Going The Distance (Ringside #2)

by Jennifer Fusco

  After they ordered their meals, he reached for her hand. “I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate you coming on this trip with me. You opened my eyes. You’re not what I thought.”

  A smile blossomed on her face. “It’s good to see you surprised. I was afraid the scowl you were accustomed to wearing would permanently stick to your face.”

  “No more scowling. It’s all good from here on out.” So focused on Ava, Mike hardly noticed a presence closing in on him. A man stopped at their table. He looked up.

  “Hi,” a guy said, dressed in khaki pants and a blue button-down shirt. “Um, I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re Michael Perez, the middleweight, aren’t you?”

  Mike leaned back in his chair. “Yes.”

  “Oh. Cool.” The guy responded, “I thought it was you. I’m such a fan.” The guy stuck out his hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Mike stood up and they shook hands.

  “I, uh, I’m going to see you fight at the Garden. Me and the guys at the office got tickets. They won’t believe me when I tell them that I saw you here.”

  “I heard they had good food.” Mike lied. It was enough to make conversation.

  “They do,” the guy said, clearly a little starstruck, “the best. Could I have your autograph?”

  “Sure, man.”

  The fan beamed as Mike looked around for paper and a pen. The waiter came to his rescue. Mike scribbled out his name.

  “One last thing, man,” the fan said, “and I’m sorry to ask, but how about a selfie? Like I said, the guys at the office won’t believe it’s really you.”

  “Sure,” Mike agreed.

  “I’ll take the picture,” Ava interrupted and reached for the fan’s cell phone.

  Mike posed with his fan, and with a flash of the camera, and a handshake, the guy left.

  “Does that happen often?” Ava asked once they were alone.

  “Nope.”

  “Well, I think you’d better get used to it. After the Littleton win and the EverStrong ads run, you’re probably going to get that a lot.”

  He drew in a breath. His lungs expanded to their fullest. It had been a very long time since a sense of pride filled him. He knew he’d worked hard. He had to in order to fight at the Garden, but living with shame for so many years, he’d never realized the damage he inflicted on his self-esteem.

  Violin music echoed from the corners of the room. Ava wore a look of pure satisfaction. He wanted to keep it that way. He always wanted to see her safe and happy.

  Her smile grew when their meals arrived. The waiter dipped his arm down in front of Ava, placing a heaping bowl of mussels before her. Each shellfish opened wide, revealing tiny bites of broth-soaked meat. “I’m so excited.”

  While Mike wasn’t much for seafood, even he admitted the dish looked tasty. He glanced down at his own meal. A lean piece of veal with a side of broccoli. An amazing smell rose from his plate, and in that moment, he’d have given anything for a side of pasta, but he knew he’d better save his carb intake for the night before the fight.

  They ate in a companionable silence.

  “I wish we could stop time,” Ava said, soaking a piece of bread in the delicious-smelling broth.

  “I can order you another plate,” he joked.

  She laughed. “No. I mean I wish tonight could last forever.” Ava finished her meal.

  “Maybe it can. Order dessert,” he offered.

  “Oh, I’m definitely having dessert.”

  He lifted his chin. He liked a woman who ate. “Good. What did you have in mind?”

  She reached across the table and took hold of his hand. “You.”

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Mike’s stomach swirled, and it had nothing to do with the food. He paid the bill and grabbed Ava’s hand, leaving the restaurant. They walked faster than usual. If he’d known that a simple night out with candles and music would’ve gotten her so horny, damn. He’d have done it days ago.

  He swiped his room key and pushed the door open. And once inside, Ava was on him. And oh God, she felt good. His mouth moved over her skin, kissing, sliding, caressing. He loved her taste. He planted butterfly kisses, starting at her jawline and traveling down her neck. His dick hardened as her head rolled back. He did that to her. He caused the look of pleasure on her face.

  Satisfaction filled him.

  He pulled her closer, wanting to savor every inch of her. His hand roamed down her back, covering the sweet curve of her ass. Then, he allowed his hand to drop lower. His fingers raked the hem of her dress, pulling it upward, exposing her firm thigh and tight ass. Oh that ass caused things to happen inside him. He tingled all over.

