Tell Me You Love Me (4 page)

“Paging Tyanna Calhoun to the front desk. Tyanna Calhoun to the front desk.’’

Brother
, Tyanna thought sourly. Everyone knew she was on a much-deserved break. She had barely started her salad.

She closed the top of the plastic container over the salad, then pushed her chair back and stood. She hoped there wasn’t some type of emergency. It was tough enough trying to fit lunch into her hectic schedule at the gym, and she appreciated the few moments she had to herself.

A minute later, she was at the front desk. “What’s up, Shirley?’’

“Someone’s here to see you.’’

Tyanna rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you tell them I was on my break?’’

“Of course, but he was pretty adamant. Said he’s looking for a personal trainer and heard you were the best.’’

Tyanna bit her scowl. “Where is he?’’

“He’s sitting back there, in your office.’’

“Why’s he in my office?’’

“He said he’d prefer to wait for you there.’’

Fine. Tyanna wasn’t going to make a big stink about it. “Shirley, please make sure that next time, anyone who wants to see me waits out here?’’

“Sure,” Shirley said.

Tyanna turned and headed in the direction of the club’s offices. Except for the manager, no one had an official office. There were simply a series of desks partitioned off from one another.

Tyanna was all set to tell this man that he would have to wait a few more minutes for her, but her mouth dried the moment she saw Sheldon sitting in front of her desk.

He looked up at her and smiled.

“Oh, no.’’

Tyanna whirled on her heel, prepared to tell Shirley that there was no way in hell she was going to work with this man. But Sheldon softly called her name and she froze.

Damn, she wished he didn’t have the power to do that to her.

“Come on, babe,” he said. “There’s no need to run from me.’’

She marched back into her office and sat down behind her desk. “Let’s get a couple things straight. First of all, I’m not your baby. Not anymore.’’

“And second?’’

There was a hint of a smirk on his mouth, and
that irritated her. “And second, do not come to my workplace pretending to be a potential client.’’

“But I
am
a potential client,” he protested. “And I want to work with the best.’’

Tyanna stared at Sheldon for a good five seconds, wondering what on earth was going through that mind of his. Finally she asked, “
You
need a personal trainer?’’

“Sure.”

“Oh, come on.” Realizing that she had raised her voice, Tyanna made a concerted effort to speak in a lowered tone. “Look at you. You’re in fabulous shape.” Her eyes ventured to his wide shoulders and well-muscled arms. Today he wore a white tank top—as equally flattering on him as black. As she did a quick scan of his body,
definition
was the only word that came to mind.

Oh, Lord help her.

She quickly averted her gaze and cleared her throat. “No one in their right mind could think you need a personal trainer.’’

“I want one.’’

“What—did you lose your memory in the year you were away?” Tyanna asked. “You
are
a personal trainer.’’

He merely grinned. “You know that it’s hard to motivate yourself. You accomplish much more when you work with someone else.’’

What is your game?
Tyanna wanted to ask, but didn’t. She was sure she wouldn’t like his answer.
“You never had a problem when it came to being motivated.”

“Maybe I made it seem that way, but it wasn’t so. Besides, this past year on the road, I haven’t been able to work out the way I wanted to. My body’s starting to suffer.’’

Could have fooled me.
He was still in amazing shape. Hard and defined the way most men aspired to be.

Tyanna shuffled some papers on her desk. “If you’re serious about this, I’d suggest Mike Cooper. He’s one of the best. He’s competed in Mr. Olympia and placed in the top three. Besides, he’s a man, and I’m sure you’d be much more comf—’’

“Look at me.’’

Reluctantly, she did. “What?’’

“There. That didn’t kill you, did it?’’

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, annoyed.

“Nothing. Listen, you can save the spiel about Mike. I’m not interested. Besides,” Sheldon went on, “you know my body better than this Mike character.”

Tyanna steeled herself against the feelings Sheldon’s comment elicited, against the image it brought to mind. “I don’t see what that has to do with personal training.”

