Page 19 of Rush

Sam’s head snaps up in my direction and there’s a smile on her face as well. I feel smug, knowing both of my girls look happy to see me, something Gym Bro also happens to notice.

His face flattens out, the flirty smile from before falling off his mouth. “This is Dylan’s father?”

My body tenses at the way he says father, clinical, like all I did was supply half of the DNA to make my sweet little angel. Sam glances at him for a split second before her pretty blue eyes land back on me, and I see the way she assesses him, reading him the same way I did.

“Yes, this is Jameson, Dylan’s dad. We’re so excited he was finally able to move closer to us and open his own auto shop here. Jameson, this is Mac, my workout buddy.”

I want to chuckle at the way he flinches when she downgrades him to only her workout buddy. Not the guy she’s seeing or even a friend. Hiding my grin, I stick my hand out, offering it to him. “Nice to meet you, man.”

Mac is slower to reciprocate, but he does eventually shake my hand. My grip tightens, and his eyes flash to mine in a moment of panic. “Yeah, uh, nice to meet you.” He turns back to Sam, his cheeks ruddy. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow for a workout?”

I pick Dylan up and cradle her to my chest, my eyes narrowing on this dense beefcake. “Actually, we already have plans to work out together. Now that I’m here and was able to get a key card to use the facilities, Sam said she'll show me the ropes.”

Sam’s body grows rigid next to me, but she keeps her smile in place. “Yeah, I almost forgot we made that plan. Sorry, Mac. Looks like I’m not available tomorrow.”

“Or anytime in the near future,” I add, seeing the anger flash in his eyes.

“Right.” Mac backs up, his hand on his bag. “Guess I’ll see you around then.”

He turns to leave, and I don’t take my eyes off him until he’s far enough away.

“What was that?” Sam turns to me, her cheeks pink, her eyes flashing brightly with confusion, panic, and anger.

I need to defuse this situation. I’m fully aware my jealousy got the best of me in this moment, but no way was I letting him think he had a chance with her. My shoulders shrug, and I try to laugh it off. “Nothing. I really did get a key card to use the facility, so I figured you could show me around. We used to work out together before.”

Her mouth opens, closes and then opens again. It's adorable really. I love making her speechless while she’s trying to figure out my game. “How did you get a key card? Those are only issued to students.”

“I did some work on the director’s car. One of the parts was going to cost a mint to get shipped here when he needed it by. We cut a deal. I covered half the cost, and he gave me the key card access,” I explain.

“Just like that?” Sam questions, her fingertips caressing over Dylan’s cheeks, making her giggle in my arms.

“Yeah, pretty much. You even said it yourself the facility here is top notch. I’ve always been a runner and now that I have some more down time, I can get back to my normal workout routines.” Sam keeps her gaze on Dylan, but I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head. “You don’t have to show me around if you don’t want to, or work out with me. I know it’s been a long time.”

“No. I mean yes. No.” Sam huffs, and her arms wrap around her waist. The last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable.

My fingers grip the edge of her chin, and I tilt her head up, needing to feel her eyes on mine. “Sam, it was just an idea. I’m sorry I spoke before asking.”

She sighs, and I can physically see the tension leave her body. Her arms drop to her sides, her shoulders relax and her hip pops to the side. “I just got tongue-tied. Yes, it has been a while, but also no, I don’t mind showing you around. If it works for us to do our workouts together then I’m open to that too, if you are.”

“Well, I did ask you, so I’m open to it, babe.” I smirk, and she rolls her eyes before stepping out of my hold. At least now there is a smile on her face.

“I better get in there.” She points her thumb over her shoulder. “I’ll see you both at the game?”

“We wouldn’t miss it. Would we, little Pretty Girl?” I bounce Dylan in my arms, and she clutches her arms around my neck.

“Mommy going to score a goal,” she tells me happily, and I nod in agreement.

Sam shakes her head, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss Dylan's cheek. “I’ll try my hardest. Love you Dyl!”

She steps back, and I have to fight the urge to tell her we love her too. Instead, Dylan and I wave while Sam walks into the arena to get ready for the night. Once she disappears inside, I carry Dylan over to my truck and buckle her in.

“What are you hungry for, Dylan?”

Her eyes light up, and she gives me her crooked grin. “Pizza.”

“Mmm pizza sounds good. Should we see if uncle Bray wants to join us? He probably just got to town and is hungry too,” I ask, and she’s already nodding her head yes.

After sending a quick text and reading the instant reply, I drive us to Chu Chu’s to get some pizza. The place is usually packed with students right before a game, but we’re early enough to beat the crowd. There is one booth left when the hostess seats us. Dylan settles into her booster seat, and I take out her crayons and one of her dolls from the bag. Within five minutes of us sitting down, Braysen arrives and Dylan is ecstatic to see one of her bonus uncles.