by Matson, TC
Yeah, she’s mad.
“As much as I wanted to ask the same thing while I squeezed his neck like a zit, I can’t buck my manager. I have to go with the flow.”
“This sucks,” she murmurs.
“It’s just a few days. After her fight, I’m flying in and staying for the week. She’ll need time to lick her wounds and rest her body.”
“You think she’ll lose?”
“I don’t know anything about her opponent. If Katie does as well as she does with me, then she’ll kick Tabitha’s ass. Regardless of who wins, Katie will still need to rest afterward. And that gives me the perfect opportunity to scoop my girl up and spend time with her. Maybe have her scream my name a time or two…or ten.”
She giggles and it’s a captivating sound I damn well needed to hear.
“I miss you,” she says quietly.
“You’ll see me soon enough. So what are you wearing?” Even though she can’t see me, I’m grinning devilishly.
“Levi!” she cackles. “You’re such a perv.”
“I can’t help it. I got a smoking hot girl who won’t talk dirty to me and help out my hard cock that aches for her.
“You don’t complain when you’re here.”
“That’s because I dip into paradise. Here…there isn’t a paradise.”
I cringe. Sappy-loving shit always spews from my mouth to her.
“Aww…I love when your heart talks. So I’m your paradise?”
“I think it’s the desperate hard-on,” I tease.
“And right back to macho man,” she banters.
“I’ve gotta get some sleep. Hitting the gym early with Katie. It’s her last big training until her fight.”
She exhales. She’s just as frustrated as I am, but soon enough I’ll have her in my arms again. “Good night, Levi.”
Ooh, she’s upset. She called me by my name. “I love you, Sunshine,” I sing trying to make her smile. “Hope your dreams are of me wrapping my arms around you.” I pause setting her up. “And me driving deep inside you.”
She laughs. Mission “make my girl laugh” complete. “I love you too. Sweet dreams. Talk to you tomorrow.”
I toss my phone to the side and lie back on my pillows. I hate disappointing her.
Chapter 9
After the blow Levi gave me two days ago, I’ve been in a funk. I sulked in my room all day yesterday not doing a damn thing and barely made it to the shower. I talked to him several times, but each time, my heart ached. I don’t know if I want to be pissed or depressed. I know, I know. I knew all this when we started dating, but it’s still human to hurt. There’s nothing else I can say except how badly I miss him.
Today at work, Holly was a mess. Her new boyfriend is coming over for a home-cooked dinner tonight and she’s the one cooking it. On top of that, I’m the third wheel because she begged me to come meet him.
She talks about him constantly, and to see her so happy excites me even though I’m scared she’ll force their relationship to move faster than what he wants. She deserves someone great and scaring him off is the last thing I want her to do.
As I pull into Holly’s apartment complex, it dawns on me that I’ve been friends with her for over a year, and I’ve never made it out of my car to her apartment. I’ve never been in. Every time I’ve offered to come over, she was always quick to want to come to me. Now, my imagination of what the inside looks like has dragged me from one side of the spectrum to the other. It could be a black dungeon all the way to extremely girly and she’s ashamed of it.
I’m finally knocking on her door a little more breathless than I’m proud of after trudging up three flights of stairs. I’m more out of shape than I had thought.
“Come in!” she yells from inside.
I’m taken aback as I step in. It’s neither girly nor a dungeon. It’s really nice. It’s an open floor plan just like any normal college style apartment and directly in my sights is the kitchen. Holly is scrambling in front of two steaming pots when she turns to me. She’s frantic with wide eyes.
“Spaghetti. It’s all I really know how to cook. Please tell me that’s okay,” she pleads.
I place my purse on the tan recliner and smile. “Sounds great to me.”
She smiles weakly and turns back to stir everything. I scan the room as I make my way to her. She has a gray fluffy couch and a matching loveseat with a recliner sitting off in the corner all positioned to focus on the TV that’s placed on a long and dark stand.
“Wow. I love your place,” I tell her.
“So do I. It’s simple,” she says setting a spoon down on the counter.
Over her couch is a large painting of what I think is a man and woman holding each other…or it’s just brush strokes. I’m not sure.
“Abstract,” she states and I turn to her bewildered. She nods toward the painting. “You looked confused. It’s abstract painting.”
