Blindsided (The Fighter Series Book 1)

by Matson, TC

  I ignore her bitterness and continue to take orders from the other people. I will not allow her to get me riled up as she did at the restaurant, but I do want to slap the shit out of her.

  “Can you make me a Sex on the Beach or do I need to slide down to the hunk and get him to make me one?”

  I cut my eyes at her remark, then quickly begin to make her drink, daring her to be a bitch. I’d love to accidentally spill a drink in her face, messing up her heavy makeup and botching her stupid pretty red tank top. I get why she’s popular with the men—she’s gorgeous with everything flawless—perky full boobs, bubbly ass, and fine-tuned thighs. She has a pristine body with brown bold straight hair that shines with the lights in the club. I guess that’s why she gets paid the big bucks to hold numbers up and strut her ass around the ring.

  I set her drink in front of her with the most facetious yet innocent smirk I can conjure up. She doesn’t say anything, doesn’t bat an eye, and fucking hell, doesn’t even pay for it. She just steps away like it’s me who owes her something. And the hell with trying to argue with her—I’m not going to. I hold so much animosity with a twinge of jealousy against her, I’m not so sure I’d be able to hold myself back. That could get ugly.

  I watch her amble straight to Levi and park her ass on the stool beside him instantly leaning in close. A sting devastates my heart and I swallow hard trying to ignore the feelings, but I can’t peel my eyes away. Like a hawk, I watch their moves. As she twists to him, he grabs her arms, putting her back on her seat then says something with a very wicked shit-eating grin. Her eyes widen as he shakes his head and disappears into the crowd, leaving her mouth gaped open.

  Just like her, I’m slack jawed. Did he just pick me over her? Again, if this is a hallucination, please do not tell me any differently. Just lie to me.

  A little over thirty minutes ago was last call and since, the bar has slowed drastically. The night has been insane and the tips have been killer. Electric bill—check. Rent—check. And I still have money left over. Usually, I split it down the middle. Save half, keep half, because one day I plan on traveling the world. I’m working hard now so I can play hard later.

  My back is turned to the club as I stack glasses when I feel his presence. My skin steams from the attraction, my stomach flutters, and a tickling sensation pricks at my back causing my knees to weaken. I turn meeting the grin I already knew was there.

  “Since you’ve been busy and couldn’t come see me, I’m coming to see you,” he says leaning against the bar.

  Between his benevolent stare and the sexiness laced in his voice, I’m all but goo. I don’t know what to say without feeling awkward, without feeling like a complete goof. I feel silly and bubble-headed when he’s around. It’s like my brain glitches, cross firing in all directions and leaving me to surrender to pure blubber.

  “Good,” I state.

  Yep. That’s all I could come up with.

  He suppresses his laugh and licks his lips. “Will I be able to escort my girl home?” His voice is low and gravelly igniting my body.

  “I think I could use the company,” I tease.

  His dimples appear as his royal blues brighten with wicked elation. I’ve forgotten how all this feels—the zing of anticipation, the arousal of pleasure, the fluctuating tempo of my heart—it feels wonderful. It’s the new of it, the unexpectedness, the thrill of the suspense that relationships hold that I can’t believe I’ve protected myself from for all these years over one simple asshole.

  Chapter 28

  I didn’t see this shit coming, but I damn well knew there was something about this girl. She’s captivated me. I’ve fallen for her. I’m tapping out. She’s got magic powers because this dude doesn’t do love. It’s not me, but here I am trying to overcome the urge to tell her. And we’ve only been dating for four weeks. Does it happen this quick? Does it come out of nowhere and mug you in the middle of the street out in the wide open of daylight?

  The fucking shit happened to me.

  Like a creeper, I’m watching her sleep. She’s so peaceful, softly breathing, face motionless and naturally beautiful without any makeup. She’s an angel. Something else that I can drive forward for. I’ve never met a woman who has had this effect on me. I’m in the palm of her hand, and honestly, I’m ok with it.

  Faintly, I slide my lips across hers and she moans softly. “Mmmm…good morning,” she groggily groans as I nip on her neck.

