T.K.O.: Total Knock Out

by Ana Layne

  He squeezed my hand before pulling me closer. I could feel his breath on my lips and suddenly my heart rate sped up. “I can’t stand not being near you. I’m not going anywhere, I want to be with you. I’m in love with you, Raegan.”

  “W-w-what did you say?”

  He kisses me, I gasp, and he says it again, planting more kisses on my lips. If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.

  “Do you mean that, Garrett? Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.”

  “I do,” he whispers before laughing. “I can’t believe you busted the windshield out of your own truck.”

  I grinned, leaning forward, letting our foreheads rest together. “I can’t believe it either. You must think I’m crazy.”

  “Well, you’re lucky, I like crazy.”

  I crushed my lips against his, finally speaking the words out loud I’ve been wanting to say for so long. “I love you too, Garrett.”

  Chapter 23

  Garrett

  I’m finished. My life is never going to be the same. Ever. Again. Everything about Raegan made sense as she explained her story. Her dad needs help; no father should ever put their hands on their child like that. She’s stronger than she knows. And I admire the hell out of her for that. She’s beautiful and I’m hooked on her.

  This wasn’t the way I imagined telling her I loved her but it just came out. The moment felt right. And here we are, inches apart both breathing heavily after that last kiss.

  “I’m pretty sure I loved you the first time I saw you. I knew I wanted to change because of you. I didn’t want to be that person anymore,” I admit.

  “I don’t know how I ever avoided you, Garrett. Every time got harder and harder.” The look on her face shows me just how much she means what she’s saying. She looks so damn innocent and sweet.

  “None of that matters anymore, baby. You don’t have to run, I’m here and I love you more than anything.”

  I cup her face with my hands and pull her in crushing our mouths together. She parts her lips just enough for my tongue to intertwine with hers. She leans into me, melting her chest against mine. Holy shit, my breath hitches as our flesh collides. She reaches under my shirt and runs her hands all the way up my chest and then down again. All the blood in my body rushes south and she can definitely tell. As much as I wanted her to touch me, I didn’t let her. “Not out here,” I whisper. No way, not our first time. Any other time, I’d definitely go for it, but I want our first time together to be special and not just on the couch.

  I scoop her into my arms as she wraps her legs around my waist; we fit together as if we were meant to. As I carry her to my bedroom, I silently thank the heavens above for placing this beautiful woman in my arms. I run into an end table, knocking down one of Whitney’s favorite lamps—shit. She shouldn’t have left it here. The sound of the base of the lamp shattering scared her, which I thought was too damn cute. Raegan just giggled as we entered the bedroom. I’ve never brought a woman here; she would be the first and the last. If this didn’t work with her, I was going to shatter like that lamp and I’d never be fixed again. Gently, I sat her on the bed. Before I could help her, she raised her shirt over her head, tossing it onto the floor.

  The devilish grin she gave sent me straight to seventh heaven. I watched as her chest began to rise and fall with every breath she took. The lime green bra she’s wearing is sexy, but it’s got to go. She must have read my mind because she beat me to it. Damn, I love this girl.

  I shower her neck with kisses and move south to those gorgeous peaks that stand at alert just for me. She moans as I pulled them into my mouth one by one. Her back arches once or twice; she wants me as bad as I want her. Confirmation was made as I removed her jeans and felt the outside of her panties. Shit, this was already way better than any bar lay I’ve ever had.

  “Garrett,” she whimpered. “Touch me.”

  Begging wasn’t necessary but damn did it turn me on even more. And she didn’t have to ask twice. I couldn’t for long though or I was sure to come right here without having even been inside her. She was more than ready for me. Raegan fumbled with my shorts, pulling them down. I want her to touch me but I’m so damn scared I’ll explode.

  “Do you have a condom?” she asks.

  I grab one out of my wallet on the nightstand. I’ve never been so nervous to put a condom on in my life. I just want to be inside her so damn bad. Once it’s on, I glance at her nervously, fearful she might change her mind or regret this.