I turn my attention back to the painting and tilt my head unsure what I’m looking at. “So is it a man holding a woman?”
“It’s supposed to be whatever you make of it. I liked it. Found it at a rich dude’s yard sale. He caught his wife cheating so out of revenge he sold all her favorite art pieces for twenty dollars. I jumped on several.”
I giggle. “Well, guess that’s a way to get her back and pay for the divorce.”
“Guess so. Matt said he’ll be over in about thirty minutes. He’s bringing a friend he’s known for years.” She shrugs. “Thirsty? I got soda, beer, and tequila.”
“I’ll take a beer.”
She stretches her leg, pointing to the fridge. “It’s in there.”
Her kitchen is small but cozy with white cabinets, a light brown counter, and black appliances. It’s simple, just like she said. I like it. And my spectrum of imaginary living spaces for her had nothing on this.
“Need help?” I ask, twisting the top and then taking a long draw from the cold bottle.
She turns with wide, worried eyes. “Yes. I’m a sack of nerves.”
I smile. “You said you’ve spent a lot of time with him. What’s there to be nervous about?”
“I’m cooking.”
“I take it you’ve never cooked for a man before?”
She exhales. “I just really like him, Paige. Really like him,” she repeats slowly.
“I know, and I love it.”
I lean back on the counter and watch her drain the noodles, placing them in a separate bowl and topping everything with lids. She pulls out a beer from the fridge, pops the top and downs half of it.
“Okay, this will be fun,” she says trying to convince her nerves. “Should I turn the TV on?”
She doesn’t let me answer and zips past me doing it anyway. “What will everyone want to watch?”
I grab her shoulders and twist her to me. “Holly. Calm down. Everything will be fine. Throw something on, and just sit here and chat with me.”
And she does just that, dropping to the couch exhausted from her worries.
“I just want everything to be good.” She sighs.
I take in her appearance. Once again, her makeup is normal, her clothes aren’t gothic but more trendy. She’s dressed this way even at the restaurant. “It’s going to be just fine. The only difference is that I’m here.”
A sudden thud on the door has her eyes bugging out, and instantly she’s a basket case as she jumps to her feet. “Omigod, eeek!” she whispers and pulls her shoulders back just before opening the door.
Matt’s eyes are soft, his brown hair is short but shaggy, and his smile is extra wide as he extends a small bouquet of brightly colored flowers to her.
“Sorry we’re late. It’s his fault,” he says throwing his thumb over his shoulder. I’m surprised at the depth of his voice. It’s as if it resonates from deep down in his chest.
“It’s okay,” Holly says stepping out of the way to let the men in.
Matt steps in and turns to introduce his friend. As the man steps into the room, my l
ungs squeeze empty and my throat closes. Standing in the doorway with his distinguishing brown hair dyed blond on the right side with a red streak running length wise is the barrel-chested, muscular and tall…
“Ryker…” his name falls from my lips in denial.
Everyone turns to me. His piercing icy blue eyes slide to me and then his lips twist up launching into a lethal smile.
“Now my night has been made,” he says deep and satisfied. “How have you been, Paige?”
I’m speechless. The last time I saw him, Levi lost his temper. He was our biggest argument almost ending our already fragile relationship. I’m frozen staring at him in disbelief.
Panic shudders through my body, holding tight to every blood cell running through my veins. I blink and swallow hard, switching my gaze to Holly.
“I…um…I’m gonna take off.” My voice wobbles as I reach for my purse to leave.
Holly looks puzzled, almost saddened, but then her expression changes and she gasps, pulling her hands over her mouth and looking to Ryker and then back to me. “Fuck!” she finally says. “Paige, I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay,” I lie. “Really it is, but I’m gonna take off.” I nod to Matt and offer a weak smile. “It was nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll catch up later.”
I push past both men and start down the stairs. I’m only a few steps down when I hear Ryker calling my name. My pulse is loud, relentlessly throbbing in my ears and scattering into my every limb. I don’t stop, hurrying my pace. I’m rounding the first flat when he grabs my arm, stopping me and turning me toward him.
“Don’t leave on account of me.” His words are rushed, his expression laced with concern.
“Then are you leaving?”
He chuckles letting go of my arm. “No.”
