The next morning, I wake to sore legs from yesterday's training. Even so, I can't ignore the slight excitement at the thought of being alone with Noel.
After breakfast I glance at a few messages from Beatrice.
Beatrice: We've got you scheduled for a one-on-one training session with Noel this morning.
Beatrice: He'll be waiting for you in the main gym.
Liv: Got it. Thanks Beatrice.
I set my phone down and spend more time than usual digging through my closet for something cute. On the drive over, I keep telling myself it doesn't mean anything.
***
The weight room is quiet when I arrive. Noel is already there, casually adjusting some weights.
He opens his mouth to greet me but pauses, when I realizes I'm not in my usual garb. For a second, his eyes slowly devour my figure.
Noel quickly clears his throat, ridding the lust from his gaze.
"Good morning, Liv." Noel grins. "Read to see what those legs are arms are really made of?"
Noel starts me through a series of lifts and spot checks, confidently guiding me with his hands.
As we rest between sets, he leans casually against a bench.
"So, how's the team been treating you so far?" Noel asks.
I shrug, wiping a bead of sweat from my forehead. "Everyone's been nice," I say, then after a brief pause add, "but Gemma is a little intimidating."
Noel chuckles. "She just looks fierce, but I promise you—she's more bark than bite."
"Really?"
"Well, you can always try asking Seb for advice."
"I didn't realize they were so close."
Noel rubs the back of his neck, a meek expression on his face. "Well, they've known each other for a while."
"You mean they knew each other before NRGYZR?"
"Well, sort of," he replies. "Seb and Gemma dated for some time, but it was a few years before either of them joined NRGYZR."
Noel's words make me feel something odd in the pit of my stomach, and I decide to change the subject altogether.
"So, how many more sets to we have left?" I ask.
"Let's make this our last set."
Noel shifts his focus to my form, stepping in close. He slowly wraps his hands around my wrists, steering the weights back to the rack as the heat curls in the air between us.
He claps his hands together once, like he's waking himself from the tension between us. Then, he gestures to the squat rack.
"Let's finish with squats."
Noel sets me up for the last exercise, hovering closer than usual, as if he's waiting for an excuse to step in. I settle under the bar, bracing my shoulders as he stands behind me, his hands hovering near my waist.
"Ready?"
I nod, sinking into my first squat.
The first rep is fine.
"Good form," he says.
Something about the way he says it makes me thing he's not just talking about my squat form.
"Thanks," I say quickly, warmth growing in my cheeks.
The second rep pushes my legs harder than I expect.
"Keep it steady," he murmurs.
Halfway through my third rep, my legs give out. Before I can even think, Noel's hands are on my waist, his chest brushing against my back. The barbell slides off like it's nothing, and he gently guides me upright.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," I say, forcing a look of composure.
I spin around to thank him, but Noel's usual playfulness is gone and replaced by a heat that makes my pulse race.
He leans in, voice low. "You know, you're really gorgeous."
My cheeks instantly turn rosy. "Thanks," I say, rubbing side of my arm.
He wraps a hand around the small of my back, pulling me closer. I don't lean in, but I don't exactly pull away either.
With his other hand, he tilts my chin up and brings his lips towards min. My breathing goes shallow.
Then—a soft click.
The door to the gym closes somewhere behind us.
Noel and I snap apart, my heart pounding as a glance towards the door.
Shit.
"Who was that?" I whisper.