Low Blow (Shots On Goal Standalone Series Book 4)

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  “That’s exciting.”

  “Do you want to come? I could get you and Shaw tickets for the fight.”

  She bit her lip. “I have never been to a boxing match before.”

  “Then you’re definitely coming. I really won’t take no for an answer.”

  She pursed her lips. “Sounds good to me.”

  “I know it’s a bit of a hike. I can get you guys a hotel room close to the arena so you don’t have to drive back late.”

  She chewed on her lip. “I have Otis, and I can’t leave him for that long, but thank you.”

  My phone started ringing. “Nope,” I said under my breath as I rejected the call from Omar.

  “Do you need to get that?” She pulled away from me.

  I shook my head. “It’s just my coach. He knows I am going to be in late. He’s just trying to bust my balls some more.”

  She held out her hand. “Gimme.”

  I put my phone in her hand, she dialed a number, and then her phone started vibrating on the nightstand next to her.

  “Now we have each other’s numbers.” Otis started whimpering on the other side of the closed bedroom door. “Gah.” Olive trudged over, letting her dog into the room.

  The giant pup hopped into the bed, lying down right in the middle next to me. He stared at me as I sat there, not knowing what to do. “Does this mean he likes me?”

  Liv pulled a pair of jeans out of her drawer then looked over her shoulder. “He’s making sure he is between us. He gets possessive when there is a guy close to me that he doesn’t know. He would have wedged himself between us all night if I had let him in here.”

  “Gotcha.” I stretched and then grabbed my pants from the floor. “I guess I should head out and let you start your day.”

  She bounced over to me, wrapping her arms around me. “Is it bad that I don’t want to let you leave?”

  “Not in the slightest, because I am dreading riding away from you.” I rested my head on hers as she pressed her ear against my chest.

  “At least I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Exactly.”

  Chapter 13

  Olive

  Early morning light was peeking through the open garage door. Otis was chomping on a rawhide bone next to me. It was my favorite time of the day to work, the world just seemed so peaceful in those fleeting waking hours. As I started to take a shot alternator out of a Silverado, Shaw made his way down the stairs into the shop.

  “So?” He leaned against the truck, yawning as I cursed at the stubborn bolts. “How’d it go with Griffin?”

  I grabbed the rag next to me, wiping my hands. I couldn’t help the wide grin that took over my entire face. “It went.” I pulled my lips together as I tried to leave it at that.

  “No, no, no, missy.” He waggled his finger at me. “I need all the details.”

  My stomach started to growl. “How about we head over to Pete’s for breakfast and I’ll fill you in on all the glorious details.”

  “Perfect. I’m starving too and a milkshake sounds devine.”

  We walked out the garage door. Pulling it down, I looked over at Otis, who was lying next to the Mach 1, looking at me. “Be a good boy. We’ll bring you back something tasty.”

  “You know he’s a dog and cannot understand you,” Shaw teased, following me over to my car.

  “You take that back. Otis totally understands me.” I barked back at him.

  We took seats in a corner booth and ordered our coffee, milkshakes, bacon, and eggs right away. Our server brought us our coffee and I could have kissed her.

  “Little hungover there, Liv?” Shaw asked as he watched me breath in the steam floating up from the mug.

  “Whiskey gets me every time,” I complain before taking a nice, long sip of the dark java.

  “I’m waiting.” He tapped his index finger on the table.

  “He’s amazing,” I started, trying to decide where to actually start my recollection. “We fucked against the Mustang.”

  Shaw’s eyes got wide. “Now that is hot as hell.”

  “Mmmmmhmmmmm.” My face got hot instantly as I recalled just how hot it had been.

  “He must have a damn perfect body.”

  I nodded in agreement. “Muscles for days.”

  “Now, the most important question: how was his penis?” Shaw probed under his breath.

  I chuckled a little. “It was the most beautiful dick I have ever seen.”

  Shaw slapped the top of the table. “Fucking fantastic! We all deserve beautiful penises in our lives.”

  “Amen to that one, brother!” We both started laughing. “And, to top it all off, he’s a total giver.”

  “Even better! So, is this going to turn into a thing?”

  I shrugged. “It’s been one day, I have no idea. He invited us to his fight tomorrow night.”

  “Fun! We’re going right?”

  The server delivered the strawberry shakes. After taking a sip, I answered, “I want to, but it’s in Jersey and we have a business to run.”

  “I’ll drive. You can sleep in the car on the way home. You said you want to get out of the house, and we’re fucking doing it.” Shaw was giddy as I agreed to the plan. “Can I bring Pat?”

  I had no earthly clue who the hell that was. “Sure?” I raised an eyebrow at my best friend.

  “The dude from the other night. His name is Patrick.”

  I pulled my phone out to text Griffin, thankful to have a legitimate reason to message him. “Let me ask if he can get us three tickets.”

  Me: Hey you.

  It only took a few seconds for the typing bubbles to appear.

  Griffin: I was just about to text you and let you know I just got home.

  Me: I’m glad you made it home safely. I hope the drive wasn’t too bad.

  Griffin: There was barely anyone on the road. It was kind of a nice, peaceful ride.

