by Ana Layne
“He likes you, Raegan, he’s just worried about you. He told me that by the way, but I didn’t tell you.” She winks and turns as I slip into her extra outfit. I take one look in the mirror and can’t help but smile. I look amazing. I look like a fighter should, but am I really ready like a fighter should be? My mind wanders back to Garrett. He did have a sweet side that night at their apartment. I get my mind back to the match; if I win, I’ll have a little money to start saving.
As I follow her and Howard back out to the crowd, I can feel Garrett’s eyes burning deep into my soul and I offer him a grin. Within seconds, he’s beside me.
“Keep your hands up, Raegan, and well, do her like you did me that first day. You’ll be fine.”
“Thanks. I’ll try like hell.” I extend my hand offering him some sort of truce and he pulls me in for a hug and I swear he kisses the top of my head. Whether he did or not, it felt like it, and that’s what I’m sticking with. Forget James.
Blaize calls us to the ring and I can hear my name being chanted along with Marley’s. No one in here knows me but what a thrill this is. My heart is pounding in my chest as we approach the ring. I’m really getting ready to do this. Panic sits in the back of my mind, taunting me. What if I fail? What if I look like a complete idiot out there? My hands begin sweating profusely in these gloves. I have to shake these nerves. I can do this..
Howard is in my ear giving me last minute instructions before I step into the ring and nod in agreement, but my anxiousness creeps back in and I hardly hear a thing. The last thing I hear is the music playing overhead. “Girlfight” comes blasting through the sound system. Really? They can’t come up with anything better than that?
Marley stands around my height and doesn’t look too powerful but that first hit catches me by surprise. The crowd’s gasp fills my ears and I realize my first mistake. I’m brought back to that day when Lance got me. I was too worried about the crowd; I block them out. I shuffle around the ring focusing on her and her alone.
She swings again and I block her hit, trying to decide my move. The minute her hands go down, my fist connects with her jaw. Adrenaline courses through my veins as I begin to get a better feel for this. Being in the ring and sparring with the guys in the gym are two different things. I have to be focused in here. Now Marley is pissed and the fighter in her emerges. Most times I’m able to block her hits and keep myself on my feet. Sweat drips down her face and her breathing is a little ragged but I know she isn’t ready to give this up. The last hit I get in knocks her a few steps back and when she begins to fall, she takes me down with her. Air escapes my lungs and my side throbs right where Dad kicked me in. I struggle to regain my breath and fight the pain. As she pins me to the ground, I try to wiggle underneath her looking for a way out and I can hear Whitney and Howard yelling something but I can’t make it out.
Defeat isn’t what I wanted, especially with Garrett watching, but it’s happening. After struggling to get out from under her and back in the match I finally tap out. Marley is announced the winner and pulls me in for a hug.
“Good job, Raegan.”
Before I can tell her thank you, she’s out the ring. I follow almost as quickly, wanting to escape. My breathing remains uneven, and I want to cry.
I lost. I fucking lost.
Garrett appears out of nowhere almost giving me a heart attack. The quick pitter-patter of my heart is enough to make me stop in my tracks. He takes my hand in his and I give him a confused glance until I realize he’s just helping me remove the gloves I’m struggling to get off.
His eyes are laced with concern and without a doubt I know it is heartfelt. He scans my face thoroughly looking for any sign of Marley’s hits. If only I could act on what I’m feeling, if only I could tell him he’s all I think about—but I can’t.
“You okay, Raegan? She got a good hit in.”
“I know, I felt it. I’m fine. I fucked up, I don’t know what happened. I really could have used that money.” Tears fill my eyes and I turn so he can’t see me. Then I see James and Adryian making their way over again. Great.
“Wow, Raegan. That was interesting. You okay? We just wanted to say goodbye.” He looks sincere, but I know he doesn’t really mean we; Adryian doesn’t give a fuck about me.
