11. Jamie

11

JAMIE

J amie felt disappointed as she watched her Zen Warriors trudging back to their cabins after another lackluster performance.

They'd come in second yet again, and while there were no injuries, their movements lacked the spark, the focused intensity that had shone through during the early days of the competition.

"Maybe my approach is too… gentle," Jamie worried, sinking down onto a wooden chair on her balcony.

She'd witnessed the fire in Jess' team, the raw determination that propelled them through challenges, even if it resulted in injury. Had her emphasis on mindfulness and holistic well-being left her team underprepared, lacking the killer instinct to truly compete?

The once breathtaking view of the rainforest now seemed to mock her, a vibrant reminder of the fire that seemed to be slowly going out of her team.

Memories of their initial enthusiasm played on repeat in her mind—their quiet determination during yoga stretches, the camaraderie forged during their sunset meditations. But lately, those moments felt like a distant dream. Practices were met with sighs and half-hearted attempts. Their eyes were fixed on the approaching finish line rather than the journey itself.

Were they missing Jess' drill sergeant bark? Did they crave the external pressure, the constant push that Jess seemed to excel at delivering? A pang of doubt echoed in Jamie's chest. Had she been too focused on inner peace that she'd forgotten the competitive fire that was also a necessary ingredient?

Later that evening, Roger, the show's ever-present host, strode towards the crackling bonfire.

Jess' Boot Camp Brigade nursed their aches and pains, their faces etched with a mix of determination and fatigue. Jamie's Zen Warriors, while physically unscathed, seemed to lack the spark that had ignited them at the beginning of the competition.

"Hello, everyone. We've all been working incredibly hard these past few weeks. The competition has been fierce, the challenges demanding. But lately, something seems… off."

His gaze swept over both teams, taking in their weary faces. Jess straightened her back, her jaw clenched, while Jamie offered a small, hesitant smile.

"The producers and I have been watching. We've seen the impressive displays of strength and endurance from the Boot Camp Brigade. And the Zen Warriors, your focus and balance are truly commendable."

For a moment, the rivalry seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of shared accomplishment.

"But something else is missing. Collaboration. Teamwork. This competition is not just about individual strength, it's about pushing yourselves and each other to new heights. And right now, that fire… well, it's flickering a bit low."

Jess' eyes narrowed, but she remained silent. Jamie shifted uncomfortably on her log.

"So, we've decided to shake things up a bit!"

A collective gasp arose from both teams. What could he possibly have in store?

"For the next week, we're merging the teams! That's right, Boot Camp Brigade and Zen Warriors will be working together as a single unit."

A stunned silence descended upon the contestants. Jess' jaw dropped, her competitive spirit momentarily stunned. Jamie's eyes widened, a mixture of apprehension and unexpected curiosity flickering within them.

"You'll be co-coached by these two formidable forces," he said to the teammates.

Roger's bombshell announcement stirred a whirlwind of emotions inside Jamie. Merging the teams? Co-coaching with Jess, the embodiment of everything she opposed? It was a recipe for disaster, a clash of philosophies that could tear the entire competition apart.

Yet, beneath the initial panic, she felt something else spark within her. Curiosity. Perhaps, there was something to be learned from this unlikely collaboration. Maybe merging their approaches wouldn't be the disaster she envisioned, but a chance to find a middle ground, a way to bridge the ever-widening gap between serenity and raw power.

Jamie stole a glance at Jess, her rival's face a mask of tightly controlled emotions. Did she see a hint of apprehension in those steely blue eyes? Or was it something else entirely?

As the fire crackled merrily, both Jamie and Jess locked eyes. A silent understanding passed between them; a grudging recognition that this unexpected twist could be a turning point in the competition.

Why do I still want to fuck her? How do I handle this?

Neither woman relished the idea of working together, but both were willing to put aside their differences for the sake of their teams. The battle between yoga and boot camp, it seemed, was about to enter a new and uncharted territory. And while the path ahead might be rocky, one thing was certain—it would be anything but boring.

The insistent clang of the camp bell echoed through the beach, its harsh tone a signal for the weary contestants to retire for the night.

Jamie, her muscles pleasantly achy after a long day, stood for a moment, stretching her arms towards the star-studded sky.

