Page 6 of Ashley & the A-Listers

Cameron executed another kick, this one sloppier since he was using his non-dominant side, but he was a quick learner, applying the previous adjustments with only a nudge here or there. She gave him a nod of approval before he tried again, this time with a stronger frame and hitting harder than before.

The dummy squeaked in protest.

“Nice,” she told him. “Again.”

He kept smiling, and Ashley found itverydistracting. His roundhouse kick was practically perfect by the time the door across the gym opened and closed with abeepof a card entry.The warm air from outside rushed in, bringing with it the scent of the city, the scent of… a familiar scent, actually. One she hadn’t smelled in years.

Ashley’s heart dropped as fresh-cut grass hit her, earthy and green, and she froze.

“There you are! Finally!” a deep voice called out, oblivious to Ashley’s entire world rocking. “We were supposed to come get your keycard together. You couldn’t wait up for me just a little— oh shit,” he said, steps coming to a stop several feet away, behind Ashley.

No way.

Ashley moved away from Cameron, putting distance between them. She tried not to note how he looked a smidge disappointed as she half turned so she could meet the gaze of the newcomer.

“Oh shit,” she echoed, softer, as she recognized the man.

The alpha.

One she knew very well.

Or at least, had known, once before. A very long time ago.

“That’ll be my bodyguard,” Cameron groaned, reminding her where she was,whoshe was. Her hindbrain was getting away from her, approaching Cameron like this.

“What are you—” the alpha began, but Ashley turned her attention back to Cameron.

“Your roundhouse is pretty much perfect. I think you can take it from here,” she told the omega. “I’ll be around if you need anything else. Happy training,” she said, trying to keep her voice light.

The fuck are you doing here?she wanted to ask. Instead, without even offering the bodyguard a second glance, she walked around him, giving him the wide berth the asshole deserved, and made her way back to her desk.

She felt their gazes on her and focused on remembering how to walk. Her ass had to look fantastic in her leggings and she hoped that fucker recognized it.

She bypassed her desk and went right into the back room behind it, blowing out a breath as the door shut softly behind her.

Her cheeks reddened with fury, temperature rising as half-buried memories crawled from the grave to haunt her.

Leaning against it, she let her head thump against the door and slammed her eyes shut.

Of all the gyms, of all the people, of all theactors.

And this one had to hire abodyguardwho happened to bethatalpha.

Dylan.

Her best friend. Her go-to. Her confidant.

Until he’d fallen off the face of the earth, never speaking to her again.

Well, two could play at that game.

And Ashley was competitive.

2. PATIENCE

DYLAN

“What the fuck was that about?” Cameron bit out.

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