“Good?” He pumps his fist. “Yes! Nailed it. The macros are right on target, too.”
I can’t help but grin back even though I’m still chewing.
“Yo, Diesel! What’s for lunch?” The door bursts open and another fighter comes barreling in. He’s shirtless, his pale torso and arms covered in tattoos, disheveled red hair poking out in all directions. His bright hazel eyes dancing with delight when he catches sight of the casserole.
“Yes!” He doesn’t bother with a plate, simply grabs a spoon and scoops it right into his open mouth.
“Oh man, so fucking good,” he mumbles with his mouth full.
“Get a plate, you cretin … And a fork.” Diesel shakes his head, but his smile doesn’t dim.
Tattoo guy grabs a plate and loads it up, completely unbothered by his lack of clothing and manners.
“D this shit’s the best one yet.” He’s shoveling casserole into his mouth like it’s going to disappear. A full mouth doesn’t keep him from talking, though. He looks at me and points with his fork.
“You the new hire?” he asks. I nod, looking down at my plate while I prepare another bite.
“Name’s Arlo. Pay attention.” Diesel scolds.
“I knew that.” Tattoo guy says with a laugh. “Arlo, how’s your first day going?”
“Oh, it’s good.” I mumble, trying not to talk with my mouth full. There’s enough of that going on.
“This idiot here is Sean. But we all call him Tank.” Diesel informs me.
“Rude! You know you love me, big D.”
Diesel raises his eyes to the ceiling.
“Donotcall me that.”
Tank’s wearing a mischievous grin.
“What you don’t want the new guy to know about your big—“
“Aaaand we’re done!” Diesel interrupts him.
“Oh come on! You had that pretty blonde twink all up in your business last night. Looked like he wanted to get up close and personal with your big D.”
I keep eating, but my chest loosens. How open they are—in the break room, no less—is a relief. It’s not something I expected to see in a hyper-masculine place like this, but I suspect this isn’t your average bro gym. Makes me wonder about Tiernan. Is he into guys? Not that I should be thinking about my boss like that.
“Jesus, it’s like you have no filter.” Diesel shakes his head, but I see the grin on his face.
“So, did you take him home?” Tank persists. His shit-eating grin tells me exactly how much he’s enjoying Diesel’s discomfort.
“None of your fuckin’ business. Boundaries. Some people have them.”
“Whatever. Inquiring minds want to know, D.” Tanks gestures at Diesel with his fork, and I watch in dismay as a piece of chicken goes flying. Diesel just shakes his head in disgust.
“Inquiring minds can fuck right off.”
Tank smirks, laughing as he continues to eat. With his mouth closed. Thank God.
While they trade barbs, I finish my plate of casserole. I’m breathing easier and my shoulders have finally stopped crawling up my back. A smile slips out, and I let it.
Chapter 4
Tiernan
