One Trip Around the Sun Read Online Free PDF

from the few middle-aged men who are probably going through their midlife crises. He walks off in the direction of the front desk to sign us in.
    “I’m not doing anything crazy, Kyle. See those treadmills? That’s where you can find me.” I make my expectations clear to him right away, so he doesn’t even think about torturing me today.
    “That’s fine,” he agrees, only humoring me. Then, he continues walking away from me.
    I get situated on the treadmill. My earbuds are in, and I start increasing the speed until I’m at a fast-paced walk.
    I see Kyle talking to someone across the gym. I swear, he can’t go anywhere without finding someone he knows. I wouldn’t think that his friends would be at the gym on a Sunday morning.
    He turns and walks toward me with his friend at his side.
    Great, I’m a sweaty mess on a treadmill, and he’s bringing his stupid friend over here.
    As they get closer, I recognize him .
    Are you kidding me? “Brady.” I’m burning hot all of a sudden, and it has nothing to do with working out.
    “Reese.” Brady nods his head and smiles.
    “Of course you would be here,” I say softly. It comes out snobbier than I intended it to. I look into his eyes for any sign that he’s also thinking of our little interaction last night.
    “Yeah, I’m here a lot.”
    “I can tell.” Oh God, I did not just say that out loud . “I mean, you’re always dressed in your gym clothes,” I stutter over my words. Finally, I just shut my mouth.
    “His parents own the place, Reese. He works here,” Kyle says as he opens his water.
    “I work here, and I work out here.” His stares are so intense that they make me uncomfortable. “So, if you need anything, just let me know.” He smacks his hand on the bar at the top of the treadmill.
    “I signed us up for a family membership, so you and Mom can come anytime you want,” Kyle says.
    “Wow, that’s great,” I say sarcastically. Although, if I get to look at Brady while I work out, then maybe I will start coming more.
    “What would be great is if you got off that treadmill and tried some other things,” Kyle says in a smart-ass tone.
    “I will another day.” I narrow my eyes at Kyle, hoping he gets the hint and leaves me alone.
    He shakes his head as they walk away. I admire Brady’s body. It’s obvious that he spends a lot of time working out. His shoulders are broad, and his biceps are more defined than any of the guys at school. Even the guys who play sports aren’t built like Brady. His tank top dips down far on his sides, exposing the muscles. Even his calves are sculpted. As they pass a cooler, Brady opens it and reaches up to the top shelf to get a drink. I notice the bulging muscles under his arms.
    I feel an electric shock straight between my thighs. Whoa . What the hell?
    Every damn time I’m around him, this happens. I’m breathing fast and shallow yet again.
    He grabs something out of the cooler and walks back to me.
    I meet his gaze halfway and then quickly look away. I worry that he’ll notice my rapid breathing and know what I’m thinking about. I increase the speed on the treadmill, hoping he’ll think that I’m just working out harder than I am.
    “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Kyle, but if you’re gonna drink alcohol, you need to drink a lot of water also. Alcohol dehydrates you. It can cause you to get sick or even pass out, so push the water.” He drops the bottle into the holder on the treadmill and walks away, backward, his glorious crooked smile blinding me.
    “Just so you know, I didn’t drink that much, but thanks for the tip.”
    “Just promise me, you’ll drink all that water.” He lazily lifts his arm and points at the water.
    Lucky me, I get to see the side of those beautifully defined abs.
    “Promise,” I say all breathy—well, like a teenage girl. Ugh!

    As soon as Kyle and I are home and walking through the back door, my heart skips a beat, and it’s not for any good reason.