Fit for the Job

By Darien Cox

When fitness professional Jay Capello is unexpectedly offered the job of training a movie star’s teenage daughter for the summer, he thinks he’s scored a fairly cushy gig. But once let inside the locked gates of the actor’s residence, he begins to realize he’s been dropped into a web of family secrets, and the unconventional challenges of this assignment may be more than he can handle. But when he starts to fall for Bodie, the girl’s personal security guard, he tries to stick with it, and his simple summer commitment becomes a struggle to perform his job duties without losing his heart in the process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darien Cox
• Release date: Jul 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310895708

Darien Cox

Author Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow. http://dariencox.com/

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Fit for the Job

Darien Cox

Fit for the Job

Copyright © 2014 by Darien Cox

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Cover Art © 2014 by Skyla Dawn Cameron

SMASHWORDS EDITION

First Edition July 2014

All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter One

Jay checked himself in the car’s rearview mirror, regretting his decision to get a haircut right before the job interview. He usually left his blond hair long and straight, hanging just below his chin. As a fitness professional, he’d learned that slicking it back into a ponytail was more effective for combating sweat in the eyes than keeping it short. Also, he hated the way he looked with short hair. He’d tried it for a while and it made him look too young, too boyish. And though he was a grown man, some things from childhood stuck, like the taunts from his older brothers. They’d all inherited their father’s Mediterranean complexion and thick black hair, while Jay was the picture of his mother. As a little kid, his blue eyes had bulged a bit, too big for his face, and his fair skin allowed the tiny veins in his lids to show, earning him the nickname ‘fetus face’ by his ever sensitive older siblings.

With age, he’d grown into his features, but despite his conviction that he was now comfortable with his looks, he still held onto the habit of using his hair as an accessory to take the focus off his face. Thus, he’d opted for a medium-length haircut, still long around the temples, but short enough that he wouldn’t look like a total hippie upon meeting Eben Wright today. He wasn’t completely happy with the result. The outfit he’d chosen—tanned dress-pants with a white shirt and blue tie—combined with the shorter, thicker locks, made him look more suited to a yacht club than a gym.

He got out of the car, adjusting his tie, and looked up at the large, pretty house tucked back behind a wall of shrubbery. The blue glint of the Blackstone River was visible beyond the house down to the left. This was one of the wealthiest areas of Providence, and the house was sure as shit expensive, especially right on the water, but Jay had still expected something more lavish, considering it was a movie star inhabiting it. Perhaps he’d seen too many reality TV programs about celebrity excess.

He supposed it was only a rental for Eben Wright, a place to hang his hat while he spent most of his time out working on his new film. Also, the actor was known for relishing his privacy, and the modest, gated house set back off the road was likely perfect for blending in unnoticed while he was in town.

Nervousness tingled Jay’s belly as he made his way up the long walk to the front door, still not certain as to exactly what job he was interviewing for. He was sure Eben Wright had his choice of personal trainers to accompany him on the road. Not only was Jay fairly small-time in the fitness world, but he worked mostly with women. Was Wright looking for someone to train his wife? That would be fine with Jay, yet it still intimidated him a little, as Ingrid Wright was also a well-known actress. But hell, if they paid him, he didn’t particularly care what the job was. With his pending legal problems, he hadn’t been working much at all, which was why he’d jumped at the invitation, money a far greater motivator than the prospect of working for someone famous.

Perhaps the actor wanted someone local to show him around, advise him on the best running trails and such in the area? He just didn’t know what to expect, which added to the jitters making him feel sweaty and claustrophobic in the early summer heat. Giving his collar a tug to loosen the tie’s grip around his neck, he pressed the doorbell.

When the door opened, Jay had to fight not to let his mouth fall open at the sight of the man standing before him. While he certainly hadn’t expected Eben Wright to answer the door himself, he realized now that part of him thought it would be some snotty looking butler type or a woman in a maid’s outfit. Again, too much television. But the man scowling back at Jay, looking him over with a hard expression, was nothing of the sort.

