Page 20 of Jacked
I expect Butch to go on his way once we’re both finished with the chest press, but instead, he finishes up too, wipes his machine down, then follows me over to the leg press. I set the weight and he frowns at it.
“Come on, man, don’t wimp out. You can do more than that.” He adjusts it and then stands by the same way AJ does when he trains me, crossing his arms and looking down at me with a stern but encouraging look on his face.
“Careful, AJ might get jealous,” I joke.
Butch looks over to the left, then chuckles and nods.
“Yup.”
“Wait, seriously?” I was just talking shit, but is AJ actually jealous about someone else training me even though I didn’t ask? I crane my neck and sure enough, there’s a thunderous look on his face that it takes him a few seconds to smooth out when he realizes we’re looking at him.
I snort a laugh. “Didn’t realize trainers were so territorial about their clients.”
Butch laughs again too. “I think it’s more the ‘roommate’thing than the trainer thing.”
My gut heats and, again, I don’t correct Butch. What’s the point in arguing when they’ve already made up their minds?
With the weight set high, I don’t have to fake concentrating this time. It takes all my energy and focus to get through the reps, grunting and groaning, the weight clanging loudly in between each one.
“You’ve got this. One more. Dig deep,” he says.
“I hate you even more than I hate AJ,” I wheeze between gritted teeth, my legs shaking through the final press.
“The life of a trainer. If you don’t hate us, we’re not doing it right.” He claps my shoulder warmly when I stand up. “Oh, hey,I haven’t had the chance to ask Ajax yet, but we’re all planning to go camping in two weeks—kind of a team bonding thing. You guys should come.”
“Ajax?”
“Stronger than grease,” AJ explains, coming up behind me.
I chuckle and playfully squeeze AJ’s bicep. “I can see it.”
My stomach flutters a little again at the feeling of his warm, sweat-slicked skin under my palm. Instead of the urge to pull away though, the weirdest impulse to dig my fingers in harder pulses through me. His eyes land on my hand on his arm and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Is it weird after last night? Is he freaked out?
I pull my hand back and cross my arms casually.
“What do you say? Up for some male bonding out in nature?” Butch asks again now that AJ is here.
He looks at me and I shrug. It sounds fun, but these are his coworkers, so it’s up to him.
It takes a few seconds, but AJ nods. “Yeah, sounds like fun. Text me the details.”
“Oh man, I’m going to need to get camping gear. I left all my shit with my brother. I didn’t think there would be a lot of need for a sleeping bag or tent in the city.” I chuckle.
“I’ve got shit you can borrow,” AJ assures me.
“Do I hear an only one sleeping bagtrope in the making?” Fender comes out of nowhere to ask.
“Only one…?” I frown.
AJ just shakes his head. “It’s better not to ask.”
“Got it.” I nod.
Butch claps me on the shoulder again and then wanders off with Fender, leaving AJ and me standing together next to the leg press. We’re not exactlyaloneconsidering we’re in a crowded gym full of dudes, but it’s as alone as we’ve been since I hurried off to the shower last night.
Should I say something about what happened? Make a joke? Ask if he’s freaking out? Or is it better to justnevertalk about it again? But… what if he wants to do it again? How will I know if I don’t bring it up?
AJ clears his throat and then glances over his shoulder towards the door.
