by Kaylee Ryan
Cooper Miller didn’t have anything on the man standing behind me right now.
“Bye,” I mutter, throwing him a wave and practically hightailing it for the front door.
My heart hammers in my chest, and my palms are a little sweaty as I reach my car and lock myself inside. “Holy shit,” I whisper as I turn on the ignition and crank up the heat.
That man is doing a number on me. I can’t seem to think straight, let alone speak. All I can think about are his shoulders and his chest and his stubbly jaw. Not to mention those lips that are full and perfect for kissing.
No, Hollis. You will not think about kissing him!
Oh, but I do. I think about the lingering graze of his lips to mine and the caress of his hands on my neck. I picture the burn of that stubble and the taste of his tongue. I envision the way he deepens the kiss, taking me on a ride I’ll never forget, all-dominating and consuming.
My body hums. A warm tingle of anticipation spreads through my veins. I can’t even close my eyes without suddenly picturing his large body hovering over mine, those lips so close to mine. I can practically taste his skin.
But it’s just a daydream, Hollis. A fantasy. It’s not real.
Tell that to my soaked panties.
Chapter 7
Colton
I got home a little after five. Since I’m going back to the gym tonight, I left early to spend a little time with my son before returning to All Fit. I’m excited about tonight’s class for a multitude of reasons. The first being I feel as though I’m actually bringing something to the table for All Fit. I’m not just Chase’s older brother, who didn’t know what to do with his life after the Army. Even though that’s true.
When I found out about Milo, I knew reenlisting wasn’t an option and that my savings would hold us over for a while, but I needed to find a way to support myself and my son. To give him what he needs. When Chase suggested All Fit, I first thought of it as a handout. One I was willing to take in order to get out of the newlyweds’ hair and into my own place. However, with each passing day, it feels more like home. I know that going to a nine-to-five job, dressing up every day is not my thing. Not when I spent my days in Army greens in the desert. No, I need a job that allows me to blend in as I try to find my footing back on American soil.
Teaching self-defense classes is perfect. I get to use the training from the Army to help others protect themselves if the need ever arises. I served my country in the Army, and these classes, they give me the ability to serve my community as well. Not to mention, I’m getting paid to do it. I couldn’t imagine a better outcome.
And then there’s Hollis. My running into her today and inviting her to class was impulsive and out of my lane as far as being her landlord goes. However, as a man, a man who’s extremely attracted to her, it’s perfect. So much so I can’t stop thinking about her. If I’ve looked at the clock once, I’ve looked at it a thousand times. Milo has had his dinner and his bath, and now we’re playing. Well, he’s playing. He’s lying on the floor under the activity mat that my parents bought him. He loves this thing. It has a lot of toys that hang down and a little mirror so he can see himself. He’ll lie under it for hours, his little arms and legs just swinging away.
A knock on the door tells me it’s almost time. That has to be my parents here to watch Milo. “Come on, buddy. That’s Grandma.” I climb to my feet and lift him into my arms before going to answer the door. Sure enough, it’s my parents. “Hey, come on in.”
“Colt, this place looks great. It’s really coming along,” Mom says, examining the house while Dad takes Milo from my arms.
“Thanks. I think so too,” I admit.
“We were thinking the roads are supposed to get bad with this snow rolling in. How about we keep this little guy at our place for the night?” Dad offers.
“I don’t know.” There’s an ache in my chest. An actual physical ache at just the thought of being away from him for a night.
“Come on,” Mom says. “We raised you and your brother. He’ll be just fine.”
“But what if he needs me?”
“Colton,” my mom whispers. “I’m so proud of you. You’re such a good daddy, but even daddies need a break. You’ve been working on the house, working long hours at the gym. Chase said you’ve been working on planning your classes at home at night. We don’t want you to burn out.”
“He’s my son. I could never,” I say, my voice louder and obviously defensive. I know they mean well, but after the way his mother just left him, it’s important to me that he knows I’ll always be there.
“Son, I know what you’re thinking,” Dad says. “He knows you love him. It’s okay for you to take time for yourself. When you and Chase were little, Grandma and Grandpa did that for us too. We’re going to do it for you and for Chase and Gabby. Let us have this time with him.”
“That means I don’t see him until tomorrow sometime.” That’s seems like forever away from my son.
“And you’ll both live,” Mom says before leaning down to kiss Milo on the back of his hand.
Before I can answer, I hear her soft voice. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. Colton, just let me know when you’re ready,” Hollis says from behind me.
“Hollis, it’s nice to see you,” Mom tells her. “You’re not interrupting a thing. In fact, maybe you can help me. We’re trying to convince Colt to let us take Milo for the night so he can have a break.”
“I don’t need a break from my son,” I tell anyone who will listen.
“I’ve been trying to get you to let us keep him so you can go out and have some fun. That’s not working, so at least give us this. If your class runs over, you don’t have to worry about rushing home so we can get home. I promise if we need you, we’ll call you.”
“We won’t need you,” Dad chimes in.
“Help me out here, Hollis.” I turn to look at her.
She shrugs. “He’s their grandson, and it’s good for all parents to take a step back now and then. Ask anyone who has kids. Your time is important.”
