8. Jess

8

JESS

H er head held high, Jess sashayed out of the interview room, the positive vibes practically radiating from her. Nailing that interview felt like conquering Mount Everest in Lululemons. Just another day in the life of Jess Thompson, future Ultimate Body Battle champion, that's her!

With a pep in her step, she headed towards the restroom, needing to freshen up before heading home.

Pushing open the ladies' room door, she was greeted by the sight of Jamie bloody Nguyen's elegant back bent over the sink. Ugh. Great.

Just what she needed, another reminder of the online brawl and that infuriating sneer painted on Jamie's face. Jess clenched her jaw, ready to make a beeline for a stall and get out of there as quickly as possible.

But then, Jamie straightened up as she washed her hands, and for a moment, Jess forgot everything else. It was like a strange feeling sneaked up on her. It wasn't animosity or irritation; it was something closer to… attraction?

Jess didn't often find women who matched her height and stature and although Jamie seemed somehow more graceful leaner and long limbed, Jess enjoyed running her gaze over Jamie's body. Jamie looked like a more masculine version of Jess. She didn't have the full breasts or thick eyelashes Jess had. Jamie had a strong jawline and lovely wide set brown eyes, and very sexy muscular shoulders.

High cheekbones, full lips curved into a soft smile, and eyes the color of melted chocolate. Maybe it was that her figure filled out her pantsuit in a way that was both graceful and powerful. Whatever it was, Jess found herself completely caught off guard by this sudden shift in perspective.

Okay, Jess, focus. This is not the time to be appreciating the enemy's perfectly sculpted silhouette. There's no time for impromptu lesbian crushes in the bathroom. Besides, you're a boot camp queen, not some lovestruck yoga enthusiast. Just get in, get out, and maintain your aura of intimidating confidence.

But seriously, Jamie was like a walking fitness magazine cover come to life. Thick, toned, with a healthy glow that screamed yoga master. It was almost enough to make Jess reconsider her entire boot-camp-or-bust philosophy. Almost.

Suddenly, Jamie turned, and their eyes met, and for a split second, Jess was frozen. Did Jamie catch her staring? There was no way she could let her know she was practically checking her out.

Trying to mask her surprise, Jess forced a smirk and headed towards the sink next to Jamie. Turning on the faucet, she lathered her hands with soap, hoping to appear nonchalant.

They finished washing their hands at the same time and reached for the air dryer simultaneously, their bodies momentarily blocking each other's path.

"Excuse me," Jess muttered, trying to sound polite but failing miserably.

Jamie stepped back slightly, her lips twitching at the corners. "Oh, go ahead," she said, her voice surprisingly gentle.

Before Jess could even process this turn of events, Jamie stepped aside with a smile. Jess mumbled a quick thanks and blasted her hands with hot air, trying to ignore the sudden warmth spreading through her chest.

This was so bizarre. One minute she was ready to rip Jamie's head off for her online antics, the next she was… flustered? By Jamie Nguyen?

Her mind short-circuited. Was Jamie flirting with her? Was this some elaborate Zen mind trick? What was happening here? This wasn't how this was supposed to go!

They were supposed to be bitter rivals, locked in a battle for fitness supremacy and social media dominance. But that smile… damn, that smile was messing with her in ways she couldn't explain.

Jess watched with forced nonchalance as Jamie used the air dryer furthest from her. The yoga instructor seemed to practically glow with post-interview satisfaction.

This unexpected bathroom encounter was turning out to be strangely entertaining. Maybe the pre-interview jitters had fried her brain a little, because there was no denying the undeniable pull she felt towards Jamie. It was insane.

Just as Jamie reached for the bathroom door, Jess spotted a white handkerchief peeking out from the counter next to the sink.

"Hey!" she called out, her voice sharper than intended. Jamie whirled around, surprised.

"Uh, you left that," Jess said, gesturing to the handkerchief.

"Oh! Thank you," Jamie stammered, approaching the counter at the same time as Jess.

