by Gina Gordon
She had to pull it together. And quickly.
Neil returned and wiped her breasts with a wet towel, the heat from the water a welcome sensation. For as demanding as he was, this side of him, this tenderness, was unexpected. He wiped her clean and then dried her off with a towel. He reached for the her T-shirt and bra hanging on the shelving unit. She barely remembered removing it, let alone it being suspended in mid-air behind her.
When she was clothed, he drew her in closer and kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She sighed. “But do you think we can get out of here. I’m freezing.”
“Of course.” He picked up her hard hat and plunked it down on her head, then opened the fridge door. He took a peek outside to make sure the coast was clear before they stepped out. Even with the air conditioner going, the kitchen was considerably warmer than the walk-in.
She moved away but his hand remained clasped with hers, preventing her from leaving.
“What are you doing tonight?”
His question surprised her. They had agreed to sex, not spending time together. Although she wasn’t going to complain.
Sex with Neil had been as exciting as the racing scene.
“Are you trying to be proactive? Anticipate needing a quickie later on?” She smirked.
“Actually, I thought maybe we could…”
She held her breath, afraid that the words he was going to say wouldn’t match the words she hoped he’d say. He sighed and kicked at the floor. “The truth is, I don’t do well when I’m alone. My brain doesn’t settle and I end up doing stupid things.”
She exhaled slowly. So he’d rather spend time with her than be alone. She wasn’t sure if it was a compliment but she’d take it. It was better than him racing. It was better than adding another person’s life on her conscience.
Plus she couldn’t deny the fringe benefits of keeping Neil’s body preoccupied.
“Actually, I have a standing date on Wednesday nights.”
He frowned. “Date?”
“Not a date exactly, just a thing I do a few times a week.” She didn’t have much spare time and preferred to ease her work stress in the boxing ring. It had certainly been her saving grace many times. Maybe it could be the perfect alternative for Neil as well. He needed physical exertion in order to keep his brain settled. They could both benefit from some time in the ring. “You could come with me.”
His eyebrow lifted in curiosity. “And what exactly would we be doing?”
“What if I wanted it to be a surprise?”
“Uh…”
“You don’t like not being in control, do you?”
“I hate it.” She could almost hear the unspoken duh. “It’s what my brothers love most about me.” He smiled. She got the hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“Well how about you try, just once, and let me be in control?”
He hesitated.
“Look, I’m not going to say trust me, but will you at least understand that I know exactly what you mean when you say you don’t do well by yourself and there are things that you can do to help that.”
A childlike grin spread across his face. “You mean we’re going to have more of the sex?”
She laughed. “No, not this time. But it is physical. And I figured since we spar so well we should take it to the next level.”
He gave her a curious stare but he conceded. “What time should I be ready?”
…
As if asking Carson what her plan for the evening wasn’t weird enough, giving her free reign to make the plan was even more ludicrous.
She asked him to pack a bag. A bag with a change of clothes and some running shoes. He had no idea what he’d just gotten himself into and when they rode up to the brown-brick building, he couldn’t believe his eyes. A boxing studio. She had taken him to a boxing studio.
They parked their bikes side by side to the left of the front door. There weren’t very many cars in the parking lot, which was probably a good thing since he’d never boxed a day in his life. He didn’t like being made a fool of, especially in front of a woman, even more importantly in front of Carson. He had done his best to be King of the Castle, professionally, and in the bedroom. But now, this might change her entire perception of him. And he didn’t know how that was going to play into the rest of their deal.
“So, you box?”
She shrugged. “When I have time.”
“And here I was filling all of my idle time with random women and sex when I could have been boxing all along.”
“Don’t be sarcastic.” She flipped her hair to one side. “Five minutes in that ring and you’ll be wondering why you never thought of this yourself.”
He groaned. “I think we should just stick with our original plan. You have a bed at your place. I think we should use it.”
“Are you afraid?” She leaned over and rested her arm on the front of her bike. Had the truth had settled in his eyes? “You’re afraid.”
“I’m not afraid.” His voice was just a little too high for his liking. He cleared his throat. “This just wasn’t a part of our deal.”
“Well, I’m going in. I’m here three times a week and sorry, but you’re not going to interfere with my workout.”
She unhooked her bag from the back of her bike. “Are you going to wait here or will I see you tomorrow?”
She played a hard game. Neil didn’t want to admit that he wanted to spend time with her.
“Actually, I’m curious to see you in action. I’m sure you fight like a girl.”
She cocked her hip and shot him a dirty look, then gestured to the front door. “Let’s go, hotshot.”
Carson led the way into Kick Box, nodding to almost everyone in the place. She really did come here three times a week. He knew how hard she worked. Factor in that and all the time she spent here, she really didn’t have time to date. Which was fine with him. He wasn’t in the mood for competition.
After signing him in as a guest, Carson showed him to the men’s locker room where he changed into his black basketball shorts and red T-shirt.
When he wandered into the studio, she was already changed, her hands jabbing at the speed bag.