Pale brown hair was tied back in a short, somewhat tousled ponytail, a few random dreadlocks weaved into the mix. A black barbell pierced his left eyebrow, matching his tight black tee shirt, which barely shrouded a muscular physique, arms heavily tattooed with scrawling ink. While he was unmistakably Caucasian, with deep, sexy eyes a shade of grayish blue, his skin was golden with what Jay guessed was maybe a California tan, if he was a minion traveling with Eben Wright. A scruffy shadow of barely-there beard darkened his jaw and upper lip, and the faded jeans he wore had a rip in the right knee, a wink of tanned skin visible beneath the threads.

And here I was worried about looking like a hippie. Go figure.

Can I help you? the man asked curtly.

Jay forced himself to stop gaping, and assumed a professional stature. Hi, I’m Jay Capello. I have an appointment with Eben Wright.

The man kept one palm pressed against the doorframe like he was guarding the entrance, his well-developed bicep popping. You’re the fitness guy? he asked, raising his pierced eyebrow. His tone was skeptical, lending the impression that he was both surprised and unimpressed.

That’s me, Jay said, forcing a smile. Fitness guy.

Finally the man stepped back, waving Jay into a large foyer with shiny marbled tiles. To the right, a structure of open, staggered shelves held various different bonsai trees. To the left, a small fountain tinkled soothingly. You got a cell phone? the man asked as he closed the front door behind them.

Jay turned to him, frowning. Do I...what?

Cell phone, he repeated more slowly, like he was speaking to the mentally impaired. Do you have a cell phone on you?

Oh, yeah. Jay pulled his phone out of his pocket. I do.

Would you mind if I held onto your phone during your meeting? It’s just a security precaution. I’ll give it back to you before you leave.

Ah, Jay thought. Security. That made sense. With the handsome, symmetrical face and killer bod, Jay had initially thought maybe he was an actor, like Eben Wright, despite his somewhat unconventional look. But now it was obvious, the stance and demeanor. This man had the vibe of a sentry.

Sure, that’s no problem, Jay said, handing over his phone.

Mr. Ponytail security guard took the phone and slipped it into the front pocket of his jeans. Do you have any other phones on you? Any cameras or recording devices?

No, Jay said, absentmindedly patting his empty pockets. Nothing.

Scratching his scruffy chin, the guard met Jay’s eyes, then looked him over from head to toe, scrutinizing him. For a moment Jay thought he was about to be asked to strip down and prove it. The sudden heat pooling in his groin at the thought of this man stripping him down shocked him, and he cursed his fair skin as he felt his cheeks reddening. Blessedly, his scruffy guide chose that moment to turn away and head out of the foyer. Follow me, please.

Jay trailed him down a long corridor, past a vast, high ceilinged kitchen, then they turned right down another short hall before stopping in front of a set of double doors. Jay tried not to stare at the lean muscles under that black tee shirt as the guy shifted to pull the doors open. As he stepped back and extended an arm toward the room, Jay caught a whiff of spicy cologne come off of him. Or perhaps deodorant? And that thought led to more intimate ponderings about what the man’s golden skin might smell like if he pressed his nose to it. Like sunshine, he guessed, with a bit of sweat mingled in. Jay bit the inside of his lip to keep his composure. For Christ sakes, Jay, you’re here for a job interview. Focus.

Go on in and have a seat. Eben will be with you in a minute. With that, his broody guide offered a quick smile that brightened his eyes, then he left, closing the doors and leaving Jay alone in a vast, furnished room.

The sudden shift in the stranger’s demeanor—from stern and suspicious to polite and smiling—threw Jay off, and he stared at the closed doors for a moment, wondering if he’d see the guy again. Hoping he would.

