Text Me, Maybe - Jolyse Barnett Page 0,8
morphed into flapping birds of prey.
“Got that?”
“Yeah, but—”
“What would I do without you? Looking forward to updates.”
“Ms. Swann?” She checked the screen. Call ended. So much for telling her.
When the locker room door opened a few minutes later, Lexie was still staring into space, mulling over her options.
“What’s wrong, chica?”
Isabella, her friend and coworker of three weeks, approached.
Lexie held out the boss’s phone, since her coworker already knew about her unusual assignment from their earlier conversation in the copy room.
Isabella read the messages, and then sank onto the bench next to her. “It’s not that bad.”
“Think I need to update my LinkedIn profile?”
She looped a comforting arm around her.
“Turns out Ms. Swann’s more serious about this guy than I’d anticipated.”
“Could it have been her nickname for him that threw you off?”
Lexie laughed. “Yeah, could’ve been. Well, I’d better find a magic wand if I’m going to play fairy godmother to Buns and Swann, since even I know that reservations at Lynda’s Steakhouse are hard to come by.” She stood. “Of course, nothing else matters if I don’t get him to show.”
“Then you’ve got one choice. Convince him.”
“I know what I’ll do. I’ll treat him like he’s the last single man on earth.” Lexie bounced from one foot to another like a prizefighter. “By the time their date rolls around, he’ll be so intellectually turned on by my texts, he’ll be head over heels for her.” She stilled, the tips of her ears burning. “I only wish I didn’t have to lie.”
Isabella pulled her in for a quick hug. “Hang in there.”
“If I only knew more about the guy.” Maybe there was someone who could help track down her mystery man. She smiled. Of course there was. “Later. I’m off to eat lightning and crap thunder.”
“What’s that?”
“Oh, one of my dad’s favorite lines from Rocky.” Lexie paused at the door. “The coach tells the boxer all his hard work will pay off when he steps into the ring a very dangerous man.”
“And here I thought they were just dumb boxing flicks.” Isabella grinned.
“Join me for a movie marathon someday. Always up for it,” she said, then stepped into the main gym to locate her trainer. Humming her favorite movie theme song, she inhaled the spa-like air. Lavender and lemons. Dad would’ve gotten a kick out of that, too.
She strode forward, falling silent when she spied her target. How did he manage to make stacking towels as erotic as a Thunder From Down Under performance?
Matthew turned. “Hey.”
“Hi.” She stopped at a safe distance.
Safe from what? His scorching hotness? Or from my naughty side?
“Can I ask you a question?”
He smirked. “You just did.”
Smartass. She found herself smiling. “Could you tell me which trainer’s also a professor?”
He leaned back on his heels and crossed his arms.
“If it helps, the guy works mornings.”
“Why do you want to know?” He signaled for her to walk with him.
“My boss, well, she mentioned something about a professor working here.”
“She?”
“I work for Sylvia Swann. You know her?”
“Seen her around.” Matthew shrugged. “Why ask me and not her, then?”
Aw, damn. She’d really hoped he’d know the guy’s name. “Thanks, anyway. Uh, Matthew?”
“Yeah?” He glanced up from his phone.
“The morning manager’s name is Mike, right?”
His eyes turned thoughtful. “Yup.”
“Great. Thanks again.” She turned and headed for the elevator. Maybe if she walked away from him fast enough she wouldn’t blurt out something completely outlandish, like how she’d love to have wild animal sex with him.
Useless urges.
She was checking her messages at the elevator when heavy footsteps approached and stopped in front of her.
His scent filled the space.
“Did you remember which one’s a professor?” she asked, that phone-sex voice of hers back for an encore.
Matthew looked deep into her eyes, as if searching for an answer only she could provide, then shook his head slowly. “How about I contact Mike and save you the legwork?”
“I figured you’d want me walking more.” She smiled. “Considering you’re my trainer.”
Ugh. I’m flirting with him. What’s next? Flipping my hair?
He leaned against the column opposite the elevator and gave her a lazy smile.
Hope flowered inside of her.
Stop. He’s off-limits.
Dropping her gaze, she got another eyeful of those muscled thighs. Heaven bless spandex. She coughed and tucked her phone into her sweatshirt pocket. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it myself.”
Right after I find that elusive magic wand.
Chapter Five
“Hey, I’ve got a better idea. How about I give Mike a call right now?” Matthew pulled out his phone and tapped the manager’s number.
Lexie shrugged.
Did she want the