“I’m fine, James. Bye.” Calling him James just doesn’t seem right anymore, and if she called him that and I heard it, my heart would shatter worse than it already has. After a moment, they’re gone. Thank God, because I can only hold these tears back for so long before they spill over. This has been the worst night ever.
Chapter 7
Raegan
Garrett can see I’m upset but he doesn’t push to ask what’s going on. He couldn’t anyway; he has a match to get ready for.
“Hey girl, don’t stress. You should have seen me in the ring my first time.” Whitney puts her arm around me, with Howard standing beside her.
“You looked stupid like I just did?”
“Girl, yes, if not worse. And for the record, you didn’t look stupid. Just ask Howard. Want to know a secret? Marley was who I was against that night too.”
“She’s not lying, Raegan. She went up against Marley the first time and I’ll just say you got at least one more hit on her than Whitney did.”
Whitney nods in agreement. They’re doing their best to make me feel better, but it isn’t working. That money could have been the start to me getting out of the house, but it’d have to wait until the next match. Then, I’ll be ready, and losing won’t be an option.
“She’s tough, Raegan, and considering you’ve only been introduced to this, you did better than I thought you would.” She hugs me and I let myself relax. Blaize’s voice comes over the speakers announcing Garrett’s match. Watching everyone in this little building get worked up into a frenzy is rather exciting.
As he makes his way to the ring, I notice his whole demeanor has changed; he’s intimidating, and if I didn’t know who he was, I’d be scared shitless. I remember seeing him like this the first night I ever saw the fights. He focuses on nothing but the fight and it was almost a total knockout.
Garrett’s movements are flawless; I can’t take my eyes off him. This poor guy Brady doesn’t stand a chance and when Garrett takes him to the ground, it’s over. Whitney and Howard immediately run to his side helping him make his way through the crowd of people. I fall in step behind Whitney and follow them to the same dressing room I was in just earlier. My clothes are still on the chair so I scoop them up and run to the restroom to get comfortable again.
When I walk back into the dressing room, Garrett is standing there shirtless. Something feels different. Of course I’ve seen him shirtless in the gym and during his fight just moments ago, but now that we’re alone, my mind is racing and it shouldn’t be. He grabs his shirt and flashes a grin my way as he pulls it over his head. My breath hitches as I try to pull myself together. My insides flutter causing me to lose any inhibitions I had.
“I’m sorry. I t-t-thought Whitney was s-s-still in here.” Shit, I hate when I stutter.
“They left. She thought you did too. I was going to ask if that was your boyfriend tonight, but by the looks of the girl beside him, I’d say not.”
“He’s my ex.”
“Sorry. So, Raegan, got any plans for this evening?” That somber look turns into a wicked grin. Yeah, he’s sorry to hear James is my ex but only for reasons that benefit him.
“Nope. I think I’m going home.”
“Come out with me tonight. Not on a date or anything but just friends celebrating.”
I can’t help but scoff and laugh out loud. What are we celebrating? Marley practically handed my ass to me on a silver platter.
His eyes sparkle with hope that I’ll say yes and as much as I need to say no, my heart decides otherwise. Since when does my heart know what’s best for me? I’d have to tell Dad I’d be late and pray there aren’t any consequences.
“Uh, sure. I have my truck here so I can follo
w you wherever.”
His face lights up, sending chills down my spine. “You’re so cute, you know that?” His words make me blush. “Follow me back to my apartment and we can ride together, the place is right around the corner from me.”
Speaking is apparently foreign to me right now so all I can manage is a weak indication I understand him. Fuck me, I feel like a cheap plastic Barbie swooning over hot sexy Ken. But then, doesn’t Barbie always end up with Ken?
“Follow me out the back entrance, less people and we don’t have to fight the crowd.”