  Me: I’m glad. So, I was just talking to Shaw about going tomorrow night and he asked if he could bring someone along. Would that be a problem?

  Griffin: Not at all. I will leave three tickets at will call for you.

  Me: Perfect. Thank you.

  Griffin: Anything for you, love.

  “That is a sight for sore eyes.” Shaw beamed across the table at me.

  “What?” I glanced up from my phone.

  He pointed at me. “That smile. It’s been elusive for God knows how long.”

  “It’s been a while since I have felt like this,” I admitted to the both of us.

  “Was it weird at all? You know, with the heart and everything?” I knew Shaw had been dying to ask that question since he’d woken up and seen Griffin leaving our place.

  “Not at all. Being with him felt more right than I have ever felt with anyone before.”

  Shaw raised his milkshake glass in the air. “Well then, cheers to that.”

  Chapter 14

  Griffin

  I got to the gym without a minute to spare. I didn’t want to deal with Omar, but I knew he was going to be an ass no matter what so I bit the bullet and went right for his office in the back.

  “Hey Coach.” I threw my gym bag down in the corner of the room as he ended a call.

  “Griffin, nice of you to grace us with your presence.” He grunted as I took a seat.

  “My fight’s tomorrow. It’s not like I am going to be sparing or lifting weights today.”

  He gave me a onceover. “Why are your eyes bloodshot and puffy? You know how important it is to get good rest leading up to a challenge like this.”

  I dismissed his concern with a wave of my hand. “Please. You know I’m as ready as I ever will be for tomorrow.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “Weigh-in is at noon. You know the drill.”

  “Carb load tonight, suck citrus in the morning, and then eat after I make weight,” I rattled off. “You act like I haven’t been around the block a time or a hundred.”

  “You know it’s my job to keep an e
ye on your ass and keep you in line.”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “Where the heck were you yesterday and last night, by the way?” He took a swig out of his coffee mug, both of us knowing there was way more Irish in that cup than coffee.

  “I went to go meet the daughter of the dude whose heart I have.” My tone was flat, for some reason I didn’t want to get into the details with Omar. The time I spent with Olive was so special, I didn’t want it to be tainted by judgement.

  His eyes got wide. “You did what now? Have you lost your damn mind?”

  “She’s really great. It was nice to meet her after all this time—and that reminds me, I need three tickets left at will call for tomorrow’s fight.”

  He shook his head. “It’s a sold-out event. No can do.”

  I shoved up from the seat. “Make it happen, and make them damn good seats.”

  He threw his hands in the air. “I’m not promising anything.”

  “Work your magic, Omar. I know you will figure something out.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Are you sure it’s a good idea?”

  I grabbed my bag, taking the water bottle out of it. “What?”

  He started to follow me out into the gym. “Having this broad come to your fight. We can’t have you distracted. It could ruin your shot at the title.”

  “Don’t start. Everything is going to be fine. She’s coming, whether you like it or not.”

  “All right, I just had to ask.”

  After spending a few hours running on the treadmill and jumping rope, it was time to call it quits for the day. The evening before a fight, I had a routine: make spaghetti and meatballs and watch standup comedy.

  As I took a seat on the couch with a huge bowl of pasta in hand, I turned on an old taping of Zach Galifianakis, Live at the Purple Onion. I was already laughing before he even finished telling the first joke. Even though I had seen his bits time after time, Zach had a direct connection to my funny bone.

  My cell vibrated in my pocket with a message.

  Omar: Tickets are ready and waiting.

  Me: Thanks.

  Omar: Still don’t know if this is a good idea or not, kid.

  Me: I don’t care. It’s happening.

  I got giddy and was thankful for an excuse to talk to Olive. I paused the show and dialed her number. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as the ringing started.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s Griffin.”

  “Hi! How’re you?” I could hear water running in the background.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No, I was just filling a bath. It’s been a long day. A nice soak is exactly what the doctor ordered.”

  “Damn, I wish I was there to join you.” My dick twitched thinking about how gorgeous Liv’s body was soaking wet.

  “That would be so nice,” she cooed.

  “Well, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know the tickets are waiting for you like promised.”

  “Great! I am super stoked, and so is Shaw.”

  “Awesome. So, I guess I will see you tomorrow night.”

  “That you will.”

  In the locker room, only about an hour before my fight, all I could think about was how excited I was for Olive to see me in action. I had never invited a chick to one of my matches before because I was always worried I would be too focused on them and not fight at the top of my game.

  Olive was different. I knew having her there would breathe air into my fire, not choke it out. Omar was still worried about it, but I couldn’t have cared less. I was just going to have to prove him wrong and not let her affect my performance.

  Checking my phone, I saw a message from Liv.

  Olive: These seats are incredible. This is so freaking exciting.

  Me: I’m glad Omar got you a good spot. I’ll be fighting soon.

  Olive: Can’t wait to cheer you on.

  Me: I can’t wait to see you.

  Omar popped his head into the room. “You ready?”

  I jumped a few times. “Let’s do this.”

  Chapter 15

  Olive

  I was in awe of how crowded the arena was. Fans were hooting and hollering as Griffin made his way out of his locker room, and after leaping to our feet, Shaw, Pat, and I all started cheering.

