the hot asphalt of the parking lot. As always, the lot was full. Fitness enthusiasts never seemed to sleep and they never seemed to leave the gym. Maybe I was one of them, but at least I made the effort to get a solid eight hours of sleep every night.

I mean, my closet is filled with more active wear than anything else, but what can I say? It’s comfortable. I like tight-fitting stuff and leggings look good and make my butt look even better.

As the early morning sun shone, I took off my helmet, letting my long, straight brown hair fall over my shoulders. I squinted against the sun, using my hand as a visor as I looked out at the road. Early morning traffic rushed by as commuters struggled to get to work on time.

With my helmet under my arm, I hurried across the street once I had looked both ways. My backpack bounced against the small of my back. As I climbed the steps to the gym, a couple of girls carrying yoga mats giggled to themselves, drinking putrid green smoothies. They were kind enough to hold the door for me, but that didn’t mean I liked their fake smiles. Together, we descended to the basement level where all group classes were held. The blonde woman looked back and flashed a set of pearly white teeth that looked just as fake as her smile. “Are you doing the morning yoga class as well?” She inquired politely. By her side, her friend rolled her eyes. To her, it was obviously a waste of time to talk to me.

“No,” I answered with a curt syllable. The woman’s smile only deepened as she moved her drink from one hand to the other.

“Oh? I didn’t know there were any other classes held this early.”

“There’s that horrible kickboxing class. I wish they wouldn’t grunt so loudly – it messes up my focus.” The friend mumbled under her breath with a small snicker before finishing off her smoothie.

“I’ll try to be quiet.” I pointed my comment at the woman before I hurried past them. My elbow rammed into her body, knocking her sideways into the blonde. The two women looked appalled as I stepped into the kickboxing studio.

Still irritated, I stomped to the cubbies and put away my helmet. I rummaged through my backpack, looking for a hair tie and my headband as I observed the crowd. All the regulars were here. Timmy with the lame left leg. Melissa the war veteran who had served in Afghanistan as a chopper pilot. James Malloy who was in his second year of sobriety. There were a few new faces, including the man who stood at the front of the class, where Mel James, our instructor, usually liked to stand.

Putting my bag away, I watched a few timid newcomers blend into the rest, looking uneasy. With my headband in my mouth, I started to tie my hair into a ponytail. If I was any other girl, maybe I would have cared what my hair looked like. Maybe I would have used a mirror. I didn’t. To make sure no strands of hair flew into my face during the workout, I hurried to put my headband on before walking up to the new guy.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him. Subtly, I studied his body. He was wearing a thin tank top that clung to his body, showing off his muscular physique. His shoulders were broad and powerful. His arms toned to perfection, albeit a little hairier than what I was used to. His loose-fitting gym shorts showed off part of his thick thighs and his well-defined calf muscles. This was a guy who paid attention to both arm and leg days.

“Hmm?” He turned to face me.

“Where’s Mel?’ I asked, staring him dead in the eyes. He smiled, his pink lips curling at the corners as his hazel eyes seemed to sparkle.

“Ah.” He nodded, running his fingers through his short sandy hair. “I was going to mention that at the beginning of the class.”

I narrowed my eyes at him before turning on my heels and walking away. I took up my regular spot in the middle of the room and continued to watch him. He wasn’t half bad. I bit my lip. Who was I kidding? The man was smoking hot. His face alone with those warm eyes, rugged facial hair and pointed cheeks were enough to make any girl swoon. As he looked my way, I bent down, pretending to tie my shoe. I didn’t want to be caught staring.

Abruptly, while I was still fiddling with my shoelaces, he clapped his hands together to get everyone’s attention. “Hello everyone, my name is Quinton Fraser. You can all call me Quin. Mel had a family emergency and won’t be joining us for the foreseeable future. So, I’ll be her replacement for the time being.” He flashed a smile that made my heart skip a beat. My cheeks became hot and flushed, my skin clammy. He looked directly at me, his smile broadening. “So let’s begin. I want to see everyone bringing their A-game to the table, alright?”

Without another word, he stepped up to the stereo system and turned on the electronic dance music that was supposed to motivate us throughout the workout. For me, however, Quin was all the motivation I needed.