“One last kiss,” I breathe as my lips hover over hers.
“Yes,” her hands run delicately up my back.
A shiver shoots up my spine at her touch; my pulse is racing, and my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest. My right hand gingerly cradles the nape of her neck while I pull her into me with my left. I kiss her lustfully, not wanting to ever let her go. I’m completely lost in her.
“Ahem,” I hear from behind us, not knowing how much time has passed.
I try to ignore it, hoping the interruption isn’t intended for us.
“Ahem,” I hear again, but this time it’s louder. Breaking my lips away from Salem’s, I grumble, “What?”
“I wanna go.” Ah, Jase.
“Okay, okay,” my gaze never leaves Salem as I respond to Jase.
Salem rests her head on my chest, and I stand there relishing the moment, hoping it will never end. My body then begins to tremble at the realization that this will be the last time I’ll be able to kiss or hold her.
“Gabriel, are you alright?”
“What happened between us,” I try to swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat, “it meant something to me.”
“It meant something to me, too,” she’s says softly.
Slowly, I break our embrace and take a step away from her saying, “Bye, Salem.” Then Jase and I begin to walk in the opposite direction of her car.
“Gabriel!”
I quickly turn toward her, hoping she’ll beg me to stay or that she’s changed her mind and she does want to fight for us.
“Thank you,” is all she says. She quickly ducks into her car and speeds off.
I’m left standing there as her taillights disappear down the street.
“You alright, Gabe?” Jase pats me on the back.
“I’ll be fine, little bro, just like I always am,” I clench my jaw tightly as I fight the urge to punch something.
I would like to thank my husband, Frank, for being my rock throughout the years. My three children: Zakary, Shane, and Leila, who inspire me to keep pushing myself. My loyal friends, old and new, who have been there for me through thick and thin. Keri, my kickass editor, who was probably ready to drive up to Massachusetts and strangle me on more than one occasion. Adrian Vega and Tina Kane, my two gorgeous cover models. David Blazze, the amazing photographer who shot the cover, and Todd LeMieux, the graphic designer who created the cover.
To the Beta readers, thank you for your time and input. Big thanks to my three Spanish aficionados: Marilyn, Yoly, and Geo. You know this white girl can only say, “Hola.”
To all the bloggers who have supported and promoted me this past year, you guys ROCK!
Lastly, to my readers, thank you for all of your love and support. I truly appreciate every comment, review, and kind word you’ve said.
Turn the page for a preview of
GOING THE DISTANCE
Down for the Count Series Book #2
By Christa Cervone
Over the last three months, I’ve finally regained my regular routine. My training had come to a screeching halt when I injured my hands, and it took nearly two months for them to heal to the point where I was able to start training again. Jase’s recovery seems to be going great from what I can see. We’ve been attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings together at a local church on Wednesday nights. They’ve been a tremendous help to both of us: For him, listening to other addicts speak about how they’ve overcome or are still struggling with their addictions, and for me, hearing about how family members of addicts deal with their addictions and recoveries.
Judge Ferriter managed to keep Jase out of jail. He was able to make a deal with the District Attorney for Jase to complete three hundred hours of community service. Everything is finally falling into place for Jase. His whole demeanor has changed, thanks to the counseling provided to him as part of his rehab. They’ve taught him ways to deal with his feelings rather than finding escape through drugs. His eyes are no longer tormented and full of pain because the inner turmoil has been replaced with contentment and happiness. He even looks like a new person since putting on close to fifteen pounds. The weight makes him look healthy, no longer skin and bones. It’s great to see him getting back on his feet.
Adrian has fallen in love with one of the sailor girls from Shikago’s, but I’m still not sure which one since I can’t tell them apart. He moved out of our apartment and in with her about a month ago. I haven’t heard much from him, but Jase now has his own bedroom at my place. Money is definitely tight with Adrian no longer paying half the rent and Jase isn’t making any money yet. Luckily, I’ve been able to make ends meet by giving private training sessions along with the women’s kickboxing class I teach three times a week at TKO.
I haven’t seen or heard from Salem since the night we said goodbye. I’ve done my best to try to forget her, even going so far as to take the same girl out on a couple of dates, which is a first for me. Ultimately, things didn’t work out between us. She wanted to spend every waking moment together and I could barely tolerate her.
Needless to say, I’m now back to my man-whoring ways, having numerous one night stands on a weekly basis. I’ve even managed to get Jase a piece of ass a couple of nights so he doesn’t feel so lonely.
Though Salem is no longer in my life, she’s never far from my mind, especially at night when I find myself longing for her touch. Many nights, I’ve woken in a cold sweat thinking she’s lying next to me, only to realize it’s just another dream and some random chick is there instead.
I’ve attempted to text Salem a million and one messages only to delete them before I hit “Send,” knowing it’s the best thing for both of us. Only Jase knows the real truth, and he’s sworn never to tell anyone. Both Jimmy and Frankie have questioned me on several different occasions and I’ve just blown them off, but I know deep down that Frankie still suspects something.
