Tough Girl

by Bonita Van Gerve

I shrugged.

  "Hmm… I can only imagine how your heart was beating. When did you last get service?"

  I laughed, slapping her arm, but her laughter died down and she started to scowl.

  "Amy, what's..." I turned to where she was looking and my heart stopped. He was with his rich friends and he hadn't noticed us yet.

  "Seriously, out of all days…" I muttered. "I am seriously not in the mood," I said, standing up.

  She raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going?

  "I am hungry and the food stands are that side, which is far away from here."

  She rolled her eyes as she lay down. "Get me an ice-cream," she said.

  "Yes you queen, anything else?"

  I was walking up and down the stands looking for an open ice-cream stand. I finally found one and ordered two. Just as I turned around I tripped over someone's foot and then collided with a chest. Well, the ice-creams did. I wanted to laugh as it looked as if the dude had two ice-cream cone boobs. I looked up to apologize, but as I saw Ryder's amused face I couldn't hold it in anymore.

  "I am so sorry," I said, laughing. I looked at his chest. Maybe he would let me lick it off.

  God, Alex!

  He wiped it off, smirking. "I know I am hot, but you don't need to rub your ice-cream all over my body," he said.

  I blushed. Good God.

  "Well, I wasn't intending to. I was actually planning on eating them," I said.

  "Both of them?" he asked his eyes twinkled with amusement.

  "Yeah, what can I say? I am a big eater," I joked, rubbing my tummy.

  He let out a laugh. "I will get you new ones as it was my mistake." He didn’t give me time to argue. I stood back a little waiting for him. I was enjoying the view. He was wearing a tank top which made his muscles bulge and stand out. I also noticed his tattoo for the first time. I knew he had one on his left shoulder, but didn't know it was that big.

  "Alex?" I heard someone asked behind me. My eyes went wide as I recognized the voice.

  Please no, not now.

  I didn't turn around. I pretended that I didn't hear him. Come on, Ryder, hurry up please.

  But the person calling my name behind me was persistent. He then stood in front of me out of breath, sweat dripping down his face.

  He looked much older than last time I saw him. But his eyes were still as empty as the day I left him. "Alex, I was calling your name, didn't you hear me?" he asked.

  "No. I was too busy concentrating on the fly in my ear," I said, looking past his shoulders.

  "Alex, I need to speak with you. I need to explain," he begged.

  I raised an eyebrow, looking at him. "To explain what, Eddy? It has been three years. We are over. Nothing left to say. You didn't love me. You tricked me." I was so angry

  "No, Alex—" He placed his hand on my shoulder.

  "You have five seconds to remove your hand," I warned him and he lifted his hand as if it caught fire. "Let me make this clear. I don't want to see your ugly face. I don't want to hear what you’ve got to say. Nothing you will ever say will make things right, Eddy," I explained.

  As he tried to speak someone cut him off. "Well, here you go. Now make sure not to rub them all over me," Ryder said.

  "Never knew you had such a big ego," I joked, taking the cones from him.

  I heard Eddy clear his throat and I looked at him. He was glancing from me to Ryder. I looked back up at Ryder, who had an eyebrow raised.

  "Hey, man." He held out his hand and Eddy shook it. I winced, for Eddy's sake.

  "I’m Eddy."

  Ryder nodded. "I’m Ryder, nice to meet you, man." I saw Eddy look at me after he released Ryder's hand.

  "We have to go, Eddy," I said, walking off with Ryder.

  I didn’t realize I was squashing my cones until Ryder took them from me. "Hey now, I stood in line for your precious cones," he said.

  "Sorry," I mumbled.

  "So, it looked like you wanted to put your hand through his face," Ryder teased.

  "If you hadn't shown up I might have."

  I noticed Amy was still sunbathing and she had loosened the back of her bikini. Girls. I kicked her on the leg softly.

  "Might want to tie that up," I said and she looked up. She went to say something but then her eyes grew wide as she saw who was standing behind me with our cones. She went to jump up but I stopped her. "Amy…" I whined and she tied up her bikini.