Both women reached for the handkerchief, their hands brushing in the process. Their eyes locked, and for a breathless second, the air crackled with something other than competitive tension.

An inexplicable urge flowed through Jess, a strong pull that defied logic or reason.

Jamie, cheeks flushed and eyes wide, mumbled a flustered, "Thank you," before turning towards the door.

But as she reached for the handle, a voice inside her seemed to speak up. She glanced back at Jess, whose eyes were fixed on her with burning desire.

Before either of them could fully comprehend what was happening, they were lunging towards each other again. They met halfway, lips colliding in a kiss that was anything but peaceful.

It was fierce, urgent, a clash of wills that somehow morphed into something more. Jess, the queen of control, found herself lost in the unexpected heat. She wasn't sure what came over her. Maybe it was the lingering scent of lavender soap clinging to Jamie's hand, or the vulnerability in her surprised eyes. Whatever it was, it was a force she couldn't resist.

Jamie, for her part, melted into the kiss, her initial fluster giving way to a surprised gasp that quickly dissolved into a shaky moan. Her hands, which had been clutching the counter for support, found their way around Jess' back, pulling her closer.

The kiss was unlike anything they had ever experienced, a potent mix of rivalry and… something else entirely.

Jess felt a flutter deep inside, a thrill that made her want to explore this woman's body. The idea of doing something so naughty in such a formal place made her excitement skyrocket.

Without hesitation, Jamie guided Jess into the doggy style position bent forward in front of the mirror, pulling down her pants and underwear to reveal her ass. Jess found herself fully compliant- although it felt crazy in a public bathroom where anyone could walk in on them.

It felt like forever since Jess had had any sex that truly excited her. And right here, in a public place, with her pants pulled down exposing her to Jamie Nguyen, this felt truly exciting. She could feel herself getting wet.

Starting gently, Jamie teased Jess' clitoris with her fingers sliding easily through Jess's wetness. Her touch made Jess try to hold back her moans.

"Doing it my way, now, aren't you, Thompson?" Jamie's left hand adjusted Jess's chin upwards so they were both looking at their joint reflection in the bathroom mirror while her right hand teased Jess's wet pussy. She could see her own embarrassed and vulnerable blue eyes next to Jamie's firm and downright sexy brown eyes. Jamie's eyes looked hungry for her and Jess felt like putty in her hands.

Jess nodded as Jamie continued to slide her fingers around between Jess's legs, almost casually, teasingly.

Jess felt herself moaning, she couldn't help it. This was such a turn on!

"Those are cute little whimpers, Thompson. Anyone would think you want me to fuck you. Is that what you want?"

No!

Jamie's gaze was hungry in the mirror and Jess was so turned on. She nodded again.

Jamie's fingers suddenly pulled away. "Say the words, Thompson. I want you to beg me to fuck you, or I'll leave you here, wet and wanting with your panties round your ankles."

Jess saw her own eyes widen.

Fuck. How on earth have I ended up here?

Jess knew she should have played it a lot cooler a lot earlier. Because unfortunately now she was way too turned on to turn back.

"Please…" she heard herself whisper.

"Please, what?"

"Please, fuck me…"

With that, she felt Jamie's fingers plunge deep inside her and she called out, loudly, her body thrown forward.

"Oh, my god!"

Closing her eyes, Jess surrendered to the wave of sensations crashing over her.

"Keep your eyes open." She felt Jamie grabbing her chin again and forcing her to look in the mirror. "I want to see your eyes submit to me when you come."

Her lips parted in a silent gasp, trying to contain the moans threatening to escape as she looked into the mirror- her own eyes and Jamie's. With each forceful thrust of Jamie's fingers curled against her G spot, she felt herself teetering on the edge. She bit down on her lip, desperate to keep from crying out. But it was a losing battle. Her body betrayed her, arching into the exquisite torture, begging for release.

The forbidden thrill of doing this in a formal space, and the fact that they could be caught, added an electrifying edge to the experience. Her body moved in rhythm with Jamie's movements, feeling the tension coil tighter and tighter within her.