  “Are you sure, Raegan?”

  “Yes, Garrett, please.”

  I slide into her, almost losing myself right there. I take it slow at first until she leans into my ear begging me to go faster. Our gazes never leave each other as I thrust into her again and again. As she closes her eyes, she lets go of all her inhibitions she looks absolutely angelic. Not long after, I lost all control and collapsed on top of her.

  “I love you so much, Raegan.” I kiss her as we attempt to level our breathing.

  “I love you too, Garrett.”

  “Go out with me tonight. As my girlfriend.”

  She studied me intently as if she was looking for the punch line in a cruel joke but this was no joke. I felt a lump in my throat as I waited for her to answer. Please let her say yes.

  “You’re asking me to be your girlfriend?” She knows I don’t date; I’ve made that clear to her, so her confusion doesn’t surprise me.

  “Well, I love you, so yes I am.”

  She sits up wrapped in the sheets like a cocoon. Her eyes light up. “I’d love to be your girlfriend.”

  The sheets drop and I pull her toward me once more. After we make love the second time, she grins as she clambers out of bed naked and tip-toes to the bathroom.

  “I’ll be just a minute,” she calls. “I’ve got a hot date to get ready for.”

  I flew off the bed trying to get to her but she shut the door and turned the lock. All I could hear was her giggling as she turned the shower on. If I weren’t renting this apartment, I swear I would have kicked the door down just to be with her.

  Chapter 24

  Raegan

  Getting up and walking into the bathroom to take a shower was a bold move on my part. I imagined him wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into the shower with him or back onto the bed.

  I step out of the shower and take a look in the mirror. For the first time in forever, I can look at my reflection and not be ashamed of anything. You deserve to be happy, I keep telling myself. There’s a knock at the door and before I can protest, I hear Whitney call out, “Let me in, Raegan.”

  I chuckle as I throw on my jeans and a purple sleeveless blouse. I notice actual definition on my arms from training and fighting. Nice! I grin, doing my best flex in the mirror, when she knocks again.

  “I’m coming,” I yell as I turn the doorknob.

  She practically barges in as soon as the door is open. “We’re totally going to be sisters one day, how freaking awesome! You hear that, little bean? I’m talking to your Aunt Raegan!”

  I roll my eyes sarcastically as she begins making assumptions. It’s not as if Garrett and I are getting married; the wedding isn’t being planned yet. At least, not by me; Whitney probably had it all figured out from the dress to the food we’d catered.

  “We came by to check on you. Garrett told us you smashed your windshield. He was pretty worried about you. Girl, you are some kinda brave.”

  “If that’s what you want to call it. If I can’t have the truck, neither can he. It was stupid on my part, I acted out of pure rage and frustration.” I cross my arms over my chest, irritated. Time to change the subject. “So we’re going out tonight, as a couple! I’m so excited. Am I dressed all right?”

  “You look fabulous!”

  I begin drying my hair and decide to scrunch it up a little. After applying eyeliner and mascara, I grin at Whitney. “Thank you. I love him, Whitney, so much. I wish I’d acted on it sooner.”

  “Better
late than never, I always say. So I take it you’re probably going to stay here tonight right? The offer still stands with Howard and I, just so you know.”

  I pull her in for a hug, holding her there for a minute or two. “Thank you so much for everything, Whitney.”

  Before I could get all emotional and teary-eyed, I open the bathroom door. As I walk out, I lock gazes with Garrett. His grin is infectious, my insides flutter as I make my way to the living room.

  “You look beautiful, Raegan,” he whispers in my ear. I can’t help but blush, this is so unreal. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined someone like Garrett would want to look at me and accept me and all the baggage I come with.

  Howard gave me a nod of approval as he grabbed Whitney’s hand. “We just wanted to check on you two, have fun on your date and stay out of trouble.”

  “Bye guys, thank you.”

  As they disappeared on the other side of the door, Garrett pressed his mouth against mine and I was more than willing to surrender.

