Waving her craziness off, I head to my bedroom. I halt in front of my bathroom door as I remember the business card. I fire up my laptop so I can get this email over with. After I read over the message I’ve written out, I hit send, feeling satisfied. I quickly check my Facebook and notice half a dozen messages from my ex. I sigh in frustration. I wish he would let go of the idea that we can somehow save our relationship. He cheated on me! Obviously, he wasn’t that invested if he went looking for ass elsewhere. I’m a forgiving person, but we can’t come back from cheating.
Making up my mind once and for all, I click the block button. I changed my phone number a few weeks after the breakup because he wouldn’t stop calling me. Facebook was his only means of contacting me. There, no more contact, something I should have done a while ago.
I head to the bathroom to complete my nightly routine of washing my face and brushing my teeth. I slip into bed and fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
CHAPTER 2
I feel someone watching me and as I crack an eye open, sure as shit, Ashlyn is standing there watching me sleep.
“What the hell are you doing, you creeper? I’m trying to sleep,” I mumble, still tired.
“Your dad called the house phone a little while ago. It’s eleven, for crying out loud. Wake up, you sleepy bitch! And I take offense to you calling me a creeper!” She launches herself on my bed.
Ashlyn has always been a morning person. Even if we come home at 4:00 a.m., she’s always up early and full of energy. I, on the other hand, won’t talk to anyone unless I’ve had my caffeine.
“Okay, okay, I’m up! What’s the plan for today?” I ask her, knowing we don’t have to be in until later this afternoon.
“Well, after you call your dad back because you know how he gets if his precious little princess doesn’t call him back, I thought we could go for a run and then lose ourselves in Michael Scofield.”
Ashlyn may be more obsessed with Prison Break than I am. Who wouldn’t be? Have you seen Wentworth Miller?
“Deal. Give me a half hour to get ready.” She smacks my ass and runs out of the room before I can retaliate. “Bitch.”
“I take offense to that too!” she yells.
I roll out of bed, grab my cell phone, and call my dad back. To say I’m a daddy’s girl would be an understatement. He answers on the second ring.
“Yes?”
“Hey Dad, what’s shaking? Ashlyn tells me you called about a hundred times, distraught that you couldn’t get ahold of me.”
“That girl was always one for the theatrics. I called once, and you know it.” I can hear the smile in his voice; he treats Ashlyn like his own daughter.
“I know, I know. What’s going on? We still on for tomorrow?” Seeing as I was born and bred a Patriots fan, I never miss a Pats game with my dad. Sundays are sacred for us. I think it’s in our blood here in New England.
“You bet your ass we’re still on. I have some chicken marinating in the fridge to grill up, so I was just checking in. I haven’t talked to you in a few days. How’s work going?”
“It’ll be going better after the renovations next door stop. The noise is driving all of our customers away. It better be one hell of a gym,” I complain.
“I was talking to Jim, he said it’s some sort of MMA gym.” Jim is my dad’s best friend, which makes him my honorary uncle. He’s funny as shit and always doing something over the top when he’s had a few beers.
“Eh, a gym’s a gym. I don’t know anything about MMA or whatever you said, but it needs to be done already.” I look over at the clock and realize if I’m not ready soon, Ashlyn will be back in here attacking me. “Hey, I need to get ready, or Ashlyn will wring my neck. I love you, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“All right, love you too, baby girl. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Get here before noon; you know I like to pregame.”
I hang up and go to my dresser to grab my running gear. I hate running with a passion, but I have to do something to balance out all the crap I eat. I’m ready to get this run over with, so I put on my clothes and slip on my sneakers.
We take a route around town and usually run by the bar on our way back. We’re almost there when we see the black F-150 at the curb again. This time tall, dark and sinful is nowhere in sight. Ashlyn seems to notice too since she walks up and looks through the paper on the windows, trying to find a hole.
“Don’t act like you’re not curious about what’s going on in there, Sav. I want to take a little look-see.”