  She grips my arm as I trace her jawline—jackpot. She’s all in. Moving above her, I yank her shirt up, revealing her delectable pebbles. Her body reacts, arching and wriggling as I bite at them, rolling them between my teeth. She whimpers already panting at my touch. I fucking love how she craves me, how her eyes roll, and how her beautiful silky skin breaks out with goosebumps.

  My tongue dances between her breasts making my way down to her navel tasting the vanilla of her shower gel. She melts into a moan when I settle between her legs spreading her thighs and grazing them.

  I’m greeted by her wetness the moment my tongue hits her pussy. “Mmmm…” I groan savoring her. It’s the very taste I crave.

  Her hips jump when I blow across her clit, slamming it perfectly against my lips and she mewls for me. I stroke and coil around the swollen nub, sucking gently but applying enough pressure to ensure insanity. I feel like torturing her today, having her about to detonate the second I get into her.

  I press my fingers into her warmth and immediately that pussy clamps down. Just as I wanted. I know she’s close. Her body always tells me everything I need to know, and trust me, I’m a damn good listener.

  A shudder rolls down her body, and her head tilts back as she arches off the bed pulling my hair. I bury my fingers deep into her wiggling hips.

  “Levi. Baby…” She can’t finish her statement as her orgasm sends spasms down her body.

  “That’s it, baby,” I reassure her pressing into her harder, flicking my tongue faster.

  She slows, and pulls me by my hair up to her mouth wasting no time devouring her taste off my lips. She can drive the sanest man absolutely psychotic.

  I don’t procrastinate, plunging into her, and filling her to the hilt. Pushing and pulling, I drag myself in and out, our bodies becoming a rhythm, slowly racing to the finish line. I want her to win, to feel her break out of her skin first. Her eyes are shut, mouth parted for her moans, her hair splayed in a wreck around her.

  “Open your eyes, baby,” I tell her wanting to see all the emotions that pass through her green irises.

  As she does, I see it—the same thing I hold in my heart—we’re both falling for each other.

  Her nails dig into my back as her thighs squeeze my hips. I’ve learned this is my cue that she’s right there and I begin to pump into her harder.

  “Fucking mine?” I gruff, jamming into her but she doesn’t answer. She’s too close to her orgasm. “Mine?” I repeat slamming a hard thrust into her again, this time getting her attention.

  “Yes…yes,” she rasps nodding.

  “Look at me, baby,” I tell her.

  Her walls constrict my cock and cause my own release to spool deep in my gut. She becomes rigid, then a shiver rolls down her body and she cries out tipping into her climax. I take to her mouth, inhaling her screams of ecstasy as I reach my own nut, thrusting my pulsing cock into her several more times spilling into her.

  I drop my head to the crook of her neck feeling her heart beat against my face.

  “Oh. My. God.” She gulps in air.

  I smile trying to gather feelings in my limbs. “That’s what I like to hear.”

  I slide out and land face down into her pillow…totally satiated.

  “You ok?” she asks kissing the back of my neck.

  “Splendid. Absolutely fucking splendid,” I say, my voice muffled by the pillow.

  She lays her head on my shoulder blade, dancing her fingers along my back. This is the shit I’m talking about. Her touches melt me causing a sensation to rush
straight to my heart and strangle it. They’re not forced or obligated, but caring and full of love, sucking all the air from my lungs and driving my heart through constant cardiac arrest. She can hold my heart as much as she wants as long as it’s in her hands. I feel the love…I’m screwed. Utterly fucked and in love with her.

  “What time do you have to leave?” she asks.

  I sigh. “Plane leaves at five.”

  “And when are you coming back?”

  “Sunday night.” I push to my elbow resting my head in my hand facing her. “I don’t want to go. I’d rather stay here and drive you insane.” I grin wickedly.

  She giggles and slaps me on the shoulder, but she can’t fool me. She wants me to stay just as much as I do. “It’s four days. I work at Tonic Friday night, but then I’m off from both places until Tuesday. So when you get back, we can catch up.”

