“So do I,” Adam said in a heated rush, head lowering.

Silence came over all of them.

Preslee blinked but didn’t speak. Was she picking up on the weird tension radiating off him? Because he was pretty sure Josh had, judging by the blank stare.

Adam dropped his arm from around her and winced internally. What was he doing? He was acting all territorial, and he really needed to cool it. And remember that Preslee wasn’t his.

“So,” Josh said, breaking the uncomfortable silence, “has Adam been kicking your butt into shape?”

Irritation sizzled in Adam’s veins. Was this guy blind? She already had a great shape. And a great butt. Comments like that were what made it hard for women to love their bodies just the way they were. Insensitive moron.

But before he could say anything, Preslee spoke up. “Adam isn’t putting me through the wringer, if that’s what you mean. He’s been a pleasure to work with. I’m getting a good workout.”

“Good,” Josh said, smiling at her. “Nothing like working out with someone to get your heart pumping and break into a nice sweat.”

Adam eyed Josh, noting the slight change in his voice. Had he meant that in a sexual way? Because if so, he was going to…

Shit. Do nothing.

Adam fisted his hands at his sides. He was going to do absolutely nothing because that was what he signed up for. To help Preslee get Josh. Which meant Adam would have to sit idly by while another man flirted with her. In front of him. Wonderful. Maybe they would let him watch them make out later too.

God. He hoped not. The last thing he wanted to see was Josh touching her.

Yeah, Adam was jealous. And that fact only annoyed him more.

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

After spending the entire week in the gym, Preslee had a newfound appreciation for people who worked out without anyone to guide or motivate them. What on earth made them not want to quit? Pure strength and willpower? A need to burn energy? A death wish? Because if so, she didn’t have any of those.

What she did have, though, was Adam.

If it hadn’t been for him, Preslee would’ve already given up. She hated to admit it, but he’d been the only thing that had gotten her through the past week. Between working at the shop during the day and spending her evenings in the gym, she’d completely exhausted herself.

Every night, she’d arrive home with tired limbs and sore muscles. She would force herself into the shower, quickly blow-dry her hair, and then fall into bed without even watching TV, an activity she used to do before bed to wind down. Now sleep came easily.