by Ana Layne
“Yeah, fuck you, Garrett. Let’s get this over with.”
“How are your mom and dad?”
He squints at me for a second before gazing at the mat below him. “Dad and I think Mom’s getting worse but she still refuses to go to the hospital. She was throwing up this morning. I was the only one there to take care of her. Dad had an interview somewhere; I really hope he gets it. I’m so scared to lose her, Garrett.”
I take in a deep breath as I reach out to touch his shoulder. I know none of this is easy for him. “Whatever happens, I’m here for you to help anyway I can.”
Awkward silence. My mind wanders back to Raegan. I can’t help but be upset she isn’t here. I wonder if I did something wrong.
Trying not to sound like an idiot, I mumble, “So uh, where’s Raegan?”
Lance’s expression morphs into a childish attempt to make kissy noises at me, before I kick his legs from under him.
“Shit, Garrett. What the hell did you do that for? She came in earlier and was leaving when I got here. Maybe she’s avoiding you.”
“She’s not avoiding me.” I hope she’s not, but it’s the only explanation I can come up with; just the thought of it hurts like hell. I wanted to ask her out on a real date, treat her like the beautiful woman she is. I also want to make her forget about that ex of hers.
Whitney wanders across the gym, looking less than chipper. It’s got to be the pregnancy hormones. This girl has more mood swings than I can keep up with.
“She’s fine, Garrett.” Whitney puts her hands on her hips and does a few stretch exercises. “Give her a damn break.”
“A break from what? What are you not telling me?”
“Nothing. All I’m saying is…chill out. Leave her be.”
Why the hell is everyone against me right now? If I knew her phone number or even where she lived I’d go see her. I need to know I didn’t scare her off.
I regret nothing from last night. If anything, I’d have made more conversation with her at the bar. I’d have told her just how beautiful I think she is, but I didn’t.
Before another thought can hit me, Lance has me pinned to the mat. Fuck. This is why I don’t focus on anything but fighting. This girl who’s barely been around has consumed my thoughts; I can’t think straight. Maybe it’s best to forget she ever came walking in, leaving her mark on me. I should pretend I never saw her, next spoke to her. Never kissed her. But how in the hell can I forget those beautiful blue eyes of hers?
I’m so screwed.
Chapter 11
Raegan
It’s been a miserable week and a half trying to avoid Garrett at Lou’s. I feel horrible; I am terrified he wants nothing to do with me. I don’t know him well enough, so I can’t just tell him everything even though Nancy thought it was a good idea. He’d run away from me. No one wants the girl with daddy issues.
Howard continued to help me train and even set up a few matches outside of our group; no one from the gym was there. I won all of them, and I’ve never been more proud. With each fight, my ribs endured more pain but I sucked it up. I have to if I want to be triumphant, and I intend to. I managed to tuck away at least five hundred dollars in a shoebox in my closet. Maybe a little less once I put aside money for fuel and food. The two Fs is what I like to call them, since I am pretty much fending for myself. No way in hell am I relying on Dad for anything. It isn’t safe.
There’ve been no more run-ins with James and Adryian, and Dad seems to have turned over a new leaf for the time being. I guess seeing your daughter with a black eye changes your perspective on things. He never apologized but he hasn’t put his hands on me since.
Even so, he still talks to me as if I’m lower than dirt. Once or twice he called me names but that was it. Shit, I’ll take that any day compared to the other things he’s done. Once or twice we’ve even held a civil conversation and it broke my heart to see the side of him I missed so much. The side who loved his daughter and would never do anything in this world to hurt her. I saw the man who used to give me piggyback rides around the house, and build forts with me in the living room. I embraced that, enjoying every second. I know he can get better if he tries.
Relief washes over me as I stand in front of the mirror applying my makeup and the bruise barely shows. It fades day by day and I feel confident enough to step outside without any sunglasses. The gym is the only place I feel like going right now and I vow to myself nothing will keep me from training. I can’t be a coward all my life.