  I growl placing a kiss on her forehead then push up to sit on the side of the bed. “I’ll take that, but for now…” I scoop her up and head toward her shower. “We need to wash up.”

  I set her down and reach in, turning on the water and then switch my view to the sexy ass standing in front of me. I pull my grey t-shirt that she slept in off her and drag my eyes over her beautiful naked body. Her skin is naturally tan and silky smooth. She’s absolutely…

  I groan grabbing my dick sliding along its length and stepping backward into the shower. Her eyes have hazed over watching me stroke my cock to her beauty when I reach out and pull her in with me. Water cascades down her body, weaving several paths over her face, crossing over her shoulders, continuing its path down her legs to her perfect little feet.

  She looks up from underneath her dark wet lashes, water dripping from her lips as I grab her hand placing it around my dick for her to take control. I lean against the cold wall and watch the water stream over her tits creating small waterfalls. Her nipples are hard, her eyes so innocent while she glides her hand up and down my cock. I’m aching to feel her against me, skin against skin, our hearts pounding with each breathless pant.

  Quickly, I turn her, placing her back against the wall and take to her neck like a vampire. She raises her chin to the ceiling and sighs as I glide my dick between her legs allowing it to rub against her clit while palming her breasts.

  Women, most of you complain that us men don’t listen, that we have selective hearing and for some of us that’s true, but let me tell you what we do hear. Your bodies. Your bodies scream at us. They talk loud and very clear. We’re not mind readers, but we can read that fucking body of yours as if it was words written on paper. For instance, crossed arms usually aren’t a good sign meaning you’re mad or uncomfortable. Goosebumps, depending on the situation, can mean you’re cold, turned on, or sometimes even frightened. Let’s move on to something more sexy…exposing your wrists can be a sign of submission. Lowered eyelids are a sign of pleasure. Pursing—not duckly— biting, or licking your lips are all signals that can drive a man to his knees. You may not know this, but when you’re aroused, your nostrils flare and your pupils dilate. I can go on forever with the language that I understand so very well and give you tips on how to show someone you’re interested, but subconsciously, I can guarantee you’re already doing it. Paige…she’s doing them all except there’s one problem—there’s a hesitation in her movements.

  “Are you ok?” I ask stopping my assault and peering into her eyes.

  “I–” she glances away reluctantly. “I don’t like the fact you’re leaving.”

  Her words wrench my chest, pulling an electric energy to wrap around my heart and tighten my throat. I tuck my finger under her chin and pull her gaze back to me. She looks so innocent, so saddened, so doleful, but there’s something hiding in the background—attachment.

  “Four days,” I remind her but it doesn’t do anything to reassure her.

  Shoving my desire aside, I wrap her in my arms and rest my cheek against the side of her head. I don’t know what to say. I’m unsure how to even handle this, but holding her feels right, as if maybe she can feel my adoration. This is all too new for me. She’s done the impossible. I’ve turned into a little bitch willing to submit to her. I’m mush. Slushier than a melted Icee on a hot summer day. I’ve got it bad for her. Me, Levi…

  This should be one interesting ride.

  Chapter 29

  Driving away from Paige earlier was grueling. She looked so heartbroken, something I never want her to suffer. I feel like a bastard leaving her. The flight here must have been my punishment because I had to listen to Adam snore and Allison yap, talking about nothing in particular trying to keep my attention. She had no chance against my headphones blaring. I didn’t hear most of her revolting crap.

  The moment I got to the hotel, I shot Paige a text letting her know I was here and dropped to the bed immediately falling asleep. Between the gym and Paige, I’m exhausted.

  I jolt up hearing a banging on the door with Adam’s ass yelling between each thud. “I’m coming, douchebag! Hold your nuts,” I shout back barging to the door. “What?” I bark pulling it open.

  He holds up a six-pack and a bottle of Tequila with a wolfish grin. “Party at Levi’s?”

  “I,” I point between me and the drinks, “am not drinking that shit.”

  “I didn’t bring it for you, it’s mine. Figured I’d come and give your lovesick ass some company.” He pushes past me and sets his things on the coffee table then drops to the couch. That’s Adam. King of his own world.