Sheldon instantly raised an eyebrow, and Tyanna could have kicked herself for what she’d said. She’d made it sound like her only interest in his body was sexual. “What I mean is—’’

“I know exactly what you mean.’’

“No, I don’t think you do.’’

“You know my body, Tyanna. You’re the best one to check it out and see if there are any areas that need improvement.”

Tyanna chuckled, but the sound had no mirth. The man had to be out of his mind. “I don’t think so.’’

Sheldon sat forward in his chair. “What are you afraid of, sweetness?”

The sound of the old endearment he used to call her caught her off guard. She had to take a moment to remember the question he’d asked her. “I—I’m not afraid of anything. It just isn’t a good idea.” When his eyes narrowed questioningly, she wondered what had gotten into Sheldon. This man was different. Sure, he’d had his moments when he was very playful and flirtatious, but it had taken a while for him to feel comfortable being that way with her. Even then, he had done so only when the two were in her apartment. Now, he hadn’t seen her for a year, yet he was calling her sweetness? In a gym, no less?

Things had certainly changed since he’d been gone.

Tyanna met his gaze head-on—gave him the kind of look that said she wasn’t afraid of anything. “Why don’t you tell me what this is really about. I don’t buy it that you want me to help you build up your pecs.’’

His face went serious. “You really don’t believe me, do you? About why I was gone for a year.’’

Tyanna sighed. “Come on, Sheldon. A brother? Dino dealing steroids?”

“Why would I make something like that up?’’

“That’s exactly what I’d like to know. Clearly, it’s important for you to feel I believe you when you say you had a good reason for abandoning me. But the truth is, I can’t imagine why, at this point.’’

Sheldon was distracted by the movement of her mouth as she talked. He remembered how that mouth had felt against his. Wet and pliant.

“During this past year—’’

She went on with her protests, and God, he was tempted to shut her up with a kiss. He knew what could happen when their mouths met—the same thing that had happened every other time. All words vanished, leaving in their wake hot and heavy breaths and simmering desire.

“—as if I’m just supposed to forget all that—’’

Damn, he literally ached to kiss her. It had been a whole year since he’d been with a woman, a year since he’d touched one. Just being this close to her had given him a painful erection.

But he couldn’t lean across the desk and kiss her senseless. They were in a public place, after all—her workplace, and he knew she wouldn’t appreciate it. Hell, she’d probably belt him again.

So instead, he let her talk until she ran out of steam. As for making sense of a thing she was
saying, he didn’t, partly because she was rambling and partly because he was mesmerized by the way she put her whole body into her words.

She finally finished with, “Okay?’’

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch everything you said.’’

She glared at him. “You’re impossible.”

“
I’m
impossible?”

The corners of his mouth curled, and Tyanna wished she could wipe that smirk right off his face. She didn’t get this. Didn’t get
him
. And she certainly didn’t want to be around him.

“You know what, Sheldon? I want you to leave. This bull has gone on long enough. And I certainly don’t want to sit here and mince words with you about
anything
. It’s pointless.” Despite her anger, she kept herself under control.

“Sweetness, you won’t even listen to the truth. Which makes me think there’s something else you’re afraid to face.’’

“Like what? That you’ve got me all hot and bothered because you’ve shown up in my life again?” But her face and body grew hot as she said the words, and she hoped to hell he couldn’t tell.

“Your words, not mine.’’

She forced a laugh. “Men. I almost forgot how juvenile they can be. Unfortunately, as much as I’d love to stay and have you continue to entertain me, I have to get back to work.’’

“Wait,” he said. Tyanna met his gaze before rising. “Maybe we can meet later? Go somewhere to
talk? There’s a lot more to what happened, and I’m hoping you’ll listen to it.’’

“It doesn’t matter, Sheldon.’’

“Yes, it does.’’

“Why?”

“Because…” But Sheldon didn’t finish his sentence.

Tyanna stared at him, waiting. Her heart pounded, but she’d be damned if she’d let him see that he was getting to her in any way.