She couldn't hold back any longer. With a surge, she exploded, squirting hot and long right down her inner thighs, a powerful reminder of everything she'd missed for as long as she could remember.

"Mmmmm," Jamie said, smiling, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Jess felt entirely spent as she held her weak body up on the washbasin.

Her hair was a mess. She looked totally fucked. She felt Jamie's fingers withdrawing from her pussy and she felt sad for a moment at the loss of them.

Seconds later she saw Jamie's right hand in the mirror, still slick with Jess's own arousal.

"Open your mouth and clean my fingers, baby."

Jess felt her mouth open obediently and as Jamie's fingers pushed inside she sucked her own musky earthy sex in long slow licks and sucks from each and every long strong finger.

When Jamie withdrew her fingers once again and finally this time, she also withdrew her eye contact in the mirror and casually washed her hands in the basin next to Jess, before drying them on paper towels and walking nonchalantly out of the bathroom.

Jamie Nguyen… what have you done to me?

The loud squawk of Mango, her parrot, on the nightstand tore Jess from the lingering embrace of the dream.

Disoriented, she blinked at the pre-dawn light filtering through the blinds. A dream about Jamie Nguyen? Seriously? And an oddly… satisfying one at that.

A slow smile crept across her face. Maybe the post-interview tension had been getting to her more than she realized. Still, the intensity of the dream… was she actually attracted to the gorgeous yoga instructor? It had been years since anyone had sparked such a confusing mixture of desire and competition within her.

Shrugging off the unexplainable feelings, Jess swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stretched, muscles popping as she prepared for another day of pushing her boot camp clients to their limits.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, snapping her attention. A message from Ultimate Body Battle.

A grin split her face as she unlocked the screen. They wanted her! Selected. No doubt about it. She'd known it.

Despite the raised eyebrows she received for her casual interview outfit, the producers seemed to appreciate her vision. They liked her boldness, her refusal to conform, her unapologetically in-your-face training style. They called her "different," and in the world of reality TV, different was exactly what they craved.

"Called it!" she muttered to herself, a surge of confidence coursing through her veins. She knew she'd be selected, there was no doubt. But a new thought wormed its way into her mind—had Jamie Nguyen been chosen too?

A part of her, the fiercely competitive part that thrived on victory, wanted Jamie on the show. This was her chance to prove that boot camp was the superior training method, to guide her team to victory and shove it in the faces of all the doubters—including, perhaps, a certain yoga-loving rival.

And, to redeem herself after what could be considered the embarrassing bathroom incident where she had let lust get the better of her and clearly submitted to Jamie.

But then there was the other part, the one awakened by the vividness of the dream. The part that couldn't help but be intrigued by the fiery yoga instructor and the unexpected spark that ignited between them in her dream. A part that wished the dream was reality.

Whatever the reason, Jess knew one thing for sure—the upcoming season of Ultimate Body Battle was going to be unlike anything anyone had ever seen. It would be a clash of personalities, a battle of training philosophies, and maybe, just maybe, something more.

Jess Thompson and Jamie Nguyen stood side by side, facing the producers and a room full of hopeful contestants with a simmering competitive spirit.

Both tall, lean and muscular. Jamie a slightly more masculine version of Jess. Her hair was darker than Jess's and up in a sleek ponytail, her brown eyes gleaming. Her make up that the producers insisted she wore was minimal. Jess's blue eyes were sparkling and her chestnut hair was glossy in a ponytail.

It seemed Jess' silent wish of having Jamie as competition worked out and she basked in her own thrill.

Wills, the head producer, cleared his throat. "Welcome everyone, and congratulations to both Jamie and Jess for making it this far!"

Jess, ever the showstopper, flashed a dazzling smile, her toned arms gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights.

Wills continued, "As you all know, Ultimate Body Battle is about pushing boundaries and finding the right fit."

"The format's a little different this year. We're giving you both the chance to shine. Each of you will have ten spots on your team," Sophia added.

