The weight room had mostly cleared out, but the heavy, suffocating vibe lingered. I stayed behind on purpose, pretending to stretch while the last few guys headed for the showers. My ribs burned with every movement, the deep bruises pulling tight with every breath, but I couldn’t leave yet. Not while Caleb was still here.
He was leaning against the far wall by the squat rack, arms crossed, watching me with that intense, stormy stare that always made my skin prickle. He kept his captain’s mask firmly in place for anyone glancing back, but I could see the cracks—the tight set of his jaw, the restless drumming of his fingers against his bicep.
The moment the door clicked shut behind the last teammate, the room went completely still.
Caleb crossed the floor in a few heavy strides. He didn't