And she’d be damned if she started to believe that he had come back into her life for the silly reason that kept floating through her mind.

“It just matters,” he said.

Tyanna pushed her chair back, frustrated.

“Tyanna.” Sheldon shot to his feet.

“I’m not going to work with you, Sheldon. And I’m not going to hang with you later. This is…this is silly.’’

Sheldon blew out a loud breath. “I haven’t been with anyone in the time we were apart. I don’t know. I guess it’s been a long time—’’

Tyanna’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “Oh, no. I can’t believe that just came from your mouth. You’re here because you want a booty call?’’

“You make it sound…illegal.’’

“My God, that
is
why you’re here!’’

“Are you telling me you don’t miss it?’’

No “I’m sorry for hurting you; I was a fool.” No “I missed you like crazy when I was gone.” No “I know I never said the actual words before, but I love you.”
Just a basic, “I’m horny and I hope you are too, so we can hit the sack.”

Anger and disappointment fought for control of her emotions, with anger having an edge. “You—I don’t believe you, Sheldon! You’re so friggin’ shallow!” But her own body was throbbing, remembering the explosive nights she’d tried so hard to forget. “Just because we were once great in bed doesn’t mean we need to go there again.’’

“So you’ve been seeing someone else.’’

“That’s none of your business.”

Pause. “I guess it isn’t.’’

A weird expression crossed Sheldon’s face, and Tyanna actually felt a tug of guilt at her heart for making him believe she had been involved with someone else when it wasn’t true. But why should she feel bad? In the year since Sheldon had left, she could have easily become seriously involved with someone else. And if she had, that would have been his loss.

It wasn’t up to her to make him feel any better by letting him know that she hadn’t been able to share her body with another man since him, much less give her heart to one.

And she certainly didn’t want him to think that just because she hadn’t been with anyone else, she’d gladly jump into bed with him again.

“Sheldon.” Tyanna spoke softly. “I…I’m glad to see you again. I’m glad to know you’re okay. For a while I wondered. Worried. Anyway, I real
ize that’s all that matters. That you’re okay. But as far as resuming any type of relationship with you, I’m just not interested.”

“Because I hurt you too much.’’

“Are you going to feel better if I say yes?” she asked, a tad perturbed. “Fine. Yes, you hurt me. Obviously. But while you were gone, so much clicked. I’d changed so much when I was with you, Sheldon. I was no longer me. I mean, I never went out anymore. Just stayed in with you and watched movies, had quiet dinners. I barely hung out with my friends and family…I’m not saying you did anything to change me.” He certainly hadn’t told her not to see her friends and family. She had just been so enamored of him that she hadn’t been able to get enough of him. “I guess I just wanted different things back then.’’

Sheldon didn’t say anything, and right now, Tyanna desperately wished he would. Instead, he was just standing there, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

Tyanna glanced down at her wristwatch. “I really have to get back to work. I have an appointment.”

“All right.’’

“And please, don’t show up here again. I hope you can respect that.’’

She started off, but he called her name, making her pause. Swallowing, she once again faced him.

“For what it’s worth,” he said softly, “I’m sorry.’’

His apology actually shocked her. She hadn’t expected it—not after she’d told him to stay out of her life.

But she replied, “Too little, too late, Sheldon.’’

Then she turned and walked away, not giving Sheldon a chance to say anything. She only hoped she had pulled off a calm demeanor, because inside, she was a complete mess.

She’d spent a whole year getting over Sheldon Ford. The last thing she needed was a constant physical reminder of her greatest failed relationship.

The next day, Tyanna still couldn’t get Sheldon out of her mind. It wasn’t so much that she was thinking about him, but she was thinking about what he’d told her about Dino.

The story was really crazy, but for some reason she couldn’t completely dismiss it. Maybe because it
was
so crazy. If Sheldon had simply wanted to lie to get back into her good graces, he could have told her something less outrageous.