My curiosity is definitely piqued, so I walk over and try to find a place to see through too. I shift a little to the left and find a tear in the paper that’s about five inches wide along the bottom of the window. Score! We get down on our knees to peek inside.
“Holy shit!” Through the opening I see tall, dark, and sinful. He’s in a sleeveless shirt and gym shorts and pounding the hell out of a punching bag. Sweat has never looked so good before, and I seriously need to pick my jaw up off the floor at the sight.
“Well, can’t say I’ve ever been jealous of a punching bag before, but there’s a first time for everything.” She laughs as I stare at her with narrowed eyes. “Oh, calm your tits, I’m on a dating ban. That fine specimen of man meat is all for you, Savvy.”
“Number one, he has no freaking clue who I am, and number two, he is wayyyy out of my league. Just look at him, Ash! He’s a fucking Adonis!” We both turn and look back at him as he continues to punish the bag.
We’ve been kneeling on the sidewalk for ten minutes watching this guy workout, and I can’t seem to make myself feel sorry about it. My knees are probably scraped up since I’m wearing shorts and kneeling on cement, but what a show! The Adonis gets a couple more hits in before he grabs his water. He walks out of our view as we wait patiently for him to reappear. Where the hell did he go?
All of a sudden, a pair of big, gorgeous blue eyes pops up on the other side of the window, which causes us to scream and fall back on our asses.
“RUNNNNN!” Ashlyn shouts. We get up and sprint out of there as fast as we can, praying this guy doesn’t chase us down, and we don’t stop running until we get home.
“Holy shit, I’ve never run so fast in my life!” I say, out of breath. My adrenaline is through the roof as we make our way into the house.
Ashlyn sits on the couch and starts laughing. “This feels like when we were 14, and your dad caught us spying on your neighbor with binoculars! Remember Mr. Billson?”
We both sigh at the thought. Mr. Billson was in his early 30s and sexy as all hell. We were always coming up with elaborate schemes to get him to notice us, whether it was throwing something into his yard we had to retrieve or baking him cookies.
“How could I forget him? Or the time Dad yelled at him through the open window.” I clear my throat and drop my voice. “Hey Ryan! Sav and Ash here want tickets to the show, do you think you can drop the towel?” I shake my head, remembering how embarrassed I was. I’ve never made eye contact with him again. He’s usually outside when we go over to Dad’s for Sunday football, and I speed walk into the house and keep my eyes trained on the ground.
“You know, some of our master schemes could work on tall, dark, and sinful. I can make you a tray of cookies or bake a cake. You’d poison him if you tried, so don’t get any crazy ideas. I can picture you going over there in your sexy gym clothes all I baked you this super moist cake, big boy. Do you want a lick of my frosting?” We both burst out laughing.
“You know I’m not the pursuer in a relationship, Ash. I’m old-fashioned.”
“Surprising, given your upbringing. Aunt Cheryl is rolling over in her grave right now knowing you’re too chicken shit to approach a guy.”
“Fine! If I see him again, I’ll introduce myself… somehow.”
The thought of me approaching him is giving me hives. I’m old school, and I’ve never pursued a guy in my life. Maybe that’s why everyone I’ve dated has ended up being a giant douchebag. Mak
ing a pact with myself, I decide to at least initiate a conversation the next time I see him.
Maybe.
***
We arrive at work right on time. Vegging out in front of the TV for a couple hours was exactly what I needed. I say a quick “hey” to Jess, who is working behind the bar, and head to my office. After my purse is safely in the desk drawer, I boot up my computer, ready to tackle the dreaded paperwork. It’s not my thing at all, and this is the only aspect of owning a business I dislike, but somebody has to do it.
Two hours into my shift, I move from my office to help serve the patrons awaiting some liquid courage. I’m switching out a keg when I hear a throat clear. As my eyes peek over the bar top, I freeze. Tall, dark, and sinful is standing there watching me.
I stand at my full height and stare at him like an idiot. Once again, he’s wearing his baseball hat and tee that looks painted on. This man is gorgeous—I’m talking Theo James hot. I appraise his massive arms and can’t help but think his workouts are paying off.
