About twenty minutes into their protein bowl fest, El Toro stood up and told them his wife wanted him home to help out with their three rowdy boys. The minute he walked away, Army went over and slid into the seat next to Stiletto. Taylor’s facial muscles were taut as he handed Army’s smoothie to him. Instead of going for the protein bowl that all the fighters raved about, he went for the basic mango and coconut smoothie, deciding to do a drive-through at one of the fast food burger places on the way back to the apartment.
As he waited for Stiletto to turn toward him, he swirled the straw around in his glass, then pretended that he didn’t see Kat trying to get his attention. Bolting from the chair to get a chance to sit next to Stiletto was out of character for him. Chicks came to him, but she was proving to be inordinately stubborn.
After ten minutes of stirring the damn smoothie, he nudged her slightly with his elbow and smiled when she faced him.
“Hey.” He gave her his crooked smile, the one that landed him into countless beds.
“Hey,” she replied, turning back toward Raptor and Madman. Most of the male fighters preferred to use their nicknames with the other gym members.
“I’m trying to talk to you,” Army said, an edge creeping into his voice.
“And I’m involved in another conversation. I’m not going to just stop midway through like you did with Kat. I’m not rude.”
His eyes narrowed and he leaned back in the chair. Why the fuck am I putting up with this shit? Because I’m drawn to her for some damn reason. For a long while Army sat there and sipped his overly sweet mango drink while ignoring her sensual scent as it curled around him. It reminded him of screwing around on an exotic beach under a large umbrella as the waves from the pristine blue ocean crashed on the shore.
“Are you having a good time?” she asked, turning toward him.
“I’ve had better.”
“I guess drinking smoothies or eating healthy bowls isn’t your thing.” Her sweet giggles went right to his dick and he shifted in the seat.
“I’m more of a steak-and-rib-kind-of-guy, and I like my vegetables whole, not pureed.”
“It’s not too bad. I come mostly for the camaraderie. I’ll admit I had to acquire a taste for the protein bowl, but I love the mango smoothie you’re drinking.”
“It’s not bad. So, how about getting a drink after we finish playing healthy?”
“I’m too tired. I’m going straight home.”
“We’re taking off,” Kat and Raptor said. Several other people from the group also rose to their feet.
“See you,” Stiletto said and waved to them.
Kat came over and squeezed Army’s shoulder. “It was nice talking to you.”
“I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“No worries.” She glanced at Stiletto, then back at Army. “I understand. If you ever need someone to hang out with, Taylor has my number.” She turned around and followed Raptor out the door.
“I bet women are always giving you their phone numbers. Kat is really nice.” Stiletto picked up her spoon and kept scraping her empty bowl.
“I’m not interested in her. I’m interested in you, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same about me. Why are you fighting me on this?”
She tilted her head back. “On what?”
“On just going out for a fuckin’ drink or something without a gang of people tagging along.”
“That’s it?”
“Yeah. If something goes from there, then it does. What about tomorrow night? We can go for dinner or a drink. Somewhere we can talk.” Army watched as hesitation played on her face. “You’re prejudging me.”
“I’m not. It’s just that you’re used to women who fall right into bed with you, but I’m not like that, and I’m not up for a night of wrestling. I can do it at Champion.”
“How do you know what I’m used to?”
“I know your type.”
Army snorted out a loud laugh. “And that’s not prejudging me? I’m not a fuckin’ type. I’m one of a kind, and women find that damn refreshing.” He pushed back in the chair. “I never push a chick to do something she doesn’t want to.”
Stiletto picked up the napkin and crumpled it over and over in her hands. “I also don’t want the whole focus to be on me being a woman.”
Army jerked his head back. “But you are one.”
“I know that. I mean it doesn’t have to be the focal point in all of our interactions.”
“Don’t try and con me. I noticed you checking me out at the gym.”
She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “That’s different. I appreciate a man who takes care of himself.”
“And I appreciate a toned, hot woman. There’s no fuckin’ difference.”
“There is because I wasn’t leering.”
“BS, sweetheart. You were leering plenty.” Army watched her as she smoothed out the napkin. “If you don’t trust yourself alone with me, I get it.”
Her head snapped up and her eyes flashed. “You’re so damn vain.”
“Just calling it the way I see it.” He rose to his feet and looked over at Taylor, who was deep in conversation with Goliath.
Stiletto leapt up then slung her tote bag over her shoulder. “I’m out of here.” She said her goodbyes to the others and headed for the door.
Army rushed after her. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
She stopped so abruptly that he almost ran into her. “I don’t need you to do that.”
“I’m walking you to your car, and it’s not open for debate. You’re the most stubborn woman I know.” Army trudged behind her.
“You don’t know me,” she said as her heels clacked on the sidewalk.
“I’m trying to, but you’re making it damn hard.”
When they arrived at her car, he took the keys from her and opened the door. Her sweet scent played havoc with his desire, and he tried to stop thinking of how wonderful she smelled and how great she looked walking to the car in her yoga pants. He pretty much figured that having an erection while trying to get her to go out on a date with him wouldn’t really work. He glanced up at the stars and silently began counting them.
