Defying Gravity (Landing in Love Book 1) Read online

  Defying

  Gravity

  Landing in Love Series

  Book 1

  JENNIFER W. SMITH

  Defying Gravity

  Copyright © 2019 by Jennifer W. Smith.

  All rights reserved.

  First Print Edition: July 2019

  Limitless Publishing, LLC

  Kailua, HI 96734

  www.limitlesspublishing.com

  Formatting: Limitless Publishing

  ISBN-13: 978-1-64034-857-8

  ISBN-10: 1-64034-857-3

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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

  Dedication

  For my daughter, Hannah

  Table Of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter One

  Olivia

  Olivia Ward ignored the squeak of her sneakers on the concrete steps and the cramp in her side as she jogged up the second flight of stairs inside the enormous New Bridgeport Athletic Club. Determined to make it on time to her best friend’s yoga class, she quickened her pace across the commercial carpet past the sea of stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines. Along the back wall, she passed the studios where classes like yoga, Pilates, and step were in constant rotation. Reaching the door to the yoga class in session, she groaned. Through the glass window, Olivia contemplated her best friend, Tess, who sat cross-legged in front of a full class. The lights were low. Tess spoke to the participants lying on colorful mats.

  Ugh, I’m late! Tess’s going to be disappointed. Hopefully the fact that I finally showed up for one of her classes will smooth things over.

  “Excuse me, but if you’re heading into this class, it’s just ending,” said a man behind her.

  Focused on getting inside the dimly lit room and rolling out the mat tucked under her arm, she didn’t glance at the tall man who paused beside her. Instead, she flicked her wrist to consult her fit watch. “It starts at nine,” she informed the stranger.

  “Yes, but it’s ten now. The next yoga class isn’t until one.”

  “What?” Her brows drew together and she tapped the tiny screen. She grumbled. “Stupid thing is broken.” Lips pursed, she remembered it had been at least a month since she’d worn it. She charged the slim device last night with all intentions of kick-starting her new workout routine. She finally looked at the man an arm’s length from her—and froze.

  Good golly, Miss Molly!

  A sensation like ice water dousing her spine sparked her taut nerves awake. She fought the urge to shiver, visions of downward dog and Tess gone. During her sporadic workouts at this gym she saw teams of hot guys, but this guy blasted off the charts. From the hilarity in his expression, it was clear he knew she thought so. For a fraction of a nanosecond her awe faltered, enough for annoyance to take hold.

  Probably thinks he’s god’s gift to women with his demi-god good looks and hard body. Um hmm—it takes a lot more to impress me.

  Flaring her nostrils to inhale a cleansing, brain-clearing breath, she discovered his scent filled her atmosphere, sending her pheromones rocketing to the stars. Attempting to control her emotions, she tightly blinked her eyes.

  He smells better than cupcakes. Better than double chocolate chip peanut butter cupcakes.

  Straightening her shoulders and licking her lips, she became painfully aware of how her athletic apparel clung to her curvaceous frame. When denser tailored clothing, like her flight attendant uniform, hid her extra pounds, she could almost convince herself she needn’t stop eating fudge brownies or apple strudel. However, in this moment, exposed in spandex, embarrassment flushed her cheeks pink. Hugging her yoga mat to her chest, her insecurities rose, shifting her thoughts to her flared hips and rounded bottom. Curse the person who invented spandex!

  The corners of his mouth turned up. Amusement in his voice, he said, “We have a kick-boxing class starting in the next room if you’re interested.”

  “Kick-boxing,” she foolishly repeated. She jostled and adjusted the stiff, underused yoga mat in her arms.

  “Or, if kick-boxing isn’t your thing, the machinery is open.” He pointed in the general direction of the treadmills. “Everyone’s outside enjoying this nice day. Nice for November, I think.” The man’s warm brown eyes lit with joy as if the thought of the outdoors made him happy.

  She released a pent-up breath and laughed nervously. Getting a grip on her emotions, she tore her gaze from his physique and focused on his iPad. “Umm, do you work here?”

  “Yes, I’m one of the partners. Name’s Jacob Dodge.” He stuck out his hand.

  She slid her fingers against his slowly, deliberately, until their palms were locked together. Feeling the strength running up his arm as he shook her hand with a smooth, controlled movement, she allowed her gaze to linger on his frame. Jacob’s lean, hard torso filled out the moisture-wicking athletic shirt sporting the gym’s logo.

  “Nice to meet you, Jacob.” Hopelessly compelled to say his name aloud, she savored the sexy sound of it on her lips. “I’m Olivia Ward.” She slightly arched her palm, still captured in his, signaling it was time to release her hand. If she didn’t break physical contact with him soon, she thought she’d spontaneously combust. Why is it so hot in here?

  He let her go.

  She swiped her brow and tucked away the strands of hair gravity pulled free from her bun. The donut-shaped bun resting on the top of her head added several inches in height. However, her eyes, level with his pecs, continued to admire the wickedly excellent fit of his shirt.

  “You look familiar,” he said. “Maybe I’ve seen you around town, but I don’t think I’ve seen you here at the Athletic Club.”

