And now everyone knows that I'm off my damn rocker.
I stride out of the bathroom and pull the door open, forcing a smile. "Hi, Debbie. You aren't interrupting anything. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes," she responds. "Follow me, please."
Closing my door, I try to block out all of my earlier thoughts. Business only!
"So, Miss Moore..." Debbie looks at me over her shoulder, arching her eyebrow as if she's cluing me in on some secret. "Have you settled into the facility all right?"
I nod, keeping my expression neutral. "Yes, Debbie. I'm settling in just fine. Thank you for asking."
Debbie's eyes narrow as she studies me, her lips curling into a knowing smile. It's as if she can see right through my facade, right through the thoughts racing in my mind. My heart pounds in my chest, and I try to push aside the memories of last night, of the three men who have consumed my every waking thought.
"Well, that's good to hear," she says, her voice dripping with playful mischief. "You know, Miss Moore, working here can be quite the experience."
I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
She leans closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You've caught the attention of some important individuals around here. A certain trio of men who hold great power and influence."
My breath catches in my throat as I try to feign ignorance. "Really? I mean, I'm their bodyguard. I'm doing my job, and so are they."
Debbie chuckles, her knowing smile widening. "Of course, Miss Moore. But it seems they have taken quite the interest in you beyond your professional role." She pauses, letting the tension build before continuing. "Rumor has it that they find you rather... captivating."
I swallow hard, my mind racing. How could this be? I had only been here a short time and had done nothing to encourage such attention from them. Or had I? My mind flashes back to last night, the stolen glances and the dangerous chemistry that filled the air. Could it be possible that my own desires had unintentionally led me down this path? I've really fucked things up, haven't I?
Debbie's eyes glimmer with mischief as she studies me, clearly enjoying the effect her words have on me. "Don't be embarrassed. What did the board expect to happen when they hired such a young, invigorated woman?" she says slyly.
"But nothing has happened," I shoot back quickly. "I assure you that I've been nothing but professional, and so have they. All of us know that it is my responsibility to protect them, nothing more."
Debbie smirks, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, it's much more than just a professional relationship, Miss Moore. I've been here for years, and I know how things work around here."
My heart pounds louder in my ears, the weight of her words sinking in. How could she possibly know? Panic surges through me, threatening to consume any semblance of composure I have left.
"But don't worry," she adds, her tone almost soothing. "They're not the type to share their secrets easily. They guard their personal lives like fortresses."
Relief washes over me, but suspicion lingers. "How do you know all this?"
Debbie chuckles softly, the sound echoing in the dimly lit corridor. "Let's just say that I have my ways of gathering information. And when someone as intriguing as you comes along, well, it's hard not to notice."
A mix of curiosity and apprehension tugs at my thoughts. "Is this all you wanted me for?"
"No." Her voice has lost all of its teasing and she comes to a stop, pushing one of the hallway doors open. "This is."
As I step through the doorway, my eyes widen, and my breath catches in my throat. Before me lies a sight I could have only ever dreamt of—a fully stocked private gym. The room is vast, filled with state-of-the-art equipment meticulously arranged to maximize every inch of space. Brilliant spotlights illuminate the room, casting a soft glow that accentuates the sleek metallic surfaces of the exercise machines.
The air is heavy with the invigorating scent of polished leather and freshly laid rubber flooring. Mirrors line one wall from floor to ceiling, reflecting the room's grandeur and creating an illusion of endless space. Vibrant motivational posters adorn the walls, inspiring me to push myself beyond my limits.
My eyes dart from one piece of equipment to another, taking in the sheer variety and quality before me. There are rows of treadmills, each equipped with interactive screens displaying scenic landscapes that transport you from the confines of this room to far-off destinations. A multitude of weightlifting stations stand proudly, their sleek frames promising strength and power. And in the center of it all, a spacious yoga area with mats neatly rolled and props arranged meticulously.
I feel a surge of excitement coursing through my veins as I step further into the gym, my eyes wide with wonder. Debbie watches me intently, her gaze filled with satisfaction. "I hope this space is to your satisfaction, Miss Moore."
I turn to her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Debbie...this is incredible. It's more than I could have ever imagined."
She smiles warmly, her eyes twinkling with pride. "I'm glad you like it. They wanted to make sure you had everything you needed to stay at your best for the job."
I approach one of the weightlifting stations, running my fingers along the smooth metallic surface. The thrill of anticipation courses through me as I imagine myself pushing my limits, finding strength I never knew existed.
"Wait, they? They who?" I turn back toward her for an answer, but Debbie is already gone, the door closed behind her.