Free Cole by Autumn Gunn Page A

of my workouts.  They’re guaranteed to tear you down first, but then rebuild you even stronger.”
     
    “So you’re saying this is the real boot camp exercise program?”
     
    “Something like that.  You’re definitely going to feel alive and see changes.”
     
    “Cole, I’m infected.  I got the bite.  I’m all in on the Kool-Aid.  Sign me up.”
     
    I laughed.  “No Kool-Aid, Carissa.  And I know you just meant it as a figure of speech, but you’ve got to sign up yourself.  It reaffirms the commitment your making to yourself.  It’s a lot easier to stay committed when it’s your hand that physically takes that pen and signs your name on the line.”
     
    “You know all the tricks, don’t you?”
     
    “Just the ones that work.”
     
    Carissa looked up at me in a combination of a smile and full entrancement.  I could feel the spark we had.  It was back.  And back in a big way.  A huge way.  Her pupils were dilating.  I could feel my heart racing.  It felt good.
     
    Just then the bell rang.  The students didn’t motion to leave.  One little girl put her hand up.
     
    “Yes, Katie.”
     
    “Miss Compton, where do we go at 7pm?”
     
    I walked to the chalkboard and wrote down the address.  Carissa tore out some small sheets of paper and began copying it while some of the kids took pictures of the chalkboard with their smart phones.
     
    “Please remember to check with your parents.  I want you all to come, but you must tell your parents.  The gym is very basic, but don’t be scared.  It will be easier to stay focused without any distractions.”
     
    A little boy walked up to me and stuck out his hand.  I took it in a shake.
     
    “What’s your name young man?”
     
    “Mr. Callahan, I’m Jerry Harper.  I’m going to see you tonight.  And a lot more nights too.”
     
    “Excellent Mr. Harper.  I’m going to be looking forward to it.”
     
    He turned and walked towards the door as did the rest of the students.  They filed out still buzzing about the speech.
     
    I looked over at Jax and he raised both eyebrows.
     
    “When did you learn to do math?”
     
    “You mean multiply by ten?”
     
    “And keep the cumulative total running.”
     
    “You’re not underestimating me after all these years are you?”
     
    “Never.”
     
    We shook hands and shared a grin.
     
    “And what’s up with opening tonight?  Your enthusiasm was a little in overdrive, huh?”
     
    “You know me.  I got so fired up and there’s no stopping me.”
     
    “It’s for a good cause, so I’m all for it.  Well, I guess we should hurry home and eat so we have the energy.  I’ll text Jasmine to see where she’s at.  She’s probably waiting for us out front.”
     
    “Wait.  We?”
     
    “You heard me?”
     
    “You’re going to train?”
     
    “Are you kidding me?  You just invited over 30 kids to a training session that starts in a few hours.  A little help and more personalized instruction could be just what the doctor ordered.”
     
    Jax always had my back.  “Thanks, brother.  Would love to have you there.  Side by side again.”
     
    “Don’t forget about me!”
     
    I turned to see Carissa jump up with her hand in the air.  Like she was now the student attracting attention from the teacher.
     
    “You’re trained in this kind of stuff?”  I gave her an inquisitive look.
     
    “Heck no, but I heard you say 30 students.  I’m coming too!”
     
    We all laughed.
     
    “You’re darn right you are.  Right there from day one.”
     
    “Cole, Jasmine just texted me.  She’s out front.  We should really get going.”
     
    “Definitely.”
     
    I turned to Carissa.  “See you tonight.  And no cute workout clothes.  Wear something that you don’t mind ruining.  Something you can do real work in.”
     
    “Ruining?  What do you have planned?”
     
    “You’ll see.”  I gave her a wink.  “And thanks again for letting us come.
     
    “My