Page 40 of The TV Show Rival
Jamie laughed. “But still, you felt a little jealous, didn’t you?”
“Just remember, we still have our secret meeting tonight, right?” Jess changed the conversation.
“Right. Don’t be late.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Well, I’m going to go shower before dinner,” she said abruptly, turning to walk away.
“Sure.”
12
JESS
Jess woke up with a dopey grin plastered on her face. It had been like this for the past week, ever since that crazy night on the beach with Jamie.
In love? Ridiculous. Her gut churned with a foreign sensation every time Jamie’s name even crossed her mind. Love was for sappy poets and reality shows, not her. So why did her heart practically do a happy dance whenever Jamie was around?
Seriously, what was this sorcery? Jamie, the yoga-loving, granola-munching antithesis of everything Jess believed in, was having this profound effect on her.
One minute, Jess wanted to pin Jamie to the nearest palm tree and the next, she found herself captivated by Jamie’s quiet strength, her unwavering focus during challenges.
There was no denying it, the woman was a goddess. Gorgeous, with a smile that could light up a room, and a kindness that constantly surprised Jess. The complete opposite of Jess, that’s for sure. Yet, whenever Jamie was near, a warmth bloomed in Jess’ chest, a feeling so foreign it made her want to rip off her own skin.
Ugh. Breakfast. She needed food, and maybe a vat of coffee, to clear the cobwebs out of her head and tame these unexpected butterflies. She wasn’t some lovesick schoolgirl. She was Jess, the drill sergeant, the competitor. Except, a competitor who snuck off to meet her rival under the cloak of darkness for some seriously naughty rendezvous.
A shiver danced down her spine at the memory. Those stolen moments with Jamie were unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Secret, intense, filled with a raw desire that both terrified and exhilarated her.
Jess entered the open-air bamboo dining hall with a growling stomach, as giggles and lively chatter bounced off the exposed wooden beams, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The dining hall itself was a feast for the eyes. Towering, hand-hewn bamboo columns supported the vaulted ceiling, decorated with intricate woven palm frond designs. Lush green ferns and vibrantly colored orchids spilled from hanging baskets, adding a touch of life to the natural architecture.
Open sides offered a panoramic view of the surrounding rainforest, the verdant canopy reaching towards the hazy blue sky. Gentle breezes rustled through the leaves, carrying the distant calls of exotic birds.
In the center of the hall, a massive buffet table groaned under the weight of culinary delights.
Steaming banana bread mingled with platters of sliced mango and starfruit, while colorful bowls offered a selection of local nuts and dried fruits. A massive urn dispensed dark, aromatic Costa Rican coffee, the perfect accompaniment to a separate section of savory options—scrambled eggs with fresh cilantro, black beans and rice, and sizzling chorizo sausage.
The team members were scattered around the different tables, chattering excitedly about the day’s upcoming challenge.
Her gaze immediately scanned the room, landing on Jamie by the buffet table, carefully assembling her breakfast plate.
They locked eyes for a brief moment, a silent exchange passing between them. It was a look that held a secret smile, a shared knowledge only they possessed.
She approached the buffet. With her eyes focused on the steaming platters, piling on a warrior’s portion of bacon and sausage, she reached to grab some offerings.
Suddenly, a slender hand reached for the same platter of sliced tomatoes. Jess looked up to find Jamie’s eyes already on her. They both froze, a beat of surprised amusement playing in their eyes.
Clearing her throat, Jess offered Jamie a curt nod, forcing her smile into something more neutral.
“Morning, sunshine. Hope you got a good night’s sleep. You’re gonna need all your energy today if you want to keep up with the real athletes.”
Jamie’s smile widened, the sarcastic challenge in Jess’ eyes a welcome sight. “Awfully kind of you to worry, Drill Sergeant, but fear not; I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to witness the Boot Camp Brigade crumble under today’s pressure.”
“Pressure? The only pressure you’ll feel today is the crushing weight of disappointment when you realize your little yoga stretches haven’t been enough to instill strength in your team. Everyone knows Boot camp training has been taking a toll on their Zen energy.”
A few of the team members chuckled, enjoying the usual back-and-forth between the instructors.
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure, but at least my team members are learning to actually move their bodies instead of standing around contemplating their navels.”