No one is here yet but it doesn’t stop me from stretching. My mind races in about fifty different directions, but most of my thoughts involve Garrett. He’s bound to ask where I’ve been; I’m not ready for that yet.
“Whoa, stranger! What’s up, Raegan?”
I turn to see Lance approaching. Thankfully, he doesn’t have Garrett with him. He joins me on the floor but just sits there.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m here.”
“I saw you kick ass the other day. I didn’t even know you were fighting. Howard never mentioned it, I just happened to show up.”
“Oh, really?” I wondered if anyone was asking about me. Whitney texted me every day to check on me, but I couldn’t ask her about Garrett; it would’ve been too awkward.
“Yeah. I don’t know if you heard, but Jack moved. His wife got this amazing job offer she couldn’t turn down in Dallas.” He slowly starts to stretch. “I’ve known him since I was four or five. That’s as long as I’ve known Garrett, too.”
I can feel the heat beginning to radiate from my cheeks. Of course Garrett would come up in conversation. “Oh, wow, that’s a long time,” I say, trying to pretend I’m not that interested.
“Yeah, practically grew up together.” He raises his eyebrow as I stand to walk to the weight benches. “You haven’t been avoiding him, have you?”
“Negative, Lance. Not everything in this universe revolves around him.” I pause, then add, “Why…does he think I’ve been?”
“You two crack me up. Seriously. Raegan, what are you doing tonight?”
“Uh, probably nothing. I think I have a fight tomorrow.” Lifting weights has become one of the easiest things I’ve done. Even with Lance trying to discuss Garrett, focus isn’t an issue.
“Come out tonight with me. Well, not with me, but as friends.”
I hand the bar back to him and sit up trying to catch my breath. “What’s the catch, Lance?”
“No catch, scout’s honor.”
“Fine, I’ll come for a little bit and that’s it.”
“Well, since you already agreed, I should go ahead and tell you I was never a boy scout so that honor shit means nothing to me.” His grin stretches a mile wide and I smack his arm as Howard calls me over.
Whitney gives me a quick hug before I get to Howard. She isn’t quite showing yet but she has the most adorable glow about her. She and Howard are going to be the cutest parents.
“I’m ready to start back with everyone else.”
He embraces me, then looks me in the eye before asking, “Everything at home okay?”
“Actually, yes, knock on wood. I’ve put all my winnings into a shoebox and I’m just waiting until I’m comfortable enough to get out.”
“Raegan, when you walked into here, I wasn’t sure you had what it took to hang around. But you proved me very wrong when you dragged Garrett down. He doesn’t lose. Period. And I guarantee he didn’t just let you do that to him.”
“Thank you for giving me a chance, Howard, it means the world to me. I love this.”
Howard raises an eyebrow and gives me a serious look. “Are you sure?”
“More than anything.”
“I just wanted you to know how great you’re doing. Get back out there and practice with Lance. Don’t hold back on him and he won’t hold back on you.” He pats my shoulder before he walks off. I’m glad he believes in me.
I never thought in a million years I could do anything like this. If I can win and keep winning, I can
still get out of the house like planned. Then Dad and I can work on our relationship, and maybe he’ll get back to his old self.
***
I walk into Joe’s wondering if it’s a good idea I came tonight. The last time I came here was with Garrett, and that night didn’t end anything like I hoped it would have. Spotting Lance is almost too easy. He’s next to the pool table trying to get some girl to show him whether she has a bra on or not. By the look of the blouse she’s wearing I am fairly positive she’s missing her bra. I roll my eyes and punch him in the arm.
“Hey, perv, I made it.”
“You’re killing my game, Raegan!” He chuckles as the girl makes a mad dash away from him. She nearly trips over her stilettos during her great escape and I have to suppress my laughter. He takes the last sip of beer before throwing it in the trash can. “Hey, be a doll and go get me a beer. I have a tab, get yourself something too.”
“What am I? Your bitch?”
“Not at all. What if I say pretty please with a cherry on top?” He has to be drunk; if not, he’s got a buzz. His face should be aching with how humongous his smile is.