Lost in her thoughts, she wandered towards the other side of the camp, drawn by the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore. The moon cast a silvery sheen on the water, creating a scene of serene beauty that soothed her jangled nerves.

With a sigh, she sank down onto the warm sand, the cool night breeze a welcome caress on her forehead. The enforced disconnect from her phone, away from the constant hum of communication with family and friends, felt like a newly discovered vulnerability.

Being thrust into this competitive bubble, with only the challenges and the constant presence of her rival for company, was starting to wear on her.

A sudden crunching sound on the sand startled her. She turned, her heart jumping into her throat, only to see the unmistakable figure of Jess silhouetted against the moonlight. Every instinct in Jamie's body screamed at her to go inside or find another spot but she held her ground, forcing a mask of indifference onto her face.

Jess approached with a hesitant gait, stopping a respectable distance away. For a long moment, the only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves.

Finally, Jess cleared her throat. "Hi, Jamie."

Jamie blinked, surprised by the greeting. Had Jess actually spoken to her first? For a moment, she thought she might have imagined it.

"Hi," she finally managed. It wasn't the most enthusiastic response, but at least it wasn't a complete snub.

Jess seemed to relax a fraction. "Mind if I… sat here for a while?" She gestured vaguely towards the sand beside Jamie.

Jamie hesitated. Sitting here with Jess, under the vast expanse of the night sky, felt… surreal. But curiosity, and a hint of loneliness she wouldn't readily admit, won out. She nodded curtly.

"Nice night, isn't it? The air's cool and clean after a long day," Jess said.

Jamie, surprised by Jess' attempt at conversation, offered a hesitant nod. "Yeah, it is."

She wasn't sure what to expect from this unexpected company, but a part of her welcomed the break from the constant competitive tension.

"What brings you out here?" Jamie finally asked, her voice curious. Seeing Jess, the woman who thrived on pushing limits and barking orders, sitting quietly under the moonlight felt strangely surreal.

Jess shrugged. "Needed some air," she mumbled, kicking at the sand with her bare foot. "This whole competition thing… it's intense, isn't it?"

Jamie let out a soft laugh, a sound devoid of its usual competitive edge. "Yeah, you could say that. Especially with the… forced cohabitation starting next week."

Jess snorted. "Tell me about it. I can barely manage my own team of goofballs, let alone a bunch of Zen warriors."

A surprised smile tugged at Jamie's lips. Jess, admitting defeat? This was definitely a new side to her rival. "Well, maybe your goofballs can learn a thing or two about inner peace."

"And maybe your Zen warriors can learn the value of a good sweat," Jess retorted, a hint of her familiar competitive spirit coming back into her eyes.

They both fell silent for a moment, the playful banter giving way to a comfortable quiet. Then, Jamie spoke again, her voice softer now.

"I miss my family. My parents, my siblings… even my annoying best friend."

Jess didn't laugh this time. Instead, she nodded in understanding. "Yeah, me too. Mom, my stepdad… even my little stepbrother, the terror of the house."

They both chuckled. For a moment, they weren't competitors, they were just two women, miles away from home, facing the challenges of the competition while missing the familiar comforts of everyday life.

"Guess we're just a couple of big softies under all this tough talk, huh?" Jess said with a wry smile.

Jamie grinned. "Maybe so. Maybe that's not such a bad thing."

The waves continued their relentless crashing, the moon cast its silvery glow, and under the vast expanse of the night sky, an unlikely camaraderie began to bloom between the yoga instructor and the boot camp drill sergeant.

Jess shifted on the sand, and after a long pause, said, "You know, I wanted to apologize. For all the snide remarks, the underhanded jabs… about your approach to fitness."

Jamie blinked, surprised by the unexpected admission. "You mean all that ‘gentle stretches won't win you a competition' stuff?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Jess winced. "Yeah, that. Truth be told, I might have been a little… territorial about my methods," she admitted with a sheepish grin.

A warmth spread through Jamie's chest. Jess, the ever-confident competitor, acknowledging a fault? It was a refreshing change.

"Well, maybe I wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows towards your boot camp philosophy either," Jamie confessed, returning the smile.

"You know, I have to admit… I secretly admire your focus on inner peace and mindfulness. It's something I… maybe haven't explored enough," she added. Her eyes were beautiful in the evening light. Her lips were full and enticing.

