“You’ve got to be kidding me?” she laughs. “Who won?”
“Oh, Laney bet that I’d fail the first day. But, in my defense, they withheld important information that could have changed the initial outcome of the situation.”
“Some friends they are!”
She could say that again. We may all give each other a hard time, but Laney and Carter are my family.
“So you goals are quite steep, but you made the first step—twice actually—to lay the groundwork for your health. That tells me you have the motivation. You have a solid support system with good, albeit asshole, friends, and improving your quality of life so you’re around for your daughter—you simply need the tools, which is where I come in.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Davenport. The road ahead is rocky; only the strong survive my workouts.” She winks. “I want you to consider three rewards for the milestones I plan to set. Be greedy. Make these rewards a nice treat for yourself. I also want you to consider what your greatest weaknesses and tribulations are in losing weight, and we’ll discuss those things tomorrow. Get plenty of rest, and hydrate.”
“Aye, cap’n!” I stand and mock salute, and she rolls her eyes trying to hide the smile that tips her lips.
She stands and I follow as she escorts me to the lobby. Men stop their workouts to stare at Jordan as she walks through the gym, some calling out to grab her attention. A pink blush tinges her cheeks at their immediate attention, and part of me feels jealous for not being the man to make her blush. I chide myself internally for even being overly friendly during my workout because I know that shit has to get old for her. She’s my trainer, and although she’s utterly gorgeous, I have to draw the line in the sand before she puts my ass in line, and it’s only a matter of time before she would.
“Earth to Madden!?”
“Huh?” I stop suddenly and glance down at Jordan, her hand waving wildly in my face.
“You spaced out on me. Making sure you weren’t having any anxiety issues.”
Damn. She gets me right in the chest. I shake my head to clear the thoughts and try to find the words to string together a coherent sentence.
“Right as rain, darlin’.” I run my hand through my hair nervously. “Four pm. See you then.” I head toward the door but turn back when I hear Jordan.
“You better eat your Wheaties for breakfast; bitch camp officially starts tomorrow.”
Fuck. I’m in over my head.
CHAPTER FOUR
JORDAN
“Hey, Bryn,” I greet the yoga and fitness instructor/sometimes receptionist just as Madden walks out the front door.
“Your five-fifteen cancelled, Jordan,” Bryn says, looking up. I grab the tablet to check my schedule. And my five-fifteen has just cleared my evening. No complaints at all!
“No worries. I can fit a quick run in, then.” I shrug then turn to walk away.
“So that was your newest client who just left?” Bryn asks, leaning over the counter and squinting to watch Madden walking through the parking lot.
“Yeah…”
“He’s kinda cute … backside ain’t too bad either. I like ’em big. I dig the dad bod.”
“Bryn. Really,” I deadpan.
“Ohhh-kay! Sheeesh, just complimenting a fine specimen. Loosen up, Jo.” Bryn crosses her leg under her rear and picks up her Kindle, returning to her book.
“Who’s cute from behind?” Ugh…
“Jordan’s new client! You just missed him, Gia!”
Gia juts her hip and crosses her arms, snark lingering on her lips. “Oh of course because heaven forbid there be more than one trainer with a roster full of clients!”
Here we go again.