  The historic town of New Bridgeport, Massachusetts, ran along the edge of the Merrimack River. The small walking city drew in tourists during the summer, offering visitors abundant craft and artist fairs, as well as trendy restaurants and boutique shops. New Bridgeport Athletic Club claimed a lucrative riverside location.

  “Yeah, maybe. I live nearby in the river district. And I don’t get here as often as I should.” She shrugged, turning toward the yoga room. “Tess is my best friend and she’s been on me about taking her class.” Through the window, she observed Tess bow to conclude the class.

  He stepped closer. “I’m waiting to speak with Tess.”

  She followed his gaze to the attractive, limber woman gracefully unfolding herself to stand. Of course he wants to talk to her. Tess is gorgeous, outgoing, and never without a date. “Yeah,” she sighed, “she’s extremely popular.” Realizing her implication, her gaze flew to his face.

  He smirked. “Pretty, yeah.” Shrugg
ing, he assessed Olivia with his dark chocolate eyes. “I prefer a girl with a little something to grab onto.”

  She gulped. Heat rose up her neck.

  Did he just hit on me?

  Cheeks flaming, she murmured, “Er…oh.”

  In an easy manner he continued, as if he weren’t sending her ovaries into overdrive. “I need to speak with Tess about her class schedule.”

  “Oh. Right. Because you’re the boss.” She needed to get away from this man before she humiliated herself further—if that were even possible.

  Class participants poured from the room. Olivia stood opposite the door as the stream of mat-carrying, water-gulping people passed between her and Jacob. As the bodies paraded by, her gaze continued to float toward him until Tess came out.

  “What happened?” Tess asked, worried more than disappointed.

  “Sorry. My watch is an hour behind.”

  “Hmm. Maybe it didn’t change with daylight savings time,” Tess said.

  Oliva shrugged. Indeed, a proper fit watch should keep track automatically. She purchased this watch last year from a knock-off vendor in Puerto Rico. Get what you pay for.

  Tess turned, dismissing the malfunctioning timepiece. “Hey, Jacob.”

  “Tess.” He nodded a professional acknowledgement. “Before you leave, I need to finalize the holiday schedule.”

  “I already gave it to Rick.”

  “Oh, okay—great. I’m meeting with him in fifteen.” He glanced at the tablet and tapped the screen.

  Olivia hung back, studying Tess and Jacob’s exchange. Tess, a free spirit currently between boyfriends, enjoyed a noncommittal lifestyle. In all the years they’d know each other, Tess had dated dozens of guys. Odd that two gorgeous, single people have no notable interest in one other. Why assume a man like him is single? Easy. He’s a player. Has to be. I’ll get the scoop from Tess.

  “It was nice meeting you. I hope to see more of you.” He paused. “At the club.” It could be argued that his added statement was merely drumming up business. Or, from the suggestive tone and the rise of his dark brows, one might propose he had shamelessly flirted with her.

  Olivia clenched her thighs, her knees knocking together. Her brain searched and searched for a cute, semi-flirtatious response, but all she could muster was an obliging mumble and a bobble-head nod.

  “I plan on getting her here weekly,” Tess injected.

  “See you later, ladies.” He crossed the gym with a swagger, stray glances from members following his progress. Proving Olivia’s theory, Jacob was beckoned by an energetic, pink-clad young woman stepping off an elliptical machine. Olivia couldn’t stop watching as little Miss Perky pointed to her shapely legs—to which he gave his full attention—and then presented him with her bottom. From this distance, she was certain someone could bounce a quarter off the tight behind.

  “What?” She missed what Tess had said.

  “I said…since you’re here, we may as well get in a workout. We can go for a run on the treadmills.”

  The spacious room closed around her. Escaping from where Jacob Dodge was worshipped filled the forefront of her mind. “Or we could go for a run on Plum Island. It’s warmish today.”

  “Are you sure?” Tess seemed to have caught the fleeting glance Olivia sent in Jacob’s direction. “He’s a fine-looking man.”

  “Huh?” Caught in the act of staring, guilt rose for a nanosecond before she pressed her knuckles to her lips, squelching her burst of laughter. Tess knew her well. “Holy heat wave! He flirted with me. My panties almost burst into flames!”

  Tess chuckled and they turned away from Miss Perky and Mr. Dodge. Tess’s elbow pressed against Olivia’s as she led her down the stairs. She said in hushed tones, “I know. I can’t believe he said he hoped to see more of you…as in more of you naked!”

  “Ha. Right. With a gym—a city, no, a planet—full of hot women, why would he flirt with me? He’s a player!” Olivia tsked.

  “No. I don’t think so.”

  She trudged down the steps in front of Tess. “Oh, come on. I’m surprised you haven’t dated him.”

  “Me?” Tess paused on the step as if to consider it, ultimately shaking her head. “He’s not really my type. I like more of a wild, adventurous guy. Jacob’s kind of…serious, all business. Nice guy, though.” She continued down the stairs, meeting Olivia, who had stopped at the landing. “Besides, rumor has it he’s got a strict no-dating policy. Doesn’t date the employees or the clients.”

