Client Confidentiality

(3) Carlie

After the meeting, I go straight back to my office and shut the door in the hopes it will keep Liam out. 

Spoiler alert... It doesn't.

He comes barging in with a shit-eating grin on his face and makes himself unwelcomingly comfortable in one of the chairs opposite me. 

"Looks like you and I are going to be spending a lot more time together, Lee," he winks, making my skin crawl. 

I hate when he calls me Lee. 

"Not really," I shrug and log into my computer again before directing my attention to him, "They will be completely different matters we are acting on. The only similarity is that it is for the same clients." 

He leans forward, resting his elbows on my desk so he is only a few inches from me. He stares at me for a few uncomfortable seconds before opening his mouth again. 

"We'll see, Lee," he winks and stands up, "I'm sure I'll find a reason to come see you again." 

I watch as he walks out, trying to control my instinct to get up and slap the smugness out of him. As soon as the door shuts, a creeped-out shiver twitches my whole body from the interaction.

I seriously hate that guy. 

Instead of following after him like my temper wants me to, I immerse myself in working for the rest of the afternoon, not stopping until it's time to log off at 6pm. 

I grab my gym bag and put my laptop away before locking my office behind me and heading out of the building. 

In the underground car park, I put all my bags in the back of my car and climb into the drivers seat. 

Starting the engine of the Audi A2, I drive out of the car park and head to the gym, hitting London traffic as soon as I reach the road. 

It takes about half an hour until I get to the gym. 

Although my apartment building has an in-built gym for residents, I prefer this one as it has more equipment with the added advantage of not needing to socialise with my neighbours. 

I head into the changing rooms and change out of my work clothes into a simple black leggings and sports bra set. I lace up my trainers and put my hair in a high ponytail before placing my headphones over my ears. 

My first stop in the gym is always cardio. It's a way for me to chase away all the stress of the day, whether I'm running, using a cross-trainer or a static bike. 

Today, I choose the cross-trainer and set out on the 30-minute warm up. 

My blood pumps through my veins, adrenaline coursing with it. I feel each muscle in my body relax as I move my body with the machine, letting the stress drip out of me with each stride until I hit the 30 minute mark. 

Stepping off it, I start my legs routine with squats on the Smith machine, followed by leg adductions and abductions. 

My legs begin to shake but the music loud in my ears keeps me going as I move from machine to machine until I've finally finished my workout. 

I head back to the changing rooms but stop when I see a light on in a room that is usually always shut. 

My curiosity gets the best of me and I walk towards it, pushing the door open slightly to see two men boxing in a ring. 

The first is a tall man, about 6 foot 2 with short, jet black hair. Although I can't see his face, his naked back is chiselled beyond belief and covered in tattoos. 

He must live at the gym for those muscles.

His back is literally a piece of art.

I watch as he lands a punch on the shorter one who is brunette with an almost buzz-cut. He reels back, the blow clearly impacting him more than he braced himself for. 

The taller one takes advantage, landing a few more hits until the other guy is calling for a time out. 

The now injured guy staggers out of the ring and through a door at the back, leaving the taller one completely alone. 

I watch as he flexes his muscles, cracking his neck from side to side before turning around quickly. I try to hide behind the door but it's no use, his grey eyes instantly connect with mine.

I watch in shock as he furrows his eyebrow before a small smirk tilts one side of his lips up. 

Then it clicks. 

I know who this is. 

Fucking Callum Ashford. 

He keeps his eyes pinned on me, with no indication of speaking or moving. His gaze travels down my body, clearly checking me out before meeting my eyes again with an unknown look in his.

I take a shaky breath, feeling hot under his gaze, before finally gathering my senses and leaving to the changing rooms. 

In lightning speed, I pull on a hoodie and gather my things, deciding to shower at home rather than here. I walk out of the gym, keeping my head down so I don't see him again. 

When I finally close my car door behind me, I take a deep breath, my nerves feeling inexplicably high. 

What is going on with me?

I start the ignition and drive to my apartment in silence, not even bothering with putting music on. Instead, my thoughts keep me entertained as I start to overthink about being at the same gym as one of my clients. 

Surely that's not a conflict of interest?

I park my car and head up to my apartment, going straight to my shower as soon as I unlock it. 

Stripping off my clothes, I step into the warm stream of water and slather my body with lavender shower gel until my muscles finally relax again. I wash my hair, letting the shower completely cover my face as I wet it, before climbing out and drying myself. 

I put my cream fluffy dressing gown on and do my skincare, taking my time in pampering myself tonight. 

I dry my blonde hair, giving myself a blow out and straightening it until it falls down my back in perfect parallel lines. 

I cook myself a quick dinner and opt to eat it in bed, putting on one of my favourite shows as I lower the lights. 

By the time I finish eating, exhaustion sets in and pushes me into a deep sleep. 

Hope you enjoyed <3

Callum is so hot ngl <3