CH.40

Emmeline desperately wanted to make her escape and find a nice rock to crawl under.

"No permission needed to use the equipment," he said with a hint of amusement coloring his deep voice.

He jerked his chin toward the vacant treadmill beside him. "The machine is empty, as you can see. Feel free to make use of it... if you think you can keep up."

Was that a challenge glinting in those blue depths? Emmeline's competitive spirit flared to life, momentarily overriding her nervousness.

She flashed him a smile and climbed on the treadmill next to his.

"Minnie was meant to accompany me today, but she's got her kids to attend to this weekend," Emmeline explained as she familiarized herself with the treadmill's control panel.

"You can't imagine how nervous I was about coming here alone for the first time. It's not that I struggle with communication or anything… I definitely prefer having company in new situations like this."

Her gaze drifted to Zavian's jacket hanging on a nearby hook, and she