Silk Encased Steel

Chapter seven

JT woke up the next morning early as always, it was seven thirty but he was alone in the bed. The house

around him was silent and he knew intelligently that she had left to take the dogs out, but still hated the

fact that he couldn’t burrow into her. James got clothes on and made his way to the kitchen to get a

drink, he stood staring out the window remembering her telling him about how she went on an early

morning hike with the two dogs most mornings, a sacrifice since she was not a morning person. When

she came into view he got his boots and stepped out onto the porch to wait for her. “You shoulda'

woken me up.” He called out.

She waved him off, “You look delicious.” She said walking up the steps taking him in in his blue long

sleeve shirt and jogging pants, the five o'clock shadow that had come in was what put it over the top for

her.

He leaned down and kissed her, “You look cold.” He wrapped his arms around her.

Valentina stuck her cold hands up his back with an evil giggle when he yelled and jumped away. “I don’t

have enough food to feed you more than one meal. So after breakfast we have to go into town to get

some supplies.” He followed her in, “I’ll drop you at the gym on my way so you can get your workout in.”

She offered.

JT frown, “I’m good, I’m here to see you, we don’t have that much time I don’t want to waste it.”

She laughed, “that’s sweet, but you forget I’ve talked to you when you’ve missed a workout, I think the

rest of the day will be more enjoyable if you aren't bouncing off the walls.” She kissed him again as he

stood leaning against the counter, filling up her good sized kitchen with the shear size and presence of

him. She could tell he really did want to go get in the work out, but was battling with the past demons

that had plagued his previous attempts of relationships. “It’s okay Jay, it’s part of the package that is JT

Brodie. I’m not holding it against you, I’m suggesting it. Anyway, the owner is an old friend, he is open

today because he is a gym baby like you and wants to workout himself. He says he doesn’t expect many

if any clients in today, just other gym baby athlete friends. so you will have the place to yourself

basically.”

JT grabbed her and held her tight, “You arranged all this before 8 am for me?”

She rolled her eyes, “I usually go hang out with him new years day, he puts on a great brunch a bit later

in the morning.”

He laughed, “Ahh well if there’s food involved then I understand completely.”

Valentina walked into the gym in town, knowing that even if it looked empty Frank was probably

somewhere in the back taking a break. They had known each other since elementary school and had

been friends since university. Frank had always been athletic and a workout addict, so after university

when he had gotten tired of working at a big box gym as a trainer she had absently said he should open

his own. He knew enough people, he had the training, it had been a great fit logically. And when it

worked out she was offered a free lifetime membership, even though she wasn’t one to workout

heavily.

“Hey Franky I hope you have your pants on!” She called out, “It was reeee-ally awkward last time”

“Oh shut up Val, that's what you get when you walk into the mens locker room.” He replied walking out of the back office, he gave her a hug and checked out JT over her shoulder, “You are right he is bigger in

person.”

JT rolled his eyes and shrugged, “Hi Frank, Thanks for letting me in today.” He put his bag down and

looked around, “ I think Val was worried I would start bouncing off the walls if I didn’t get at least a half

workout in.”

“Okay I’m going over to the store to grab some groceries, I’ll be back in time for brunch. Don’t damage

the goods Frank! I’m pretty sure Houston has his whole body insured.” Val let JT kiss her cheek and she

left them to their male bonding ritual.

JT and Frank stared at each other, “She totally just ditched you to escape any questions you know.”

JT nodded, “Yeah, I figured.”

Frank wasn’t one to be intimidated or awed by athletes, he had a few good friends who played for the

Hockey League. But JT Brodie was definitely larger than life, best in his position, over a hundred million

dollar contract renewal, face of the football league was a whole other level. “Val told me how you guys

met, considering you are here, I’m guessing you are a bit more into her than you want to admit to at the

moment. But guy to guy, you are in for a challenge with that one.”