Damn she looked sexy. In black short-shorts and a black tank top, her breasts were hugged in and slightly up, the barely noticeable cleavage was just enough to get his mind thinking of all the times he nibbled and sucked on them. Of how just a few hours earlier he had come all over them.
“Harrison? You in or out?”
He walked over to where she stood with another man, older, fifty maybe, a light sheen of sweat covered his skin.
“Neil, this is Arty.” She pointed at the old man. “He’s going to give you a few lessons while I’m in the ring.”
Neil held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Arty. I’ve boxed before, so don’t take it easy on me.” He was strong and athletic. How hard could it be?
“I never do.” He smiled and patted Carson on the bottom.
Neil suppressed a growl. He didn’t like anyone touching that bottom, even if it was by a man who could be her father. But more importantly, he didn’t like the overwhelming feeling of possession that took over the moment the old man’s hands touched her body.
“Get in there, kid. Bobby’s been waiting all week for revenge.”
Neil chuckled. “How cute that you both have boy names.”
“Bobby is a boy, and I don’t have a boy name.” She jabbed at his chest. “It’s unisex.”
“A boy?” He recoiled. “You’re fighting a guy?” Neil shot a look at Arty. “That can’t be legal.”
“It has nothing to do with being legal. I fight girls and guys. It’s the best way to train.”
“No way.” He grabbed her arm to keep her from walking away.
She jerked her away. “Excuse me, but I’ve only been doing this for five years.”
There was no way he could let her step in that ring. Not on his watch. “You’ll get
hurt.”
Her mouth dropped open and she hesitated before she spoke. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear you say that. Arty?” She looked over at the old man. “Make sure he suffers.”
The old man smiled, a bit too wide. “Will do, kid.”
Carson raced across the studio and jumped up to the ring. She touched gloves with a stalky dude—Bobby—and then took her corner.
Neil turned to Arty. “You let her fight men?”
“I don’t allow her to do anything. I learned the very first day Carson set foot in my studio that she didn’t take orders. She’s one of my best students.” Arty clapped Neil on the shoulder. “Now let’s go to the punching bag and get you warmed up.”
He directed him to the opposite end of the gym, held tight a black bag and barked out his direction. “Let’s start with some right jabs. A nice steady pace.”
Neil jabbed at the bag but watched Carson out of the corner of his eye.
“Left hand up. Protect your face.”
The bell had rung and she danced in the middle of the ring with the lady hitter.
“Give me some left jabs.”
Neil switched hands, his left now hitting in a steady rhythm.
“Protect your face.” Arty grabbed his fist and lifted his hand until it was parallel to his nose.
Up in the ring, Bobby took a right swing and connected with Carson’s face. Her head shot back and he saw the flash of purple in her mouth. The guy almost knocked out her mouth guard. Son of a…
“The bag is over here.” Arty pounded on it. “This is where you should be looking.”
Arty smirked when Neil turned his attention back to the bag. He nodded and jabbed a little harder.
“Give me a combination. Left, right. Jab, jab. Left, right. Jab, jab.”
Neil followed the instructions but when the cat-calls near the ring made their way over his eyes darted to the ring.
Carson must have gotten a good shot because she frolicked around the ring. But Bobby stalked her from behind and without knowing it was coming, he hooked her right in the back of the ribs.
Carson buckled, grabbing at her back. Neil cursed and flew over to the ring. With a running jump his foot landed on the mat and he pulled himself up with the ropes. He slid between the top two and got right in between Carson and the pathetic excuse for a man.
“You get off on hitting girls, asshole?” He jabbed at the lady hitter’s chest. “You get off on hitting below the belt?”
“Neil, it’s all right.” Carson removed her mouth guard and tugged at his arm.
“All’s fair in love and boxing, man.” Bobby’s words were muffled from between his mouth guard. “If she can’t take the heat she better get out of the ring.”
Neil shoved the guy, getting right in his face, but Carson got between them.
“Our fight’s over, Bobby. We can settle this next week.”
She wasn’t impressed with his behavior but he couldn’t stand by and watch her get hurt. Couldn’t she find a less dangerous sport? Something with less of a risk of concussion.
She pushed him away from the scene and they stepped down onto the mats.
“Your boyfriend might have saved you today but he won’t be here every week,”
Bobby shouted from the ring. “You better make sure you’re ready to fight.”
“Who let’s douches like that become members?” Neil asked.
Carson led him into the corner of the studio where there was less of a crowd. Before he had the chance to turn around and face her he was pushed hard face-first into the wall. “Just what in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He turned and held up his hands in defense. “I saw him attack you from behind.”
“Yes, that was a low blow but I can handle myself.” She ripped off her gloves and headguard, and one finger attacked his chest. “You just set me back weeks with that asshole. Now he thinks I need a boyfriend to save me.”
“I think you do need a boyfriend to save you.” He shook his head. “You shouldn’t be doing this.”
He had no idea why he was so protective. He had no right.