And there was something that had eluded her until last night. After Sheldon had disappeared, Tyanna had been frantic. She had asked everyone at the gym if they had seen Sheldon or heard from him. Pete, the gym’s manager, had been furious with Sheldon. Clearly, Sheldon hadn’t bothered to give notice before quitting. Other people expressed shock. But Dino…Dino had ended up questioning
her
. At the time Tyanna had thought nothing of it, but now his questions about the na
ture of her relationship with Sheldon and how close she was to his family seemed odd, especially in light of Sheldon’s story. In fact, for at least four weeks Dino had continued to ask her whether or not she’d heard from Sheldon.

As much as Tyanna didn’t want to believe him, the Sheldon she’d known would never lie about anything like that. She couldn’t ignore how adamant he was in trying to get her to believe him—and he seemed completely truthful.

After thinking about it all night, Tyanna suddenly realized it would be fairly easy to check up on his story. See if it was true or not. A quick trip to her old gym in Coral Gables would answer her questions.

So that’s what she did. Got up, had a quick bite to eat, and then headed to Ultimate Fitness.

She felt weird as she walked toward the door of her old place of work, because she hadn’t been here since the day she’d quit, and she hadn’t kept in touch with anyone she’d known here.

Like Jaguar Fitness, this gym was normally very busy, but the parking lot wasn’t full this Sunday afternoon. A quick glimpse inside the front door told Tyanna the gym was only half full.

It was the weekend, and a beautiful day at that. Perhaps people were spending time at the beach or doing some other outdoor activity.

Tyanna made her way to the juice bar, a few steps to the immediate left.

Bar stools could accommodate ten people at the
curved bar area. Two women sat in the center, chatting. Tyanna walked to the far end and took a seat there.

She didn’t see Dino. In fact, no one was behind the counter. But the door to the back storage and office area was open, so Tyanna figured Dino had to be there.

Moments later, a woman came from the back room. It was Leona, who had worked at the reception desk when Tyanna was here.

Leona came to the bar, all business. “Hi, what can I—” she began. Then she stopped, recognition flashing in her eyes. “Tyanna?”

Tyanna smiled widely. “Hey, Leona.’’

“It really
is
you!” She reached for Tyanna’s hands on the counter and gave them a squeeze. “Girlfriend, you look so good.’’

“Thanks. So do you.” Petite Leona didn’t have an ounce of unwanted fat on her body. Her strawberry blond hair was cut in a cute above-the-shoulder style, unlike the much-longer style she used to wear. Leona was one of those women who looked like the classic girl next door.

“What are you doing at the juice bar? Weren’t you working reception?”

“I was. Things change.” Leona grinned brightly at her. “Didn’t you go away for a while?’’

“Yep,” Tyanna replied. “Sailing the high seas.’’

“That’s right. How was that?’’

“Fun while it lasted.’’

“When did you get back into town?’’

“I’ve been back for a little while.’’

“And you’re only now coming to visit?’’

“I know. But I’ve been busy. I’m working at another gym now. And that’s even busier than this place.’’

Leona leaned forward on the counter. “I thought you would come back and work here. What happened? You were tired of us?’’

“No, I’m actually a little closer to home,” Tyanna explained. “At Jaguar Fitness.’’

“Ah. The competition.”

Tyanna smirked. “Well, their juice bar is nowhere near as good as this one. Speaking of which, you know what I’d love? One of those vanilla protein shakes with pineapple and strawberries.”

“You got it.’’

Leona walked the short distance to the blender, filled it with shake powder and water, then added morsels of frozen strawberries and pineapples.

As the blender whirred, Tyanna looked around. A guy she didn’t recognize had entered the juice bar from the back room while she and Leona had been talking. Normally only two people worked the juice bar. So the fact that Leona and this other guy were here meant that Dino likely wasn’t around.

Dino had worked every day—it was almost as if he didn’t trust the running of the operation to anyone else. But maybe he had finally taken everyone’s advice and hired more help.

