“Yeah, about that…things just changed up in here and I know you’ll be anxious to find out why.”
“Trenton, what the fuck is going on? I don’t have time to play along with your stupid mind games. I have a championship to train for…what is going on?”
Confusion and anger begin to build within me. Birch knows how badly I want this title. Why the hell would he mix things up on me like this?
“Dude!” Mike shouts.
Both Trenton and I turn our attention to Mike who is now struggling with the bar. Rushing to him, we each help to ease the weights off of his shoulders and to the ground.
“Dumb fuck! Next time only work with what you can handle. Who are you trying to impress?” I ask with a laugh.
As the words come out of my mouth, a silhouette passes across my peripheral vision. My head immediately snaps to catch sight of this unfamiliar creature. From behind, my eyes scan her body head to toe. I can’t quite see her face, but from the look of things she is going to catch a lot of attention here at the Cage today.
I can’t help but continue to stare as a buzz of static electricity surges through my body. With high heeled stilettos, her long sleek legs run the length of her smooth nylons leading to a straight black skirt. Her ass, round and perfect, is snug in the fitting material. A white blouse covers her upper body which is enclosed along her back with a curtain of long, straight blonde hair.
“Ahem,” Mike’s voice mumbles.
Snapping myself back to reality, I turn my gaze to see him standing with his arms crossed along his broad chest. Scrunching my brow I give him a confused look…oh, is that the chick he’s trying to impress?
“What?” I ask.
Mike’s face begins to turn to red; I can see the imaginable fumes shooting out of his head through his ears.
Trenton steps along side of him and rests his elbow on Mike’s shoulder.
“You need to chill, bro. You’ll have more competition now than ever for her attention. It’s not just me and you anymore. Wait…just wait.”
Completely confused, I turn back around to see this mysterious woman, but she’s already walked away.
“Who was that and why is she here?”
Trenton starts to laugh and Mike punches him hard in the stomach causing him to dip forward.
“Asshole,” Trenton mutters.
“I gotta take a leak. Stay away from her, Hank,” Mike says with a stern expression.
With that, he pushes past my brother and me, heading to the men’s locker room.
“What the fuck was that all about?” I ask Trenton.
Shaking his head, he moves to stand tall and brushes past me, wandering over to the next set of equipment.
I’m completely lost, dumbfounded, and unsure as to what the hell is going on around here. First some jackass steals my parking spot, then I hear that my coach is no longer my coach, and now Mike is livid about me mind fucking some chick that is walking around the gym.
I thought he only had eyes for Taryn, what the hell is going on here?
Clenching my fists, the fumes of confusion pour from my body. This place is my escape, my zone and the one spot I can go to and let my mind free. I don’t do drama, never have and never will. My head spins and I need to focus on the tasks I need to accomplish today. Bending down to pick up my bag, I turn on my heels in search of Birch.
I need answers and I need them now.
Chapter 5
Having just met with Daddy and Gus, I’m feeling a bit nervous with this whole new training schedule. I told both of them to give me a rigorous regimen, but I had no idea it would include a meal and workout plan.
Papers scattered across the desk, I look over all the documents. I can’t believe this is about to become my new life.
To the right, there’s a stack of invoices, accounts receivable statements to track and a list a mile long of tasks Marta wants to go over with me when she comes back from lunch. Along the center spread out to the left, is the training plan Gus has created for me. I don’t even know if my body will be able to endure some of this stuff. I’m a fit gal, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve been a runner all of my life. I’m just not sure if my muscles will hate me or thank me by the end of the day.
Sensing as though I’m getting in over my head, I let out a huge sigh as I watch Daddy and Gus chatting in the corner of Marta’s office. Their voices are low; I can barely make out what’s being said. I hear the guys names mentioned a few times and the off set of their training schedule that will be taking place now that Gus is watching over me. I sure as hell don’t want to cause a stir in the gym, but Daddy says that everything will be fine.
We’ll see. The last thing I need right now is to piss off Hank even more. I can just imagine what he’ll think when he finds out I’m here at the Cage.
Sitting back in the chair, I can picture it now. Snotty little Taryn is back in town and taking over my territory…oh, this is not going to go over well.
I don’t know what I’ve ever done or what he’s ever done that has caused us to dislike one another so much. Even as kids, we never meshed like I did with Mike and Trenton. There’s a difference of opinion, a static that lurks between us, and an annoyance we both face when we are in each other’s presence. It may not make sense to the outside world, but I, for one, know it’s a lot easier to stay away from him than to create unnecessary drama.
My mind is racing with the fears of the unknown. A lot of changes are happening so fast that I’m afraid if I blink I’m going to miss something. I have to snap out of this, I’m not one to get overwhelmed so easily. I need a breather, some fresh air to pull my thoughts together.
“Daddy, I’ll be right back,” I say pushing away from the desk, standing from the chair.
He nods and waves me off while continuing his in depth conversation with Gus.
I exit the office and walk down the hallway. My chest feels tight, my heart rapidly beating with each step I take. Avoiding eye contact with every man in this place, I continue to put one foot in front of the other, praying to God I don’t trip and fall flat on my face. Running my fingers through my long blonde locks, a few strands of hair stick to my hand as my palms begin to clam up. My body is fighting with my brain. I know I want to stay calm, cool, and appear as though I have my shit together, but on the inside, my senses are playing tricks on me.
