Page 3 of Ripped & Shipped
I take a sip, turning my eyes toward Chris, who looks like he’s either constipated or ready to murder someone.
Then I lick my lips and say, “Mmmm. Now that’s a drink you all have to try! This is me, Ella Mae, reminding you to put the YOU in Fab-YOU-lous … and maybe put a little chocolate in your coffee while you’re at it!”
Comments on Livestream:
378 comments
@sparkle2shine123: You inspire me! Roll with those tech problems, girlie! And that drink looks scrumptious!
@beefitupfitnessdude: Ur hot. ?????? R U Single?
@midwestcutiepie: Those men! Who was the one with his back turned to you? I’d love to see his face up close. If it’s anything like his shoulders … Well, you know what I’m saying! ????????
@EllaMaeFan4ever: You’re the best, EllaMae. Love you! ??
@youdoyouboooo: Maybe the bro has it right. Should you really be filming people when they’re just out for a cup o’ joe?
@EllasSoBella: Sorry, @youdoyouboooo, she’s just sharing her life. She wasn’t hurting anyone.
@DrakesDaMan:Let’s collab! Love your energy.
CHAPTER2
Chris
I watchElla Mae saunter out of the coffee shop—that short skirt skimming mid-thigh, her blond hair swishing from side to side. She turns for a moment and catches my eye with a challenging glance.
If I were a different man, I’d shake my head at her antics. All those usual bodily reactions were trained out of me in the military. Instead, I stare after her with an expression I’ve mastered that appears to look past her or through her. Then I return my gaze to Duke, who’s sitting across the table from me, leaning back with his legs outstretched.
Not a care in the world—ever—that’s my best friend. And now he’s my brother-in-law, a turn of events I still fight to wrap my brain around. So much changed while I was away for six years serving in the Army.
“You could lighten up,” Duke says. “We’re not in boot camp, Sergeant.”
“Captain.”
Duke mock salutes me, still leaned back like he’s in a lounge chair, making the wooden chair beneath him look like a piece of child’s furniture.
“All I’m saying is, you could go a little easier on Ella Mae. She’s not hurting you.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.”
“Oh?”
“Can we change the subject?”
“Sure. Sure. Let’s talk about those back muscles of yours. All the peeps want to know … was it shoulder day?” Duke cracks himself up.
“Ha,” I say, but I can’t help smiling. “And, no. It was leg day. I’ll hit shoulders and chest tomorrow.”
My answer is serious, but a smile remains on my face. Duke’s ridiculous, and his levity is contagious.
“Did you work out at the firehouse?” Duke asks.
“Why not? Ever since Brooks moved, someone’s got to keep that rookie, Davis, in line.”
“Pretty sure the rest of the firemen in town do that on the regular.”
“He’s new here,” I remind Duke.
