“I’m not trying to make you anything, except make you leave. Right now before I call the cops.” I raised a brow at him in challenge. “Honestly, the only time you cross my mind anymore is when you pull one of your immature little Twitter stunts. Leave us alone.”
Something happened then that I never thought I’d see in a million years. Brandon Sullivan dropped to his knees in front of my door and cried. “Please, Delia, I’m sorry. Please give me another chance. I’ve changed, I promise.”
Shaking my head I looked at him sadly and before I realized what I was saying, I blurted, “I’m sorry Brandon, but I’m in love with someone else.”
I closed the door leaning my body against it realizing how true those words were. I was so screwed.
KYLE
I felt cheated as I stood on the walkway leading up to Delia’s apartment watching that pussy on his knees trying to steal my girl. It sucked that I wasn’t the first one she’d told how she felt about me. I wondered if she’d said those words to anyone else. Then, she slammed the door in his face and his head snapped in my direction. I grinned. Delia loved me, not him, and that was all that mattered. His look was murderous as he shoulder-bumped me and I didn’t even move. The pussy flinched walking away but not before one last parting shot over his shoulder. “This ain’t over, Walker.”
“You heard her. It’s me she wants, not you. Get it through your head and leave us alone.” Turning, I walked to her apartment with a swagger in my step I hadn’t felt before.
“Watch out.” I heard Brandy yell behind me.
I barely turned in time before a drunk Brandon threw a sloppy swing. I ducked beneath his arm coming around behind him. Both my arms trapped his with my hands behind his neck. His arms were locked up in the air. “I’m not gonna fight you. She made her choice and you made yours, so get the fuck over it and move on.”
Pushing him away from me, he stumbled a bit on unsteady feet. Brandy walked over glaring daggers in his direction. “Thanks,” I said.
“No problem. I’d hate to tell Delia I accidentally let her boyfriend get sucker punched by her asshole ex.” She shrugged.
“Aww, c’mon you know you like me.” I winked.
“I’m reserving judgment until you screw up. Then I’ll decide if I like you or not.” She grinned. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“That makes zero sense.”
“It makes perfect sense. Depending on how bad you screw up, I’ll decide then whether to defend you or not. Best friends always know best and if I say she should give you another chance it could tip the scales. So, like I said, reserving judgment.”
I shook my head laughing to myself. The funny thing was it made perfect sense to her. “What if she messes up?”
Brandy shot me a dubious look that implied “do you really think she messes up?” I nodded. Point taken. If anyone was going to mess things up it would most likely be me. I was so happy for the vote of confidence. I rolled my eyes. “Thanks Brandy, I appreciate that.”
“It’s the truth. Delia is the most levelheaded person I know.” She was right. Delia was smart and levelheaded she never jumped to conclusions and based her decisions primarily on fact and experience.
“Okay, thanks again, Brandy. I’m gonna go see my girl.” I grinned.
“See ya later.” She waved walking into her apartment.
Just before I knocked on the door a thought occurred to me. Did I love Delia? I wasn’t sure if I really knew what love was. I cared about her more than anyone else in the world and I would do anything for her. The thought of being without her was unbearable. It felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest just thinking about it. Fuck. I do love her. The realization was like a punch to the gut.
My hand was poised to knock when the door flung open. “Brandon I told you….” She paused looking up at me with that deer in the headlights look.
“We need to talk.” I cringed at my own words.
“Uh oh, that’s never good.” She looked panicked wrapping her in my arms I attempted to soothe her.
“No, no nothing like that.” I grinned. “I overheard your conversation with Brandon.”
“How much did you hear?” She looked around the room like something was going to jump out at her.
“I heard enough to tell you I feel the same way.” I kissed her forehead. “I just wish I was the first you told.”
“I have no idea why I said it to him in the first place, but if it makes him leave us alone then I guess it’s okay, right?”
“It won’t. He told me as much when he skulked off to lick his wounds.” Her eyes grew sad. “Hey, it’s okay. He’ll eventually get bored and leave us alone.”
