All The Questions

Chapter Five

Seanna POV

Lunch over, back to the grind.

We stepped out of the break room and walked back toward the front desk.

Something about the gym felt… different.

I glance up from the basket that had held the towels I was folding and notice him.

Still there.

Okay I need to take this back to the laundry room.

Autumn walked with me.

The tall, broad-shouldered guy from earlier — the one who spun like a puppy and ran for the bathroom — standing by the free weights, looking… normal-ish, I guess. But my chest insists on skipping beats for some reason I can’t explain.

Autumn notices too. As we step out of the break room, her head snaps toward him.

she says dryly, grinning. “So was that’s the one auditioning for most dramatic gym entrance ever.”

I almost laugh, but my eyes are glued to him. He doesn’t look threatening. He doesn’t even look… aware I’m watching. And yet. Something about his presence makes the room feel heavier, warmer, like the air itself shifted.

“Yeah that’s him. Although of all the weird things I deal with I’d say he feels the least threatening tonight.”

My gesture with my eyes toward the treadmill that Ezekiel was now using.

And autumn make a face that looks like she just smelled something bad.

“I can hit him with my car… on… accidentally Oppsies…”

I laughed and put the basket down.

“Nahh… I’d prefer you not in prison. Besides… orange does you no favors.”

Autumn nudges my shoulder lightly. “ It do not. Anyway. Lunch is over. I’m off. Don’t die on me.”

I smile, waving her off. “Bye, Autumn.”

And just like that, she’s gone.

The moment her footsteps fade, my stomach flips. Something instinctual tugs at me, and I suddenly realize — I can still smell him.

I didn’t realize it at first, the gym is full of guys cologne and body spray 24/7. Truthfully they abuse it. I would be able taste “Midnight Apollo temptation” but unfortunately some of the guy that came in were obviously trying to compensate for a multitude of sins.

But he didn’t smell like that.

It was different… hard to describe. Peppery. And sweet. Not like candy sweet but the way the perfect cup of espresso with two shots of mocha was.

And maybe like mahogany wood… but none of it was especially overwhelming. Just there. Teasing my nose like nostalgia I couldn’t quite place.

Why am I focusing so heavily on this?!

Before I can think too hard, Ezekiel — is heading toward the front desk.

My pulse spikes.

Nope. Not today. Not letting that weird, staring creep near me.

I bolt past Nate without a word, leaving him to deal with Ezekiel, and retreat back to the machines and cleaning. My hands shake a little as I wipe down benches, stack mats, and check inventory.

I pull my phone out to distract myself, fingers trembling slightly. I had never thought

*ding*

James.

James: Coming up to stay with your parents in a weekMy heart jumps into my throat.

It’s really happening.

They’re finally going to meet. The man my father has known for years, the one he suggested to me.

I glance around the quiet gym. I’m twenty-five now. In my world, that’s practically ancient. Most girls were married, had children, and already carried the weight of church expectations by eighteen. I’ve been engaged twice — both abusive. Both escapes with scars to prove it. And now… finally, finally, someone I might actually trust is coming into my life on my terms.

Before I can spiral too far into panic and excitement, my phone dings again.

James: So… I guess I’ll get to ask you all the questions I’ve been wanting to now.

I swallow hard.

And just like that, the gym feels impossibly quiet.

My hands still smell faintly of disinfectant and laundry. My chest feels tight. My heart is racing.

I tuck my phone away, straighten my back, and force myself to keep cleaning.

Because for once, I need to survive the night.

And maybe… just maybe… the world isn’t entirely impossible.