He reaches for my hand and as much as it scares me to, I trust him as I place my hand in his. I can’t see his face but I spot the corners of his mouth turn up as he leads us out into the night air. On the way to his apartment, I text my Dad who isn’t okay with me going out and having a life. I’m twenty-one years old, I’m allowed to have a life and there’s nothing he can do about it. I’ve been the perfect daughter, and I don’t even drink. Whatever consequences are coming, I try not to think about it. All I want to think about is spending this little bit of time with the guy who’s making me believe things can be good again.
Once we pull up at his apartment, I make sure to lock my truck out of habit and I slide in the passenger seat of his truck. I draw in a deep breath, slowly letting it out as he climbs in the driver seat. Oh my gosh, this is really happening. I haven’t died, but if I had and this is heaven, I’m fine with that. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and there isn’t a speck of dirt inside. He obviously takes pride in his vehicle; his apartment is just as clean as this. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and Garrett is pretty high up there right now. As he turns on his iPod, “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen starts and he’s grinning at me, singing along.
“Is that a fat joke, Garrett? Because I really don’t appreciate that.” His eyes widen before he realizes I was kidding.
“Seriously, babe? Not at all. What kind of guy do you think I am?” I am a little disappointed when he changes the song. “Absolutely (Story of A Girl)” by Nine Days starts playing, and I shake my head at him. “What? Don’t dis my song, okay? I won’t say anything about whatever you listen to.”
I try not to laugh; I just never thought he would be that kind of guy. I’m not sure what I expected though. “No, it’s a cool song, from back in the day. I can totally jam this. And for the record, I wasn’t really offended by that last song. You could have left it on.” And just like that he turns Nine Days up and begins to sing along. I’m seeing a different side of him now, and suddenly I wish we weren’t going to a crowded bar.
Chapter 8
Garrett
I park the truck at Joe’s and before she can open the door I’m right there being the perfect gentleman, wondering if she’s the one for me, the woman who can hold my heart—yeah¸ I’m over-thinking things. She offers me a slight grin as she jumps out the truck. “Thank you, Garrett.”
“Anything for you.” Did I really just say that out loud?
She follows closely behind me as we walk in. Several people see me and ask how the fights went. A girl or two I’ve slept with wander around, and I pray they don’t approach me tonight. I’m not in the mood for that, especially not with Raegan here. I notice Lance, and he immediately scoops Raegan up in his arms.
“Holy hell, hey girl, nice to see you out.” He glances over at me and I scowl at him. “With Garrett. Nice fight by the way, you held your own some kind of fierce.”
She squeals, throwing her head back and giggling. I hate that he can make her laugh like that.
“Okay, enough Lance, keep it in your pants.”
“Whatever, you dick, don’t get pissed because she likes talking to me.” He winks at her before turning to grin at me. I know he is just fucking around, but I can’t help but be annoyed; she came with me after all.
She follows me to the bar where I order a beer. “You sure you don’t want anything?”
“Just a coke. I told you I don’t drink.”
“That’s cool, I was just asking. If you change your mind let me know.”
I hand her the coke she wanted. Before she takes a sip, she grabs my beer; the way her lips touch the tip of the bottle makes me want to take a cool shower. She scrunches her nose, making the cutest face, and politely hands it back.
“Yeah, I’ll definitely drink the coke.”
“Well, nice seeing you guys tonight. Raegan, if he gives you any problems, you can come home with me. I see some hot mamas that look like they want to meet their new daddy.” Lance winks as he walks off.
What a fucking moron. I immediately feel like shit after thinking that because I know what he’s going through. He has his own way of dealing. When we see him slide right up to two gals and link arms with them, Raegan and I both laugh.
“Want to sit at the bar?”
“Sure,” she calls over the music and we head over to two empty stools.
“So you really don’t drink?” I ask, trying to make some sort of conversation with her. I’ll take what I can get at this point.
“No, never really been interested, and by the taste of that beer, I don’t plan on it.”
“Maybe you haven’t tasted the right thing.”
“And what do you suggest? Please, not another beer.”
“No, calm down.” I flag the bartender over. “Can you get her a panty dropper?”