“I hope you’re right,” she sighed. I don’t know why I didn’t say the words. The wrong time maybe? I didn’t want it tainted by the mess that asshole left behind… yeah that’s it. It has absolutely nothing to do with being scared shitless.
Our phones buzzed at the same time and I groaned. Not even a half an hour after I basically put him in his place, he was already tweeting? Looking down at my phone, I noticed it wasn’t from Sullivan.
@SexyTherapist @TheKyleWalker @DeliaCampbell the funniest sh*t I’ve seen all week. @BSullivan7
There was a picture of me putting a submission hold on Brandon out in the courtyard. I laughed so hard. I nearly cried. Delia looked shocked at first then shook her head.
“You got into a fight with him outside my apartment?” She didn’t look happy.
“No, he tried to sucker punch me. Brandy saw it and warned me. I just held him there. I told him I refused to fight him and sent him on his way,” I defended myself. There wasn’t really a victim here, but if anyone was in the wrong it was that little bitch Sullivan.
DELIA
“You want me to wear what?” Kyle yelled one afternoon a couple weeks later. I’d had costumes delivered to my house for the upcoming photo shoot and a couple guys from Tennessee were coming out for the shoot as well.
“It’s no different than what you wear in the ring.”
“Cage, babe, it’s a cage,” he admonished. I grinned. I loved riling him up. “And, no, those are athletic shorts. You are putting me in silk boxers that say Ho, ho, ho and red suspenders with a Santa hat.”
“But, you’re Mr. December.” I all but whined. “It will be super hot and make a lot of money for the shelter.” It was a low blow bringing up the shelter. He would do anything to help and I knew it. Even pose in whatever I asked him to. I grinned.
“You play dirty.” He grabbed me around the waist tickling my sides relentlessly.
“Stop, Stop,” I squealed giggling wildly
“Are you gonna make me wear that nonsense?” He tried to blackmail me but I nodded my head. Not willing to give up on him as Mr. December. That was the best set idea I had, and I wanted him in that shot. “Fine.” He huffed. “But, you owe me.”
“Whatever do you have in mind?” I smirked seductively.
“Another date.” That hadn’t been what I thought he would say. We hadn’t been on an official date.
“Another date? Was there a first one that I was unaware of?” I raised a brow at him.
“The museum fundraiser.” He shrugged. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“That wasn’t a date.” I smacked his shoulder playfully. “That was me doing me job… for a client.”
“Fine,” he grumbled. “A first date, then.”
“I would love to go out a date with you. I’m swamped tonight though. I have all these orders to place and have to get everything in transit for the photo shoot or it won’t get here on time.” I pouted. I didn’t want to blow him off but this stuff was important. Kyle’s phone pinged with a notification at the same time mine did and I looked down groaning at what I saw. Stupid damn Brandon was still going after him on Twitter, and I guess he’d started in on me as well. Kyle looked livid as he read it.
@BSullivan7 @DeliaCampbell how does it feel 2 lose ur
job 4 being a slut?
“Motherfucker,” Kyle yelled. “I’m gonna kill that asshole.” He typed something into his phone and after a second my phone pinged again.
@TheKyleWalker @BSullivan7 how does it feel 2 lose the best thing that ever happened 2 u 2 a real man? @DeliaCampbell is amazing ur loss is my gain, loser.
My heart leapt and plummeted at the same time. He shouldn’t be participating in a Twitter battle with another Vegas athlete. It could end very badly. Especially considering the athlete in question. Brandon was a hothead and used social media as a weapon. It was a dangerous combination. “Thank you, but you shouldn’t feed into his bullshit. He’s a loose cannon and things could escalate very quickly.”
“I still don’t understand what his deal is with you.” He shook his head.
“I didn’t explain the entire reason why we broke up. He didn’t technically dump me, but he may as well have.” I sighed. I’d only ever told one person this story. “Brandon was away for games a lot and I never thought too much of it if he didn’t call me after a win because I knew they’d be out celebrating.