But his nervous gut quickly reminded him of his purpose here, and he turned and stepped farther into the room. It was an office, but larger and more extravagant than any he’d ever seen, light pouring in through tall windows that ran along the wall. But he had barely a moment to take stock of his surroundings before he heard the door open again, and turned around to see the handsome, black-haired movie star step into the room. He smiled at Jay, then closed the door behind him.

Jay had two thoughts when Eben Wright crossed the room to shake his hand: he looked taller in real life, and he had woman’s eyelashes.

He’d never met a movie star before, never had any particular desire to. Colleagues he knew sought celebrities out for employment, viewing it as the golden goose of career success in the fitness world, but he’d always been busy enough with his run of the mill, non-famous clients...not to mention Rhode Island wasn’t exactly a hub of the Hollywood elite. But to his surprise, he found himself moderately star struck. Eben Wright was even more striking in real life than he was on the silver screen.

Jay, thanks for coming. He gave Jay’s hand a double pump. Come on over and have a seat. Can I get you a drink?

Jay had rehearsed this in his mind on the way over. If the movie star offered him a drink, would it be best to accept or decline? If he accepted, he might seem overconfident, too familiar. If he declined, he might seem uptight and nervous. Eben hadn’t specified if the drink he was offering would be alcoholic, or of the general beverage variety. Jay opted for balance.

Water would be great, thanks, Mr. Wright.

The actor smiled and moved past him. Jay followed him into a spacious office with a desk in the corner, cluster of leather chairs at the center, and a bar along the back wall. A bar in his office. He had the surreal sensation of being in an old Cary Grant film, where everyone drank Scotch at noon and offered cigarettes from fancy gold cases. Taking a seat in one of the chairs, he watched while Wright moved to the bar and pulled two glasses from the display, dropping ice in. Jay had always been considered tall, but Eben had several inches on him in height. He looked so much shorter in his films, more average in every way.

Jay had seen a couple of Eben Wright’s films, but wasn’t exactly a connoisseur of Hollywood and its players, a fact that had prompted him to do a mad, frantic Google search before coming here. There wasn’t that much information about Eben’s personal life, but the consensus seemed to be that beyond being extremely private, he was a nice guy, easy to work with, no tantrums or erratic behavior. Jay reminded himself of this, trying to force relaxation and slow his heartbeat as the actor approached from the bar, a glass of water in each hand.

Call me Eben, he said. "You’re not that much younger than I am. There has to be at least a twenty year age difference to get away with calling me ‘Mr. Wright’ or God forbid ‘Sir’."

Jay laughed, but decided to keep his mouth shut beyond that, lest he try too hard to be clever and end up sounding like an ass. Eben took the seat across from Jay and handed him his water, then took a long sip of his own.

As Eben drank, Jay watched the muscles pulse in his neck. Fashion model tall, Eben was nearly devoid of fat, but he didn’t appear too lean. In fact, his muscles were beautifully sculpted. Jay noticed these things the way an architect might admire a building. While he surprisingly didn’t feel much attraction to the actor beyond admiration of his obvious physical appeal, Eben was, in Jay’s professional opinion, perfect.

In a simple gray tee shirt and blue jogging pants, Wright was the picture of a casual, healthy man in his early forties. There was no makeup here, no special lighting. Just the genetically superior mold nature had given him. The cheekbones seemed overly prominent, his face more angular than appearing in his films. And his eyes stood out in a startling way, sapphire blue with long dark lashes. The film camera, Jay decided, served to enhance the thickness of the actor’s physique, while downplaying the magnificence of his features. Even with the careless messiness of his short, thick black hair, and surprising appearance of a few rogue grays snaking around his brow line, Eben Wright gave off an otherworldly aura. Jay felt a twinge of envy.

Jay had become a fairly confident guy over the past few years; his exercise DVD had sold far better than he’d ever anticipated, and he certainly wasn’t bad looking himself. But he felt pale next to the movie star; too blond, too fair, translucent and fading into the background like a ghost.