She gapes and turns crimson. “What the hell, Garrett? No way in hell am I dropping anything for you!”
I stifle a laugh as I explain it’s a drink. She is so damn cute and I hope she isn’t too embarrassed. When the bartender returns with the drink, she analyzes it as if it were some ticking time bomb she has to disengage.
“What’s so funny?” she snaps. “Why’re you laughing at me?”
“Why don’t you just taste it instead of staring at it? It’s just a drink. Worst case scenario is you hate it.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Why not?”
I watch as she brings the straw up to her lips. One sip later, a faint smile crawls up her lips. “This isn’t bad. How much do I owe you?”
“You owe me nothing but your company.” She tries to slide a five dollar bill toward me but I push it back.
“Take the money, Garrett.”
“Don’t test me Raegan; I’ll put it back in your pocket. I’m not scared. Punch me, pin me, do whatever you have to do but I’m not taking your money.”
After huffing for a few seconds, she puts the bill back in her pants and takes a big sip of her drink. “Don’t you dare try to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me, Garrett. I’ll kick your ass.”
“Maybe that’s what I want you to do, baby.” I wink at her, playing along.
She reaches over and slaps my shoulder. She starts giggling uncontrollably and more than half her drink is gone. The bartender gave her a double drink and that’s a big glass. I should have been more careful when I ordered it, but all I usually drink is beer. I knew something was up when she poked at my chest and slurred something after she finished that one and then half of the next one. She’d probably die right now if she knew how she was acting.
“You know, Garrett, you’re hot. I like you, and I mean really like you. A lot. And I really like these panty droppers. Why don’t you and I get out of here and maybe I can drop my—”
“Come on, let’s get you out of here.” She’s said too much—time to leave. “Did you have fun?”
“Are you kidding me? Best night of my life.” She fist pumps the air and I start laughing. This girl is in no condition to drive home and all she had was one and a half—well, maybe closer to two drinks.
Getting her in the truck is pretty entertaining. She thought she could get in herself but anytime she attempted to lift her leg, she just broke into another fit of giggles. I have to basically pick her up which isn’t a big deal at all. She wraps her arms around my neck and she is so cute the way she lays her head against my shoulder. I’ve never been one to
believe in fate but, right now, how can I not? She’s meant to be with me, I can feel it.
As I park at my apartment, I gaze over at Raegan who is sound asleep. She can sleep in my bed tonight, I’ll take the couch.
She gently stirs as I open the door. When her face nuzzled against my neck, I let out a long sigh. I wish she were here under different circumstances, awake and sober.
“Where are we?” She groans, trying to pick her head up.
“Shh, sleepyhead. We’re at my apartment. You are in no shape to drive. I’m bringing you to my bed and I’ll be on the couch.”
“No.” She whimpers in my ear. “Don’t leave me alone. Please.”
I let out a deep breath and stare at my bed. It is big enough so we could both sleep without touching, but there’s the temptation. If she touches me, I don’t know that I’d be able to stop. Sure as hell wouldn’t want to.
“Raegan, are you sure?”
“Yes.” She sighs.
I hand her a t-shirt and step out of the room so she can change. When I open the door she is under the covers almost asleep. I slide in beside her and place the comforter over myself and just stare at the ceiling. In my mind, I see a million and one things we could be. A million and one scenarios and all of them have my stomach doing somersaults. Raegan is here and wants me in the bed with her. But I can’t touch her.
“I meant what I said in the bar,” she whispers. “And…Garrett?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“This.” And then she leans over to me, her brown hair lightly hanging over my face, almost tickling me. She likes me, she meant what she said in the bar. I hold my breath when her lips brush against mine. I kiss back, and for a moment things almost get out of hand, but I hold back. When she pulls away, I notice the sparkle in her eyes.
“Raegan?” It’s now or never.
“Yeah?”
“Can I see you again? You know, outside the gym?”