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Fists smacking into punching bags echo through the room, the sound filling me with satisfaction. After six years of being open, it’s still a little surreal that the gym is still going strong. I didn’t have much in the way of expectations when I first opened the place, but seeing the success I’ve had since I opened has been pretty great.
“Dax!” Sara calls from across the room. She’s been teaching classes for the last two years and even added an advanced self-defense course to her roster when the women in her beginner class wanted to learn more advanced skills. Her classes are popular enough she could teach full time, but she still loves working at the clinic with Ben, so she only teaches the two.
“What’s up?” I ask when she gets close.
“Quinn has a friend in town who wants to join our class tonight. I wanted to make sure that was cool with you before I said yes.”
“Sure, just have her sign a waiver first.”
“Will do! And I may need you to help me teach if we’re short a partner.”
I nod. “Just let me know.”
Sara swats me on the arm in thanks and jogs back over to the mats, where Ben is still working out. The two of them have basically forced me into friendship. Any time they invited me over for dinner or out with their group, they always made sure I didn’t have a choice in whether I was coming or not.
If I didn’t like them so much, I would’ve been annoyed. Instead, I sort of enjoy being their friend. Not that I let them know that. I have a reputation to maintain.
An hour later, I find Ben and Tucker chatting by the weights as Sara and the girls start setting up. Most of the people in the advanced class are Sara’s friends, but there are a few others that join regularly, as well.
“Hey, guys. All good?” I ask as I stand next to Tucker.
“Hey, man,” Ben greets me. “We’re great. How are things for you?”
“Can’t complain.”
“You never do,” Tucker teases.
I smirk, nodding my head. It’s true. I don’t talk about myself very often around these guys, even though I know they’d welcome me with open arms if I shared any part of my past with them.
Before we can say anything else, Sara comes over. “Hey, turns out, I’m one partner short tonight. Do you mind sparring with Quinn’s friend, Hailey?”
“No, that’s fine. Has she taken any classes before?”
“She said yes but didn’t elaborate, so I have no idea what her skill level is.”
“Okay. It doesn’t matter either way. Just wanted to know.” I follow behind Sara after saying a quicksee you laterto the guys.
When we get close, I spot the woman in question. Her tight leggings highlight every lithe curve she has, while her sports bra demands you notice her toned shoulder blades and arms. Damn, this woman is fit.
Her white-blonde hair is up in a messy bun, and the second she turns toward Sara, I swear every ounce of air in my body leaves. Her round face and crystal-blue eyes send shock waves through my system.
In all honesty, it sort of pisses me off. I have more control over myself than this. I’m not some horny teenager seeing his first pair of tits. I’m a grown-ass former Navy SEAL for Christ’s sake.
Before I can fully get myself together, Sara makes the introduction. “Hailey, this is Dax Pierce. He owns the gym and helps hone my skills. Dax, this is Hailey Adler. She’s here visiting for a couple of weeks.”
“Nice to meet you,” Hailey says, reaching out her hand. It’s soft and delicate in mine, making me feel like I need to shake it gently.
“You, too. You’ve taken classes before?” I raise my eyebrow in question, trying to figure out if the woman is actually as delicate as she seems or if that’s a front she puts up so others will underestimate her.
“Yeah, I’ve got some skills.” Her cocky grin has my body stirring, and I can’t help the smirk that tugs up the corner of my mouth. I turn toward Sara, ignoring the pull I’m feeling, as she gets the class started.
“Okay, everyone, we are going to work on an armbar to finish out our chokehold defense lessons, and if there’s time, we’ll start on the next segment.” She demonstrates the different positions they’re working on and provides refreshers for anyone who needs them. While everyone’s focus is on Sara, I take in the tiny woman next to me, my eyes lingering on the curve of her ass.
She may look like a pixie, but I have a feeling she’s ferocious. My eyes snap back to her face when I realize she’s caught me staring. Her smirk tells me she doesn’t think I’m a creep, so there’s that, I guess. “Have you done this position before?”
She raises an eyebrow. “I’ve done several positions. This one is very familiar to me.”
Fuck, she’s a spitfire. I cross my arms in an attempt to keep my cool. “Good. Let’s get started, then. You can show me what you’re made of.”