Forgive me if I stink, I just had a workout and haven’t had time to shower, Eben said, flashing a toothpaste commercial smile. My schedule’s been a bitch since I got to town. We start filming in a few days and I’ve had to do all sorts of prep while settling in to this place and trying not to let myself go to shit in the meantime.

That’s all right, Jay said. I work in fitness. I’m immune to body odor.

The actor chuckled, then leaned forward with elbows on his knees. "How would you like to work for me?"

Jay hadn’t expected him to get to it so soon, and his face must have shown this, because Eben laughed. You look shocked. Am I rushing things? It’s a bad habit I’ve picked up from being perpetually on a tight schedule.

Right, I’m sorry.

Eben waved a hand. No, don’t apologize. Just answer.

I’m open to options. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

The actor’s face grew serious, the smile slipping, and he set down his glass. I hear you’re having some problems with your former employer.

Jay dropped his head and sighed, forcing a sheepish grin so he didn’t look too downtrodden. He’d expected this to come up. If Eben Wright had researched him, he’d most definitely have discovered his current legal quagmires. Yes, problems, Jay said. The gym I used to work at has filed a lawsuit against me. My lawyer says they won’t win, but of course that doesn’t lessen the anxiety of the thing. Or the potential court costs.

Eben nodded, looking sympathetic. I understand, Jay, believe me. Since I came into the public eye years ago, I’ve had more attempted lawsuits than you can imagine. What are they claiming? Part ownership of your DVD sales?

Jay met his eyes, surprised. The actor had damn well done his research. Exactly. They say my exercise program was developed while I worked at their gym, so they’re entitled to part of it. It’s bullshit. Jay flinched after letting the curse slip. Sorry. I mean it’s crap. He flinched again. I mean... Damn, get a grip.

Eben Wright laughed. I get the picture. Tell me your side of things.

Okay. I came into their employment with my routine already established. It’s why they hired me. Funny thing is, they had no interest in my DVD when it came out. No celebratory drinks, not even a pat on the back. Until it started making money. Then suddenly they were very interested.

Eben nodded. Or course.

The biggest problem now is, I’ve got a follow up completed, a sequel. But the company can’t release it yet because of the impending lawsuit. And we’ve had to stop distribution of the first one just to be safe. We’re all losing money.

Eben shook his head. Parasites. He raised an eyebrow. When my wife and I were checking out people we might consider hiring in this area, we took a look at your DVD. My wife used it several times; she was very impressed with the workout.

Jay brightened. Wright’s wife, a famous, talented actress, was using his exercise program. Little old Jay Capello. Once again, he felt that internal swoon. He was special. He was in the royal court. I’m pleased to hear it.

She says you’re a genius. She likes the ah... He twirled his hand. ...little pep talks you give in between exercises. Claims you’re very inspiring.

That’s flattering coming from Ingrid. Thank you.

Well, you know it’s tough for her. She’s severely private, I mean even more so than I am. She doesn’t like personal trainers, likes to do things on her own. She says sweating and grunting in front of someone while you work out, might as well invite them into the bedroom while you’re fucking.

Jay laughed, but confusion crept in. He’d begun to assumed training Ingrid was the reason he’d been called in. I’m sorry but...is it not Ingrid who’s looking for a trainer?

Ingrid? Oh no, no. Like I said, she won’t exercise in front of anyone, not even me. That body of hers? All her own work. He grinned. There you go, you can use that little piece of trivia when you quit on us and write your disgraceful tell-all book.

Jay shook his head. So...I’d be training you?

Oh, good Christ, no! Eben guffawed, then straightened up when he saw Jay’s frown. Oh no offense, I’m sure you’re excellent, Jay. You wouldn’t be sitting here if your reputation wasn’t stellar. But the shit I’ve got to do in my films requires a special kind of training. Ropes and jumping off walls and sword fighting and...well, you get the picture.

Of course.

