One Wild Night

by Khardine Gray

“Abi, what the fuck is that?” He inspected the toast as if it was some sort of alien life form. Disdain filled his blue gaze.

  “Rye toast.”

  “It looks like shit,” he scowled.

  She smirked at him, unable to resist smiling. He always had a way with words and saying things that could make her laugh even when she was well and truly mad at him. “It’s healthy.”

  “You know, I didn’t think this was what you meant when you ordered it.” To her surprise, he called the waitress back. “Can you send this back please?” He pointed to the toast.

  “No, it’s fine,” Abi argued shaking her head at him.

  The waitress looked from him to her.

  “Like hell. No wonder you have headaches if that’s all you’re gonna eat. Take it back and get her some pancakes and maple syrup. With a little pot of hazelnut chocolate spread, too, if you have it.”

  That was what she used to order when they were together. She looked at him, wondering what he could be thinking. He used to tease her when she ordered things like that and tell her it was one sure way to pile on the pounds. Now he was ordering it for her. Abi allowed the waitress to take the rye toast away.

  “Scott, you used to call that kind of food ‘fat food.’”

  “It’s okay to eat sometimes, it’s definitely better than that shit you ordered. We’re in a diner, doll. Who gets rye toast in a diner?” He chuckled.

  “You’re too funny.”

  “Glad you think so.”

  He started working his way through his feast.

  “That is like a mountain of food.” Her eyes roamed over his plate.

  “Got to keep up my strength. Who knows where the day will take me?” He gave her a sly look.

  “Okay, Scott. To each their own.” She raised her brows at him.

  “How’s your head?”

  “The pain is going.” Thankfully. She didn’t want a repeat of yesterday where she’d taken tablets in time to prevent a full-blown migraine, but it was still bad. She thought she was going to have to suffer through the same today.

  “Good.” He straightened up. “So, do you think we could start our re-acquaintance again? Maybe you could do it without the scowl this time?”

  She looked at him, stared straight into his eyes that flickered with interest. She decided that she could. The past was exactly that, and they were here for Margo and Gale’s wedding. Chances were she’d never see much of Scott again after this anyway (with the exception of his ever-growing popularity with magazines and top brands). She’d seen the Calvin Klein ad on the billboard on the way here and pretended she didn’t.

  It would have been easy to make some wisecrack about it if he didn’t look so damn hot on the billboard in just his underwear, stretched out on the white sand of some exotic beach. Tattoos she’d never seen before were on display. They were on the curve of his waist and looked like they continued across his back. And then there was all that muscle. Ripples of it that could make anyone lose their mind. She’d always been a sucker for a man with muscle, and she loved tattoos

  “How are you?” She decided to say with a pleasant smile.

  “I’m good. Preparing for the next season.”

  “Congratulations on winning the Super Bowl.”

  “Thank you.”

  As much as she’d stopped keeping up with football news, she knew that. Margo had told her, and the Gladiators were all over the news for weeks. It was kind of something she couldn’t avoid, just like the numerous magazine articles that popped up afterward. She’d seen one too many of him with his host of women. Some of the pictures taken were so outlandish and unreal, scandalous, even. She was just grateful to not be a part of that wild lifestyle anymore. Or, rather, trying to fit somewhere where she didn’t belong because she was trying to make sure everyone knew Scott was with her. It was exhausting.

  “What do you predict for this season?”

  “We do our best.”

  “I guess you’re swamped with promos till then.”

  He shook his head. “Not me. I have about three more. Then I’m off to camp to coach for three weeks before training starts.”

  “Coach?” She couldn’t imagine him coaching. He’d always loved playing.

  “Yeah. Myself and two of the other guys set up a free summer camp for inner-city kids. Basically, kids whose parents’ aren’t able to afford training. We’ll give them a taste of what football is like, and, if it’s successful, I’ll do it every year.”

  All she could do is look at him. The Scott she knew would never have thought of doing something so nice.

  “Don’t look so surprised,” he laughed.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just I never imagined you doing something like that.”

  “Well, I am. It’s a good thing to do. How about you? I’m sure you have more to add about work. Margo’s told me a lot.”

  “I’m enjoying it.” She was vice president of Black Inc., a prestigious advertising company that was only up-and-coming when she first joined.

  Bradley, the owner and C.E.O, gave her the chance to use her creativity to work wonders. She was one of those people who didn’t quite know what to do with herself after college. She had a business degree with a minor in English. She didn’t exactly use what she learned in her job, but it helped, and she was happy.

  “It keeps me busy, and I look forward to going in each day. I definitely found my niche.”

  “Cool. Looks like we’re both doing good things.”

  The waitress came with her pancakes and, boy, did they look tasty.

  “Thank you,” Abi told her before she sauntered away.

  “While we’re being friendly, is there any chance you’ll tell me what’s up with Margo?”

  He looked worried, and since Margo did say she wished she could have her big brother there with her, Abi thought she could shed some light on what was going on.

  “She found out Gale did something and she got upset and decided to do a runner, but then she changed her mind, tried to come back, but someone stole her bag. Hence, the being stuck in Phoenix with nothing to her name but a few coins for phone calls.”

