12. Jess

12

JESS

J ess 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."

Jess scoffed. "A piece of advice. Building a salad fortress on your plate won't hold up against a real workout, you know." She taunted Jamie's food selection of eggs and veggies.

Jamie smirked. "Don't worry, Jess, my team doesn't need a fortress of greasy breakfast to conquer a challenge. We rely on inner strength and… digestion."

"Yeah right. Seems like yesterday your ‘warriors' were the ones lagging behind in the obstacle course."

Jamie arched an eyebrow, piling some fresh fruit onto her plate with a flourish. "Funny, I seem to recall a certain drill sergeant getting winded on the climbing wall."

The other team members were watching with wide eyes, clearly entertained by the exchange. Jess met Jamie's gaze, a silent smirk playing on her lips. Maybe a little breakfast-time rivalry wasn't such a bad thing. It kept the charade going, and more importantly, kept the anticipation for the day simmering.

The two coaches went through the motions of picking their food, an unspoken choreography playing out. Reach for the mangoes—Jess, then Jamie. Spoon some yogurt—Jamie, then a mirror image from Jess.

For a few awkward seconds, the charade continued, punctuated by stifled snickers from the other team members who were starting to notice the odd mirroring.

Finally, the tension became unbearable. Jess and Jamie stopped mid-reach, their hands hovering over the same bowl of granola.

They stared at each other, the weight of the room's attention pressing down on them. Jess could practically feel the raised eyebrows and curious whispers. Her cheeks flushed a warm red, and she knew Jamie felt it too, the telltale pink dusting her high cheekbones.

With a forced cough, Jess broke eye contact. She moved on to the next dish, while Jamie found a seat at a table, stealing a glance as she ate.

The open-air kitchen buzzed with a nervous energy unlike anything the competitors had experienced before. Gone were the sprawling fields and polished gymnasiums of their usual training grounds.

Here, the air hung thick with the smoky aroma of roasting chilies and the earthy scent of fresh turmeric. Clay ovens, fueled by crackling logs, cast an orange glow across a chaotic symphony of mismatched wooden tables and battered metal bowls. This was the heart of a local village kitchen, their battleground for the day.

"Alright, troops! Welcome to the Nutritional Smackdown! Today, we're ditching the push-ups and lunges in favor of whisks and spatulas. Buckle up, because this is where the real competition heats up!"

A collective murmur ran through the team. A cooking challenge? This was interesting.

Roger chuckled. "Today, we're putting your knowledge of nutrition and resourcefulness to the test. But with a twist!" He paused dramatically, letting the suspense build. "You'll be collaborating… and competing!"

"Here's how it works. Each team will be presented with a basket overflowing with the finest local ingredients."

He gestured towards a large wicker basket overflowing with vibrant ingredients—plump mangoes, glistening mahi-mahi filets, purple yams, a block of aged cheddar cheese, and lots more. It was a curious mix, guaranteed to spark creativity.

"You have to work together, negotiate, and strategize to divide the bounty. Remember, communication is key! Once you have your chosen ingredients, you'll be on your own. Each team will create their own dish, showcasing your unique strengths and approaches to healthy eating."

He paused for dramatic effect, then added, "Also, neutrality is paramount, Coaches. Today, you're not Team Jess or Team Jamie. No sideline coaching, no preferential treatment. You're here to guide both teams equally, offering your expertise and encouraging creativity." He shot a pointed glance at the two rival coaches, Jess and Jamie, who both nodded curtly.

Roger grinned. "Excellent! Now, for the judging. Each dish will be evaluated on three criteria: taste, creativity in using the mystery ingredients, and overall nutritional value. The team that scores the highest in all three categories will be crowned the Nutritional Smackdown champions!"

A roar of approval erupted from the teams. Strategy, collaboration, competition—the challenge was on.

Boot Camp Brigade, a motley crew of weightlifters and endurance runners, seemed lost amidst the unfamiliar ingredients. They moved over the plump plantains, a mountain of fiery red chilies, and a basket overflowing with plump, juicy shrimp.

"Don't be afraid to experiment. Remember, fresh vegetables are key. They add vibrancy, flavor, and essential vitamins," Jamie advised them.

Across the way, Zen Warriors, a group known for their flexibility and focus, hovered around the table like a flock of birds. They seemed drawn to the vibrant vegetables—bell peppers, crisp green beans, and a giant head of purple cabbage. A lighter approach, for sure.

"Hold on, maybe we can trade some of these onions for the chiles. You can still make a flavorful taste without overwhelming the dish," Jess advised.

The teammate considered the suggestion, with a nod.

With the ingredients divided, the teams dispersed to their designated cooking stations. Each station boasted a traditional clay comal (griddle) heated over open flames, a large clay pot for stews, and a collection of wooden utensils. It was a far cry from the high-tech kitchens they were used to, but it held a certain rustic charm.

Jess and Jamie moved between the teams, offering neutral guidance.

Boot Camp Brigade, lost in a fiery debate over the merits of using coconut milk or achiote paste, turned to Jamie.

"Alright, listen up. Coconut milk will add a creamy sweetness, while achiote will give you a smoky depth. Think about what flavors you want to highlight in your dish."

Her straightforward explanation brought a spark of clarity to the team's eyes.

