I needed to learn more about her and knew just the placeto do that.
Apparently Evan knew about the bombshell who ran all martial arts and self-defense classes I had taken at Domino’s Gym and was all too eager to go with me. Mentioning how he couldn’t wait to see “Bunny.” I had rolled my eyes at the misuse of her name. Fully knowing he would get his ass handed to him if he said it to her. I knew Evelyn would be pissed to see me, but I was a glutton for punishment and I wanted to see her.
Walking into the elaborate industrial lobby, we swiped our one-day passes on the kiosk before dropping off our duffels in the coed locker room. We were greeted by the blonde bombshell as she stood chatting with a group of people in workout gear.
“Oh, hello.” She stopped her chatter, turning to give us her full attention while holding out her hand for a shake. She wore navy blue yoga pants and a matching sports bra, complimenting her gorgeous body. “I don’t think I’ve seen the two of you here before.”
“I’ve been here once or twice, but it’s been a minute. Kaden Romano,” I responded while shaking her hand.
Her brows hit her hairline and amusement turned up the corners of her mouth. She recovered quickly though, and turned to Evan. “And you are?”
“Friends call me Machine. But you can call me anytime,” he said with a wink. “What’s your name, gorgeous?”
I pinched the bridge of my nose while Badger rolled her eyes. “Badger, and you can call me Badger,” she retorted, ignoring his cheesy pick-up line and turning back to the group she’d been chatting with.
Before Machine could respond, I smacked his chest and pointed across the gym.
I’d felt her presence before I even saw her. Evelyn came around the corner, talking to a big, burly guy covered in tattoos, a radiant smile over her delicate face. Jealousy surged through me. I wanted to make her smile like that. But I couldn’t have that, I was her boss for christ’s sake.
Damnit! Focus!
Before entering the matted area, she gave the guy a big hug. She seemed so tiny in his arms. “Have a good night, Buddha!” She waved as she walked away toward the group of us.
Upon noticing me, her smile instantly faded and was replaced with a scowl. As she approached her brows knitted together. “What are you doing here?” She folded her arms while she took on a defensive stance.
“Just came to visit Badger here for one of her killer workouts,” I responded, giving her one of my charming smiles.
“He’s just sucking up, because the new girl showed up everyone on the team, including himself,” Machine teased while I shot him a death stare.
Evelyn rolled her eyes, walking past us to Badger, who was now standing in front of a small group that was forming for the class.
“Alright, guys, line up!” Badger yelled, clapping her hands once after listening to something Evelyn whispered. All the side chatter abruptly stopped. “Now, in today's class we will be focusing on hand-to-hand combat, specifically getting out of difficult scenarios. For those who are new to us, we will pair off with the opposite sex. One person will be the attacker and the other will have to get out of the different holds. Do I have a volunteer to spar with me?”
Machine shot his hand into the air, looking like a little kid who couldn’t contain their excitement. No one else raised their hands.
Badger put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes at his excitement. “C’mon Tool, I mean Machine,” she said, purposefully mistaking his nickname.
I tried my hardest to keep from laughing and failed miserably. From the corner of my eye I saw Evelyn bring a fist up to her mouth and held in a laugh as well. Machine did not seem impressed with the new nickname but strode over to Badger with purpose.
Badger was a tall and fit woman, but Machine towered over her and had easily eighty pounds of muscle on her. Though I knew how this was about to go down, I wasn’t about to tell Machine that he was going to get his ass kicked. He would learn that soon enough.
As Badger showed the first position, her voice fell to the background as I locked my gaze on Evelyn. I couldn't help but soak in the black yoga shorts that accentuated her plump ass, accompanied with a spandex blue tank top that showed just enough of her cleavage to be a tease.
I snapped out of my dirty thoughts when I heard a loud thud followed by a groaning Machine. Snapping my eyes back tothe pair, I watched Machine roll onto his back, cursing. I snickered, completely enjoying my best friend getting his ass handed to him.
“Alright, guys, pair up. Oh, come on, Machine, I barely threw you,” Badger teased while squatting next to Machine and patting his chest. “Maybe next time you will learn not to call me Bunny.”
I missed Machine’s response as I stalked over to my new obsession, and glared at the guy who approached her at thesame time I did. He instantly put his hands up in surrender before walking away.
“Really, Kade, was that necessary?” She glared at me.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I rebuked.
“It’s bad enough I have to deal with you at work. Now I have to see you on my personal time?” she snapped, folding her arms on her chest.
I mimed as if her words hurt my heart. “See, and I thought we were getting along.” I was goading her. She had no idea how much I loved her firecracker side. I was also not about to tell her that I wanted to apologize for being an ass earlier.
She growled in frustration. “Ugh, just get in position!”