Jay was embarrassed and a little angry. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he was being interviewed for the job of training Eben Wright. As the man said, his movies were all hard core action, Gladiator, James Bond type shit as far as the physical demands, and that wasn’t Jay’s specialty. But the way he’d laughed, it made Jay feel like Eben was the football quarterback, and he the male cheerleader.

So...exactly what job am I interviewing for?

Training my daughter.

Jay’s eyes narrowed as he struggled to recall what he’d learned about Eben’s family during his Internet search. In his nervousness, he drew a blank. Your daughter?

Yes. Sassy.

The name struck a chord, then he remembered. Tabloid photographs from years ago of Eben and Ingrid Wright with a brunette, curly haired toddler. It would have been impossible not to have heard of her. She’d graced the covers of countless magazines before the age of three. Not to mention the memorable and easily ridiculed name the movie star couple had chosen for her: Sassafras Harvest Wright. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen nor heard of the little girl in years, and had stumbled upon nothing recent on her in his online searches.

How old is Sassy now?

She’s fifteen, almost sixteen.

Jay gasped. Fifteen?

Eben grinned. That’s right. Our little girl’s growing up.

Christ, Jay said. Do I feel old. Seems just yesterday she was a baby.

Yeah, tell me about it. So what do you say? Are you up for it? I’m going to be in Providence working on this film for at least the rest of summer. The movie’s set in New York City, but of course it’s cheaper to film in Providence and then add the skylines later. It’s an indie film, so not the hugest budget, but it’s a really good script.

Jay’s head was spinning. Oh. Well, that’s great. I mean, I’m sure your fans have been waiting for a new film from you.

Eben raised his eyebrows. Are you not one of my fans?

Jay flushed. Oh, I didn’t mean that. I mean, of course I am.

Relax, it was a joke. He checked his watch. I don’t mean to rush you out of here, but I’ve got an appointment. Any way you can give me an answer now, so we can move on to the particulars? Are you interested?

Jay stared at him, feeling trapped and unsure.

Were you unprepared for a summer commitment?

Jay cleared his throat. No, it’s not that. Welcome it actually. The thing is I’ve never trained a child before.

Oh. Well Sassy’s not exactly a child, she’s a teenager. Practically an adult.

Yes, I understand, but her body is still growing. I’ll have to do a bit of preparation. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather hire someone who specializes in teen fitness?

He shook his head. I’m not the boss, my wife is. And she wants you. Do you think you’re up for it?

Jay hesitated for only a moment. He needed the money, bottom line. He had a cushion, but lived in terror that the lawsuit would wipe him out if he lost. I’ll need a note from her doctor. I should really talk to him or her.

Eben smiled. No problem. I’ll have him call you, will that work?

Jay nodded. Sure, yeah, that would be great.

There will be some confidentiality and contract forms for you to sign as well. I can have a courier bring them to your place tomorrow. Of course you’re more than welcome to have an attorney look them over before signing.

Oh, um...that’s probably not necessary. I’m sure it will be fine.

Eben looked at Jay expectantly. So all that’s left is to talk money. If you’re interested, that is.

Um, I am, but just one more question. Has Sassy got any special requirements? I mean, is she training for a particular event, or is this a basic fitness regime you’re looking for?

Eben’s tight body relaxed and he sighed, shoulders slumping. My daughter...she’s put on a bit of weight. His eyes lifted to meet Jay’s gaze, and he looked sad. You understand what that’s like for a teenage girl. Imagine what it’s like for a teenage girl who’s the daughter of two famous parents. She’s taken to hiding out in her room. It’s not good for her.

Jay nodded. I see.

Sassy is spending the summer with me this year. Her mother is doing a film in Australia right now. School’s out, so she’ll have the rest of the summer free. Perfect time to work on herself.

Yes, I understand.

Eben lifted his arms and dropped them. I can guarantee employment for the rest of the summer. You can arrange things with Sassy and decide how to handle her workouts, and I think... He reached for a note pad on the table. Pulling a pen out of a drawer, he scribbled a number on the pad and slid it over. I think you’ll find the compensation adequate.

