CH.39

Emmeline stood alone in the locker room early the next morning, psyching herself up for her first workout.

She changed into her exercise attire of a fitted black racerback tank top that hugged her curves in all the right places, paired with a set of skimpy gray shorts that showcased her toned legs to perfection.

She felt a twinge of self-consciousness as she observed her reflection in the full-length mirror. It had been a while since she'd worked out in such a public setting, and the thought of all those strangers' eyes on her was mildly unsettling.

Emmeline took a deep, fortifying breath, squared her shoulders and strode out to the main gym floor with as much confidence as she could muster.

The sound of equipment in motion and the occasional grunt of exertion from other gym patrons filled the air.

Emmeline scanned the area somewhat awkwardly with each passing second. She felt increasingly out of place.

Just as a sigh of despair was about to escape her lips, her gaze landed on a strik