“What’s all the commotion?” I wonder out loud as I approach Jimmy and the kids, who are all huddled up. They open the circle to let me in.
“Jimmy proposed,” Stephannie squeals. She’s in the middle surrounded by all the kids. “He was so romantic, Saint,” she gushes, “he took me to Fowler’s Bridge and hung a padlock on the rail that has our initials and today’s date on it!”
I watch as Stephannie stares adoringly at Jimmy.
“Wow! Fowler’s Bridge, Jimmy? You really pulled out all the stops!” Fowler’s Bridge is an old, abandoned bridge near the train tracks a few towns over. It’s covered with padlocks that have couples’ initials on them. It’s kind of a way to declare your love and commitment. I’ve never been there myself, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing sight to see.
Jimmy just looks at me with a huge grin on his face.
“Congrats, man! You’re finally going to make an honest woman out of her,” I joke, shaking his hand. “Congratulations, Steph!” I say as I kiss her on the cheek.
“Can you believe it?” she beams, staring down at the ring on her left hand. “We have so much planning to do,” she breaks out of the group and runs to the door.
“Steph, where the hell are you goin’?” Jimmy’s left standing with the rest of us.
“I’m going to the store to get some bridal magazines!”
“Oh dude, you’re so screwed,” I laugh.
“I know!” a dopey smile is stamped on his mug.
She runs back toward us. “I love you, Jimmy,” she kisses him and runs off again.
“What did I just do?”
“I’m not quite sure. But I think for the next year of your life, you’re gonna be knee-deep in wedding plans.”
“We haven’t even set a date yet,” he sighs.
“Ha! Have you told Steph that?” I can’t help but laugh. “Let her get the magazines. You know what they say, ‘A happy wife, means a happy life.’”
Jimmy smiles, “Ain’t that the truth, and we’re not even married yet.”
“You wanna spar?”
&
nbsp; “Do you even have to ask?”
It’s been a while since Jimmy and I’ve gotten in the ring together because all my free time has gone to either TKO or Jase. I’ve actually missed sparring with him.
“Come on, let’s get our stuff,” Jimmy motions towards the locker room.
“Where’s Frankie?” I notice he’s not in his office when we pass by.
“I’m not sure. He called me and asked if I could come by the gym to hang with the kids for a little while. When I got here, he flew out the door. I didn’t even have time to tell him about Steph and me.”
“Huh, that’s not like Frankie.”
“I know, I’m beginning to worry about him,” Jimmy’s forehead is wrinkled with worry.
“Yeah, me too.” I’m beginning to wonder if Frankie’s having financial troubles. Every time I see him in his office, he’s looking over the books and plugging numbers into his adding machine.
“Do you know something you’re not telling me, Saint?”
“Nah, man, but I wish I did. I’ll do anything I can to help Frankie, you know that.”
We get in the ring as the kids gather around. They love watching us spar; their eyes huge in amazement as Jimmy and I do our thing.
“You gonna have one of them someday?” I ask him, as I motion with my head down to the kids.
“Yeah… someday,” he looks at them, “but not anytime soon.”
“Don’t wait too long. You don’t wanna be an old man when you have kids.”
“Ha, ha, ha. Old man?”
“Yeah, an old man with old balls,” one of the kids yells from the side of the ring. All the other kids begin to laugh.
“It’s good to see you two together again,” Frankie calls out from his office doorway. He must’ve slipped in while we were goin’ at it.
We stop sparring.
“You’re never gonna believe what Jimmy did today, Frankie.”
“Oh, I can just imagine,” Frankie rolls his eyes.
“I’m gonna let him tell you.”
Frankie walks towards the ring. “What did ya do, Jimmy? Buy a motorcycle like this knucklehead?”
“Worse,” I stifle my laugh.
“Oh Christ, Jimmy, what did you do?”
“I proposed to Steph today,” he’s grinning from ear to ear.
“You did?” Frankie smiles. “Well, that’s great, kid. She’s a great girl. But remember, you know you don’t have to rush into anything now. You got your whole lives ahead of you.”
Stephannie bursts through the door, “Jimmy, I can’t wait for you to see these!” She fans the magazines in front of her face.
“You spoke too soon, Frankie.”
“Stephannie, congratulations!” Frankie hugs her. “Not sure why you’re marrying that bozo though,” he teases.
“Thanks, Frankie,” she smiles, looking up at Jimmy.
“My boys are all grown up,” Frankie gets in the ring with us. “I know I don’t tell you this very often, but I am really proud of you both,” he slings his arm over each of our shoulders. “And now, to see one of you getting married…” he starts to get choked up.
“Frankie, are you crying?”
He pulls a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes his eyes. “Don’t be silly, kid,” he dismisses, “I’ve just got somethin’ in my eye.” He quickly turns his back to us.
