Before The Stress (Book One Of The S&S Series)

Chapter Three - Blair

"You are not worthless. Even if you've been called that your entire life." – Kevin Walker

My eyes blazed as they locked with Hale's within the full length mirror that stood before us, small drops of sweat clung to the edge of my hairline as I readjusted my grip on the weighted bar for what felt like the hundredth time. The 60kg weight pressed dangerously into my trap muscles, reminding me that this was the heaviest weight I had ever shifted to date.

"Are you ready for another rep?" Hale was firmly behind me, closer than any man had been to me in what had felt like forever. Even if it had only been a couple of weeks. His muscular arms were held out to either side of me, ready to catch the weight at any moment—especially if I failed.

"Yeah." The panted word came out, and once more I glanced at Hale who nodded briefly. There was no sense of humour within his facial features, just pure serious determination for me to complete this repetition. Seeing the strength within his eyes, I allowed that strength to rush through me as I began the deep squat down and back up again to complete the Barbell Back Squat movement we were doing. My breathing deepened and the sensation of my heartbeat increasing was too much. I could practically hear my heartbeat in my ears at this point with the blood pumping so quickly throughout my body, but the feeling was incredible—addicting.

I would never change this.

As I finally lifted the weight and re-racked it, I felt the sudden overwhelming rush of success flood through me. I did it. I had finished the second set out of three, hitting an all time personal best.

"Amazing job! You honestly smashed that Blair. You should be so proud of yourself, I know I am." I glanced his way, this time turning my body to face him. Being fully overwhelmed but happy I reached up for a high-five which I received fairly quickly from Hale. The blinding smile he had on his face was knocking me for six, but I was proud of him too. He'd been the one to push me past my own personal limits and it was well and truly showing. The only way was up from here.

"I can't believe I did that..." I swiped the back of my hand across my forehead, feeling the sweat wipe off with ease. Everything was hot, and wet. I was drenched and in desperate need of a shower but this all felt too good. Hale was well and truly putting me through my paces this time.

I'd noticed that he hadn't glanced over towards that petit blonde much either, which was giving me a greater sense of relief than I had expected. Until, a bustling noise crept up beside us.

Three young gym-fit girls all giggling and laughing strolled past Hale, one of them even coming over to touch his arm. A tentative look in her eyes, as she racked over Hale's body. Long manicured nails, leaving a small trail where she'd brushed over him. Each of them were wearing similar outfits made up of short shorts, sports bras and all of them were fake-tanned to the high heavens. Their make-up was perfection and not even a strand of their hair was out of place. I was lying to myself, thinking that their appearance didn't make me feel like less.

"Hey Hale, it's so good to see you." The overly sexy tone made it as clear as day that she was one of many who had a little crush on Hale, she wasn't alone in this within her friend group as the other two girls also spared many more glances in his direction. At that moment all he did was say his 'hellos' and then turn his attention back to me. Thank god.

"Okay, I think I'm ready for the..." Just as I found my voice again, I saw Hale's grey eyes darting back to the group of young women. All of them were making a fuss, as one of them set-up to do her first exercise.

"I'll be fine, honestly. I've done this weight before..." The lead brunette, sassed her friends as she locked her hands in place to do a similar movement to what I was doing.