Page 12 of Ice Rebel

Thankfully, on Sunday mornings the world was quiet for a couple of hours, no doubt because all the rich people were nursing their hangovers. I envisioned bloody marys and ice packs all around.

With the paperwork out of the way, I was free to make sure the bathrooms and locker rooms were spic and span and smelling like whatever air freshener had been purchased. I adored walking the building. With the facility having over fifty thousand square feet, I managed to get in my steps.

Tennies on.

Earbuds in.

Playlist on.

Volume up.

Something else I’d learned to do was to carry a duffle with me. Not with tools or even towels. Bottles of water. Why? Because while there were a few who brought their own liquids to hydrate with, others were not inclined to head to one of three break rooms. My trick of carrying refreshments had been the reason two guests had signed on the bottom line for an extended membership.

Locked and loaded with twenty bottles. I headed out of my office, hitting play at the same time. I moved through the main floor, picking up trash along the way. There were always a few regulars, some pretty cool guys that arrived early to avoid the crowds. And the throngs of pretty people.

I’d heard that more than a few times.

In moving from room to room, I was appreciative of the bright sun coming in through the massive windows. My step was already quicker than before as I headed down the stairs to the second floor. With three floors in all, several specialized rooms and a full aquatic center, Champion provided equipment for just about anyone.

A Coldplay song had just started when I walked into the smaller weight room, the area usually sequestered by the men. Why I wasn’t certain other than there were plenty of mirrors for them so they could check out their physiques both before and after their workout.

“Hey, Chelsea. Have time to spot me?” His deep voice was easily heard over the music.

The big, buff blond was cute. I’d have to give him that. Muscles for miles and always wearing the shortest shorts made for a man.

Hmmm… Now my mind was driven to the game the night before. I’d bet a few of the puck bunnies shopped for their Daisy Dukes at the same store as this dude.

“Now, Phil. You wouldn’t want to put your very life into my hands, would you?” I gave him what he needed to finish his workout by standing over him while he was prepared to lift an ungodly number of weights. I’d seen him do it a few dozen times before, so I wasn’t worried I’d be calling 9-1-1 by the end of my shift, but geezie weezie, he was pushing it.

His grin when he peered up at me was practically evil, certainly with wicked intent in mind. “I enjoy taking risks, Chelsea, but I will admit I’d prefer to place something else in your able hands.”

One hand on hip, which was cocked to the side. Tilt of head. Pursed, puffy lips. Sad eyes. “Now, Phil. You wouldn’t be trying to flirt with me. Right? You know that’s against the rules.”

My rules, not the club’s.

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“I’ll give you an A for effort. Do you need any water?”

“I’m good.”

Yes, he was, but he wouldn’t hear those words from these lips.

I moved through the weight room, grabbing a couple of empty water bottles. Why couldn’t people deal with their own trash?

My step was peppier than normal, a surprise since I’d had a terrible night’s sleep. As I passed Sam the Man Baxter, I threw up my arm for a high five. Our little game, but the older man appreciated it.

“How are the orchids?” I asked after passing him, tugging one earbud slightly free while spinning around and walking backward. Since the death of his wife, the daily trips to the gym, the grocery store, his two tabby cats, and his orchids were his entire world.

His face lit up like a Christmas tree. “I purchased another one that I named Chelsea. The petals are the color of your eyes. Simply stunning.”

His admittance caught me by surprise. I stopped moving, a real smile fading into my usual frown. “That’s really sweet of you, Sam. I’ve never had anyone name any flower after me.”

“I’ll bring a picture next time.”

“Please do. Enjoy your day.” I tossed him a bottle of water, which was something else to bring a shine to his day just like he’d done with mine. People could be very nice.

I moved to another room, noticing Kim was busy on the treadmill. After the injury she’d experienced, I was shocked at how nimble she was.