Jay stared at the number and his heart pounded. The anxiety he’d been feeling over the threat of losing his money melted away like a warm wax. The amount Eben was offering was exorbitant. Wow, he said bluntly.

I know it’s generous, but there are a couple of things required that might seem...unconventional. But I want to be straight with you. Eben rubbed his forehead as he looked down, seeming stressed suddenly.

Jay shrugged. Okay. What is it?

Eben looked at Jay. You’re probably used to setting schedules and organized training, but Sassy is an unpredictable kid. She can be...difficult. I’m not sure you’ll be able to get her to stick to a definite schedule, and that’s fine with me. But the bottom line is I want her off her ass this summer. She needs the exercise or she’ll just get more depressed. Is there any way you’d be able to stay here, with us? We’ve got a pretty nice guest house out back. If you’ve got a mortgage or rent somewhere else we’ll pay it during the time you’re with us.

Jay scowled, his brain struggling to take in this new information. You want me to live here while I train her? That’s...unusual. I mean, I don’t live far from here, I could come daily.

The actor sighed and looked down at his fingers, wringing his hands. Things are a bit complicated right now with Sassy. Also, we’ve had some confidentiality problems with past employees, people leaving without a word, taking things, leaking information.

I would never do that, Jay said. I’ll sign whatever you need me to.

I know, he said, holding his hands up. "That’s not my main concern, I trust you, and you’ll have your own space in the guest house, come and go as you please. But with Sassy’s unpredictable nature, you may have to chase her down to get her to work with you. If she’s being a bitch one morning, I wouldn’t want you to be running back and forth if she decides she’s up for working out later that night or something. This is as much for your benefit as hers. You can set your own hours, as long as you get her to do something physical, preferably every day."

Jay was slightly taken aback by his use of bitch in reference to his own daughter. And he’d never been asked to take up residence on a client’s property. But again...that number on the piece of paper. That kind of money was paying for any inconvenience, or eccentricity that came with the job. He supposed he could live on the property with a movie star and his hormonal kid for the summer. It wasn’t like it was a fate worse than death.

Oh, hang on, Eben said, frowning. Do you have a significant other? Ties that would make living here difficult for you? I heard you were single.

Heard I was single?

This gave Jay pause. Just how deeply had Eben Wright researched his life? He shook his head. No, no entanglements at the moment. I could swing it.

Eben nodded. Good then. Are you in?

Glancing at the salary gripped in his fingers once more, Jay nodded. Okay, he said. I’m in.

Eben smiled, clapping his hands. Great! After all the paperwork is done, you can come by, say Wednesday to move in? Bodie will show you around then. We’ve got a full gym, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts out back. You should have everything you need.

Thank you, Mr. Wright...ah, Eben.

Hey Bodie! Eben shouted so loud it made Jay jump.

Moments later, the double doors to the office opened, and the gorgeous security guard in the black tee shirt stepped in, offering a glance to Jay before turning his attention to Eben. Yeah, Eben.

You’re going to be showing Jay around on Wednesday, introducing him to Sassy and all that, but I’ve got to shower and get to an appointment right now, so can you show him out?

Sure. He glanced at Jay. You all set?

Jay stood. Thanks again for the opportunity, Eben.

My pleasure, Jay. Please let me know if you have any problems or questions, and welcome aboard. He gave Jay’s hand a quick pump, then darted out of the room, brushing past the dreadlocked dude, who now stared at Jay expectantly.

Jay smoothed his slacks down, then approached the man. So, you’re Bodie?

He nodded. Here’s your phone. He pulled Jay’s cell out of his pocket and handed it over. Follow me.

Not very friendly, are we, Bodie?

Jay followed him back down the hallway, catching another delicious whiff of his body. I’m Jay, by the way, he said as they made