Page 4 of Reckless Desire

ChapterTwo

Hunter

Ilift the weights one more time, breathing through my teeth. Shit, lately I’ve been so busy with clients and family I haven’t had time to work out properly. I haven’t had time for myself in ages.

“Losing form, dude.” Ash snickers and helps me place the heavy bar on its stand.

You can always rely on friends. Annoyingly, he’s right. I swing my legs over the bench and sit with my elbows on my quads to catch my breath.

“I’m still far better than you, loser.” I stand up and punch his biceps.

“Yeah, but the way you’re running around like a headless chicken, soon I’ll be the king of this gym.” He flexes his arms and admires himself in the mirror.

Two girls in sports bras and tiny shorts steal glances and giggle on their way to the changing rooms.

“You just officially became a laughingstock.” I chuckle.

“They were ogling me.” He glimpses his reflection again with a grin.

“Sure, and now they’re trying to shower off the horror.” I shake my head, throw my towel over my shoulder and go to make myself a smoothie behind the bar.

“Make me one two, bro.” Ash climbs up on the stool on the other side of the counter.

“Sure, asshole, your order is coming up.”

By the time I finish blending, the girls from earlier have ambled over to chat with Lea, the receptionist. I place a glass in front of Ash as he checks them out.

“Who is ogling now?” I pour the protein drink for him.

Lea comes over and swats at me. “Get out of here. Employees only.”

“I work here.” I raise my hands in mock surrender.

She grabs a dirty washcloth and I dash to the other side of the counter before she throws it at me.

Sitting beside Ash, I reach over to get my drink. The girls are now clearly eyeing us.

Ash extends his hand. “Hi, I’m Ash, and this is Hunter. I haven’t seen you here before.”

While I think they look young for us, I can’t ignore how attractive they both are. And very eager to hang out with us while they wait for their smoothies. After they introduce themselves, Ash chats with them.

Nursing my drink, I stay silent. These interactions used to be my jam, but there is no point in getting interested in someone if I can’t date. Two jobs and a family are as much as I can manage.

And it’s not like my career is conducive to maintaining a relationship. No woman would ever accept my work. I’m fine with that. I need money now, and I’ve made peace with my choices.

However, I enjoy letting Ash make a fool of himself as I sip my drink.

“What do you do?” the shorter one asks. Shit, I didn’t even listen when she told me her name.

“We’re personal trainers.” Ash flexes his biceps again, the idiot, and the girls titter.

“You train here? We may need some help.” The taller one bats her lashes.

Lea hits the button on the blender and glares at Ash. I hide a chuckle. He answers something, but I can’t hear it over the ruckus. I hope he isn’t setting up a training session with them.

“So you go to people’s houses to train?” I hear the question as Lea finally pushes the off button. Good, it seems he didn’t offer my services to them. My calendar is full.

I check my watch. Shit. “Sorry, ladies, kindergarten pickup waiting.”

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