Yeah, he was probably out somewhere enjoying this Sunday afternoon. She allowed her eyes to roam over the young man’s profile while she thought. He did look a lot like Dino, in fact. Except for the glasses…

Leona returned with a large Styrofoam cup filled with the protein shake. She placed it on the counter in front of Tyanna. “There you go.’’

Tyanna reached into her purse. “How much?’’

“For you, nothing.’’

“You sure?’’

“Absolutely.”

“Thanks.” Tyanna took a sip of the shake through the fat straw. “Mmm. This is excellent, Leona. Just like the ones Dino always made me.” She met Leona’s gaze and asked, “Where is Dino, by the way? I never knew that guy to take a day off.’’

The pleasant expression on Leona’s face morphed into one of pain. “I guess you never heard.’’

Tyanna felt a sudden chill. “Heard what?’’

Leona closed her eyes, then slowly opened them. “Dino was killed. A couple months back.’’

“Oh, my God.’’

Leona gave a jerky nod. “Yeah. He was shot.” Leona inhaled.

“Shot?”
So it was true.

“Yeah.”

Leona seemed badly shaken over the news, and Tyanna reached across the bar for her hand. She squeezed it tightly. “You two were close?’’

Leona paused before answering. “Mmm hmm.’’

“This must be very hard for you. To lose a friend this way.” Though Leona’s reaction made Tyanna wonder if their relationship had been strictly platonic. She and Leona hadn’t been more than casual friends, so Tyanna hadn’t been concerned with Leona’s love life. However, when she thought back, she remembered seeing Leona hanging out at the juice bar a lot. Tyanna had figured that was because Leona was chatty, and it was easy to talk to Dino while he worked. But maybe she had been wrong.

“Since his death, I’ve been running the juice bar,” Leona explained. “But I’m sure his father will want to sell it soon.’’

“Good Lord,” Tyanna muttered, mostly to herself. “Sheldon was right.’’

“Pardon me?’’

“Oh. Sheldon. Sheldon Ford. I don’t know if you knew him. He used to work here too. We were dating.” Leona shook her head. “I’m not surprised. He was pretty quiet. Private. He didn’t really want anyone at the gym knowing that we were a couple. Anyway, I ran into him a couple days ago, and he told me he’d heard that Dino was dead…. I was sure he was mistaken.”

Leona gave her a curious look. “Really? How did he hear?’’

“I’m guessing on the news. Or maybe someone who used to work here told him. I was praying it wasn’t true.’’

“Unfortunately, it is.’’

“Oh, Leona. I can’t believe this.’’

“Neither can I.’’

“This place just isn’t the same without Dino. His smiling face. His jokes…”

“That’s for sure.” She sighed sadly, then looked past Tyanna. “Oh, give me a second.’’

A young man and woman approached the bar and sat one seat over from Tyanna. She was glad for the interruption, because Leona moved over to them, leaving Tyanna to her thoughts.

And the thoughts that were running through her head! They were almost overwhelming. She had come here today hoping to see Dino alive and well, joking and smiling like he usually was.

But Sheldon was right. Dino was dead. Leona had said that he’d been killed—not that he’d died in an accident or from a surprise heart attack, but that he’d been killed. And if Sheldon’s account of Dino’s having been shot by police was true, then it wasn’t surprising that Leona was resistant to talk about the details of his death.

Oh, man.

Tyanna had to face it—Sheldon was telling her the truth. He couldn’t have guessed that Dino was killed. Of course, he could have learned about Dino’s fate on the news….

But if he hadn’t…the whole crazy story he’d told her was true.

Which would mean he had left town because his life was truly in danger.

Tyanna finished the last of her shake and climbed off the stool. “Leona, I’m gonna have to run.’’

“Oh. Already?’’

“Yeah. I was just in the neighborhood and figured I’d drop in to say hi.’’

“Okay.”

“Once again, I am so sorry about Dino.’’

“Thanks.” Leona paused, then added, “Don’t be a stranger.”

Tyanna forced a smile. “I won’t.’’