  “Oh, baby. I want you naked,” he whispered in her ear. His body was hers long before he knew his heart belonged to her, too. Tonight, he wanted to show her she had both. “I don’t want to fuck you, honey,” he whispered slow and soft. “I want to make love.”

  She replied with a low, satisfied moan.

  His hands rose to the back of her dress and slowly peeled down the zipper. Freeing her from the black fabric, she stood topless before him. His eyes settled on her amazing bare breasts, and he lowered himself to suckle. His hand kneaded her flesh. She arched her back as his tongue swirled around the sensitive tip. She had the most amazing body. His pulse raced, fast enough he feared his heart might beat right out of his chest. A reaction only she could cause. God, he craved her. He nipped at the bud with a gentle scrape of his teeth. She shuddered in response and let out another light moan.

  He pulled back from her breast. “You can get me off with the sounds you make.”

  A slow, sultry laugh escaped her.

  “Get ready to make more.” His heart kicked up a beat. He was just a guy, just a boxer, but he’d give everything he had to stay with Ava. Forever.

  Her hands made quick work of his pants, sliding them down his thighs, and he stepped out. His hands pulled at her G-string. He tore away the thin material and flung it next to his jeans.

  Placing Ava on the bed, he tugged off his shirt and he slid his boxers to the floor.

  “God, you’re so hard.” Her eyes widened.

  “See what you do to me? I can’t get enough.”

  He crawled on the bed with Ava and laid her down, flat on her back. A pinkish hue flooded her cheeks. A mix of desire and need for release welled inside him, like he supposed it rushed inside her.

  I love you.

  The words ran through his mind, but he didn’t dare speak them. Nothing was ruining this moment. Nothing could, except for learning she didn’t feel the same. He covered her mouth with his. His tongue dove deep, pulling her into an intense dance. God, she tasted so good. So crazy fucking good.

  With a gentle shove, he spread those sexy legs apart. His hand rubbed over his cock, readying for her. Those amazing tits lifted off the bed, nearly calling for him. Nearly begging him to sample and suckle, but he had a better place on his mind.

  He lowered his mouth to her. Gently, oh so gently, he dipped between her legs. Tasting. He sampled that sweet honey and a hum sang through his body. She tasted good. All over. He tasted her desire. Her need. And his effect on her.

  God, she was wet and hot and he almost lost control. He dipped his tongue deeper, reveling in the taste of her. And she let out a moan. That gorgeous fucking sound that pushed him closer to the edge.

  He pulled back. “You like that?”

  “I do. Oh, I do,” she answered, almost breathless.

  His eyes flicked up at her. As he focused on those amazing tits, her nipples hardened. Tight and puckered. He grinned. There was more where that came from.

  He dove in again, running his tongue over her clitoris. She cried out. Not a subtle little moan. A sound of pure pleasure left her throat. Her fingers plunged into his hair, pulling him deeper inside.

  He nipped her. Her breath heaved, faster and faster. She was coming. Emotions passed between them, a combination of love and lust. He lusted after her,
sure, he’d always known that, but in this moment he loved her. He sucked her pink flesh, and oh God, the sounds she made. She moved, but he didn’t let go, he didn’t pull back. He went deeper, showing her pleasure, and giving her his heart.

  She came for him, just as he wanted, letting him know what he did to her, and just how good it fucking felt.

  “Get inside me,” she commanded, “now.”

  He liked taking instructions, and he was more than ready to fulfill these. He climbed up her body, matching his sex with hers, and plunged into her.

  Hard.

  Deep.

  Amazing.

  She felt warm and wet, and so goddamn inviting he almost lost himself inside her. She rocked his fucking world as he did hers. Moving in time with him, she dug her fingernails into his ass. “You feel so good.”

  He pushed deeper. He worked her so good. And Ava, as tight as she was, felt incredible. Her head sank deeper into the pillow, and he knew she was on the verge. She kissed him, so hard, she nearly pulled him to the edge with her. She turned her head to the side, breaking their kiss, and cried out, coming for him yet again.