After realizing I still haven’t said anything, I clear my throat. “What can I get for you?”
“I’m looking for Savannah Jenks.” Why is he looking for me?
“I’m Savannah. What can I do for you?” Because my dad instilled manners in me, I stick my hand out.
He reaches out his hand for mine, swallowing it with his mammoth-sized one. I feel a zing go up my arm when we make contact, and it takes great effort not to rip my hand from his at that second. What the hell was that all about? I look up at him and from the look in his eyes, he felt it too. He gets a cocky grin on his face, like he knows he’s affecting me. Maybe he just got his clothes out of the drier? You know…static electricity? I know, I know, I’m grasping at straws here.
“I’m Zander Cage, the new owner next door. I received your email and just wanted to come introduce myself and apologize for the mess our reno is putting you in. If I’d known you were over here…” He looks me over, at least what he can see behind the bar. “I would have come over to introduce myself weeks ago.” He gives me a crooked grin, then winks. Winks! My ovaries are about to burst.
“Thanks for coming over, Mr. Cage. I—” He cuts me off.
“Zander. Please, call me Zander. Mr. Cage makes me feel like an old guy.” He’s still holding my hand, and now I’m thinking about what his hands could do to me. I don’t even know this guy, but a fire starts to work its way through my body, and I’m only shaking his hand.
I pull my hand back and look down at the counter, trying to gather my thoughts before I look back up. I’m not surprised to find the amused look on his handsome face.
“Zander, please tell me your renovations are almost done. Business during the day has gone way down since it started, and I need to know when everything’s gonna go back to normal. The other day, I dusted every single bottle of booze and then made an enormous tower out of French fries. I’ve never been this bored working…ever.” I’m rambling like an idiot; it’s my nervous tell. Thank god Ashlyn isn’t out here because she’d never let me live it down.
He places his elbows on the bar and leans toward me. “I can assure you, we are pretty much done. I talked to the crew, and they’re going to be on their best behavior and save the loud stuff for before you open. I feel terrible messing with your business.”
“Thank you so much, Zander. I can honestly say it’s helped me with my earthquake survival skills, so that’s a plus. The first day the walls started rattling, we all took cover, thinking the place was going to crumble to the ground.” I chuckle.
“Oh god. Again, I’m sorry.” He cringes for the first time and looks embarrassed.
There’s a lull in the conversation, and I’m sure he’s about to leave, but I don’t want him to stop talking to me. “Tell me a little bit about what’s going on over there because all I’ve heard are whispers around town. Oh, and do you want something to drink?”
“Yeah, I’ll have a bottle of water.” He takes a seat on the stool in front of me.
I eye him as I grab the water. He’s currently looking down at his phone, which gives me a chance to look at his face. It’s a work of art. His strong jawline is covered in what looks like a few days’ worth of stubble, and his nose is slightly crooked, like it’s been broken a time or two; it adds to his character and in no way takes away from his handsomeness. Then there’s his eyes. I almost want to be caught checking him out so I can peer into his baby blues because they completely undo me.
He finally looks up as I’m walking back over to him, and I momentarily get lost in his eyes. Shaking my head, I take the last couple steps and slide the water over as he starts to tell me about his place next door.
“I’m opening an MMA gym. I’ve been looking around for a while and love the atmosphere around here. I’ve talked to a couple of the locals, and they all seem so welcoming. There seems to be a lot of interest around here to sign up. I’ve seen a couple pretty girls peeking in through the windows, which cements the fact that I picked a great place to open.” He winks again.
I cover my face with my hands. That’s why he looked so cocky. He knows the peeping Tom was me! This is so freaking embarrassing, and all I want to do is run to the back and hide until he leaves. But I can’t, you know, being an adult and running my own business and all.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe it was you that caught us! I’m sorry, we were just…curious.” I leave it at that, hoping it’s a good enough excuse.
“I saw you watching the whole time. I tried to run out and stop you, but you were already long gone. I guess scaring you ladies was a bad plan to get you to come inside.” He chuckles as my face turns red.
