Chapter 8 - jealousy in the air

As Andrea gathered her things, she turned to Joe, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "And thanks for the lovely breakfast."

"You're always welcome," Joe replied, his voice steady, but the subtle warmth in his tone hinted at a deeper connection.

Andrea hesitated for just a second before adding, "I certainly did enjoy it."

Joe's lips quirked into a knowing smile. "Bye for now."

Andrea gave him a lingering look before heading for the door. "Yeah, bye. See you at the gym tomorrow?"

"See you at the gym tomorrow," Joe confirmed, his words laced with quiet anticipation.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Andrea's heart was still racing, her mind replaying every tantalizing moment from earlier. She barely made it to Taylor's place before her best friend pounced, eyes wide with excitement.

Taylor crossed her arms, her voice brimming with mock outrage. "Oh my God, Andrea, you're such a slutty little bitch!"

Andrea burst out laughing, tossing her bag onto the couch. "What can I say? We give them one show a day!"

Taylor threw a pillow at her, laughing. "Girl, I cannot believe you had Joe licking your boobs! Spill. Now. How did that feel?"

Andrea grinned, biting her lip as a mischievous glint lit her eyes. "It was awesome. I was totally in the moment."

Taylor gasped, clutching her chest theatrically. "I need more details! Was he as good as we always imagined?"

Andrea plopped onto the couch, her smile widening as she leaned back. "Better. His tongue? Insane. He took his sweet time, too, like he was enjoying every second."

Taylor fanned herself, letting out a mock sigh. "Stop. You're killing me. How am I supposed to go back to boring hookups after this?"

Andrea chuckled, her cheeks still flushed from the memory. "Trust me, it wasn't just the tongue. The way he looked at me, Taylor. Like he was consuming me. I've never felt that kind of intensity before."

Taylor squealed, practically bouncing in her seat. "I knew it! I knew there was more to him! But…" She paused, her brow furrowing. "Why do you look like you're plotting something?"

Andrea leaned forward, her grin turning wicked. "Because I am. He left me hanging, and that's not something I let slide. Tomorrow at the gym? I'm going to make him regret leaving me wanting."

Taylor's jaw dropped. "Oh, my God. You wouldn't."

Andrea winked. "Oh, I would. And trust me, he's not walking away unscathed this time."

Taylor collapsed into laughter, clutching her sides. "Girl, you are too much. But please, I need every single detail after it happens. Don't hold out on me!"

Andrea smirked, grabbing a pillow and tossing it back at Taylor. "Oh, you'll get all the details. But for now, I need a game plan."

The two dissolved into giggles, their laughter filling the room as Andrea's mind raced with ideas for her next move.

The next day, Andrea walked into the gym with the kind of confidence that immediately commanded attention. Her gym shorts were short—almost too short—barely grazing her thighs, and the tight sports bra she wore accentuated every curve of her body. It was impossible not to notice how well her body moved in the fabric, her muscles flexing with every step, the soft fabric hugging her waist just enough to leave little to the imagination.

Joe spotted her from across the room. His usual reaction—a smile, a light teasing—was met with something unexpected. Andrea gave him a brief, almost dismissive glance as she brushed past him, her eyes flicking over him like he was just another person in the gym.

"Hey, need any help today?" Joe asked, his voice casual but his gaze lingering on her, expecting the usual flirtation.

Andrea paused for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I've already got someone helping me."

Before Joe could react, Mason, another instructor, appeared, his tall frame imposing but somehow always calm. "Hey, Andrea! Need a spot?" Mason asked, giving her a warm, inviting smile as he casually placed a hand on the nearby weights.

Andrea's lips curved into a smile, the spark in her eyes unmistakable. "Yeah, thanks, Mason," she said, the way she said his name sending a subtle jolt of electricity through the air.

Joe's stomach twisted with something that felt too close to jealousy. His brow furrowed slightly as he watched Mason step closer to Andrea, a hint of possessiveness flickering in his chest. He had no right to feel this way, but the sight of Andrea laughing softly with Mason—the way she pressed herself slightly against him as they set up her weights—made Joe feel like a stranger in his own skin.

Mason, oblivious or perhaps enjoying the effect he was having, was practically tripping over his own words. "Here, let me help you with your form. Like this?" he asked, positioning himself just behind Andrea.

Andrea leaned forward to adjust herself, giving him the perfect angle. As she did, she shifted slightly, pressing her hips back just enough to make the air around them crackle. "Like this?" she asked, her voice smooth and full of intent. Her body was a perfect blend of strength and sensuality, her shorts riding up just enough to reveal the curve of her hips, making the interaction seem almost deliberate.

Mason's breath hitched, and he froze for a moment, his gaze locked on her. His voice faltered. "Yeah... uh... fuck... I mean, yeah, that's perfect."

Andrea couldn't help the sly smile that tugged at her lips. She could feel his pulse racing beneath his skin, the heat radiating from him as he tried—and failed—to stay composed. There was something deliciously satisfying about making a man lose control like that, especially when she was fully aware of the power she held.

Out of the corner of her eye, Andrea noticed Joe standing still, his jaw tightening as he watched the scene unfold. She felt a flicker of triumph inside her, the effect she was having on him, the way he watched her with that barely restrained look of frustration. It was exactly what she wanted.

She leaned back, just slightly, feeling the way Mason shifted at the movement, his body betraying him as his eyes dropped lower, lingering on her curves.

Still got it,Andrea thought smugly, her voice turning teasing. "Mason," she said, her tone soft, almost playful. "You're doing great, but maybe we need to add a little more weight to this set, huh?"

Mason, his face flushed, nodded quickly, trying to focus on the weights but clearly distracted. "Yeah, yeah, absolutely."

Andrea let her gaze flick back to Joe. He was watching them, his stance rigid, but the tension in his eyes was palpable. She knew exactly what he was feeling—the jealousy, the frustration, the desire to intervene.

Joe took a step forward, his frustration growing as he saw how Andrea had Mason wrapped around her finger. It wasn't just the physical attraction—he could see it in the way she held herself, the control she exuded. She was playing a game, and Mason was more than willing to be her pawn. But it was the look in her eyes—knowing that she had the power to make him feel something deep, something raw.

Before he could stop himself, Joe found himself walking toward them. "Mason," he said, his voice low, cutting through the tension like a knife. "I'll take it from here."

Mason blinked, slightly startled. There was a brief moment of hesitation before he nodded, taking a small step back. "Uh, sure. Let me know if you need anything else, Andrea."

As Mason walked away, Andrea turned toward Joe, her expression playful, but there was something darker in her eyes now. She took a moment to savor the look of frustration on his face, the way he was trying to keep his cool but couldn't quite hide the heat in his gaze.

"Jealous much?" she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

Joe took a deep breath, his jaw clenched. "You don't get to play that game, Andrea," he murmured, his voice rough. "Not without consequences."

Andrea raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering. "Who says I don't plan on finishing it?" she shot back, her words thick with challenge.

The air between them crackled, the unspoken tension thick enough to feel. Joe was done holding back—his hand brushed against hers, lingering just a moment too long before he pulled away, but his eyes never left hers. There was no turning back now.