  He smiled. “That’s two, baby.” Yeah, he kept score.

  And then she did something he didn’t expect. She spread her legs wider, driving him deeper inside. He pounded into her and she took everything he gave. He was so deep, so deep inside her when she moaned. God, he loved those sounds she made. Her eyes peeled open, and through a fuzzy gaze he saw into the depth of her soul.

  She moved in time with him, speed increasing. Now, they both knew it was his turn to get off. Her hand moved over his ass and tightened in a hard squeeze. Pleasure and a bit of pain mixed together and ricocheted through his body.

  She closed her eyes. He bent his head and took his mouth to hers.

  Hot.

  Wet.

  Needy. He kissed her as the tension mounted inside him. His body cried for release but he held back. He wanted to make her come for him one more time. “God, you’re so beautiful,” he told her. He pressed his body, hot and hard, into hers. Needing her more than ever, he wanted her to feel how much he cared about her.

  She opened her eyes, staring at him through hooded lids. Her gaze never parted from his. She stared at him, and emotion filled her face. Her cheeks tightened, forehead creased, and she breathed out, panting. Then, her features softened as she crested over the wave.

  He couldn’t hold back any longer. She lifted her head to kiss him, and he closed his mouth down on hers. He came so hard. He wanted to tell her he loved her, right then, right there, but he lost his nerve. Pouring into her, he knew his heart belonged to her. Forever.

  Chapter Thirty

  Mike’s heart lifted as his truck rolled into New York City. The city’s hum and the excitement amped up his already heightened senses. Fight night approached. And, he couldn’t wait for the day ahead. In a few short minutes he’d reconnect with Daniella and Shakes. Then, together everyone would join him for the weigh-in and official press conference. His first.

  He felt almost weightless. This fight. This event would launch him into a realm of boxing stardom he’d only read about. He’d be at the top of his game. The pinnacle of his sport. He never thought all those years ago fighting in the alleyways of Vegas would have led to this. Too bad José wasn’t here to see it with him. His heart softened. But it wasn’t just the promise of fame and fortune that rocketed him back on a high. Knowing he’d experience it all with Ava by his side was what sent him from excitement and nearly into orbit.

  Ava followed the directions Rosie spat out, making each turn the computerized voice commanded. Luckily, they were right and her GPS didn’t send them around in circles. New York traffic was a bitch to navigate, but she handled the volume of cars like a pro. She pulled his truck to the front of the hotel. The valet took the keys while the bellman unloaded their bags.

  Mike exited his vehicle and stretched. Finally. They’d arrived. He took Ava’s hand and they walked inside together. The automatic doors spread apart. With a quick glance to the left his blood rushed inside him.

  There they were. Daniella. Jack. Shakes. All three of them seated around a small table, drinking coffee. Upon seeing them, Daniella rose from her chair. She walked toward them with her arms stretched wide, greeting him with a hug.

  “You made it,” she said, her smile widening.

  After he pulled away from his trainer to answer, he took hold of Ava’s hand again. Daniella’s eyes darted to their clasped fingers, but she didn’t say a word or express any emotion. If she had reservations about him and Ava being together, she didn’t show it.

  “How was your trip?” Daniella asked Ava.

  “Excellent.” Ava beamed. “Mike is the perfect traveling companion.”

  Jack and Shakes joined the circle.

  “Would you like some coffee? It’s delicious,” Daniella told Ava.

  “Yes, please.” Ava gave his hand a slight squeeze, then followed Daniella toward the coffee station.

  Jack stretched out his hand. “Good to see you, brother. I see you made a new friend along the way.” Jack grinned, as if Mike had taken a move straight out of the old Brady playbook.

  “She’s nice. You’ll like her,” Mike said.

  A hand, a heavy thud, dropped down on Mike’s shoulder. “After Jack and Dani, I don’t give relationship advice anymore,” Shakes joked. “If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

  “Judging by that look on his face, forget happy, the man’s downright smitten,” Jack teased. “Hope all that good sex doesn’t take the edge off before you get in the ring. Of course, I never had a problem with it.”

  Mike laughed. Leave it to Jack to stroke his own ego.