  “This is so exciting,” Pat shrilled. “Thanks again for inviting me.” He put his hand on my shoulder.

  “Don’t mention it. I’m glad you and Shaw were able to come with me.”

  With their entourages in tow, the fighters were in the middle of the ring with the referee. “I gave you your instructions in the dressing room. Remember, protect yourself at all times, and above all, obey my commands. Let’s have a clean fight. Touch hands…now back to your corners.”

  I watched as Griffin went over to his corner and started glancing around the crowd. We were two rows back, just to the left of where he stood. I tried to call out to him, but my voice was swallowed up by the rowdy roar of the fanatics.

  Finally, our eyes locked and he gave me a quick wink.

  I jumped up and down, waving like an idiot.

  “That’s your man?” Pat yelled up at me, pointing to Griffin.

  A feeling of pride settled in. “Yeah, yeah it is.”

  “Mmmm girl, he’s sexy!”

  Shaw leaned across Pat. “I hope he doesn’t hurt his pretty face! It’s too perfect to fuck up.”

  I took my seat as the bells signaled the beginning of the round. I held my breath as I watched the fighters size each other up, bouncing around the ring. This was the first time I had ever watched boxing, and I knew why right away—it was boring in the beginning and then way too violent.

  I kept cringing and hiding my eyes as Griffin took blows, blocked, dodged, and punched. I was a fucking wreck. I didn’t even realize at first that I was holding Shaw’s hand over Pat’s lap.

  The first round ended and Griffin’s nose was bloody.

  “You doing all right?” Shaw called over to me.

  I cringed a little. “I think so. God, that must hurt like a bitch.” I pointed to my nose, and both of the guys agreed.

  From what I could tell, the next two rounds went on just like the first. Most of the time I had my eyes closed or was looking away because I was too damn nervous that Griff was going to get seriously injured, but I could totally understand why fans got so pumped up about boxing. It was gory, fast-paced, and technical. The announcers kept commenting on how much faster Griffin was than his opponent and how he was the favorite to win by a landslide.

  The fourth round started, and Griffin went in for the kill. Within a few seconds, he hit the other guy so hard on the side of the face that he was down on the mat, knocked out cold.

  The ref started to wave off the fighter as the team rushed in to help. Griffin dropped to his knees next to his opponent, making sure he was okay before getting pulled back by a man I could only assume was his coach.

  Over the raging crowd, the announcer yelled, “Ladies and gentleman, the end comes officially at one minute and thirty-six seconds into the fourth round. Your winner, middleweight champion of the world, Griffin Hayes!”

  His gloved hands were being held in the air as people swarmed around him. I was jumping with Shaw and Pat when Griffin started waving his hand our way.

  “I think he wants you to go up there!” Shaw yelled.

  Without thinking about it, I leaped over the row in front of me. “Excuse me.” I pushed through the other ecstatic fans as I threw myself onto the railing. I didn’t know how I was going to get over the barrier, but I tried to climb over it. Security was stopping me before I even had one leg over the metal.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” a huge man asked.

  I heard Griffin yell over to us. “She’s with me.”

  “I guess we can make an exception for the winner.”

  The security guard effortlessly lifted me over the railing and I slid through the rop
es into Griffin’s arms.

  “Holy fuck!” he yelled. “What did you think?”

  I kissed his sweaty cheek. “That I am so thankful it wasn’t longer. I don’t know how many more times I could handle watching you get punched.”

  We started to follow everyone out of the ring and back toward the locker rooms.

  “This was nothing major. I know it might look bad, but I’m fine, I promise.” He motioned to his nose.

  “I’ll take your word for it.”

  After he introduced me to his cutman and coach, we all hung out for a few minutes, talking in the locker room while Griffin iced his swelling cheek and busted nose.

  Skelly checked Griffin’s injuries. “Those are going to heal up just fine. You probably are going to have a little shiner though.”

  Omar scoffed. “I can’t believe you let your gloves hang down like that. You know better than that.”

  “I beat the guy, didn’t I?” Griff shoved up from the bench. “I’m hitting the showers.”

  “I should probably go find Shaw and Pat.” I kissed Griffin’s cheek with every intention of letting him decompress in peace.

  “They’re leaving. You’re staying.” His voice was gravelly as he watched the two men exit the room without another word. His hand ran down my arms. “I’ve been thinking about this all night.”

  “Oh yeah? Thinking about what?”

  “Not letting you leave here until my come is dripping out of your perfect cunt.” He kissed down my neck. “Why do you think I ended the fight as early as I did?”

  “That was early?” His hands traveled under my shirt, unhooking my bra.

  “Omar likes it when I let the fights drag out. It gives the fans more for their money or some shit.”

  “Watching you knock that guy out was so damn sexy.”

  Griffin lifted my shirt over my head and let my bra fall to the floor. “So you did enjoy the fight.”

  “Parts of it,” I admitted playfully.

  The shower was already running as we turned the corner in the locker room. I threw my hair up into a high, tight bun as Griffin helped me out of the rest of my clothes and followed me into the scalding water.