  I handed her one of the cones. If she pressed any harder, she won't have a cone anymore. "Down, girl," I said and heard Ryder chuckle.

  "How can you possibly be this calm? For heaven sake, it is Ryder Cane," she whispered excitedly.

  "Believe me, I’ve had my days," I said. "Ryder, this is Amy, my best friend," I introduced them as I ate my ice-cream.

  'What happened to your shirt?" Amy asked.

  I smiled. "I bumped into him, but my ice-creams made impact first."

  She looked back at him. "It looks like your boobs leaked milk, my friend," Amy said and burst out laughing.

  "You should have seen when the cones were still on him."

  She gave me an amused smile.

  "You know I am right here?" Ryder said.

  I shrugged, sitting down beside Amy. Ryder sat down next to me.

  "So, if I also get on your bad side, does it mean you will punch me too?" Ryder asked and I smiled.

  If you only knew, you will never get on my bad side.

  Chapter six

  It was Friday morning and I was at the gym lifting weights and listening to my music. The gym was starting to fill up as everyone came to workout. My eyes couldn't control themselves; I was looking at all these sexy men. When the men took a bench and started bench working my mouth went dry all I could do was stare at those muscles.

  I told myself no one was hotter than Ryder, nope, not one. But a sexy man was a sexy man. Don't tell me that if a sexy man walks past you won't look, or even drool. I looked up and noticed a few girls agreeing with me as they looked at the men with hunger. But, hey, even the girls were fit, and the men were also checking us out. I smiled, shaking my head as I finished my bench presses.

  I stood in front of the mirror, drinking my protein shake. I am not skinny or too big, but I am fit. I always loved to gym at the end it made me feel good about myself. I could look and feel good in anything. I am not bragging here, my fitness has it times. But it does not matter how fit you are, men just look and do not make a move on you.

  I have seen men talking to girls who were born with good bodies instead of going for the girls who worked for it. Even men who like girls with more fat on their bones, these stupid rumors about girls with good bodies are only good for one night. Come on, I got a good body and a good heart.

  I might not be attractive like Angelina Jolie or have any great looks, but I still thought I was alright. I had dirty blond hair, brown eyes, and a beauty spot just under my nose. Maybe it was my personality that was scaring off the boys—always being so loud and straightforward. I grabbed my bags, catching the guys who were looking at me and giving each one me a smile. But why didn't it made me feel good?

  Because they are not Ryder Cane

  I walked towards the bathroom and took a refreshing shower before getting dressed and leaving. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Amy saying she’s going out with Juan tonight so I have make my own dinner. I am happy for her that a guy is sticking to her this time. I just hope he doesn't break her heart again. I climb onto my bike, revving a few times to get that adrenaline rush in my veins before pulling off.

  This was the best feeling in the world, speeding through traffic, past trees, cars and buildings. You feel so free from everything—just me on my bike with the wind in my hair. I felt so bad, almost like a daredevil. Okay, maybe I was one. If I have to be stuck in a car I would not feel the same; a car does not give you that adrenaline rush.

  When my shop came into view and I parked my bike and took off
my helmet, raking my fingers through my hair as I made my way to the shop. As usual, it was crowded and everyone was busy. I made my way to the office, slipped on my chef’s jacket, and I tied up my hair and made my way to the kitchen.

  I greeted everyone and looked at what they were making. I had an awesome team; they worked together and I had never problems with them.

  I helped with a few decorations. Today was a quiet day for special cakes so I helped out with the baked goods that needed to go to the front. I love baking and icing cakes. My head goes blank and all I focus on is icing them the best I can.

  Everyone started slowly cleaning up and heading home. My home is going to be quiet and I am going to be all alone. Not looking forward to it. I’d never thought about how when one of us gets a boyfriend the other one will be on her own.