“Can we please pretend that didn’t happen and start over?” I stick out my hand once again. “I’m Savannah, but my friends call me Savvy.” He grabs my hand and shakes it.
“We can start over, but no way in hell am I forgetting.”
“Well, I can at least pretend. So, an MMA gym, you say? Truth?” He nods at me to continue. “I have no idea what MMA is. Is it like...Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan stuff?”
He appraises me for a moment, as if he can’t believe what I just said. “You’re telling me that you have no idea what mixed martial arts is or that I’m not the least bit familiar to you?” He gives me a look, like he’s in on the joke. “Come on. You almost had me.” He laughs. “What time are you off work?”
Maybe I got him all wrong, and he’s just an arrogant jerk. How the hell would I recognize who he is if the only time I’ve ever seen him was the other night when I was leaving? Well…and at the gym, but I’m still pretending that never happened. I square my shoulders and look him straight in the eye so he gets my point.
“I have no idea who you are. Are you one of those guys who gets his jollies off on his reputation around town? I don’t know how you usually pick up chicks, but coming off as a serial one-night stand douchebag is not how to pick up this chick.” My blood starts to boil over at his remark. “I have no idea what MMA is. I. Am. Not. A. Liar.” As I go to turn toward my other customers, I feel pressure on my elbow.
“I’m sorry, I thought you were joking. I just figured everyone knew what it was because, well, everyone I ever talk to knows what it is. I’m a fighter, and that’s why I assumed you knew who I was. That, and the fact you were spying on me through the windows of my gym. I’m not calling you one, but that’s usually something a groupie would do.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “Christ, I’m not making the best first impression. You probably think I’m some sort of conceited bastard.” He lets go of my arm and sits back on his stool.
Now it’s my turn to give him a once-over. “That might be exactly what I’m thinking. And for your information, I’m not a groupie. I’m literally the farthest thing from it.”
“That’s not me. I’m not cocky. It’s actually refreshing to talk to someone who doesn’t know about my world. It’s all I hear 24/7, and for the record, I’m not a douchebag.” He holds up two fingers and says, “S
cout’s honor.”
“Like you were ever a Boy Scout.” I laugh.
“Actually, I’m an Eagle Scout, so you see there’s a lot about me that would surprise you.”
“Like what?” He’s piqued my curiosity.
“Like…” He looks deep in thought. “I’m a mama’s boy,” he says, laughing.
“I wouldn’t peg you for a mama’s boy. That’s kind of sweet. Where are you from, anyway? You said that and a hint of an accent came out.”
“Born and raised in Texas. You can say I’m a Southern gentleman, but I’ve been traveling all over for fights and training, so my accent isn’t as strong anymore.” More of that sexy Southern twang mingles with his words when he speaks. I’ve always been a sucker for a cowboy.
“You’re making me swoon over here, Zander,” I say as a blush creeps up my cheeks.
He gets a serious look on his face. “Go out with and I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so aroused from just one look.
“Fine. You get one date to woo me, so you better make it count.” I place my hands on the bar top. Something tells me I’m in trouble with this man.
“You want me to woo you?” He eyes me, equal parts amused and skeptical, before getting an excited look in his eyes. “Challenge accepted. Although, I don’t think I’ve ever wooed anybody before.” Grabbing my hand, he slowly links our fingers together and pulls my knuckles to his lips. “I’m going to woo your panties off, Savvy.”
“I sure hope so,” my mouth blurts out before I can stop myself.
After dropping my hand, he picks up his water and finishes the last of it. He throws a ten on the bar and looks at me. “I sure as hell know so. Give me your phone.” I reach in my back pocket and hand it to him. He types something, and I hear his phone start ringing. “Now I have your number, and you have mine. Prepare yourself, Savvy. I’ll see you around.”
He gets me.”
“I don’t recall you asking me out on a date, Mr. Cage.” It’s been far too long since I’ve flirted with a guy, and I’ve forgotten how fun it is.
Bound By Cage Box Set (Complete Series Books 1-4) : MMA Romance Page 2