“Whatever.” I stalk toward the bar and order a beer for him, and a panty dropper for myself. At least I know to take it easy this time.
“Well, well look who it is. Long time no see.”
I turn to see Garrett standing beside me wearing a shirt that is so tight it should be a crime. The sip I take is bigger than I intend and I find myself almost choking right there in front of the bar. His grin is quite seductive and it feels like a million jolts of electricity are shooting through me. Damn him and his sexy self.
“Uh, hey.” Son of a bitch. This is why Lance sent me over here. He set me up. I have to give him props though, I was blindsided.
Before he can say anything else, a blonde steps up beside him and begins running her hand down his chest to, practically grabbing for his dick. My eyes widen and my heart crumbles inside my chest. Just the sight of this makes me feel rejected and jealous at the same time, although I’m not sure why since we’re not together. I practically inhale my drink and order a second. So much for taking it slow. Lance is paying for this one.
I’m surprised to see Garrett move the girl’s hand and push her away. I block her out; if I don’t, I’ll vomit, and not from the alcohol.
He reaches out and puts his hand on mine. “Hey, slow down, you’re practically chugging that. You’re going to get sick.”
I shoot him an icy glare. “Don’t tell me what to do. Why don’t you go find your friend? No need to turn her away because of me.”
“Who are you here with?” The look on his face near breaks my heart. A twinge of jealousy shows in his eyes. At least I’m not the only one with that dreadful feeling. “The guy you talked to at the fight last week?”
“Um, no. I told you he’s my ex. Not that it’s any of your business. I came to meet Lance. He invited me. This is his beer, I should get it to him.”
“Wait.” He reaches out one more time and I feel a whole new jolt of electricity run through me. “Where have you been?”
The concern in his eyes makes me want to tell him, but I don’t. “I’ve just been training early but I’ve started back with everyone. Don’t act like you missed me,” I tease.
“Think what you want, Raegan.” He turns to the bartender and orders a shot.
“I’m fighting again. I have to be back in the ring.”
“What did you just say?” He tosses back the drink and slams the glass on the bar.
“You heard me.”
“Don’t do it, Raegan. Please. I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“That’s sweet that you care, but you don’t have to. I’ll be fine. Case closed. I’m bringing Lance his beer.”
He ordered himself another shot and then a beer, and followed me around like a lost puppy. Lance was trying to work his magic on another unsuspecting girl. Once again, I ruined his attempt when I placed my hand on his chest and purred, “Hey, babe, here’s your beer.”
If his looks could kill, I’d be dead. I thought it was hilarious.
Chapter 12
Garrett
I’ve thrown back five shots tonight ever since Raegan told me she was fighting again. I worry like hell about her and I can’t help it.
“Hey, Lance, did Raegan tell you what she’s going to do?” She shoots me an icy glare but I don’t give a shit right now. I want to pull her into my arms and beg her not to do it, but I don’t need her hating me.
“No, but I know what she’s doing tonight. She’s fucking cock-blocking me. Take her somewhere.” When she scowls, he adds, “I’m kidding, Raegan, I love you.”
“She’s going to keep fighting.”
Lance’s eyes grow wide and he throws his hands in the air. “Shit yeah, Raegan! I know you haven’t stopped but I’m totally cheering you on!” She meets his hand for a high five and this time, I scowl. These two are impossible. Lance spots one of the women from earlier, and he grins then tells us goodbye as he wanders off to try and master what he came here for.
That leaves Raegan and I alone and as elated as I am, I don’t think she is. She stopped drinking earlier but I found it humorous she drank the panty dropper again. The thoughts of the first time we were in here crosses my mind and I have to readjust myself so she won’t notice anything. If I could I would go back to that night and things would have gone much differently. No way would she have left my apartment and then disappeared.
