And usually, that's not who I am. I don't reduce women to obstacles.
I grew up watching my older sister, Zoey, sacrificeeverythingwhile our parents checked out. She's literally the reason I respect the hell out of women who fight for what they want.
If Zoey heard me say that, she'd put me through the fucking boards.
But I'm not trying to be fair right now.
I'm trying to survive.
So I let Josie think I'm a misogynistic prick. Let her hate me.
It's easier than explaining why I can't be in the same room with her without losing my goddamn mind.
"Show her the locker room, Corbin. Gym. All of it."
Corbin just blinks up at me, stammering. "Uh. Yes, sir. I mean—of course, Captain. Anything for you." He looks to Josie. "Hi. I'm Corbin."
Josie's spine goes even straighter, and I know I've hit a nerve. "Nice to meet you, Corbin. I'm Josie."
I don't wait. I don't look back.
I just turn on my heel and walk out of the conference room before it's too late. Beck's low, booming laughter chases me into the hallway, but there's only one place I need right now.
I need the gym.
I need to hit something. Lift something heavy. Anything to burn off the fucking adrenaline that's been screaming through my veins since the second she walked into that room.
But the last time I tried to relieve stress the way I normally would, I ended up fucking my new boss.
So yeah. Private gym it is.
I shove through the heavy double doors into the small gym at the back of the building. No one else comes in here.
It's cold, it's lonely. And it's fucking perfect.
My reflection stares back at me from the mirrored wall. My shoulders are tense, my eyes wild.
I came to Beachside for easy.
And she just made everything impossibly fucking hard.
Chapter 3
Josie
Icame to Beachside to prove I belonged somewhere that celebrated what I knew, not tolerated it.
And now, the first man I've ever let myself be reckless with just reduced me to a species in front of his boss, his coach, and his brothers.
I thought I left that shit behind.
My smile is frozen on my face. My hand, which had been extended toward Corbin Cole, feels cold and stupid for hanging in the air for so long.
I slowly lower it to my side, curling my fingers into a fist so tight my nails bite into my palm.
Show this… woman.
Woman.