  Slowly I started making my way home on my bike. I got home and all the lights were off and it looked so lonely. Ugh, Alex, you sound so depressed. Lighten up, will you? I switched on the lights and made a salad. Then I sat down in front of the TV and browsed through the channels, settling on The Lockout.

  I was so caught up in the story that I didn't hear the front door open. I only felt cold hands on my shoulders, which made me jump about two feet in the air.

  I heard a giggle and whirled around and saw Amy and Juan laughing at me.

  "That was not funny," I breathed but they just nodded.

  "Yeah, it was. You aren't even watching a scary movie,” Amy pointed out.

  "It may not be scary, but you get caught up," I sat down and continued watching.

  "Well, we are going upstairs."

  'Didn't want to know that." I didn’t take my eyes from the screen.

  They disappeared and I turned up volume. I didn't want to hear them banging.

  The next morning I was awoken by a crashing sound and noticed I hadn't gone to bed last night. I was stretched out on the couch. I pushed myself up, groaning as my muscles were cramping. I stood up and heard the crashing again. I walked to the kitchen, stretching my limbs, and found Amy cursing. Oh, shoot, did Juan leave her?

  She knocked the toaster over and then she cursed.

  "Okay, seriously, that toaster didn't do anything to you," I commented.

  She jumped at my voice and turned to me, scowling.

  "What happened? Last night you were walking on cloud nine and this morning the appliances are getting cursed at."

  "Nothing happened, that is the problem. I was ready and everything, but he just wanted to cuddle and chat."

  I grinned. "It’s called romance, idiot. He wants you guys to be serious and not just pump the whole time." I nibbled on the grapes from the bowl on the counter.

  "But I wanted to last night, because, you know…" I almost choked on a grape and she glared at me, not happy with my reaction.

  "I hope you guys were using protection, because you know what can happen."

  She glared again and threw me a dish cloth at me. "Yes, Mom," she spat but I saw the small smile on her lips.

  "So now you can't do anything, poor baby."

  She sighed and walked past me. "You are unbelievable in the morning," she muttered.

  "Alex, there is someone here for you. It is your three p.m. meeting."

  "Thanks, I will be there in a sec." I dusted off my hands and walked out over to the table.

  The woman stood up, greeting me. "Hi, I am Natasha."

  I gave her a warm and welcoming smile, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you. I am Alex." We took our seats. "So, what can I help you with?" I asked and she grinned from ear to ear.

  "Oh, it is for my engagement party. It is in three weeks and I heard a rumor that you are the best."

  I smiled and nodded.

  She explained everything she wanted in the cake. But what concerned me was that she did not mention her fiancé or what he wanted.

  "Doesn't your fiancé have a say?" I asked and she smiled sadly.

  "Yes, but he is always stuck at work so he gave me the decision on the cake."

  I noticed her rubbing her belly.

  My eyes went wide. "Does he know?"

  She shook her head. "No, and I think if he finds out he won't like it. He only wants children in a few years."

  I shook my head. "When the baby is here, he won't be able to hold himself back."

  She smiled. "Well, I hope so."

  We said our goodbyes.

  After work I went for my workout and Amy tagged along.

  "Just promise me you won't complain the whole time."

  She rolled her eyes at me. We got to the gym and I started with the basic warm ups and then the treadmill. I heard Amy squeal but I just rolled my eyes and kept on running.

  Then she was in front of me with a huge smile. She switched on the TV and I almost lost my balance.

  Ryder was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He was in jeans and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

  The crowed went absolutely nuts when he came out on stage. Even Ellen was smiling more than usual.

  "Wow. Ryder, you got a whole audience full of girls. You could just go and pick one," she joked, making Ryder chuckle. "Oh my, ladies. Isn't he just gorgeous?" she asked, causing all the ladies to agree and Ryder to blush.

  "So, Ryder, I have heard that you are on break for two weeks. Anything special you are going to do?" she asked and he scratched the back of his neck.

  "Well, I am still going to train to stay on top. But mainly just enjoy my free time," he said, smiling.