“So Saint, how are things going at TKO?” Jimmy asks.
“Not too bad, actually. I’ve been giving some private boxing lessons as well as the women’s kickboxing class.”
“Any hot pieces of ass in your classes?” Jimmy whispers quietly so Stephannie can’t hear him.
“There are a few,” I wink at him.
“And what about the Gingah?”
“Who?” I try to play it off like I can’t remember who he’s talking about.
“Don’t play that game with me, Saint. You never forget a pretty face or a nice ass and that chick had both.”
“Oh, you mean Blaine’s girl? Nah, I haven’t seen her since…” I try to make it sound convincing, like I don’t think about her every single day that passes, “the night of my fight, when she showed up at the club.”
“Oh Christ, that could’ve been a disaster,” Jimmy moans.
“No shit. Now do you understand why I did what I did?”
“Totally. So you haven’t seen her since then? Wow dude, you had such a hard-on for her that I figured you would’ve put the moves on her that night.”
“And take advantage of a distraught girl?”
“Hey, you have a way about you. I’m sure you could’ve had her beggin’ for it. Or maybe she was, and you’re just not telling,” Jimmy smirks at me, trying to see what kind of reaction he can get out of me.
I stay completely unreadable. “Sorry dude, nothing exciting happened. We went for a drive and then I brought her home.”
“No road head?”
“Nope. Strictly PG.”
“Aw man, I live through your sexcapades. I thought, for sure, there’d be a good one attached to that chick.”
“I guess you’ll have to go create some sexcapades of your own, with your fiancée.”
With a huge shit-eating grin, Jimmy answers, “That’s a great idea! I may get some road head just ‘cause I finally popped the question.”
“Get the hell outta here,” I push him towards the ropes, “go make love to your woman.”
His head quickly spins back towards me, “What did you just say?”
“What?” I ask, confused.
“You just said, ‘make love.’”
“Yeah, so?”
“In all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never said that,” he looks at me like I have two heads.
“I’m pretty sure I have,” I argue.
“I’d bet you a million bucks, if I could prove it.” He takes off his gloves, headgear, and wraps.
“Yeah and if you had a million bucks,” I laugh. “Go home, I’ll take care of putting away your gear,” I turn my back to him.
“Let’s go, the future Mrs. Santoro.” Jimmy kisses Stephannie on the cheek and she squeals at his words as they walk out of the gym holding hands.
I shake my head at the two of them, trying to push the jealousy out of my skull. But, I guess jealousy isn’t really the right word, I’m more envious of Jimmy and Steph. I’d never wanted a relationship with anyone, until Salem, and I know now that can never happen. It’d just be nice to have what they have.
“Kid?” Frankie says behind me.
I jump, “Huh?”
“I said, ‘How’s Jason?’”
“Jase is doing great. He really likes working for Chris at the clinic, and I’m hoping he’ll be able to keep him on permanently. But that all depends on the grant Chris is hoping will come through. His community service is almost done, though. I think he only has a week or two more to go.”
“I’m sure between Chris, Judge Ferriter, and myself, we can find him a janitorial position somewhere if Chris can’t afford to keep him on.”
“You think?”
“Absolutely,” Frankie sounds certain.
“That’ll be great for his self-esteem; earning his own money instead of getting welfare and food stamps. He’s so embarrassed by it.”
“Embarrassed by what? Because he needs help?”
“That’s what I say to him but he doesn’t wanna hear it.”
“He’s being ridiculous,” Frankie waves his hand at me. “That’s what assistance is there for, to help those that are trying to better themselves.”
“Frankie, it’s like beating a dead horse, you don’t have to tell me.”
“And everything’s going good at Blaine’s?”
“Yeah, everything’s great. I’m getting more and more private sessions booked, and the kickboxing class is actually pretty fun to teach.”
Frankie laughs, “Oh, I can just imagine, you must be in heaven.”
“I’ve gotten a coupla phone numbers,” I throw in on the sly.
“No, they feel great. I’ve been stretching them before I train or put on my gloves.”
“Let me see ‘em,” he tugs on one of my gloves.
“They’re fine, Frankie,” I insist, pulling my glove away from him.
“Gabriel, will you show me your goddamn hands?” he says through gritted teeth.
“Fine,” I huff loudly, giving in to him.
He slides one glove off and then the other while I start to unlace the wraps that are covering my knuckles. After a brief inspection of my hands, Frankie lets me go. “You’re lucky they healed,” he warns, “you could’ve ended your career with that little stunt.”
Here we go with another lecture. I stretch my neck from the left to the right, trying to get the stress kinks out. How does he go from being so proud of me to lecturing me about the lousy decision I made over three months ago? I’ve heard this same talk at least a dozen times now.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I walk away.
“Don’t forget, I’m meeting you at TKO tonight!” Frankie hollers after me as I head into the locker room.
I just wave my hand in response.
On the Ropes Page 26