Jess' eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Likewise! The dedication and raw drive you instill in your team… It's inspiring."

An unexpected silence descended between them, but this time, it was filled with a newfound understanding—a recognition of the value in each other's approach.

Jamie found her gaze dragging down over Jess's beautiful body. It was so very tempting.

"So," Jess began, "Friends?"

Jamie's smile widened, brighter this time. "Friends," she agreed, gesturing to the empty space beside her. "Come on, friend, come closer. We might as well enjoy this peace and quiet while it lasts.

Jess went closer. The tension that had hung between them for weeks was gone, replaced by a comfortable silence that felt strangely companionable.

"You know, you're… really beautiful," Jess said, her gaze fixed on the endless horizon.

"Y-you too," Jamie stammered, feeling a blush creep up her neck. "I mean, you have a kind of inner strength that's really admirable."

Both women blushed, the moonlight casting a rosy glow on their faces.

Jamie stood up. "You know what? This competition has us all hot and bothered. How about a cool down swim?" She extended a hand towards Jess.

Jess' lips curved into a smile. "You're on," she replied, grabbing Jamie's hand and letting herself be pulled to her feet.

With a whoop of laughter, Jamie stripped off and flung herself into the waves, the refreshing water washing away the sand and the lingering stress of the day. Jess followed suit, diving in with a playful splash that sent a shower of droplets towards Jamie. Jamie caught as much of a glimpse as she could of Jess's magical body. She couldn't deny that bootcamp style had done some wonders for Jess's body.

But, they were just friends, right?

For a while, they swam side-by-side, their laughter echoing across the deserted beach as they played and splashed around. Eventually their laughter calmed and the physical exertion of being in the water after a long day caught up to them. Eventually, both women emerged from the water, tired but exhilarated. They collapsed back onto the sand, their bodies slick with seawater and exhaustion.

Jamie lay on her back, staring up at the endless tapestry of stars, a smile playing on her lips. Jess lay beside her, mirroring her position. They were both breathing heavily.

"That was… amazing," Jess finally said, her voice breathless.

"Yeah," Jamie agreed, turning her head to look at Jess. In the soft moonlight, she saw a new side of her rival, a side that was playful, carefree, and undeniably attractive beyond just the physical.

Their eyes met in silence for seconds and before either could think twice, they leaned in simultaneously, mimicking the rhythm of the waves—a slow, inexorable pull followed by a powerful crash.

Their lips met in a kiss that was both desperate and tender. It started slow, a gentle exploration that sent shivers down Jamie's spine. Jess' lips were soft, warm, and tasted faintly of salt. As the kiss deepened, a current of raw energy surged through Jamie, a potent mix of surprise and exhilaration.

They tumbled back onto the sand, a tangled mess of limbs and wet underwear- salty and sandy from the swim. The urgency escalated. Torn between the intensity of the kiss and a flicker of caution, Jamie reached for Jess' crop top, her fingers pulling underneath it and dragging it over her head. Jess responded in kind, her touch sending sparks dancing across Jamie's skin.

Jamie felt her own bra being dragged over her head. Bare skin met bare skin, as they continued to kiss with their movements mirroring the wild crashing of the waves.

Jess felt the heat between them, a wildfire waiting to ignite, and she was more than ready to fan the flames. Leaning in, she sensed Jamie's anticipation in every trembling breath. With a sly smile playing on her lips, she let her fingers do the talking, tracing slow circles on Jamie's inner thighs making her arch towards her touch.

As Jess' fingers found their mark, she reveled in Jamie's reactions, like a finely tuned instrument responding to her every touch. She knew just how to play her, teasing and tantalizing until Jamie was practically begging for more.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned in, taking Jamie's nipple into her mouth, sucking gently at first, then more urgently, unable to get enough. Her other hand caressed Jamie's breast, kneading it, feeling the hardness of her nipple against her palm.

But Jess wasn't finished yet. Oh no, she was just getting started. With a wicked grin, she moved down between Jamie's legs, dragging her underwear off. Jamie had been imagining Jess between her legs for weeks and it was finally happening. Jess dipped her head and started long slow licks of Jamie from her asshole to her clitoris, teasing with her tongue until Jamie was practically squirming beneath her touch.