  "With your amazing good looks and body…" she said, placing a photo of him on the big screen behind her. It was after one of his matches where he was in his fighting pants. "Surely you must have a girl at home?"

  "Not really, Ellen."

  She looked at the crowd with wide eyes. "No?" she said, making everyone laugh again. "Well, Ryder, I got a whole crowd of girls."

  The girls cheered making him chuckle. "I am still waiting for the one who will share my dreams," he said and she looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

  "Also a mixed martial arts fighter so that you can throw each other around at home?"

  I let out a laugh.

  He chuckled. "I have had girls in the past, but I am looking for that one that knows what I am doing, who can cheer for me when I am at my fights and just be there, knowing I would be all bloody and sweaty," he said and she smiled.

  "Big dreams for a big guy," she joked.

  And I was like…

  I am right here, Ryder.

  Chapter seven

  It has been a week since Ryder was on Ellen's show and people were still talking about him. I hadn't seen or heard anything from him. I mean, how can I expect something if we actually don't know each other? I don't even think he knows my name.

  I was at the gym, throwing a few punches. I tried a side kick and winced as the pain shot through my ankle up to my thigh. I let out a sound of panic and hopped around on one leg. "Great job, idiot," I hissed, rubbing my ankle.

  I placed my foot down and hissed. My ankle was throbbing with pain. I leaned my head against the punching bag, closed my eyes, and let out a breath… still with my foot in the air.

  "Should I come back later after you are done making out with the bag?" I heard a deep voice asked.

  I looked up too fast and went crashing down as I stepped onto the wrong foot.

  My butt made first impact and I let out a yelp. Ryder was at my side immediately.

  "Don't you know not to scare people?" I asked and he looked so vulnerable staring at me.

  "Sorry, Alex, I didn't mean to scare you like that."

  I didn't even register the last part as I only heard up to Alex. He knows my name? Ryder knows my name?

  Oh, good lord, and it sounds so good when he says it.

  "You know my name?" I asked.

  He raised an eyebrow and the corner of his lips curved upward. "Yes, your mom called you the day I met you."
/>   "You remembered?" I asked, surprised.

  He pressed the back of his hand against my forehead. "Are you alright?" he asked.

  I smacked his hand away. "I am fine," I grumbled.

  That made him smile. He then helped me up. I let out a cry as I stepped on my foot.

  "Alex, what's wrong?" he asked, worried.

  "Nah, I’m fine, just a stupid injury." I then let out a yelp as he picked me up in his arms. "Ryder! Put me down," I said, kicking.

  My whole body temperature rose. It felt as if I was melting. I felt like a chocolate on a hot day. And just being so close to him. Oh my…

  He sat me down on a bench and crouched down in front of me, taking a look at my ankle. I tried to calm my heart but nothing was helping. He was holding my foot in his hand and I couldn't control my emotions. I wanted to take a picture just to make sure this is really happening.

  He slowly turned my foot and I bit my lip. But in my head I yelled fuck!

  He looked up and I think he saw my reaction because he slowly released my foot.

  "Did you hurt it just now?" he asked.

  I shook my head. "Year ago, sports injury. I kicked the stupid punching bag at the wrong angle." I watched as he inspected my foot again. He then wrapped a bandage around my foot.

  "Well, you have to get that checked out." He helped me up.

  "Yeah, it is not as if they can help me," I said.

  He raised an eyebrow.

  "I never went for physio. A few stretches here and some pills there." He looked at me, confused. "They did offer to operate, but the healing period was too long and I needed someone to take care of me… I didn't have that at that time," I explained, looking away.

  "Come on, let me give you a ride home," he offered.

  I shook my head. "What about my bike?"

  He looked at me, shocked. "Bike?"

  "Uh, yeah," I said, scratching the back of my neck.

  "That's just—wow."

  I grinned. "What, never seen a girl ride a bike before?" I teased and he smiled.

  "You can't drive like that," he said sternly, sounding like my father.

  "I can leave it with Tony and fetch it tomorrow," I said and he nodded.