  He wouldn’t tell me where we were going but that was fine with me. He opened the truck door for me like a gentleman and shut it once I was settled in. Things have turned out better than I ever imagined they would. After losing James, I wasn’t sure I could ever love again. Even when he had clearly moved. From the time I met him, all I could see in my future was him, and at one time I looked forward to that. Now, I’m Garrett’s girlfriend. Garrett who didn’t used to date anyone at all wanted to date me.

  He pulled up at a nice little Italian restaurant, and after hearing we had an hour wait ahead of us, we sat at the bar where he nursed a beer. The bartender offered me a glass of wine. I was hesitant, but after a small taste of white merlot, I accepted the glass. It’s not like I needed to loosen up with Garrett, but the wine helped. I laughed a little easier and it took the edge off our first date. It was a little surreal, but I wasn’t nervous.

  “I hope I’m doing okay, I’ve never done this before.” I’ve never seen Garrett nervous since I’ve met him.

  “You’re doing amazingly. The perfect gentleman.” And he was.

  We talked about nothing really but everything all at once. I learned his favorite color is royal blue and his favorite comfort food is spaghetti. I admitted my favorite color was pink and he just gawked at me like he couldn’t believe it. I then swore I’d never tell him another thing about me again. He leaned over from his chair at the bar inches from my ear. I kept waiting for him to whisper something, but instead he nibbled on my ear lobe sending my body into a frenzy. What a damn tease.

  I was hot, wanting him right there in the middle of the restaurant. We were brought back to earth when we were told our table was ready. I stuck my tongue out at him before stepping away from the bar. The food was amazing even though the wine pretty much filled me up. I broke a breadstick in half, offering part of it to Garrett. He grabbed it, keeping his hand on mine for a brief second. I was in Heaven.

  My phone rang and I saw Nancy’s name pop up. I should answer but I don’t want to seem rude so I ignore it. I could call her tomorrow. I heard the voicemail notification go off and figured I could check it later. I expected Garrett to pry, but he didn’t.

  Once the bill was paid, he drove us to Joe’s. The crowd was a little larger than normal; some 80s cover band was playing. We spotted Lance and made a beeline for him. He was busy trying to convince this girl he had superhuman powers. He was taking guesses at what color her panties were.

  “Really, Lance, you haven’t perfected that yet? Shouldn’t you know most of these women are here commando?” I gestured to the crowd.

  He grins eagerly as he looks me up and down. “Are you trying to tell me you’re commando right now, Raegan? That’s kinda hot.”

  “Whoa there, Lance, back off my girlfriend.”

  “Holy shit, tell me I heard you right.” Lance’s eyes bug out of his head as he soaks in the news. Even he was shocked by what his best friend just told him. “You said she’s your girlfriend?”

  “She is.” Garrett’s face lights up just saying those two words.

  “Never thought I’d see the day. All I have to say is, it’s about freaking time.” He pulled him in for a bro hug, and I announce I have to go pee. Lance mentioned something about going to scope the crowd for some ladies while Garrett told me to meet him at the bar when I was done.

  Fighting the crowd to get to the bathroom was quite the chore. I noticed the blonde who’d groped Garrett and she sarcastically grins at me. I hate that you can never tell what a person is up to. I don’t think I’ve ever peed so fast in my life; I don’t trust that woman.

  I made my way back to the bar to find her hanging on his arm trying to talk to him. He looked a little aggravated. I told myself I wouldn’t get angry. There was nothing to get angry about, but the more I stared at her from the back, the more I wanted to punch her. Before I could carry out the plan, I heard the five words that made my whole night: “I’m waiting for my girlfriend.”

  I step up wearing a confident expression and lean in, giving him a long kiss on the lips. I hear her mumble something as she stomps away.

  That’s right, I want to say, you heard him right, bitch.

  “That was hot, babe,” Garrett says.

  “Well, you’re mine, you’re finally mine. I love you and everyone needs to know that.” I’d shout it from the aloud just so these other women understand an ounce of the love I have for this man.