“Thanks,” she said taking the keys from him, her soft touch distracting him. “I guess I’ll see you at the gym?”
“So, it’s a no for tomorrow night?” The brothers would be having a field day if they could see me practically begging for a date.
“Will you promise to behave and treat me like a buddy?”
“If I don’t behave, you can smack me, but there’s no way I can treat you like a buddy.”
“I’m sure you’d love it if I decked you. I just want you to promise you won’t undress me all night and talk about how flexible I am or how pretty, and all that other shit that makes me feel like I’m just an object for your visual pleasure.”
Army dragged his foot back and forth over the asphalt, gravel crunching under his boot. “I’m a man. We’re visual. I’m not gonna promise I won’t enjoy your beauty, but we’re going out to get to know each other.”
Stiletto slid onto the seat, threw her purse on the passenger floor, and gripped the steering wheel. After a couple of minutes of silence, she looked up at him and audibly sighed. “Okay. We can meet up tomorrow night for dinner.”
Army wanted to high five her, but he simply jutted his chin out and nodded. “You like Mexican food?”
“Yes. There are some good ones downtown. Did you want me to choose?”
“I can handle it. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“I’ll meet you.” She turned on the ignition.
“I don’t meet dates—I pick them up. Seven o’clock.” As she opened her mouth, he shut the door then stepped back and motioned for her to back out. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he watched as the red tail lights disappeared into the night, then went back into the restaurant.
Chapter Nine
Mia cradled the phone between her head and shoulder as she flipped through her client profile
book searching for her noon appointment.
“Vic, I’m just not interested. I don’t need you to fix me up with anyone.”
“Noe’s the best guy you’ll ever meet. He’s been crazy about you since you were fourteen.”
“And I have never been crazy about him. I like him like a cousin. Leave it alone, Vic.”
“It’s Shark. You fuckin’ know that,” he grumbled.
Mia scanned the notes she made on her client’s hair color, then put the binder down. She sat down and lightly massaged her shoulder. “How’s Finn doing? Did he bail out?”
“Stop changing the fuckin’ subject.”
“Why’re you so pissed about me not wanting to date Noe? You’re acting childish.”
“I didn’t say to date him. Just go out with him for dinner when he comes to Durango.”
“If he calls me, I will, but just as friends. You need to make it clear to him, or I will.”
“I’m not gonna say a fuckin’ thing. Anyway, just give him a chance. You haven’t seen him in a couple years.”
“You didn’t answer me about Finn,” Mia looked out the window and saw a man leaning against a red sports car across the street staring at the salon. I’ve seen that car parked across from Champion a couple of times this past week. Unease niggled at the back of her neck.
“I couldn’t bail the fucker out. The judge set a bond of a hundred thousand dollars. I don’t have that kinda dough.” Shark’s gruff voice broke in on her thoughts.
“Did he tell you why he did something so stupid?”
“Money.”
“Did it ever occur to him to get a job?”
“Or a bitch like Tucker did. She keeps bailing his ass out all the time.”
Mia sighed and glanced across the street again and noticed the man was still there. “I can’t believe what a mess everyone is,” she said in a low voice. “Tucker’s either in jail or drugged out, Dean just got out of juvy detention, and now this shit with Finn. I’m scared for him because he’s looking at some serious time.” The right side of her face twitched, and she rubbed her fingers over it to calm it down. Ever since she was a kid, her facial muscles would spasm if she was scared or really stressed.
“He’s taking a trip to the pen for a while. No fucking doubt about that.”
“Mia, your noon appointment is here,” a woman’s voice over the speakers announced.
“I have to go. My client is here.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked them away. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Be nice to Noe. Don’t disrespect me, okay?” A threatening thread wove through Shark’s voice.
“Bye.” Mia hung up and clenched her jaw to keep her bottom lip from trembling as sadness crushed down on her. Unshed tears stung her eyes, and she clutched at her aching chest.
“Your client’s here,” Ronica said, breaking through Mia’s hazy sadness.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thanks.”
“Are you okay?” Ronica came over and stood in front of her, peering into her face.
“I’m worried about my brother, that’s all.” But it wasn’t, it was everything and nothing. It was a hollowness that held thousands of tears and jagged pieces of glass wedged between her body and soul.
“I’m sorry. I wish I could help.”
“So do I.” Mia stood up and glanced out the window—the man was gone. She smiled weakly at Ronica, then went to meet her client.
After several hours of dying, perming, highlighting, and cutting hair, Mia welcomed the thirty-minute lull in her day. Staying busy made the day fly, and by the time she sank into the chair and lifted a much-needed café latte to her lips, she was feeling considerably better than she had earlier. Talking with Vic—to her, he’d never be Shark—usually made her nostalgic and sad. Most of the time, she focused on the moment and let go of the past, but there were times when the darkness would seep in and distort her present-day reality.
Mia couldn’t believe she’d accepted a date with Army. What was I thinking? Her mind tried to think up excuses to get out of the evening, but a part of her—the one she was ignoring—couldn’t wait to see him again. She couldn’t deny that the night before she’d sneaked way too many glances at him in his gym shorts that were slung low on his narrow hips. How could she not notice the hard muscles that rippled across his chest or the dusting of dark hair that trailed down past a taut, corrugated stomach? Mia closed her eyes and the vision of Army’s incredible tattoos danced in her mind. They’re amazing. The curling, flowing designs covering his arms and a good part of his chest had tempted her to touch.