  “Shit.” He sat back against the padded leather of the seat and ran his hands through his spiky black hair. He then leaned forward and rested his hands on the table. “Did Gale cheat on her? Is that what happened?”

  Cheat? She didn’t want to say ‘yes’ to that. “I wouldn’t say he cheated. Gale thought they were broken up.”

  “Abi, does that make sense to you? You’re saying you’d be okay if that happened to you?” he asked. She could see the anger building. “You at least wait for confirmation that you’re done with before you jump in the sack with someone.”

  “Yeah, sure.” She knew that’s what Scott did -- literally. And, as he looked at her she could tell that he knew that she knew.

  Back when she left him, she didn’t know what hurt more -- the fact that he didn’t come after her, or the relieved look on his face that told her he’d go wild and that the first person he’d go wild on was the redhead on his lap. She never needed to see to know.

  “Don’t you agree?” A look of shame filled him. “Didn’t you?”

  That was a typical Scott question, basically asking her how long she waited after their breakup before she slept with someone.

  “No,” she replied.

  “Well, how long did you wait?”

  She never expected to feel the slight tug of hurt that gripped her heart. This was a conversation she didn’t exactly want to have with Scott. As great as it was to be free of him, it took her a long time to get over him.

  “Three years.” When she said it, it sounded strange to her ears. It was three years before she took the plunge to date. The poor guy she’d been with was super sweet, kind, and adorable, but she had no feelings for him. None whatsoever. She broke up with him after six months, realizing that she wasn’t over Scott. Then she didn’t bother with the whole relationship thing. She just serial dated.

&nb
sp; The shameful look on his face amplified and reached his eyes. “Oh,” was all he could say.

  “It’s fine; I know it was, like, five minutes for you.” She cut into her pancakes, suddenly losing her appetite. “You just wanted confirmation, right?” she shrugged.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  She lifted her head and looked at him, surprised by the apology. “You don’t owe me anything. Besides, with how bad things were, I’m sure you didn’t bother to wait.”

  “I never cheated on you.” He shook his head.

  “Right.” She never believed that, and wouldn’t for one second except for the serious look on his face and in his eyes.

  “Abi, I swear on my life and everyone I know that I never cheated on you.” His chest rose and fell as he pulled in a sharp breath. “It’s fine if you don’t believe me. I know I gave you more than enough cause to believe otherwise.”

  The nerves on the side of her head tingled with the onset of another headache. She felt like she needed to splash her face with cold water, or just any kind of water.

  She stood up and said, “Excuse me,” before going to the ladies’ room. she just needed a moment to herself. Just a moment to think and process things.

  She walked away before he could say anything.

  The room was small with a row of five cubicles. There was a door that led outside. It was open. The sink basin was better than she’d seen in most diners, and at least they had a fruit-scented hand wash and moisturizer. It showed effort.

  Abi looked at herself in the mirror and shook her head at her appearance. What was wrong with her, getting all worked up like this over the past?

  Being around Scott was stirring up bad memories she’d laid to rest. Abi was a new woman now -- a woman who was stronger than the girl she’d been when she was with him. She just had to keep reminding herself that; she couldn’t let down the woman who stared back at her from the mirror.

  Although she had makeup on, she turned on the tap, allowed the water to run, and then gathered up a handful to splash on her face. She did it in a way that didn’t disturb her makeup. The cool water on her skin was welcoming, much-needed. It soothed her mind. She closed her eyes to absorb the sensation and waited for a few seconds before opening them.

  Hopefully, she could get through this day. She didn’t even bother to wish they could get to Margo quickly because she knew this wouldn’t be a quick trip. If only she could have gotten a damn flight, she would be looking at a handful of hours -- not practically the whole day. Not to mention that they hadn’t really covered much distance yet. Their journey hadn’t even really begun.

  Abi turned to reach for the paper hand towels in the unit next to her and froze when she saw the creepy man from inside the diner standing by the door frame.

  He’d been watching her. He still was.

  Her gaze fixed on the black panther tattooed on the majority of his neck and the nasty scar that mixed in with his beard. This guy was what she and Margo called “rough stuff,” with his large, muscular build, greasy hair, and dirty overalls. He was the kind that looked like he’d seen plenty of prison time and didn’t care if he went back in.

  Her skin crawled, and a shiver ran down her spine as his mouth lifted into a crude, sinful smile that made fear sweep through her. It knotted her insides and told her she was in danger.

  “Wow, you look even better close up,” he stated.

  Her throat tightened up and she backed into the sink. “What do you want?”

  He moved inside and stopped just in front of her. She looked at him, unable to hide her fear now, and unable to contemplate trying to stay calm.

  The stench of beer mingled with body odor filled her nostrils as he leaned closer. She had to cough to get the smell out of her system.

  His lust-filled eyes made her feel sick and focused.

  “You, sweet thing,” he replied, his smile widening.

  “Leave me alone.” She tried to step past him, but he blocked her. She tried again, to the other side, but he backed her into the wall.