  “I love you too. Keep talking to me like that, we may not be here long.” There was a hunger in his gaze as I tried to control myself at the bar.

  I winked as I grabbed the shot he had sitting there in front of him and threw it back. I bit into the lime and grin seductively. “Maybe that’s the plan.” He just gawks at me in disbelief. “Oops, was that yours?”

  He chuckles as he pulled me toward him, enveloping me in his strong arms. Just gazing into his eyes was enough to set me off, and I was on edge, ready to fall. The band took a small break giving the DJ a chance to take over. Lance was on the floor trying to do his best impersonation of the Dougie. My whole body shakes with laughter; this was definitely the highlight of the night. I fumbled for my phone to capture this rare moment, intending to hold it over his head for the rest of his life. When he gets married one day, I’ll be sure to play it at his reception, and then when he has kids I’ll definitely make sure his children see it.

  Soon, “Fall Into Me”, by Brantley Gilbert, begins playing and Garrett looks into my eyes and asks, “Dance with me?”

  All I could do was nod yes. I wanted to be able to reminisce about this one day.

  He led me toward the dance floor as he wrapped his arms around my waist and began swaying to the music; it felt like we were the only two people there. I rested my head against his chest, listening to his heart beat; it put everything inside me at ease. Everything in this moment ignites sparks throughout my body. It’s more than right, it’s perfect. With his arms around me, I know I am safe and loved. I know there’s not a single person on this earth that could tear us apart. I’m lost in him as the song continues to play. Am I lucky? Hell yeah. I would remember this moment forever. As the song ended, I knew there was nowhere I’d rather be but alone with him.

  “Ready to get out of here, babe?”

  “I never thought you’d ask.”

  After that comment, we didn’t stick around too much longer. We sat in the truck making out like a couple of horny teenagers until the windows fogged up and someone knocked on the window telling us to get a room. His hands were all over me but we’d managed to keep our clothes on. Once we got back to the apartment, clothes began flying in every direction until we were naked in bed. As he made love to me, my whole body felt like it was in a different world.

  Chapter 25

  Garrett

  It’s been two weeks since I asked Raegan to be my girlfriend. My apartment has been tainted with more female crap than Whitney had in here, but I have to be honest, I’m kind of digging the scented plugins
she’s placed in every room. The apartment smells nice, not that it stunk before or anything. I’ve always been a clean guy. I like to think of my couch as plain. It’s just something I sit on; but now there’s a faux fur blanket folded over the back and matching pillows on each side. The mantle holds several candle holders strategically placed around small picture frames.

  Lance nearly had a heart attack when he came over since she’s moved in. He mentioned something about how my balls got cut off and she took over the apartment, but she glared at him and he shut up. I never thought meeting one woman could change my life. That she would accept me for who I am and love me unconditionally. That she would be the medicine I needed to keep going when I didn’t think I could. Raegan is my best friend and the only thing I think about. I have it bad for her, and I know it; she’s mine and I’d move Heaven and Earth to get her back if I ever lost her.

  Raegan fell asleep two hours ago and for two hours I’ve been watching her sleep. I watch as her chest slowly rises and falls with every breath she takes. She softly snores and I see how peaceful she is. She tosses and turns to roll over and I pull her into my chest. My breathing becomes one with hers but I still can’t sleep. All I can think about is her.

  I don’t want her fighting anymore. She doesn’t need to, she’s away from her dad, and he was the reason she started all this. I can take care of her and make sure she has everything she’s ever wanted. What I can’t figure out is how to bring it up without upsetting her. I finally have her where I have always wanted her and I’m scared to lose her. I’m not scared of anything except that. I could lose every fight for the rest of my life and not feel a thing, but to lose her would completely tear me apart. She’s turned my life around and made me want to be a better person. I don’t know what the future has in store for us but all I can hope is she’s there for the rest of my life. About thirty minutes later I finally fall asleep.