  “If you three are here, who’s watching Stamina?” Mike felt his brow furrow.

  “Trevor,” Shakes said flatly. “Lord help us all.”

  “Wait.” Mike slid a hand in his pocket. “You guys trusted the gym with Trevor?”

  “Dani said he could handle it,” Shakes responded, unable to hide the skepticism in his voice. “He’s been teaching the kids while you’ve been gone.”

  “The guy’s practically a kid himself.” Mike shook his head. “He’s probably had my class watching cartoons instead of practicing their right hooks.”

  Trevor. That guy had a long way to go. Sure. Mike loved him like a brother, just like Jack, but he was a huge kid packed in a fighter’s body. Trusting Trevor with the keys to the gym was like giving an eighteen-year-old a condom on prom night, then telling him not to have sex.

  “I hope the gym is still standing when we get back,” Mike said, as Jack and Shakes laughed.

  “You seem like you’re ready to get back to Vegas?” Jack said.

  Mike nodded. “I am, just have to knock Littleton out first.”

  “All right. Then let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Are you ready for Littleton?” The tone of Shakes’s voice changed. Suddenly, he was all business.

  Mike gave a decisive nod. “I’m ready. I sparred with Murphy, then again last night in Bethlehem. What’s on today’s agenda?”

  “If you’re up for it, Dani’s got the hotel’s gym reserved, and we can work out in there. We’re going light, lots of cardio, then lots of rest up until tomorrow’s press conference.”

  “Did you hear that, loverboy?” Jack nudged Mike’s ribs. “Rest.”

  Mike lifted his chin in response. He’d let Jack have his fun. Sure, they could all rib him and make light of the fact that he had a girl, he didn’t care. Let them have a good time. And times were good, probably the best he’d had in his entire life. The reason behind why his life rocked so hard walked straight toward him. Ava sipped her coffee cup and stood beside Mike. He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

  “Let’s get you guys checked in,” Daniella advised. “Then, Mike, we need to have a light workout. Meet you on the fourth floor in fifteen minutes?”

  His trainer wasted no time getting him back into a routine.
/>   Mike squeezed Ava’s waist, not wanting to leave her side, but knowing right now his career came first. “You bet, boss. I’ll meet you there.”

  ***

  Mike walked in the hotel’s gym dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. He didn’t bother bringing his sparring gloves or his other gear. Like Shakes had said, he planned for cardio. He stood by himself in the small workout room. Daniella must’ve gotten tied up, but where was Shakes?

  Instead of standing around wasting time, he hopped on the treadmill and started with an easy jog. As time passed, he increased his speed and his heart rate. Sweat beaded on his neck, down his back, under his arms, still no Daniella. He pressed another button, requesting an incline, and the machine shifted.

  Maybe his trainer had wanted him to have time by himself. Something, admittedly, he hadn’t had much of since Ava got into his truck. Alone was good. Silence was good. He centered his mind and focused on Marlon Littleton.

  He knew in his heart he was ready to fight. Over the past few days his confidence boosted to an all-time high. He had derived a plan for taking down Littleton over those long stretches of road. Picturing his opponent in his mind, he visualized Marlon’s speed and his mean right cross that he’d used in multiple fights. The films he studied over the last few months replayed in his mind. In Littleton’s fight against Steve Ahern, a middleweight with twice Littleton’s reach, Marlon used his quickness to his advantage. He ducked in low, jabbed Ahern’s gut, working his body. It was the battle of David versus Goliath in the flesh. Masterfully, Littleton executed a body shot in the third round that left Ahern doubled over. That shot set up the next, and Littleton delivered a straight right to Ahern’s jaw, leaving him flat on the canvas.

  Mike had memorized every second of the Littleton/Ahern bout. He’d dissected Marlon’s tactics. When it came to Marlon Littleton there was nothing he couldn’t handle, anticipate, or explain.

  With the touch of another button, Mike headed into a full run up the incline. His heart rate increased, and his muscles loosened. It felt good to sweat. Though the kind of sweat he’d worked up with Ava wasn’t bad, either. Endorphins kicked in, flooding his brain as if he were invincible.