  “Those titties of yours sure look good.” He looked at her breasts and licked his lips, making her feel like she’d throw up. “Let’s see if that boyfriend of yours will stop me from fucking you.” He grabbed her before she could even scream, placing one hand over her mouth and the other holding her against the wall.

  Her scream came out as a muffled cry that no one would hear, and tears poured out of her eyes.

  Fear and terror gripped her threatening to paralyze her but she didn’t allow it to. Adrenaline kicked in, and the need for survival made her lash out at him -- much to his surprise. His shift in movement gave her the chance to bite down on his hand with all the strength she had in her. She then followed that with a knee to his balls that made him double over momentarily as he released her.

  “Scott!” She called for Scott as loud as she could, over and over again, in the few seconds that she had before the creep grabbed her again, now angered by her retaliation.

  “You fucking bitch!” He grabbed her arm and tried to drag her towards the door, b

  ut he didn’t get as far as he hoped. Scott charged in and grabbed him around his neck.

  Abi stumbled to the floor from the impact, hurting her elbows as she landed.

  Scott roared as he picked the man up, and raised him into the air as if he weighed nothing and as though he wasn’t nearly as tall or big as Scott was. Scott then heaved him through the door and ran outside to finish him off. Abi had never seen Scott look so angry. He was like a wild animal ready to kill.

  Abi gathered herself and rushed out to see Scott pummeling the guy into the dirt as the man was screaming, begging him to stop.

  “I told you not to fuck with my woman! You’re dead!” Scott yelled.

  “Scott! Stop!” Abi screamed, seeing that the man was practically on the verge of death. There was blood all over his face and Scott’s hands.

  By now, the waitress and the chef had rushed out, as did the creep’s friends.

  “Scott, Stop!” She ran up to him now, and it was the sight of her that stopped that last punch that probably would have finished the guy off.

  “Abi--” Scott stood up and was about to reach for her but stopped because of the blood on his hands. “Shit.”

  “What happened?” the chef asked.

  “He attacked me,” Abi said quickly, pointing to the creep who was on the ground coughing and crying from the beating he’d just gotten.

  “Are you okay?” Scott asked her. “Baby, did he hurt you?”

  “I’m fine.” She wasn’t. She was really shaken up, but she didn’t think it was wise to say so. She was worried Scott would turn around and finish the guy.

  Police sirens sounded.

  “Go get cleaned up.” The chef said to Scott. “We’ll talk to the police.”

  Chapter 4

  Fucking piece of shit.

  Scott cursed and blamed himself for allowing Abi to go through that shit. That idiot was hell-bent on dragging her off somewhere and raping her. Scott should have left the diner from the minute they entered and saw the creep.

  He wouldn’t have thought to follow her to the toilet, and he never thought she wouldn’t be safe.

  What if he didn’t hear her scream?

  What if she didn’t get the chance to scream?

  And she called for him, too.

  He’d moved without any thought when he’d heard her. The desperation in her cry told him she was in trouble.

  He was just finishing up in the men’s room, washing the creep’s blood off him and cleaning himself. The police had come and taken the guy away. Scott knew the man would have to go to the hospital first for the broken nose, and whatever else was broken. The asshole deserved it. Scott had never known what drove men like that to force themselves on a woman, aside from being vile and truly despicable. He couldn’t see the point. It had to take a sick bastard to think that was the way to behave and to treat people.

  He walked ba
ck out into the diner to look for Abi, but she wasn’t there. He found her outside standing by his car. He didn’t blame her for waiting there instead of inside the diner. When she saw him, she rushed over and ran into his arms. She’d been crying.

  “Babydoll.”

  He pulled back so he could see her, and he cupped her face. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m okay. I mean, I’m not completely okay, but I will be.”

  “Let’s go to the hospital.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “No, Margo needs us. I’m not hurt, just shaken up. Scott, thank you for rescuing me.”

  “You don’t have to thank me for that.” He smirked.

  “I do because I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t be here now if you hadn’t come along.” The worried look in her eyes angered him again.

  “Well, you know I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you.” He hoped she knew that and was grateful for the nod she gave him.

  As if it was the most natural thing to do, he took her hand and walked back to the car with her where he sat her down. He started inspecting her, checking her head to see if she was cut or bruised or anything.

  He noticed the look she gave him. Her green eyes clung to him, analyzing him. A glint of wonder flickered within them. But there was something else. Hurt.

  And he knew that what happened just now wasn’t the reason for it. Her look was the same look she got while they spoke about the past, right before she rushed off to the ladies’ room. It wasn’t overly visible, but it was there no matter how much she masked it. That was what came with knowing her and knowing her reaction to different things.

  The hurt was there because of him. He’d hurt her a lot and felt worse for it now.

  “Abi, I think it’s best if I continue on to get Margo and I get you back to the hotel. You can see Margo when we get back. I’m sure that will be fine.”

  She cast her eyes downward and then looked back at him and shook her head and smiled. “I have to go. She called me. That’s what we do. We’re always there for each other. I’m fine, seriously.”

  He didn’t think he’d ever come across two people who were better friends than Margo and Abi.