“How do you know that?” I ask her.
“Women’s intuition,” Mom speaks up, answering for her.
Hollis steps up and places her hand on my forearm. “He’ll be okay, Colton. They love him as much as you do.” Her words are softly spoken, and they calm me instantly.
“You’re right.” I nod. “Let me go pack him a bag.”
“No need. We have everything he needs. Diapers, formula, bottles, clothes, all that stuff. We will take the diaper bag just in case we need something between here and home,” Mom says.
“He needs his blue blanket. He likes to snuggle with it when he takes his nighttime bottle. He keeps it up close to his face and falls right to sleep.”
Dad nods. “We’re going to need that then.” He chuckles. “Aren’t we, buddy? You excited to stay with Grandma and Grandpa?” he asks my son. Not that Milo can answer him.
“I’ll be right back.” I rush to Milo’s room and grab his favorite blanket. I stop on my way out the door and turn and look at his empty bed. I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time with this. He’s in good hands, and I know that. I just want those hands to be mine. Always.
In the living room, I find my parents, Hollis, and Milo, all laughing. Hollis leans into Milo, who is still in my dad’s arms and says, “Boo,” and the little bugger gives her a toothy grin. “He likes you,” I say, startling her—if the way she whirls around to look at me is any indication.
“He’s a cutie, Colton. You should be proud.”
“I am. Aren’t I, little man? You get your good looks from Daddy, right?” I ask playfully. Not that his mother wasn’t pretty, she was, but I’m not much on talking about the woman who threw her son away. I still have mixed feelings about her. I’m grateful she got him to my family, but still can’t understand how she could just give him up. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
“We should get going so you can be on your way.” Dad hands Mi
lo to me, and I kiss him, all over his tiny little face.
“I’m going to miss you. Don’t be giving Grandma and Grandpa a hard time.” I put him up to my shoulder and give him a gentle squeeze. His baby scent wraps around me, and I feel as though I could cry. In fact, if Hollis were not standing right here with us, I just might have. “Why is this so hard?” I ask, my voice gravelly with emotion.
“Because he’s a part of you,” Mom replies softly. “Just wait until he tells you he wants to join the Army. Wait until he’s gone for months at a time and can’t tell you where he is. This is nothing,” she says, wiping the corner of her eye.
With my hand firmly on Milo’s back, holding him close, I snake the other arm around Mom’s waist and pull her into my chest. “Love you, Mom,” I say, my voice low and just for her. I get it now. The worry, the tears. I get it.
“Enough of that,” she says, pulling away. “Call and check on him anytime, but I assure he’s going to be just fine.”
“Thanks, guys.” I give Milo one more hug before putting his coat on him and strapping him into his car seat. I walk them to the door and watch as they grab the base of the car seat out of my truck to place in the back of Mom’s SUV. And then, just like that, they’re gone.
“You okay?” Hollis asks from behind me.
I close the door, realizing I was just standing there, letting all the cold air inside, and turn to face her. “I’m good. It’s just… hard to know I’m not going to be with him for so long. It’s the longest I’ve gone since I found out he was mine.”
“He’s lucky to have you.” Something passes in her eyes, but she masks it before I can figure it out.
“Are you ready to learn how to kick some ass?” I ask, giving her a wide grin.
“Definitely.” She returns my smile. “Are you nervous?” she asks once we’re in my truck and headed to All Fit.
“About the class? No. This is what I’ve been trained to do.”
“Do you miss it? The Army?” she asks, then quickly adds. “I’m sorry I’m being nosey. It’s none of my business.”
“No. It’s fine. I miss my brothers-in-arms. Their life was in my hands, and mine in theirs. That’s a bond that runs deep.”
“Are they all still enlisted?”
“Yes, some are, some are honorably discharged, some just did it on their own.”
“Maybe you should reach out to them. Introduce them to your son.”
“You know, that’s not a bad idea. I just might do that.”
“That’s my one good idea for the day. I’m all tapped out.”
I glance over in time to see her tap her index finger against her temple as she flashes a grin. “Just one?” I tease. “I think there are more good ideas bouncing around up there.”
“Nope.” She pops the P, making me smile.
“Here we are.” I pull my truck into the lot and turn off the engine. “Thanks for coming early. I just wanted to be here when everyone started showing up.” I look through the front window of my truck at the snow that started falling on our way here. “Then again, this looks like it’s sticking. Class might be small.”
“Should you cancel?” She leans forward to look out the window, getting a closer look.
“Nah, it’ll be fine.”
“Can we get home?”
“This machine,” I pat the dash of my truck, “is four-wheel drive. We’ll make it home,” I assure her.
“Okay, then. I guess we have a class to get to.” She reaches for her handle and climbs out of the truck, and I scurry to catch up with her. Luckily my legs are a hell of a lot longer than hers, and I’m by her side in no time.
“Hey, Colton,” Mary, one of the nightshift receptionists, greets me. “I have a few cancelations for tonight.” She hands me a list.
“How many do we have left?” I ask her.
“Four.” She looks up at Hollis. “Are you taking the class?” she asks her.
“Yes.”
“Then, five.” Mary grins.