Her eyes flew open. I didn’t give him my address. Dread spun around her. Maybe he was just talking out of his ass last night. What should I do? As if on cue, her phone vibrated against the black lucite countertop. She didn’t recognize the number and crossed her fingers it wouldn’t be Noe. She glanced at the text and smiled.
Army: What’s ur address?
Mia: How’d u get my number?
Army: Taylor.
Mia: 1479 S. Larkspur Lane.
Army: Be there at 7.
Mia: K.
That was it. No smartass remarks, no macho shit, just clean and direct. Maybe dinner wouldn’t be that bad after all. Picking up a hairstyling magazine, she browsed through it as she waited for her next appointment.
* * *
Mia stood in front of her closet debating on what to wear for her date with Army. She held up a plum skirt with lace. Too sexy. After spending twenty minutes vetoing different outfits, she finally settled on blue jeans and a burgundy hollowed-out cold shoulder blouse with a block neckline. She slipped on a pair of black stiletto short boots, then grabbed her leather jacket and went downstairs.
At exactly seven o’clock the doorbell rang. Mia set down the cats’ food bowls and went to the door and looked out the peephole. As Army stood there, looking down at his phone, she opened the door.
“You’re prompt. Come in for a sec. I have to finish up something in the kitchen.” Pumpkin rushed up to Army and rubbed against him, meowing. “I’m warning you—she’s an incorrigible flirt.”
“Is her owner?” His gaze traveled over her body, then he smiled at her.
“Not so much. Have a seat.” She walked into the kitchen, rinsed the cans of food, threw them into the recycle bin, and then wiped down the counter.
“You’ve got a nice place. Do you live here alone?”
After drying her hands, she slipped on her jacket. “Yes. I debated about getting a roommate, but after working out the finances, I decided that I’d rather be more frugal and live alone than have one. I’ve lived with roommates or family my whole life. I love being alone.”
“Do you have an alarm?”
She laughed. “I’ve never had anyone ask me that question before.” Mia picked up her purse from the stool at the breakfast bar. “I do have an alarm, and I try to remember to put it on.”
“You need to do it all the time even though you live in a nice area.”
“Noted. Are you ready to go?”
“Yeah.” He lifted Pumpkin off his lap, where she’d sprawled shamelessly, and stood up. “I thought I saw another cat roaming around here.”
“That’d be Snickers. She’s the shy one, so she’s probably hiding behind something. Do you like cats?” Mia punched the code into the alarm panel.
“They’re cute. I had one when I was a kid. My mom loved them.” He stood aside on the porch and let her go first.
“What was her name?”
“Harley, and it was a tomcat.” Army opened the car door and she slid inside.
They pulled in front of El Señor Sol. The large smiling sun was the trademark of the restaurant, and it was one of Mia’s favorites.
“Good choice. I love this place,” she said, patting her hand on top of his. When his gaze blazed with heat, she realized her faux pas and quickly pulled her hand back to unfasten the seat belt.
Seascape paintings decorated brightly-painted walls in tu
rquoise, orange, yellow, and lime green, and multicolored wood chairs surrounded tabletops imprinted with a smiling sun. The place wasn’t very big, but it was a mélange of color, scents, and salsa beats.
The hostess sat them at a table for two and took their drink order. Soon, Mia had a margarita in front of her, and Army had a bottle of Corona; a big basket of chips and salsa separated them.
“Do you come here a lot?” Army asked, picking up his beer.
“Too much. My friends and I love it, and it’s a favorite for our weekly dinner out. Goliath and Rick would kill me if they knew how often carbs slip into my diet.” She gave a half shrug and picked up a chip. “I don’t have a fight, so I can fudge a bit.”
“Breaking away is always a good time.” He winked at her.
“I saw you sparring with Taylor last night. You’re good. How long have you been boxing?”
“Since high school. I actually got Taylor into MMA after I left high school. He needed to take care of himself since I moved away to Alina. Once he started, he really got into it. He was able to hold his own in high school.”
“How many years apart are you?” Mia scooped up some of the tomatillo salsa with the chip.
“Five. So, what made you go into MMA and compete? It’s not real common for a woman. I know there are a lot more now, but dudes still outnumber chicks.”
All of a sudden Mia’s mouth went dry as she pondered whether she should tell Army the truth. Will he look at me differently? Except for her therapist, she’d never told anyone what had happened that night so long ago, but somehow sitting across from him, drinking a margarita and surrounded by all the gaiety and bright colors, she yearned to tell him—to unload something she’d been carrying around with her for too long.
After a large gulp of the margarita, she folded her hands on the table and looked at him. “I wanted to feel empowered.”
“Were you bullied in school?”
“No.” Another big drink, then she looked down at the tropical orange placemat. “I was attacked and felt powerless.” She pulled on a loose thread in the orange cloth. “It was an awful feeling,” she said softly, slowly lifting her eyes up.
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