Jess perked up, a triumphant glint in her eye. Ten chances to mold these newbies into lean, mean, boot camp fighting machines.

"Here's the deal. You'll each get a chance to pitch your training philosophies to the contestants. After that, it's up to them to choose which team they want to be on," Terry said.

David added, "Think of it as a chance to sell yourself and your approach to fitness. The contestants are looking for a coach who can help them achieve their goals, someone who inspires them."

A slow smile spread across Jess' face. Selling herself? Inspiring others? Piece of cake.

She glanced at Jamie, whose expression remained unreadable. A silent challenge passed between them. May the best trainer win. The games were about to begin.

Jess stepped forward, her athletic confidence radiating outwards. She scanned the faces before her, a predatory gleam in her eyes.

"Alright, listen up, team!" she boomed, her voice a commanding echo. "Are you tired of feeling sluggish? Fed up with fad diets and empty promises? Then buckle up, because boot camp is here to kick your butts—literally!"

A few nervous chuckles rippled through the group. Jess took it as encouragement.

"This is no walk in the park! Sweat will be shed. Muscles will scream. But guess what? You'll emerge stronger, faster, leaner versions of yourselves! Boot camp is about pushing your limits, discovering hidden reserves of resilience, and building a body that can handle anything you throw at it," she continued, her voice taking on a drill-sergeant-like tone.

She paced back and forth, her gaze locking on each participant in turn. "I'm not here to hold your hand or sing you lullabies. I'm here to push you, to challenge you, to break down your walls and build you back up, stronger than ever before. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it."

Jess finished her pitch with a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. She had laid it all out—the grit, the intensity, the promise of sculpted physiques. But as the claps died down and Jamie stepped forward, a dismissive snort escaped Jess' lips.

What did Jamie have to offer these contestants? Candles and chanting?

Jamie, dressed in a simple white tank top and black yoga pants, exuded a quiet confidence that contrasted sharply with Jess' bombastic energy.

"Thank you. Jess has presented a very… vigorous approach to fitness." A pointed look at Jess held a hint of amusement.

"My philosophy is rooted in holistic wellness. Yes, physical fitness is important, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. I believe in cultivating a connection between mind, body, and spirit. We'll work on building strength and flexibility, of course, but we'll also focus on mindfulness, stress management, and cultivating a positive relationship with your body."

Jess felt a jab of irritation. Woo-woo hippie stuff, that's all it was. She couldn't let this ethereal approach stand unchallenged. As Jamie finished, Jess practically vibrated with the need to counter.

"Hold on a second," Jess interjected, unable to contain herself any longer. "So, what happens when you're facing down a plate of greasy nachos after a tough workout? Are you going to chant your way out of temptation or actually teach these people some discipline?"

Jamie's gaze met hers, a steely glint replacing her earlier serenity. "Discipline is certainly important, but so is self-compassion. We all slip up sometimes. What matters is learning from those moments and making healthier choices in the long run. Shame and guilt are poor motivators, but self-acceptance and a positive mindset can be incredibly powerful tools for change."

The room crackled with the unspoken tension between the two trainers.

Jess felt a familiar fire ignite within her. "Positive vibes don't build muscle. They build… what? Fluffy bunnies?"

Jamie's lips thinned. "And endless negativity is a recipe for burnout. Mental well-being is just as crucial as physical strength. Can you train through chronic stress or anxiety, Jess?"

The jab hit its mark. Jess knew mental health was a valid concern, but she wasn't about to admit it in front of the contestants.

"Look, all you need is the will to win and a good sweat session. The rest is just… Well, the rest is just fluff."

The debate had escalated quickly, leaving the contestants looking bewildered and the producers exchanging amused glances. It was clear that the battle lines were drawn, and the competition for these aspiring fitness enthusiasts had just become a whole lot more personal.

Wills boomed a hearty laugh, effectively cutting through the heated debate.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Easy there, tigers! This is exactly why we chose both of you. Let's be honest, Ultimate Body Battle thrives on a little bit of drama. Two contrasting training philosophies, two alpha personalities vying for dominance—it's ratings gold!"

