Reality

Workout Buddies

a/n: so sorry for the long wait! was trying to figure out how i wanted this next part to go haha but enjoy ;)

Aubrey

I stand in the kitchen barefoot with just a large shirt on. It's almost seven in the morning, and I could hardly stay asleep last night. Maybe it's the time change, with a three hour difference between New York and here, it's pretty much 10AM for me.

Last night was a lot of fun. After all the pool partying and spontaneous dance party, thanks to Mikaela, each of us had gone to our respective rooms. I think it's kind of cool that the girls in the house all live on one floor, while the guys live on the second floor. That way I don't have to see all their dirty clothes lying around and have to smell that awful odor they tend to give off. It's a first for me to enjoy this kind of separation. Maybe I need it.

I know my trip here is intended for meeting hot guys and having fun, but I can still have fun away from them. Right?

Brooke, Mikaela, and I stayed up pretty late last night. We were mainly unpacking all of our stuff and created designated spots for our shared closet space. I'm not entirely sure how it's going to work out with three girls sharing one closet, especially since Mikaela brought more clothes than Brooke and I combined. It's definitely going to be interesting.

Mikaela talked our ear off. She has a mouth that never stops running, and most of the time, the stuff she talks about is kind of funny. Other times, I wish she would just shut up. She's such a nice and sweet little southern belle, but she needs to learn when to stop talking.

So here I stand in the kitchen, drinking from a glass of orange juice. My hair is a mess, and I'm so tired. I can barely keep my eyes open.

That was until I hear the front door open and shut. Now I'm on high alert.

Who would be coming in this early in the morning? Is anyone else even awake? I didn't hear anyone leave the house, and I could have sworn I was the only one walking around.

I set the glass down onto the kitchen counter before I tiptoe over to the doorway, peeking my head into the living area. Just as I peek my head out from behind the wall, a body comes crashing into me. I stumble backwards right before I feel two sweaty arms wrap around my waist, holding me so I don't fall. The arms are strong and hold tightly onto me, carrying me with such ease, as if I weigh as much as a feather. 

As I look up, I'm met with the recognizable brown eyes that I'm slowly starting to grow fond of.

"Liam?"

He smiles brightly at me, not letting go of my waist, "That would be me."

"What are you doing up?" I ask him with confusion evident in my voice.

After I take a good look at him, I realize that what I had just asked seemed really stupid. He was shirtless and sweaty with headphones attached to his ears. His shorts and shoes should have given it away to me: he had just gone for a run.

The fact that he is standing here in front of me, hot and sweaty from working out, when I already find myself attracted to him is probably not good for my health.

I cannot be held responsible for anything I do beyond this point.

He knows I'm totally checking him out. I can see it in that stupid smirk that's plastered across his face. He's taunting me.

"Oh I was just out for a run. Gotta stay in shape during the off season," he finally lets go of my waist and takes off the headphones, setting them on the counter. "Do you workout?"

"Not at all," I shake my head as I walk back towards the counter, taking another sip of my juice. "I mean, not in the conventional way."

My cheeks turn pink at the realization of my words. Who knew I could be so awkward in front of a guy. This has never happened to me.