“Raegan.” As soon as I say her name she looks at me with those blue eyes and for a split second I almost forget I’m upset with her. “I’m sorry, I know it’s not my business but I just…I do care about you. I know you find that hard to believe, and I’m sorry you had to see what you saw earlier with that girl. I didn’t know she was going to walk up and grab me in front of you. That was the old me. I’m not that guy, Raegan.” I run my hand through my hair and wanting to scream out of frustration. Instead I let out a heavy breath. “Look, I will fully support you but if anything happens to you, I swear…”
She places her hand in mine and gives me a meager grin. “Garrett, please, I’ll be okay I promise. You don’t have to worry about me. Look, I think I’m about to go. I’m tired. I told Lance I was only coming for a little bit anyway.”
“Come somewhere with me.”
She looks like she wants to say yes. “I have my truck here. I can’t leave it, Garrett.”
Lance brought me here, and I admit he was a complete genius with this plan to get Raegan alone with me. I ended up spilling my guts to him two days after she came home with me. I thought she left the gym entirely and I was crushed. I told him I couldn’t stop thinking about her no matter what I tried, and how my entire world seemed to stop once she walked into the room. He mocked me before finally admitting he understood where I was coming from. I’m not ready to leave her yet.
“I rode with Lance. Just trust me, okay?”
She looks pissed and when she realizes her hand is still in mine, she tries to move it away. One small squeeze of reassurance is all it takes and she keeps her hand in place while my heart gently flutters. What is this girl doing to me?
“Where are we going?” she asks as she starts her truck, turning down the radio.
“Go to the park up the road.” She doesn’t ask any questions, she just drives there. Her face in the moonlight is enough to take my breath away. “You’re so beautiful, Raegan.”
Shit, I embarrassed her. She turns her head away and whispers a thank you. I step out of the truck and open her door for her. She places her hand in mine as we walk to a bench that faces the perfect spot to see the stars.
“I wasn’t trying to embarrass you,” I assure her. “I’ve wanted to tell you that since I first saw you.”
She’s doesn’t say a word, hasn’t faced me yet. But I couldn’t wait one more minute or one more second without telling her. I’m panicking; I must’ve screwed up. Why isn’t she answering me? Unable to stop myself, I start r
ambling.
“You know, it killed me when you didn’t come back to the gym. I…I thought you left for good. Please tell me you weren’t avoiding me, Raegan. I was going to ask you out on a date that day and you never showed up. Please tell me it’s nothing I did.”
“You wanted to ask me out? I thought you didn’t date.” She appears confused by my confession.
“Things change, Raegan. I was going to ask you and I still want to.” I want to hang my head in defeat because I realize I sound like an idiot. She touches my face and stares deep into my eyes.
“That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” She brings her lips to mine and this kiss is far more amazing than our first. I crush my lips against hers, taking her in. She’s completely intoxicating and I want more.
She pulls away, meeting my gaze, but before she can say a word, I plead, “Don’t fight anymore, Raegan.”
“I have to.”
As much as I want her to elaborate, I don’t push it. The pain in her eyes is intense and I find myself stroking the side of her soft face with my hand, trying to offer some sort of comfort.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me. This is my choice.” Her voice is so soft and quiet, I barely hear her.
“I just want to help you.”
“Only I can help me, Garrett. I’m sorry.”
I stare up at the stars hoping for some sort of sign. Just then, a shooting star crosses the dark expanse.
“Did you see that, Raegan?”
She grins. “I did! I already made my wish, did you?”
The fire in her blue eyes burns tiny little holes in my soul. Her intensity takes me off guard.
“Of course I did.”
“Well, what was it?”
“I can’t tell you. If I do, it won’t come true.”
She walks over to a tree and leans against it, continuing to gaze up at the stars. Slowly, I make my way over to her and stop right in front of her. I raise my hand to stroke her porcelain face and gently bring her lips to mine. She doesn’t resist me. She crushes her lips to mine. The sweet taste of her lips causes a growl deep in my throat. I entangle my fingers in her hair and she lets out a soft moan before wrapping her arms around my back, and sliding her hands under my shirt. My flesh crawls with anticipation.
