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I’d complain if Madden’s ass wasn’t so enjoyable to look at.
“Wooooooo!” he cheers as he slows his pace, settin’ my feet to the wooden boardwalk below.
I brace myself against the dock and inhale a deep breath, suddenly dizzy as my blood rushes from my brain.
“Damn it, Jo. You okay? Shit!” His victory is short-lived as he turns his focus on me, concern laced in his voice. I wave him off as I slide down to the pier and pull the water from my pack. I take three small sips then offer him the bottle, and he takes it as he plops down beside me.
“You’re … crazy.”
Madden’s grin reaches his eyes, pride shining through the green of his irises. “Catch ya off guard?” He nudges my shoulder.
“Little bit.”
“C’mon, let’s get you out of this heat.” He stands and offers me his hand, pulling me up to him.
“Make this known, Davenport, the only reason I’m not joggin’ back to Dumb Belles is so I can get you on the scales.”
He nods as he leads me to his truck.
He cranks the AC and turns the stereo low. “I need to spend more time with Belle in the evenings, so I was thinkin’ I could cut back on my time at the gym.” I’m shocked and slightly disheartened, but I refuse to say as much.
“Let’s see where you are on the scale, and then we’ll discuss it.” He nods and shoves the gearshift in park, turnin’ the ignition off. He turns in his seat to face me, and I can sense the hesitation as he opens his mouth to speak, but the words don’t come out. He takes me in and smiles; it’s soft and friendly, and maybe even a little embarrassed.
“Did I hurt ya?”
I crinkle up my face in confusion.
“When I slung ya over my shoulder?”
“Oh. No. I wasn’t expectin’ it. At all.”
He nods. “Neither was I, but I needed to test my endurance.”
“View was nice.” Madden’s eyes widen in surprise, and I can’t take that spew of word vomit back. But I won’t tuck my tail either. “Proud of my handy work. Your body is mighty fine, if I do say so myself, Mr. Davenport.”
Madden’s eyes hood over, a mischievous smirk on his face. “I’ll show you, Mister.” He winks and climbs out of the cab, the cool fall breeze mixing with the heady air that hangs between us. I hurry to catch up, Madden’s strides toward Dumb Belles now confident and determined.
As he enters the lobby, he’s assaulted by Gia. “Oh my, Madden. You just get more handsome every time I see you.” She runs her hand along his bicep, an appreciative grin on her thin lips. “You know, if you trained with me, I’d pay extra special attention to the definition of your deltoids, just to see that area pop!” she exclaims with a pop of her lips.
I flex my hands, noticing my claws are extended and ready to swipe, but I have no claim to this man.
Madden gently removes Gia’s groping hands from his body and steps out of reach. “Thanks for the compliments, Gia. It was good seeing you again.” He quickens his strides down the hallway toward the weigh-in room, with Gia watching his quick getaway.
She turns into me as I sidestep her. “Oh. It’s you.” Her lips curl up in disgust. “What are you doin’ just getting here?” she asks, glaring down at her watch. Who does this bitch think she is? This is my gym.
“Perks of bein’ the owner, Gia.” I shrug as I bypass her. She doesn’t need to know anything about my daily schedule. She needs to focus on her own.
I push the door open to the weigh-in room and close it quickly, shoutin’, “SORRY!” through the heavy wooden door to Madden. Erhm, not really sure why he was undressin’, but holy fuckin’ hell.
I’m one badass trainer.
I built that iron god in there. Me. The ball-bustin’ trainer. I’m proud of him.
“Jo, you doin’ this or not? Got places to be, sweetheart,” Madden asks, his head poked around the semi-closed door.
“But you’re uhm…” I point, at what, I really don’t know.