Page 64 of Tension

“That’s something only you can answer,” I said. “But know this. I’m ready. Ready to treat you right. Ready to protect you from anyone who’d hurt you, even if that person is me. Ready to lie in the dirt behind you.”

I paused for a beat. “I’m ready to love you. I’ve been falling in love with you since the day I met you. When you walk into a room, nothing else exists. I’d knock over every one of these bitches just to get to you.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she pulled me in for a hug with her face buried in my neck. I just held her until she calmed. With everything going on, she had been a lot more emotional.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

And I squeezed her tighter to me.

She went to clean up while I prepped for the next interview.

Then Brittney showed up.

In a bra and panties.

Chris was still in the bathroom, but I knew this would be a problem.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Brittney said, stepping way too close. “I’ve been following you for a long time.”

I looked her over. Not appreciating, just assessing. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be moving forward with your application. You need to leave.”

She laughed like I was joking and tried to swat my shoulder. I stepped back just as Chris rounded the corner.

“He said you need to leave,” Chris said, positioning herself squarely between us.

“And who are you?” Brittney asked.

“His girlfriend,” Chris replied coolly, “and half-owner of this gym.”

I laughed internally at her, not just being my partner, but claiming half of the gym. Brittney was looking at me, but I was smiling down at Chris.

“Really, Vel?” Brittney scoffed.

“Don't talk to him. You talkin’ to me right now,” Chris said. “Don’t even look at him. He’s not going to save you.” She snapped her fingers in Brittney’s face.

“This is a family-friendly gym,” Chris continued. “Your appearance is inappropriate. You will not be working here.”

“This is sportswear,” Brittney shot back. “You don’t look like you know anything about gyms or⁠—”

“Hey,” I cut in sharply. “You heard what the fuck she said.”

“I know what you came here to do.” Chris grabbed my chin and shook it playfully. “You were just trying to fuck the boss. I mean… look at him. I would too.” She turned back to Brittney. “I do fuck him every night. Please leave now before I have to make you.”

“Fuck y’all,” Brittney muttered as she stormed out.

“Fuck you, too,” Chris and I said in unison.

The rest of the interviews went smoothly. We hired five people.

Over the past few weeks, Chris had been giving me “suggestions” for the gym.

Every single one was solid.

As we cleaned up, she talked about partnering with massage therapists, chiropractors, and spas. She suggested a supervised kids’ area so parents could work out without stress. I would need her for all these ideas.

She wasn’t just helping me, she was building with me.

“So,” I asked, watching her, “you want half?”