Imperfect Fit

Chapter 9- Jealousy and Cake

Song for Chapter: Mr. Brightside ~ The Killers

SAGE

"Is that a smile, Boss?"

My eyes shoot up to Frank, another trainer, after I walk in through the gym doors. I'm a little late today because it's Obie's birthday and it's tradition that I make his favorite breakfast. 

Apparently, my good mood is now showing.

"I haven't seen you smile since..." He stops, face screwed up in deep concentration. "Actually, I don't think I've ever seen you smile, Boss."

Riley laughs, handing me a stack of mail. "He has a point, Boss. A smirk? Sure, all the time. Tight lipped pout? Too many to count. Scowling with annoyance—"

"I got it." Glaring at her, she clamps her mouth shut, trying to hide her smile.

"Why aren't you with your cadets?" I ask Frank.

"I'm having them take a run al fresco. They should be back any minute now." He checks his watch just before the doors swing open. Enrique and another participant, Jake, both come in huffing and puffing, faces flushed.

Enrique bends down, holding on to his knees, gasping. "Did we make it?"

"I told them they'd have to make it back by a certain time or I'd make them do a hundred burpees to finish out today's session." Frank grins at me before turning towards Enrique. "You made it with just under ten seconds to spare, Quique."

"Oh, thank God!" Enrique collapses on the floor.

Frank chuckles, turning to face me. "You'll be happy to know your girls have been doing just fine without you. A few of the guys have been very helpful with technique and form. In fact, I think they'd be fine without you, Boss." He wiggles his eyebrows while mine cave in, searching for Oli and Joanna.

I find Oli first, doing walking lunges while a regular gym member, Ryan, coaches her along it seems. And then Joanna's loud laugh calls out to me. It's one of those infectious laughs that either make you smile or join in with her. She sets down a pair of heavy free weights after completing a set of RDL's.

She's not wearing her usual sweats and oversized shirt today, instead she's dressed in black leggings and even from my distance it's undeniable how they accentuate her round ass.

The snug, bright pink long sleeve crop top, draws my eyes to her midsection. This is the most exposed she's been in the gym—well, other than the steam room incident, but no one saw her except me...and Gary.

I'd be lying if the enticing image outside the steam room didn't live in my mind these past few days. But right now, it seems like everyone is noticing her; and by everyone I mean a group of weight lifters who are known to admire their reflections more than anything.

Except today they found something else to appreciate.

"Take my things to my office, Riley." Dropping my bag, and the stack of mail, I march toward Joanna and her groupies.

"Sure thing, Boss." Riley calls out.

"Hey, Coach!" Oli greets me. I grunt in response, fixated on the way every single one of those fuckers' eyes follow the recoil of Joanna's ass doing weighted bar squats. Her form is near perfect for a beginner but as I get closer, I discover the main reason for her new following. The material of her leggings stretches as she bends down, giving everyone a tantalizing view.

Her leggings are fucking see through.

"Joanna!"

Her eyes meet mine in the mirror and she smiles. My steps falter seeing her face light up. Grumbling, I focus my glare on the men and they begin to scatter like cockroaches.