What am I doing here?
My nerves are getting the best of me as I walk through the gym to the other side of the warehouse towards the ladies’ locker room. Entering the dimly lit space, I flip on the light switch and the tiled walls illuminate from the florescent lights. Not too many women come to the Cage on a regular basis so I shouldn’t be surprised that the lights were turned off.
Heading toward the sink, I observe my reflection in the wall to wall mirrors. My tall frame is clothed in a black pencil skirt and white blouse. I wanted to look professional but not too overdone for my first day of work. I’d say I did a pretty good job, I don’t look half bad. I’m not ugly by any means, still not the most attractive woman I’ve ever seen, but I must say I do clean up rather well.
As I run my palms against the fitted material, I continue to watch myself. Taking in slow steady breaths, I attempt to calm myself down. It’s my first day on the job. I don’t want to fuck this up; I promised Daddy I could handle it.
Then why I am I such a hot mess.
It’s him…the thought of Hank has destroyed the confidence I’ve worked so hard to build. I don’t know why, but he’s done this to me.
Snap out of it, Taryn, he’s nothing to you.
Staring back at myself, my long blonde hair hangs freely below my shoulders, my dark eyes sparkling through my long lashes, and my rose petal pink lips set in a grim frown.
No frowns allowed I don’t need wrinkles this early in life.
I smile to myself at the stupidity of my own thoughts. Turning the water on from the sink, I let the cool liquid run over my finger tips; a chilly sensation takes over my b
ody. As I lean down toward the porcelain bowl, I splash some refreshment onto my skin and take in a deep breath.
With one hand I turn off the spout and reach for a white fluffy towel with the other. Dabbing away droplets of water I take a seat on the bench in the center of the locker room and close my eyes.
It’s quiet in here, peaceful enough for me to take some time to let my mind wander. Wringing the damp towel in my hands, I mentally run through my life’s checklist. I feel proud that I’m doing things that ordinarily I wouldn’t. First day of work is now in full swing, my training with Gus will start after hours, and I’ve managed to avoid Mike, Trenton, and Hank up to this point. The thought of his name alone sends anxiety through my veins.
Shit, what am I going to do when I finally come face to face with him again?
It’s one thing to bump into the guys, but to see him again…I just don’t know what I’ll do or what I’ll say. Opening my eyes, I rest my knotted hands into my lap. While looking around the room, my now second home, I let the stress of my new life pour off of me.
I can do this.
I need to do this.
I will do this and succeed.
I’ve never set a goal for myself that I couldn’t achieve, it’s time to be an adult and make things happen. I’m not a dreamer, I’m not one to let myself down…no, I’m a believer that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Even if it means that I’ll have to see him and spend time within the same walls. He’s just a guy, a distraction that I can easily avoid…right?
Giving myself a good pep talk, I stand from the bench and toss the towel into the large basket near the door.
It’s time to do this.
Moving closer to the door, I rest my hand on the handle. With a quick breath, I swallow away the lump of fear and pull open the door to my new life.
The bright lights of the warehouse, strain my vision into focus as I make my way through the space. Passing through the equipment I can see Mike and Trenton working out with the free weights. As Trenton’s eyes catch mine, my breath hitches and my palms begin to clam up again. It’s incredible how those deep, dark eyes can do things to me…but it’s Trenton, my best friend. Quickly shaking off my inappropriate thoughts, I continue to move through the room and head back toward the office to find Daddy and Gus.
“Taryn,” a voice calls from the front of the gym.
Turning my gaze in that direction, I see two very familiar faces from my welcome home party. Not wanting to seem snobbish, I reroute and head in their direction.
Behind the counter, both ladies are dressed in grey the Cage tee-shirts, black yoga pants and running sneakers. As I approach, they quickly move to my side and sweep me into a hug of tangled arms.
“Hey, Taryn, it’s so good to see you again,” the brunette remarks removing herself from the embrace.
“Yeah, you look great girl. What brings you to the Cage all dressed up?” The blonde asks taking a step away from my side.
Shit, I hate when this happens, I can’t for the life of me remember their names. Without looking like a creeper I stare at their chests to read their name tags.
Smart move, Daddy.
Ah, yes, now I remember.
“Traci…Jamie, it’s great to see you too. I’m actually helping my Dad out with some stuff before Marta goes off on maternity leave.”
Clapping her hands, Traci the brunette, bounces on her heels while Jamie, the blonde, shares an over excited smile.
“Don’t mind us; we’re just happy that another girl will be in here with us. Ya know, with Marta leaving in a week or so.”
Nodding with understanding, I return a warm smile.
“I’m sure the testosterone of this place can get a bit out of hand,” I respond to the girls.
“Oh, you have no idea,” Jamie says shaking her head. “Well since you’ll be working here now, you’ll have to go to Benny’s with us for happy hour Wednesday nights. We usually meet a few of our friends there and it’s not too bad considering...”
“It’s a dive bar,” Traci exclaims.