"Oh fuck, Jess…. this feels so incredible."

Jamie felt Jess taking her labia in her mouth one by one and sucking them. Jamie felt Jess's hands parting her thighs further so her tongue could run lengths of her most intimate parts. Jamie felt Jess's tongue teasing and rimming and probing her anus and she thought she might explode there and then. Jamie felt Jess's tongue drag slowly back up to her clitoris and take it into her mouth and suck.

Jess felt Jamie's heartbeat racing beneath her fingertips and heard the way her breath caught in her throat as she was brought closer and closer to the edge.

And then, just when Jamie thought she couldn't take anymore, Jess pushed her fingers into Jamie's ass. Slowly, deeply, pushing inside of her as she sucked on Jamie's clitoris.

"Oh, fuck. Jess, yes…I'm so close…."

Jamie felt all the nerve endings in her sensitive ass sending bolts of electricity right through her body tangling up with the pleasure from Jess's hot wet mouth sucking at her clit. Jamie crashed over the edge into an explosive orgasm feeling herself squirt.

As Jamie cried out in pleasure and gushed all over her hand, Jess couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. After all, there was nothing quite like knowing she had left someone completely and utterly satisfied.

Jamie wasn't just along for the ride; she was an active participant in this dance of desire. As she came back down to earth from the best orgasm she had had in living memory, she flipped the script, her fingers swiftly removing Jess' panties, where she was met with undeniable evidence of Jess' desire.

Jess gasped in surprise and delight as Jamie rolled on top of her, her weight pressing down deliciously on Jess and she plunged two fingers into her, igniting a firestorm of sensation that threatened to consume them both.

Feeling Jess' body responding eagerly to her touch, she reveled in the way Jess writhed and moaned on her fingers. Jamie added another finger and another and curved them upwards knowing instantly as she hit Jess's G spot and Jess immediately began to melt beneath her.

She dipped her head so her mouth was to Jess' ear.

"I've been thinking about fucking you for weeks, Jess. You are going to come so fucking hard for me, baby," Jamie whispered as her fingers fucked Jess harder and faster and Jess began to come apart beneath her.

Jamie sucked on Jess' earlobe as she continued to pin her down and fuck Jess' welcoming pussy. Her thumb was pressed tight against Jess' clitoris.

With each thrust of her fingers, Jamie pushed Jess closer and closer to the edge, until she was about to come.

And then, with a final, decisive thrust, Jess tipped over the edge, her body convulsing in a symphony of pleasure and squirting hard into Jamie's palm. Jamie watched with a sense of pride as Jess shuddered and shook, her climax washing over her like a tidal wave.

She pulled her fingers slowly from Jess and brought her hand up to Jess' mouth.

She couldn't think of anything she had enjoyed lately quite as much as watching Jess' beautiful mouth eagerly lick and suck her fingers clean.

Several moments later, they laid back cuddled in each other's arms.

"Jamie. I like you. Any chance we could take this further?"

Pulling back slightly, Jamie met Jess' gaze. "Jess, we… we shouldn't be doing this, you know that, right?"

A slow smile spread across Jess' lips, a smile that sent a thrill coursing through Jamie.

"You're right, but wouldn't it be something… a little forbidden?" She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "We could be a secret. No one has to know what happens under this moonlight."

A secret relationship, a hidden fire burning between them; the thrill of it all was intoxicating. And yet, a part of her worried about the potential consequences.

"But Jess, what about the competition? What if someone finds out?"

"We'll be careful. We'll only meet in blindspots such as here where we know there are no cameras. Besides, a little forbidden passion might just be the secret weapon we both need to win this thing." She winked.

Jamie couldn't help but smile back. The idea of facing the competition with this newfound secret simmering between them was undeniably exciting.

"Hmmm…Jess and Jamie—rivals by day, lovers by night. I kind of like the sound of that."

"So, are you saying yes to being my secret girlfriend?"

"Yes."

They laughed and leaned in for another kiss, one that spoke of the secret pact sealed under the watchful gaze of the moon.

With one last lingering look, they pulled away, they turned and walked back towards the camp, with the rhythm of their footsteps mimicking the steady beat of their hearts—a rhythm that pulsed with newfound passion and the thrill of the forbidden.

