I stayed.

The next night I finished my last set at 9:50 and watched the final members filter out. Roman moved through the floor with the same calm efficiency as always—racking weights, wiping down machines, checking the back offices. At 10:02 he walked to the main entrance, set the alarm for the front, and locked the glass doors from the inside. The fluorescent lights over the cardio section went dark. Only the stretching area still had power.

He turned and looked at me where I stood by the mats.

“Leggings off. Tank top off. Everything.”

I stripped. The cool air of the empty gym tightened my nipples instantly. Roman’s eyes...