“One time I decided to surprise him. I always had all-access passes to the field and locker room. I was his publicist after all. I waited until after the game and went back there to find him half naked, pressed up against some bimbo looking like he was trying to suck her face off. It felt like all of the blood drained from my face as the clacking of my heels against the cement floor finally pulled him away. His eyes grew wide and he started to walk toward me, most likely with a bullshit lie when the skank decided to speak. ‘Brandon? What are you doing? Forget Miss Plain Jane over there. Come back to my place and I’ll do that thing that you like.’” Retelling the story wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Kyle sat down next to me rubbing my back but honestly, I was fine. None of the old lingering emotions bothered me as I sat there with Kyle.
“He ignored the girl and chased after me, but I told him to never speak to me again. I guess he’s still bitter over my rejection. Seeing me with another man, let alone a client, probably caused all of his hatred to spill out. He’ll eventually get over it.”
“Shit, I’m sorry, beautiful. That’s a fucked-up story.” Kyle hugged me tight pulling me into his lap to comfort me.
“Honestly? It bothered me for a long time, but sitting here telling it to, I feel absolutely nothing. I finally got over it… because of you.” I kissed the stubble on his jaw.
“I won’t antagonize him anymore but if he says another word about you, I can’t promise I won’t defend you.” He swiped my hair behind my ear. “I don’t stand by while people I care about are hurt.”
I snuggled into him as he squeezed me tight. “Thank you.”
“Now, can we talk about this costume?”
“You’re wearing it.” I laughed. “Quit trying to get out of it. I promise you your costume is better than Kaden’s.”
“Well, as long as I look better than him I guess I can concede.”
“Babe, to me you would look better than him wearing a paper bag.” I kissed his chest. His low rumble had me smiling. I was so glad I’d finally given into the man. He was perfect.
***
“Kyle, wake up,” I said softly the next morning kissing his chest. “We gotta go to the shelter.”
He groaned trying to wrap me firmly in the circle of his arms. “Little longer.” He yawned.
Breaking free from his arms, I straddled his hips in an attempt to wake him. “Kyle, you have a meeting with Marty later too. We have to go pick out puppies and kitties.” I practically whined before leaning down and nipping at a nipple. His groan was different this time as he suddenly rolled me over so I was on my back and his big body covered mine. “I like where this is going.”
His lips met mine then trailed down my neck as he moved my legs apart with his knees before nestling himself between my legs. My whole body shuddered as his hands trailed up my thighs slowly. “Kyle we don’t have time for this. We need to go.” My voice was breathy, which belied my words. Squirming beneath him didn’t help my case either.
“We have time. We’ll make time.” He picked me up and carried me to the bathroom and started the shower. “Take a shower with me?”
“That is a fantastic idea.” I moaned, his hands were kneading my ass.
He didn’t wait a second longer before pressing my heated skin to the cold marble of the shower. The dual sensations had my back arching. Pushing my breasts out, he took one hardened nipple between his teeth. The water sprayed down on us making our bodies slippery and wet. My arms went around his neck threading my hands through his hair as he positioned himself at my entrance. My nails dig into his shoulders as he thrust into me hard and fast. He fit me perfectly. I found myself climbing higher and higher in just a matter of minutes before breaking apart in his arms squeezing around him. It wasn’t long before he came roaring into my neck. After catching his breath, he turned me under the spray grabbing my shampoo and lathering it in his hands. The tips of his fingers massaged my scalp and a tiny moan left my lips. He pressed the barest of kisses on the back of my neck before turning me back around and rinsing the shampoo from my hair. I felt cherished more than I ever had. He repeated the motions with the conditioner before grabbing my body wash and cleaning every inch slowly and languidly. Just him taking care of me was making me hot again. I started to reach for the shampoo to return the favor but he grabbed my hand. “This is about me taking care of you.” He kissed me softly turning under the spray and washing quickly. His movements were methodical and fluid. Just watching him made me hotter. When he finished he shut off the spray before grabbing a towel and drying me off and wrapping it firmly around my body. I stood stock-still just watching him. “Well, c’mon gorgeous. We’re gonna be late.” He grinned.