“Thanks, Mary. Keep me updated. I’m going to go make sure the room is set up.” With a wave, I settle my hand on the small of Hollis’s back and lead her to the room where the class is going to be held. I guide us into the room, and to the back corner where the storage closet is. Punching in the code on the keyless entry, I open the door wide, turn on the light, and step in. “You can put your coat and purse here. This will stay locked so no one will mess with it.”
“Are you sure? I can get a locker.”
“Positive. Just lay it on the desk over there.” I shrug out of my coat and lay it across the desk. “I’m going to start getting the mats out and organized.”
“Need any help?”
“Nah, just chill until class starts. Unless you want to go hit some of the machines or something?”
“Do I need to?” she asks. My eyes peruse her body. Tight long-sleeve T-shirt and skin-tight work out pants. “I mean, am I in the way?” she adds.
“N-No.” I shake my head. “You’re not in the way.” Needing to get busy, to fight off this attraction I have for her, I start dragging mats out and setting them up so that each person will have their own workspace. From the research I’ve done, most women who sign up for self-defense classes are usually too late. It’s usually as a result of some type of violence, often an ex or current lover they are trying to defend themselves from. This also means that most of them are not comfortable with having their personal space invaded. So, I set up six large mats, giving each person coming to class tonight their very own personal space. I want them to feel safe and confident while they’re here and, eventually, leave here with that same confidence and carry it with them every day.
“Colton.” Mary sticks her head in the door. “Everyone has canceled. It’s really starting to get bad out there.”
“Thanks, Mary. Why don’t you go ahead and go home? I’ll be here to close up.”
“Everyone’s gone, and I don’t think anyone is going to be coming in tonight anyway. I’ll just put a note on the door that due to inclement weather, we’re closed. I’ll update all of our social media sites, and then head home.”
“Thanks, Mary.”
“Should we go?” Hollis asks.
“Nah, we can stay a little longer. Besides, I promised you a self-defense class, and we’re already here. Hell, we have the place to ourselves.” That part worries me just a little. No, it will be just like it is at home. I’m going to keep it completely professional.
She nods. “Let’s do it.”
“Perfect. Okay. Take a mat. You can have your pick,” I say with a chuckle.
“Where are you going to be?”
Wherever you are. “I’ll take the one in front so you can see me.” She chooses a mat in the center of the room, and I take the one directly in front of her. “Okay, the first move we’re going to practice is the hammer strike. Anytime you’re walking alone, you should have your keys in your fist like this.” I rush to the storage closet, grab my keys, then back to the mat. “Since I drove, you’re going to need these.” I show her how to hold the keys in her hand.
“Like this?” she asks, taking my keys and doing as I demonstrated.
“Just like that. Now, should someone approach you aggressively, you swing your arm like this as if it were a hammer.” I demonstrate with my hand to show her. She copies me and nails it. Not that this one is complicated, which is why I started with it.
“Do you feel comfortable with me moving in on you so that you can practice?” I ask her.
She swallows hard but nods her agreement. “Okay, so I’m going to go walk around the room. You keep your head pointed forward. I’m not going to hurt you, or grab you, but I want you to be on alert for when I present in front of you.”
“Got it.” She looks at her hand, makes sure the key is still positioned correctly and lowers her hand to her side.
I walk away from her, keeping my steps light as they carry me around the room. Then I’m coming at her. I’m in her face, and she
doesn’t hesitate to lift her arm and strike. I barely miss getting stabbed with my own key as I jump out of the way.
“Oh my God.” The keys fall from her hands as they move to cover her mouth. Her eyes are wide and filled with worry.
“It’s fine, Hollis. You did exactly as you were supposed to do.”
“No.” She drops her hands and shakes her head. “I wasn’t supposed to attack you. You could have been hurt.”
“Trust me, I’m perfectly fine. This is all a part of your training. It has to be as real as possible so you can imitate being in that exact situation. You did great,” I praise.
“This was a bad idea.”
“No, it wasn’t.” I step in close to her. Bending my knees so we’re eye to eye, I try to capture her attention, but her gaze is glued to our feet. With a gentle hand, I place my index finger under her chin and gently lift until I have her eyes. “This is what’s supposed to happen. I promise. You did perfectly.” I stand back to my full height and clap my hands together. “Now, you ready for another move?”
“You sure?” She’s hesitant, and her beautiful green eyes are shining with uncertainty.
“Positive. This next move is escaping from a bear hug attack.” I usually go over the easier moves, but this one is the most common for attacks. Women getting assaulted from behind before they even realize what’s going on. My gut tells me I need her to be prepared to be safe. She might have just come into my life, but I know I need that much. I need to know I’ve given her the skills to protect herself. Sure, it’s not going to all happen tonight, but this move, knowing it’s the most common attack, it will help to ease my mind that I’ve taught her this one.
“Okay.” Her agreement is weak, but she stands tall, well as tall as she can at five foot three and gives me all of her focus and attention.
“This one is better if I demonstrate so you know what I’m talking about. In order to do that, I need you to step behind me and wrap your arms around my waist, clasping your hands together. I’ll talk you through the process, we’ll go through the motions, and then switch places.”