Chapter fifteen
Coop's trainer workedhim hard, but he didn't have to put up with the brutal workout every day. There were rest days, and days he could do his own training, running to mix it up and keep fit. He couldn't do abdominal work every day or his body would get used to it, apparently. No, he had to be pushed physically, near-constantly, in a variety of ways. Because,of course, there was no easy way to get this body that still far from suited him. At least it was good enough to be on screen, with the right lighting, makeup, and wardrobe. That, and lots of re-takes. Being an actor was a mix of glorious swelled-headedness and a long slog of insecurities and the feeling of never measuring up to some new, impossibly high standard.
So today, he was running,and of course, because work started early, he had to get up before dawn to get in enough time. It was better than going to the gym and being yelled at by a trainer, but good lord, not by much.
He got up carefully, trying not to wake his boyfriend. How amazing was it that he had a boyfriend now? Someone who liked him and wanted to be committed to him, and more than that, could actually standhim for long periods of time. They spent nearly every night together now, and if they didn't, there was a reason why, such as pesky reporters hanging around, or Jimmy having to go see his family and being likely to stay overnight. Coop missed him when he wasn't there. Amazing how fast a bed could feel lonely when you were the only one in it. These days, it was hard to go one night withoutJimmy beside him.
Jimmy stirred and reached for him, trying to put an arm back around the warm spot that was now empty. He opened his eyes halfway, bleary. "Where are you going?"
"Running today. Remember?"
Jimmy grimaced and flopped back to the pillow. "It's early," he whined.
"You don't have to come along."
"No. I want to."
With apparently sheer willpower alone, the gentlegiant sat straight up in bed, yawned, and raised his muscular arms over his head. He had a great chest, and he didn't sleep with a shirt on. Wouldn't have even if they hadn't gone to bed right after sex; he didn't get cold in his sleep, and he wasn't shy about his body. Not that he had any reason to be. Cooper watched for a moment wistfully, then shook himself and headed to the bathroom. He hadtime for coffee and something quick to eat.
Jimmy had been so good about food, not eating forbidden favorites in front of him, trying to make things that Coop was allowed to eat but also tasted good, and generally not ragging him about his strict diet regimen and exercise routine. Some guys wouldn't have understood, especially when they clearly had it all naturally and effortlessly. But Jimmywasn't like that; he wanted to help, and he didn't judge.
In the kitchen, they crossed paths twice, and then the third time, Jimmy gently put his hands on Coop's waist and steered him close, in for a kiss. It was a chaste, sweet good morning kiss, and fortunately they'd both brushed their teeth. It was everything Coop had wanted out of life in a simple, sweet moment. He smiled back, feelinghis toes curl and a silly smile forming on his face. Maybe running wouldn't be so bad today.
Of course, it was still challenging. He hated pushing his body to the limit, hated everything about fitness for being filmed. He'd rather kick back and do easy stuff as a hobby, like hiking or swimming, but not religiously, not intensively—and he'd definitely have skipped the jump-roping, trash-talking,you-can-punch-harder-than-that workouts.
Coop was an actor. He wanted to act. Maybe this stuff would become more a natural part of his routine in time. But either way, his body was part of the product he was selling. That meant diet, exercise, and being strictly under control.
Maybe one day he'd go wild and start eating everything on the catering table, the way the visiting wolves haddone during their shoot. He wondered if anyone would stop him—if anyone would be able to.
"What are you thinking about?" said Jimmy. "You look very wise just now."
He was keeping pace easily with Coop, and obviously holding back. Coop was determined not to measure himself against the tough, superhuman strength of his big, hot, muscular boyfriend. There was no competition, and comparing hishard-won physique to Jimmy's natural beauty would just be discouraging and counterproductive. After all, he got to enjoy Jimmy's fitness, even if he envied it a bit, too.
"Food," admitted Coop. It seemed like he was always thinking about food these days.
Jimmy nodded as if that was perfectly understandable. "I can understand that. You know, I'm pretty cool with cooking whatever I can tohelp you out," he said cautiously. "But maybe you could talk to your trainer, and see if you can't eat a little more? I'm not sure why at this point you have to keep counting calories."