  “Lovesick, huh?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

  “Yes lovesick. Look at you.” He waves his hand at me. “Allison is a few doors down and you came here to pamper yourself with who the hell knows. What a bubble bath? Sweet-talk your sweetie? Rubbing one out?”

  “Shut the hell up. I was tired.” I scoff.

  “Yeah, from a marathon rub out.”

  “From the marathon she gave me all night and this morning,” I reply giving him a wicked smile sitting down in the recliner.

  “Nice!” He throws a shot of Tequila back and chases it with a swig of beer. “You’re pretty serious about her?”

  I don’t respond and ponder the thought. I haven’t been serious about someone since middle school. Emily Rogers. I dated her from sixth grade to the middle of eighth before I couldn’t stand hearing her voice any longer. One evening Adam and I watched a sanctioned fight on television and that’s when it piqued my interest. Legit fighting…shit, you couldn’t discourage me from it. I started hitting the gym daily, found a much younger Harvey and Perry and began training. Emily hated it and threatened to leave me. Rule number one—you don’t threaten me. I laughed at her and left her, never looking back. Matter-of-fact, I brushed off all relationships after her. Don’t get me wrong, I had my fallback girls as I trudged through high school. There was no way I wasn’t getting my dick wet, but I’m a loner and quite frankly, I’ve enjoyed it…until Paige.

  “You’re falling for her, dude,” he says.

  I shake my head.

  “Who you lying to? Me or you?” Adam stares intently then chuckles shaking his head. “You’re too scared to admit it to yourself.”

  “I’m not scared of shit,” I snap.

  “Then admit it.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. “I like her.”

  He laughs then tosses back another shot. “Whether you admit it or not, you two look good together. Hope it all works out and you keep your wits about you. Tame that animal that craves strange since you like her,” he air quotes the word “like” cheesing like a dickwad.

  Another knock on the door has Adam bounding to answer it and revealing the bitch.

  “Hey, mind if I join?” Allison purrs but doesn’t wait for the answer before stepping in and dragging her nails across Adam’s chest with her stare fixated on me. She exerts a more pronounced sway in her hips, showing off just how tight that black miniskirt is. “I’m bored with nothing to do,” she whines sitting on the couch.

  “We don’t have any pl
ans. But I know the dog pound here is open late,” I quip.

  She runs her tongue along her bottom lip, devouring me in her thoughts but doesn’t say anything turning her attention to Adam. I know her trick, as does he. He’s not one for sloppy seconds but will most likely play along with her little game.

  I pull my phone from my pocket. I need to let Paige know.

  Me: Adam may or may not have invited Allison in but she’s here.

  Paige: What are you wearing?

  What kind of question is that?

  Me: Umm…clothes?

  Paige: Make sure you keep them on.

  Damn! Ouch!

  Me: You should run away with me.

  Where the fuck is this shit coming from?

  Paige: No job equals broke.

  Me: I’d pay your bills.

  I just about choke on that one.

  Paige: Then you’d be my pimp. Not interested.

  Me: Have a great night. Text me when you get off work if you’d like.

  Paige: Levi…

  Me: Yeah?

  Paige: I miss you.

  My heart lurches and I smile slightly at the screen.

  Me: I’m glad to see I’m not the only one.

  I’m staring at the text and the picture of her in the little bubble beside it when Adam decides to rain on my moment. “Paige?”

  I straighten myself up and place my phone under my leg. I feel like I’ve just been busted smoking by my parents. “Yeah,” I clear my throat. “She’s headed to work.”

  “What’s with her?” Allison says disdainfully. “I mean look at her. She’s so…yuck. Totally not your type.”

  “And what is totally my type?” I mock her voice.

  She bites her bottom lip and looks innocently seductive. I’ll openly admit she’s got skills with those plump lips knowing exactly what to do and how to do it. Any other day, I’d gladly shove my dick down her throat, but I’m no longer interested.

  “What? You? Someone who can’t take care of their damn self?” I chuckle.