I focus on my fighters. D still isn’t planting his right foot correctly.
“D. Set your base.” I have to shout to be heard, so I almost miss Arlo’s flinch. My chest tightens. I don’t like that. Not one damn bit.
Chapter 3
Arlo
I’m early. I hope Tiernan doesn’t mind.
Going back to the shelter last night was just as bad as I knew it would be. It sucks that it’s still too cold to sleep outside. Still, there was coffee. They even had to-go cups, and it wasn’t terrible.
I scan the lobby, but it’s deserted. My chest tightens. Should I go in? Why does that feel weird? I should just go in. I can do that, right? I breathe through my indecision. In five and out five. Can’t remember where I heard that, but it works.
“Mornin’ Arlo.” A rough voice says behind me.
I startle and whirl, almost dropping my coffee. Now that would be a real tragedy.
“Sorry about that.” His face is slightly flushed, ears pink. Black, wavy hair still wet at the ends as if he’d showered in a hurry. His tight black t-shirt stretched across his shoulders and chest, showing off every delicious muscle. He’s carrying a black motorcycle helmet, his leather jacket slung over one broad shoulder. My new boss is hella hot. My throat goes dry because that is literally the last thing I should be thinking about.
“No problem.” I mumble, trying not to stare. Again.
Do not mess this up by being awkward.
“How ‘bout we get you set up for today.”
“Sounds good, sir … Tiernan.” I stumble over his name, the “sir” coming automatically. Gonna have to watch that.
Tiernan unlocks the front door, and I follow him back into the main gym. The piney floor cleaner is overwhelming, even with the fan, but the gym is empty and quiet. It feels unnatural after all of yesterday’s noise, but I don’t hate it.
“Enjoy the silence. It won’t last.” Tiernan tells me as we walk toward the break room.
I trail behind him, deliberately trying not to stare at his ass. To be fair, it’s a fantastic ass, so I’m struggling. His compression shorts really show off those muscular thighs.
“Is it always slow in the mornings?” I try to distract myself.
“A bit, yeah. A lot of these guys have jobs. Mostly at night so they can train every day. Things will pick up around noon.”
“Let’s have a seat and talk about what needs to be done today.” Tiernan gestures to the worn brown folding table and chairs off to the side. As we sit, he plops a white paper bag onto the table, before pulling out a foil-wrapped burrito and handing it to me. Doesn’t ask if I want one, just passes it to me without a word. I open my mouth to protest, but he gives me that look. The one that says he’s not taking no for an answer.
I set it in front of me and carefully unwrap the foil. My stomach grumbles at the delicious smell. Tiernan pushes a small packet of hot sauce across the table. I pull back the thick flour tortilla and try not to drool at the sight of melty cheese and fluffy eggs interspersed with chunks of sausage. I quickly add the sauce before rolling it up again. The first bite is everything it promised to be, and I can’t help the groan that escapes.
Tiernan’s lip quirks up at the side before taking a bite of his burrito. It’s not a full smile, but I get the impression those are rare.
“These are delicious.” I say when my mouth is finally free of food.
“Damn right. Nacho Mama’s Tacos has the best breakfast burritos in the city.” He agrees before taking another huge bite.
We sit in silence while we enjoy our breakfast, and I try my best to keep my attention anywhere else but the broad shoulders in front of me attached to my boss.
Once we’re done eating, Tiernan walks me through today’s tasks. He’s got a list written, which I appreciate. He gave me an opportunity, and I don’t plan on wasting it.
“Let’s get your gear stored in the locker room and we’ll get started.”
I grab tightly onto the strap of my backpack. Shit! My heart is racing. This is everything I own. My mouth goes dry.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind wearing it.” My cheeks flush with heat.
“Wait here.” He tells me before stalking off toward his office.