“I already have one man in my life who likes to tell me what to do. I don’t need you adding to that so let’s get one thing very clear.” She poked him again in the chest, her tiny finger stabbing him. “I don’t need a boyfriend, I don’t need any man coming to my rescue.”
“Fine, you may be able to handle that guy but what if a dude like me walks in and wants to spar. What if a man my size wanted to get in the ring with you?”
“And?” She tossed her head. “Are you saying that I can’t take you?”
He laughed. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Silly girl. She had no chance.
She growled and shoved her gloves back onto her hands. “Hit me.”
“You’re insane.” He backed away but was stopped by the wall. “I’m not hitting you.”
“Hit me.” Her hands protected her face. She was in fighting stance, just waiting for him to take a shot. “Hit. Me.”
“I think you’ve been hit in the head too many times because you’re nuts if you think I’m going to hit you.”
A few pairs of eyes now focused on their exchange in the corner instead of the fight going on in the ring.
She dropped her hands. Thank Christ. Could they go home now?
“Let’s pretend there is a man out there that I can’t fight, believe me when I say I am smart enough to know my limits and I wouldn’t get in the ring with anyone that could pose a potential problem. Besides, this is all for casual competition. These aren’t real fights.” She brought her hands up to her face again. “So, hit me.”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Hit me,” she growled.
“No.”
“Hit me.” Her voice was even louder.
This time, before Neil had the chance to get out the two letter word, her right fist came hurling toward his face and made contact.
She’d hit him. A heavy jab right to his nose.
“Fuck me.” He screamed, his hands immediately coming up to cover his face.
It burned and his nose throbbed. He peeked through his fingers and Carson just stood there. With the blurred vision it was a little hard to confirm, but Neil was sure a satisfied smile spread across her face.
“Should have protected your face,” Arty said as he walked by.
“Thanks,” he mumbled between his fingers.
He’d never met a woman who worked so hard to not impress him. It was refreshing. Most women would do whatever he wanted. But with Carson, she tested him right back. Sucker punching him in the face, the perfect example. She didn’t care if she was sweaty, or banged up. She didn’t care what Neil thought. She was who she was and made no excuses. Neil was still coming to terms with the man he was. The man he was waiting to become—his father. It was only a matter of time. No amount of love that Vivian Madewood could have given him would override the douchebag gene that lay dormant, waiting for its moment to shine.
That’s why he would never have a serious relationship.
“I can’t believe you just sucker punched me.” He groaned. His nose hurt something fierce.
She stood back, her arms folded across her chest, an indifferent look on her face. “You asked for it and I told you, I don’t need someone to rescue me. I knocked you in the face pretty good. Now imagine if I was actually trying.”
Neil dropped his hands and shot her an incredulous look. “Not even trying?”
“I am partial to that pretty face so I didn’t want to mess it up too much.” She smiled and pulled off her gloves.
Neil shook his head. “You really are a ballbuster.”
“So they tell me.” She wrapped her arm around his body. “Come on, let’s get you some ice for that nose.”
Was he a loser if he admitted he didn’t want the evening to end? Would she be happy to know that the entire time they spent in that gym he hadn’t thought about his bike, or racing or his n
eed for release once?
Hell, even the punch had been entertaining. Somewhat.
They worked out for an hour more, Neil refusing to get in the ring no matter how hard she begged. Would she beg like that in the bedroom? Neil made the decision to test that theory as soon as possible.
…
When they were showered and in their regular clothes, Neil walked Carson out into the night air. The sound of cars passing by filled the streets. The light above the building flickered, about to go out.
Carson approached her bike and secured her bag on the back.
“Where to?” he asked.
She looked up and she smiled. And the smile hit him straight in the gut.
“Let’s go for a ride,” she said. “I know some cool places to bike around here.”
She shoved on her helmet, zipped up her leather jacket and slipped on her gloves. It was extremely hot watching a woman gear up to ride. Why hadn’t he ever considered dating a woman with a bike before? Maybe because all the women who want a piece of you are prissy, rich heiresses or gold-diggers who want to get their hands on the Madewood fortune.
When had he become so jaded?
Carson lifted her leg and straddled the seat. Hot. Maybe the reason why he never dated a woman who rode was because he’d never let her leave his house. This woman kicked up his libido to uncomfortable levels.
He followed behind her, and put on his helmet, but when he went to mount his bike, she stopped him.
She patted the space behind her.
“I have my own bike here.”
“Yes, but you won’t be riding it.”
“I’m not racing. I get to ride my bike.” Heat made its way up his neck and settled in his cheeks.
“Look at you, all rage-y.” She eyed him, her gaze travelling up and down his body. “Did we not let off enough steam with the punching bag?”
Neil stood strong and crossed his arms over his chest. “We should be clear. I’m never a passenger.”
She clucked her tongue. “Don’t be such a baby.”
Carson kicked the bike to a start and pulled the throttle then looked over her shoulder. “Unless you want this night to end, you’ll hop on, Harrison.” She cocked her head, inviting him over. “I won’t bite.”
Neil laughed low in his throat. “You better cover up that neck, honey because I just might.”