Meanwhile, Jess was surrounded by a group fretting over their lack of protein. "Don't panic! Remember, there are other ways to get protein. Beans can be a fantastic source, and they pair beautifully with those sweet potatoes you have."

Her suggestion was met with surprised smiles. The team, clearly used to focusing on meat as the main source of protein, hadn't considered the humble bean.

Despite the competition, an unexpected friendship began to bloom in the kitchen. Teams offered each other advice, shared cooking techniques, and even swapped a few ingredients here and there.

The competitive spirit was still present, but it was tempered by a newfound respect for each other's skills and a shared love for Costa Rican cuisine.

As the afternoon sun began its descent, a mouthwatering aroma filled the air. The teams presented their creations—a fiery fish stew from Boot Camp Brigade, and a fragrant coconut curry with lime-marinated fish from Zen Warriors.

It was time for judging. The judges, a panel of local chefs, sampled each dish with care. They assessed the taste, the presentation, and the creativity with which the ingredients were used. The team held their breath.

Finally, Roger stepped forward, his face unreadable.

"The winner of the Costa Rican Cuisine Clash is…" he paused, letting the suspense build, "… a tie!"

A chorus of gasps and surprised laughter broke out. Both teams had created delicious, authentic dishes reflecting different culinary philosophies.

Jess' team had impressed with their bold, flavorful stew, while Jamie's team had won over the judges with their light and balanced dish.

Jess, despite the competitive fire in her belly, couldn't help but grudgingly admit the other team had created a worthy dish. She stole a glance at Jamie, who offered a small smile in return.

Jess practically sprinted the last stretch of beach, the sand sinking softly beneath her bare feet.

Moonlight bathed the secluded cove in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows from the swaying palm trees. There, perched on a weathered driftwood log, was Jamie, a solitary silhouette framed by the glistening ocean.

Relief and a heat of something much hotter washed over Jess. All day, the memory of Jamie's laugh, the lingering warmth of their accidental brush during the challenge, had played in her head. Now, seeing her, she couldn't help herself.

With a whoop and a scream of childish glee, she broke into a run, her laughter echoing across the beach. Jamie whirled around, a surprised gasp escaping her lips before a wide grin stretched across her face. She ran towards her too and they collided in a warm hug.

The kiss that followed was both fierce and hungry.

Jess melted into Jamie's embrace, the scent of salt air and coconut shampoo intoxicating.

"Easy there, Sergeant Bootcamp," Jamie teased, her voice breathless.

"You have no idea how good it feels to be away from everyone and in your arms."

Jamie snorted. "Is that right, Drill Sergeant? You act all tough during the day, but under this moonlit sky, you're just a big softie, aren't you, Jess?"

Jess huffed, a playful punch landing on Jamie's arm. "Says the woman who practically tackled me when I walked in."

"Hey, you started it. But I must say, all that posturing on the training field hides a very… different kind of need." She smiled, her fingers trailing down Jess' arm.

Jess couldn't help but grin. "Maybe, but let's keep that little secret between us, shall we? My reputation for being a heartless taskmaster might take a serious hit if anyone found out I'm weak as a kitten when I'm alone with you."

Jamie laughed heartily. Pulling Jess close again, she murmured against her ear, "Don't worry, Sergeant. Your secret's safe with me. After all, who am I to judge? I, too, couldn't wait for a little… forbidden moonlight rendezvous."

"All day I just think about fucking you," Jamie whispered in Jess' ear and Jess felt shivers run through her body.

Being pinned down and fucked by Jamie was the greatest pleasure she had ever experienced. She was usually far too uptight to come for a partner, but with Jamie, her orgasm had been embarrassingly easy.

They sat together on the big log, arms around each other as they listened to the rhythm of the waves.

"Who knew a cooking competition could be so exciting?"

Jamie chuckled. "Honestly, I never thought I'd see the day you'd enjoy working with anyone, Jess, especially not a bunch of yoga enthusiasts."

"I know, right."

They both laughed.

Jess leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Honestly, Jamie, this whole collaboration thing? It's not so bad."

"I kind of like it too. Working with you, I mean. Seeing a different side, the one that's not all drill sergeant and scowls."

"And you, sunshine," Jess said, poking Jamie gently in the chest, "are proving that yoga instructors aren't all about kale smoothies and downward-facing dogs."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

"You know, I kind of like this whole enemies-by-day, lovers-by-night charade."

"Me too, there's a certain thrill to it, isn't there?" Jess smiled.

"More like delicious torture. Pretending to hate you all day, only to come running here to fuck you at night."

"Oh, the agony, Though, I have to say, watching you desperately trying not to stare hungrily at my body on camera is quite entertaining."

Jamie barked out a laugh. "Oh, shut up."

"Business is business. A secret romance is a secret romance. Incredible sex is incredible sex." Jess tickled her.

"Stop already!" Jamie laughed and rolled Jess onto her back on the sand, her muscular right thigh pushing insistently between Jess' legs pressing on her clitoris deliciously.

Jess opened her legs obediently and looked dreamily into Jamie's eyes.

"Fuck me," she whispered.

Jamie took both of her wrists in her strong left hand and pinned them above her head, dipping her mouth to bite Jess' nipple through her shirt. Jess gasped in delight.

"With pleasure," Jamie whispered, her beautiful brown eyes shining hungrily in the moonlight and Jess shuddered and felt the familiar wetness of desire seeping between her legs.