“I have to get ready for the new class. You wanna help?” he murmured, still hugging me tight.
“After I have some water.” I laughed as I pushed out of his grasp.
“And you put on a shirt.” His face went stern as he pointed at me. I glanced down at my black sports bra.
“What’s wrong with this?” I tipped my head to the side. “Mom dresses like this when she works out here.”
“I know, and I know how I used to look at her when she was your age. Put on a shirt or leave, your choice.” The humor was gone, and he was back in full Dad mode.
“Fine.” I sighed as I went to grab my bag. This was a fight I wouldn’t win, so I wasn’t even going to try. “I’ll wait over there.” I pointed to the mats that were set out for the self-defense class, grabbed my bag, and made a big show of putting on my tee.
Chapter 4Caleb
Seven a.m. comes way earlier than I’d like it to most days. Today is one of them. “Honey! Breakfast!” I can hear my mom in the hallway.
“I’m up,” I grumbled as a yawn escaped me. Living at home had its perks, but it also had some disadvantages. I mean, who doesn’t like having their meals prepared for them? After spending a year away at college, it was nice to come home to hot meals. The negative in this living situation… having your mom open your door without knocking is the first thing that comes to mind. After that, it would probably be the fact that I can’t bring any girls home. My parents are pretty progressive when it comes to that, but what college guy wants to tell a girl he’s living at home?
Just last week, Mom walked right in. Fortunately, I had the covers pulled up, but I’d had this dream that morning and I was trying to care of business if you know what I mean. Mom quickly stopped that. It was like having ice water tossed on me. Everything curled up, and I was miserable for the rest of the day.
“Caleb!” she pounded on the door this time. “Don’t forget your dad wanted you to stop by training camp tonight.”
“Sure.” I sighed. That was the last thing I wanted to do. Not only was my stepdad the manager of the gym, but my biological dad played professional football. My life has been spent avoiding the press and screening every person who wants any kind of relationship with me. I learned at a young age that some of the people in my life were only there because of my dad. As much as it hurt, I wasn’t as close to him as they thought. My stepdad raised me, and I always thought of him as my dad.
I tossed back the covers, and swung my feet over the edge of the bed. The sun was just rising over the trees, and I could hear birds outside. It was rare, living in the city, but mornings were quiet.
“Can I get breakfast to go?” I called down the hallway before retreating back into my room. Mom muttered something, but I knew she’d give in to me. “Thanks!” I shouted again as I opened the door. I’d managed to get my shorts on and was wrestling with my polo. When I rounded the corner to the kitchen, Mom was standing there with a to-go cup and something wrapped in a paper towel.
“Your dad is expecting you at six tonight. He’ll meet you by the locker rooms.” She smiled and handed over my breakfast.
“What’s so important that I can’t just talk about it over the phone?” I rolled my eyes.
“He just wants to spend time with you. Kinda like I do.” She smiled. “We know you’re going to be on your own soon and won’t have time for us.”
“That’s not true,” I grumbled. “I’ll see you tonight, Mom.” I waved and rushed out the door. The gym wasn’t that far away, but traffic in Boston could be a bitch if you didn’t know where you were going.ooooooooo
“You’re late!” Wes called as soon as I stepped through the door.
“By like thirty seconds.” I shook my head as I headed for the office. I needed to put my bag in the back since I planned to work out tonight. I wasn’t sure what my father had planned but I usually needed to burn off steam after, so I came prepared.
“Put your things away and meet me in the back.” He shook his head like he was pissed, and then stormed off toward the back corner.
“Great,” I grumbled under my breath. This day was sure going swell. I clocked in, grabbed a water, and made my way over to where Wes had instructed.
“Now that my assistant is here, we can get started.” Wes smiled, but I knew the look. He was preparing for something, I just didn’t know what.
“Is this some kind of punishment?” a female voice groaned, and when I turned in the direction it had come from, our eyes connected and recognition dawned on me.
“What are you doing here?” I pointed at her.
“My dad owns the place. I can come here whenever I want.” Attitude rolled off her, and she stood from her seated position, placing her hands on her hips. Her chin lifted and eyes narrowed.
“Relax, Princess.” I brushed her off. “I meant, why are you here today?”
“She’s helping me. You two are going to demonstrate some self-defense moves. This way I can explain it as it’s happening rather than after the fact.” Wes grinned as my face fell. He was going to let his daughter beat me up, and she seemed to be excited about it.