“Whatever, jackass,” I retorted but I was smiling.
KYLE
I was not looking forward to going to the shelter for the first time in my life. Trace had been getting antsy and I bet my ass on it that Bethy told her we were going to be there. I was constantly waiting on an ambush. As soon as we got there Bethy dragged Delia off to look at some of the puppies.
“Little brother, she’s pretty.” I heard a voice I hadn’t been expecting. My sister Kimmy was the odd man out in our family. She had bright red frizzy hair and green eyes, where the rest of us had dark hair and hazel eyes. Kimmy smiled sadly at me. “I get why you didn’t want to talk to me. I wasn’t very nice to you growing up or ever really.”
“Was that an apology?” I asked a little dumbfounded. Kimmy never apologized for anything.
“Yeah, I’ve been going to therapy trying to get my act together.” Kimmy was a blackjack dealer on the strip and a borderline alcoholic, but honestly there was a lot of that in and around Vegas. “Yeah, I’m sure that shrinks make a killing here.”
“Well I’m glad you’re getting it together.” I was a bit uncomfortable with the conversation. Her hand came out and swiped a piece of hair off of my forehead before she pulled me in for a hug. It felt awkward hugging her. She hadn’t ever been close to one of my favorite people. She had me in a vice like grip for long seconds before finally pulling away.
“Can you forgive me?” she asked sadly.
“I don’t know, Kimmy. You hung me from a damn flagpole… from my underwear when I was ten.” I laughed. In hindsight it was pretty funny. She was the reason why I was one of the best in MMA though. I never would have pushed myself as hard if she hadn’t shoved me in lockers for entire school days and completely humiliated me all through childhood. Most kids who were bullied got bullied from kids who weren’t related to them. Kimmy flinched, before cracking a smile.
“C’mon, that was funny.” She winked bumping her shoulder against mine.
“Now it is, but then? It was humiliating,” I said soberly. “But, if you and Rae hadn’t tortured me, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today, so yeah, I forgive you.” A beaming smile crossed Kimmy’s fac
e before she crushed me in a hug. It felt like a weight lifted from my shoulders, and I realized that maybe finally forgiving her wasn’t just what she needed but what I needed also.
We broke apart just as I heard a car pull up. I watched in horror as Delia, tears running in rivers down her cheeks, got in. I didn’t know what was going on. I started to move toward her but she looked up with wide eyes and slammed the door. The car sped off kicking up gravel in its wake and I looked over at a stunned Bethy.
“What the hell just happened?” I growled.
“I don’t know. She went to go find you and the next minute she’s tearing out of here like her ass is on fire.” I thought about our conversation. About how Brandon had cheated on her. Did she think Kimmy and I were a thing? My first thought was to be disgusted by the mere idea. My second thought had me tearing after her. I couldn’t lose her. Racing through the streets of Vegas, I stopped by her apartment and then Brandy’s. Brandy answered the door bewildered. “Kyle? What’s going on? Where’s Dee?” She looked behind me as if she was gonna pop up out of nowhere and say surprise.
“I can’t find her. She left the shelter in tears. I was catching up with my least favorite sister one minute and the next Delia is racing off in the back of an Uber.” I pulled at the ends of my hair in frustration. Brandy’s eyes went wide when she thought of the implications.
“Shit. We have to find her.”
DELIA
Bethy had the cutest of the puppies in a pen outside under a pop-up canopy. The golden retrievers were in there and they were as crazy as ever, pouncing on the others. I laughed as I watched them play and asked Beth questions as I jotted down notes on each pup and what month I thought they should be. We decided on an even six puppies and six kittens. “Where is that brother of yours?” I asked Beth. He’d wanted to help me pick the animals but he was nowhere to be seen.
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