Jamie pinches her arm and steps in front of her.
“Dive bar or not, the drinks are cheap and we don’t have to fight off the weirdoes.”
Letting out a giggle, I take a moment to think. Not having too many girlfriends close by, I really don’t have anyone to hang out with besides Mike and Trenton. Needing to distance myself from my two best friends and find some female companionship, I decide to take them up on their offer. After all what could it hurt?
“Sounds like fun. Keep me posted on the details and I’ll see if I can meet you over there after I’m done training with Gus.”
A look of shock from both girls follows my words. Their mouths may as well be on the floor with the expressions spread across their faces.
“Y-you’re going to start training with Gus?” Traci asks.
Feeling like a fool, I slouch my posture and take a step back.
“Shut it, Traci. Taryn you’ll do great,” Jamie says resting her hand on my shoulder. “Gus is a great coach and will definitely help you.”
“Yeah, I suppose, it’s just for right now. If it doesn’t work out, no bad feelings.”
The lack of confidence between the three of us is unnerving. Maybe I can’t do this. For all I know it was a mistake to tell Daddy I wanted to start training.
With a sense of deflation coursing through me, I decide it’s time to end our conversation.
“Well, ladies, I’ll see ya around. I need to get back to work before I lose my job on the first day.”
“See ya later, Taryn,” the girls say in unison while waving me off.
It seems like the weight of the world is sitting on my shoulders. I have a decision to make and one that I need to determine before the end of the day.
Shit…piss…fuck!
Chapter 6
With blood boiling throughout my body, I go off in search of my coach, my mentor, and the man who has just flipped my world on its side. I need to find out what the hell is going on, I’ve wasted too much time already dwelling on this. I have to know the plan and get back to it, there’s no time to waste. Birch knows how important this is to me, why the hell he’s messing with my shit…my head is starting to pound and I haven’t a fucking clue what is going on.
Rage surges through my veins the longer I wait.
Where the fuck is he?
Slamming through his office door, my eyes scan the open space…it’s empty. With my arm propped up against the door frame, I rub my face down with my trembling hand. I need to calm my ass down before I explode on Birch. That won’t be a pretty sight and I refuse to disrespect him even if I am pissed. Releasing a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, I push away from the room and continue on my search.
While moving down the hallway, I can hear voices coming from Marta’s office. Not unusual, but this specific voice is not one I’ve heard in years.
What the hell is she doing here…in my gym?
Chills run through my body as tension begins to build in my chest. My feet stop moving as my ears perk up to the sounds of the sultry tone.
No, Hank, she does not have a smooth, sexy, sensual voice. It’s more like a demonic tone that pulls me to her, why I don’t know. I’ve trained myself to hate this chick; no other thoughts can cross my mind otherwise. She’s fat, ugly, and smells like spoiled milk…yeah, I prefer that image much better.
A loud thump pulls my attention to my surroundings. Looking toward the floor, my gym bag has fallen from my arm and is now lying next to my feet. Before anyone can see me standing here like a moron, I quickly pick it up off the floor while attempting to regain my composure.
Damn her for doing this to me. No chick has ever pulled so many emotions from me.
Get your shit together, Hank, no distractions.
I need to focus on the reason I’m even here…finding Birch. Running my hands through my hair, I take in a deep breath through my nose and exhale between pierced lips. With one foot i
n front of the other, I make my way to Marta’s office. As I approach the open door, my eyes immediately scan the images before me. Gus and Birch are in the far corner, deep in conversation with their backs to me. Marta is situated behind the desk next to her.
Taryn stands next to the desk, hand on her curvaceous hip, all of her attention focused down in the books. I can’t help the way my mind and body are taking over as my eyes scan her form. It’s been so long since I’ve laid eyes on her. She’s transformed into a woman over the past four years and the yearning in my gut is telling me there is more to her than what I’ve always felt. I just can’t act on it; she’s the only woman I can never have.
Her head turns, those dark eyes gazing up to mine as her mouth drops open in shock.
Why hello there, Taryn.
A coy smile spreads across my face as our stare intensifies. I can’t imagine the thoughts that are crossing her mind right now ‘cause the only ones filtering through mine are how much she’s changed from the girl I saw four years ago.
An effect has taken over her as she stands tall; her back perfectly straight as her chest rises and falls with her deep breaths. Her long blonde hair is pulled back behind her shoulders, those sinister eyes as mystifying as I always remembered. The skinny body she once had is now tall and beautiful. Her curves have my mouth watering and I can’t help but want to devour her right here, right now….no, Hank!
What the hell am I thinking? She’s Taryn the one girl I can never have. The one challenge that will never be mine to conquer. She is not the girl I’m meant to be with. She’s been spoken for since we were young. I refuse to stand in the way of what will truly make her happy, once she opens her eyes and accepts him.
The sound of a throat clearing and a rough voice calling my name snaps me away from our gaze. As my eyes turn to Birch, his body is rigid with his arms crossed firmly across his broad chest. The look in his eyes tells me to pay no mind to his daughter and back the fuck off.
Nodding in understanding, I move myself across the room to his side.
“I’ve been looking for you,” I state in a stern tone.