Jess couldn't help but crack a smirk. Competition was her middle name. Jamie, however, maintained her composed demeanor.

"But most importantly, we need you to inspire these contestants, to help them find the best version of themselves, however they define it," Sophie added.

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's see what our contestants have to say. Line up, everyone, and choose your team!"

A ripple of excitement passed through the room as the contestants shuffled their feet, eager to make their decision. One by one, the contestants stepped forward, their decisions reflecting their own fitness aspirations.

Some gravitated towards Jess' promise of a grueling workout, eager to push their physical limits. Others were drawn to Jamie's emphasis on mindfulness and overall well-being.

In the end, a sense of satisfaction washed over both Jess and Jamie as they each found themselves with a team of ten eager participants.

"Excellent! Looks like we have a perfect balance. Now, buckle up because things are about to get real. We start filming in one week!"

A collective gasp rippled through the room. One week to prepare for the physical and mental challenges that awaited them.

"Welcome to Ultimate Body Battle, Season ten! Get ready for an experience unlike any other. This season, we're taking you out of the sterile gym and into the heart of nature—a secluded island paradise in Costa Rica!" Terry said.

"We'll be setting you up in a stunning location. Think pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a backdrop of lush rainforests. This season, we're taking fitness to a whole new level—a natural level," Sophie added.

The contestants exchanged wide-eyed glances. Training under the watchful eyes of Jess and Jamie, in a secluded paradise, promised to be an experience they would never forget.

"Thanks everyone. We wish you all the best of luck. May the fittest team win!" Wills concluded.

As the contestants milled around, chattering excitedly about the upcoming adventure, Jess and Jamie found themselves face-to-face once again.

"Looks like we're in for a wild ride," Jess said.

Jamie returned the smile, a hint of steel in her gaze. "Bring it on, Jess. Bring it on."

Jess got a flashback of tasting her own slick orgasm on Jamies fingers.

Not now, Jess! For fuck's sake!

Jess puffed out her chest, a smug grin plastered on her face. "Just a heads-up, Jamie. Boot camp isn't for the faint of heart. Those yoga poses won't be enough to survive what I have planned for my team."

"Confidence is key, Jess. But sometimes, the emptiest cans rattle the loudest."

The smirk vanished from Jess' face, replaced by a scowl. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Jamie leaned in, her voice dropping to a low whisper, "Instead of attacking everyone with your rudeness and lack of manners, why don't you focus on actually preparing your team? Because come Costa Rica, you're going to get schooled."

Jess bristled. "Schooled? By you and your band of tree huggers? Don't make me laugh."

"Oh, I'm not laughing. You may have all the bravado in the world, but true strength comes from within. Look at you, huffing and puffing like a child throwing a tantrum."

Jess' face flushed crimson. "You think you can talk to me like that? I'll have you know I've built a reputation on pushing people to their limits and getting results!"

"And I've built a reputation on building well-rounded individuals, not just sweaty, overtrained machines. We'll see whose approach works better in the long run, Jess. Buckle up, because Costa Rica is about to get interesting."

"Alright, yoga fairy. Let's see how long your Zen warriors last when the real training begins."

"My team will be strong, both physically and mentally, while yours will be a bunch of burnt-out, overtrained zombies."

This woman was infuriating! "Zombies? At least my zombies will be able to walk straight after a workout, unlike your incense-burning, chanting crew," Jess retorted.

Jamie's smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, her gaze steady. "Just because you can't handle a little introspection, Jess, doesn't mean it's not valuable. You might even learn something new down in Costa Rica, beyond grunting and lifting weights."

The competition hadn't even begun, and already sparks were flying. One week. That's all they had to prepare their teams before their unconventional showdown in the Costa Rican paradise.

One thing was certain—Ultimate Body Battle was about to witness a clash of titans, and paradise was about to get a whole lot hotter.