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.
He comes back holding a combination lock, still in the package.
“Here. Use this. I’ve got a bunch.” My eyes narrow, but I’m not in a position to argue, so I take it.
“Go stow your gear. Take your time. I gotta make a call.”
Then he’s gone before I can even say thank you, and there’s a weird feeling in my chest that I refuse to acknowledge.
***
Tiernan has me doing an inventory count in the storage area.
It’s taken me four hours, but I’m finished.
Inventory is something I’ve done before, so it wasn’t difficult.
The gym has gotten much busier since I’ve been working.
The loud music is back, along with all the other gym sounds, but it seems different today. Maybe because I’m expecting it.
Tiernan tells me to take a lunch break after I give him the updated inventory sheet.
I wander into the break room to get some water. Someone is rummaging through the cabinets. Damn, I thought Tiernan was built. This guy has him beat. His arms are the size of my thighs. I try to slip by him, but his brown eyes light up when he sees me.
“Hey! You’re the new guy. Arlo, right?” He gives me a wide, friendly grin as he holds out his hand for a shake. “I’m Troy, but everyone calls me Diesel.”
I shake his hand quickly, before pulling it back to my side. It’s huge, but his grip is gentle.
“Hey.” I move toward the water cooler, grabbing one of the paper cups from the dispenser on the side.
“Oh, don’t use those.”
Shit! I drop the cup, my heart pounding.
The bald, musclebound giant is digging inside a cabinet, muttering to himself. After a minute, he holds up one of those aluminum water bottles, still in its wrapper.
“Here you go. You’ll never stay hydrated with those flimsy things.” He hands it to me. It’s black with a green lid, and it has the gym logo on the side.
“Tiernan always forgets these are up here.” He tells me, deep voice rumbling like gravel.
“Oh, uh, thanks. Are you sure they’re okay to use?”
Diesel snorts.
“You bet. T’s been trying to get rid of those for months. Just between you and me, he ordered too many, but I’d never tell him that.”
I open the packaging then lean over the sink to rinse it out. It’s new, so it still has that weird smell to it, but it looks durable and small enough to fit in the side pocket of my backpack. Smiling to myself, I fill it up at the cooler.
Diesel hands me a Sharpie, telling me to write my name on the lid.
“We’ve all got them, so unless you want to drink someone’s backwash, it’s better to label it.”
Gross. I write my name in bold block letters.
“Looks like you didn’t bring your lunch today, did you?” Diesel asks as he arranges paper plates and silverware on the counter next to a huge casserole dish. He doesn’t even wait for me to answer.
“Good! You can be the first to try my new recipe. I need a guinea pig.” He scoops up a large serving, puts it on a plate and hands it to me before I can reply. I take the plate. I mean, I can’t refuse him. Who knows how that would go.
He pulls out a chair at the card table for me with a flourish. Is he going to watch me eat this? Oh shit, what if it’s terrible? My stomach churns.
He sits down opposite me. Yup, he really is watching me eat. That won’t be weird at all.
“So this is a chicken and brown rice casserole with a twist. I’ve got some extra veg in there with the spinach and the sweet potatoes, plus it’s got a nice cashew sauce and some parm. I added extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top because who doesn’t like cheese?”
I bring a forkful to my lips. It smells delicious. It can’t be that bad if it smells good, right?
I take a bite and my tongue lights up. Wow! Wide-eyed with surprise and genuine delight, I give him a thumbs-up.
“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.
“Do not call 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.