  “Weird. Wonder why?”

  Tess shrugged. “Don’t know, but I’ve never seen him flirt with anyone until today. Too bad you joined his gym.”

  She swatted Tess’s arm and smiled ruefully. “I still think he’s a player.”

  Jacob

  Jacob silently cursed as he passed the treadmills. I prefer a girl with a little something to grab onto. With a mental headshake, he cursed again. What was I thinking! Comments like that could lead to professional ruin. And since when do I prefer curvy women?

  For six months he’d kept his mouth shut and his dick in his pants. He worked hard to rebuild his life in New Bridgeport, Massachusetts. His affluent life in Denver crumbled after his name and company were dragged through the mud. Though proven innocent in a sexual harassment suit, the false claim was a stain on everything he’d built. His fatal flaw had been sleeping around with a multitude of women who frequented his fitness center. All it took was one jealous, vindictive woman to slander him. When investors offered to buy his franchises, he took the opportunity. This move across the country to a new venture meant everything; he wouldn’t risk it for any gym rat again.

  Headed toward the executive offices on the third floor, he was stopped by a client. Never offering more than a polite grin these days, he tried to accommodate her. He focused his gaze on the pink spandex covering Cindy’s—or was it Casey’s—ass as she shamelessly presented it to him. Ah, what a fine line between business and pleasure. If things hadn’t escalated in his past, someone like this preening female would have piqued his interest. But now…these women were all the same. Well…except Olivia Ward. She didn’t seem like a cookie-cutter gym rat. Scanning the area beyond the yoga room, he noticed she and Tess were gone.

  For the third time this week, the zealous woman flagged him down for advice on improving her shape. He carried on a brief conversation about BMI as the woman flirted with her gaze; however, his subconscious thoughts looped with images of Olivia. Unlike many women at the gym, she wore no makeup on her flawless, glowing complexion. Olivia’s adorable cheeks pinked when she noticed him and her impossibly large doe eyes widened with wonder. He wondered what they’d look like darkened with desire. He decided her irises were hazel, each multicolored fleck, edged with lush lashes, as fascinating as she was. He wished to gaze into them at length.

  Suddenly agitated, either realizing it wouldn’t be possible to pursue Olivia as a member of the Athletic Club, or perhaps because he was late for his meeting with Rick, he blurted, “You should talk to one of our trainers.” Jacob scanned the club and with relief noticed one. “Hey, Kyle. Can you talk with this young lady?” Jacob’s voice carried above the hum of equipment.

  A man with a blond ponytail immediately strode toward them.

  “Kyle can answer your questions about BMI.” He left the pair and entered the stairwell, eager to meet with Rick and see the new budget for the athletic training program.

  Crossing into his partner’s office, he said, “Morning.”

  Rick waved him toward a seat. “Indeed it is. I’ve got good news.”

  Jacob shut the door to the man’s office. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a partial view of the river. Jacob dropped into a chair. “Don’t keep me in suspense.” He respected the bald, fifty-something man who used a modern conference table as a desk. Laptop open, Rick turned the screen toward Jacob and pointed to an Excel spread sheet.

  “I secured an investor, and the budget looks good. All you need to do is attract more cli
ents. Hope you’ve got a decent marketing pitch.” Rick’s distinct, gravelly voice filled the room.

  “I’ve got a few ideas.” Jacob outlined the details for the new Athletic Fitness Program. “This program is tailored to specialized athletes and includes strength and endurance training for all types.” Jacob planned to oversee this division of the Athletic Club, hiring professionals for proper training techniques and bringing in new clients through local marketing. This type of business was his niche. He’d been successful with this model in Colorado, making a large sum on his investments.

  “Sounds impressive, Jacob.”

  “Honestly, Rick, you’ve given me a great platform to stand on. It’s remarkable that you’ve built a quality state-of-the-art facility and after only a couple of years nearly doubled the number of memberships.”

  As their meeting wound down their conversation became more casual. They chatted about the NBA before Rick mentioned, “The New Bridgeport Youth Basketball Association is starting their league soon. They use the courts here.”

  “Oh, what grade level? Is it a recreational or travel association?”

  Rick leaned against the table and stroked the dome of his bald head, “It’s a boys and girls recreation league. It starts with second graders and goes through grade twelve.”

  “Do you have info for their contact person? I’d be interesting in coaching. I’ve coached basketball nearly every year since I finished college—five years—and would like the opportunity to do it again.”

  “Oh, right. You played in college. Sure, the guy who heads the organization is a friend of mine. It’s volunteer though, not paid.”

  “I don’t mind. Mentoring is what I get out of it.”

  “They’d be lucky to have you,” Rick said.

  Jacob left Rick’s office with a sense of excitement. Even after everything that transpired in Colorado, he never forgot the kids he coached and mentored. Teaching a game he loved to eager young athletes gave his life meaning. At twenty-seven, his life had calmed down and he was optimistic about his future. It was time to start dating again too. Feasting his gaze on the cute brunette with hazel eyes earlier had revved his libido, nudging him to get back in the saddle again. He needed to get out more. His “no dating women from work” rule limited his selection.