The Costa Rican sun beat down on the crew as they wrapped up filming for the day. Jamie, grateful for a moment of respite, wandered down to the rickety wooden dock jutting out into the crystal-clear water.

She sighed, letting the gentle rhythm of the lapping waves wash over her. Yesterday's encounter with Jess played on her mind, a secret thrill that couldn't let her sleep.

Suddenly, a deep, gravelly voice startled her. "Good morning, Hermosa!" a man greeted, his voice dripping with a thick Spanish accent.

Jamie looked up to see a tanned, weathered man with sun-bleached hair and brown eyes. He wore a worn straw hat and a smile that seemed permanently etched on his face.

"Hola," Jamie replied with a smile, her Spanish a little rusty but serviceable. "You're not part of the crew, are you?"

The man shook his head. "No, no. I am Miguel, a simple fisherman. This," he gestured towards the vast expanse of ocean, "is my office."

He settled onto the creaking dock beside Jamie, his gaze lingering on her a beat too long. Jamie, ever the friendly one, didn't mind the attention.

Miguel was a master storyteller, weaving tales that seemed to come straight out of a Hemingway novel.

"Ah, you wouldn't believe the size of the marlin I snagged last week. This beast, she was longer than my boat, with a body as thick as a tree trunk. Fought me for hours, that one did, pulling me all over the ocean like a ragdoll."

Jamie chuckled. "And did you catch her?"

"Catch her? Senorita, catching that beast was like trying to wrestle a hurricane! No, she snapped my line clean in two, leaving me with nothing but a memory and a sore arm."

"But," he continued, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I know just where she likes to hide. A secret little cove, untouched by most fishermen. One of these days, I'll be back for her, and that time, she won't stand a chance."

Jamie laughed.

The conversation shifted, Miguel regaling her with tales of his childhood spent exploring hidden coves and ancient ruins scattered across the island.

"This island holds many secrets, Senorita. Some beautiful, some a little… dangerous. But for those who know where to look, it offers a treasure trove of experiences. Perhaps, sometime, I could show you some of these hidden wonders."

"I'd love that."

As Miguel's stories flowed, Jamie stole a glance towards the crew area. There, perched on a nearby crate, was Jess. Her arms were crossed, her face an unreadable mask. Jamie knew that look.

It was the same look Jess sported whenever their Boot Camp Brigade lagged behind in a challenge. Only this time, it wasn't directed at the competition but at Jamie and Miguel.

Jamie felt a pang of guilt, quickly dismissed. She and Miguel were just having a friendly conversation. But Jess, bless her competitive spirit, probably saw it through a different lens.

The conversation with Miguel continued, punctuated by Jamie's polite laughter and Miguel's animated gestures. She couldn't just walk away mid-conversation, especially since the man was a walking encyclopedia of local lore.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Miguel sighed dramatically. "Ah, it seems I have overstayed my welcome. Perhaps you would like to join me for a real Costa Rican meal sometime? My wife cooks the best ceviche on the island."

Jamie hesitated. "Thank you for the offer, Miguel, but I'm not sure my schedule allows for?—"

Suddenly, an idea sparked in her head. "Actually, I think I might be able to make some time. Maybe tomorrow night?"

Miguel's face broke into a wide grin. "Wonderful! Meet me here at sunset. I won't be disappointed." With a wink and a final tip of his hat, he turned and sauntered away, his laughter echoing across the water.

She glanced towards Jess, who had already risen from her crate and was stalking towards her with a fire in her eyes that had nothing to do with the setting sun.

Jess reached her, stopping just out of earshot of any lingering crew members.

"Who was that?"

"Just a local fisherman, Miguel. He was telling me some stories about the island. Also offered to take me out for dinner sometime."

Jess narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Dinner, huh? Sounds friendly."

Jamie shrugged, playing up the nonchalance. "He cooks the best ceviche apparently. Thought it might be a fun way to experience the local culture."

"Well, have fun," she muttered, her voice devoid of warmth.

"Actually, there's enough ceviche for two. They say the sunsets here are amazing. Want to join?"

"Forget it. I wouldn't want to cramp your style."

"Are you jealous?" Jamie teased, enjoying the flustered look on Jess' face.

Jess scoffed. "Jealous? Please. I know you're not into men."

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."