“Then I’m leaving,” I say turning back for the stairs, but he grabs my shoulders keeping me in place.
“Do I make you that nervous, Paige?” He says my name as if he’s tasting it.
“No, you don’t,” I lie again spinning around to him. This is starting to become a trend for me. “But you’re my boyfriend’s main opponent. How would he feel to know I’m hanging out with his rival?”
“He doesn’t have to know.”
I jam my hand on my hip. “I’m not going to lie to him.”
“I didn’t say you had to, Paige. I’m just saying don’t tell him. Skip this part of the day. I’m sure he doesn’t tell you everything he does with Katie.” His tone has a hidden, mischievousness to it.
Anger bubbles up. “I’m sure I know the important parts. I’m not going to stand here and discuss my personal life with you. I hope you have a good time tonight.”
“Paige?” Holly says softly from over the balcony.
I glance up as she steps down toward me, glaring at Ryker. “Go give Matt a hand,” she tells him ripping his hand off my shoulder.
His stare lingers on me for a moment before he turns bounding up the stairs and taking one last glance over the balcony before exiting my view completely.
“I didn’t know,” she says sitting down on the stair beside where I’m standing.
“I know you didn’t. It’s okay,” I assure her.
“I don’t recall Matt telling me his name. I’m sure if he had, it would’ve dawned on me. I mean, it’s a different name.”
“Holly, it’s okay. Seriously.”
“I don’t want you to leave. I want you to get to know Matt.”
“There will be other times, but right now isn’t the time,” I tell her sitting beside her.
“I made enough spaghetti to feed the whole apartment complex. Could you just stay and eat then leave?”
“Holly, you’re asking me to have dinner with the enemy. Do you understand what happened when I just spoke to him and now you’re saying sit down and chit chat with him?”
“Yeah.” She drops her head in her hands. “I can fuck up anything.”
Shit. She sounds so melancholy. I know she worked hard for today. I’m not between a rock and a hard spot. I’m between two tractors pulling each other and using my arms as the chains.
“I can’t lie to Levi and when he finds this out, his head will explode. I love ya, girl, but I’m not about to piss him off.”
Her eyes are full of hope when she jumps to her feet, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the stairs. “I’ve got a plan!” she says excitedly.
I pull back. “No, Holly. I’m not—”
“You’re gonna trust me is what you’re gonna do.” She drags me behind her back to the apartment and pauses before pushing open the door. “Trust me. Straighten yourself up. You look like a nervous wreck.”
She doesn’t give me a chance and enters, my hand still clutched in hers.
Matt and Ryker both twist toward the door and Holly steps right up to Ryker. “You!” She points. “Sit and shut up. You don’t talk. Pretend you’re not here. Fade into the couch.” Then she turns to Matt. “I’ve been dying for her to meet you. I know he’s your friend and I swear I’m not trying to be mean, but you two are important to me. He won’t ruin my day.”
Matt turns his concern to Ryker, who’s staring at me with the biggest shit-eating grin, and then flicks his eyes to his friend and nods, shrugging.
Matt sticks his hand out for me to shake. “I’m Matt.”
My gut is telling me to run. Kick down the door and jump the stairs to get to my car, but I close my eyes and conjure a smile.
Apprehensively, I place my hand in his. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” I tell him. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” I bump Holly’s hip with mine trying to relax.
“Holly,” Matt says, “this is Ryker.”
Holly sizes him up and I can’t help but giggle at her boldness.
“Hi,” she says. “It’s nice to meet you, but for now, you’re my new manly lamp post.”
“Deal,” he says shaking her hand, but he’s up to something. He’s got a wicked expression.
As uncomfortable as I have been, Ryker has kept his word and remained quiet even through dinner, only whispering to Holly a thank you. He hasn’t added into our conversations but unfortunately, his sparkling pale blues eyes have been glued on me as much as possible making me more on edge.
Now, he’s leaned back, grinning like an ass in Holly’s tan recliner while she and Matt are on the couch and I’m on the loveseat. Levi is going to flip his shit.
“So Holly tells me you’re dating an MMA fighter. Ryker is one—” Matt abruptly stops when Holly nudges his ribs. She glares at him silently telling him to shut up.
“Oh, she knows,” Ryker pipes in. “Her boyfriend is Levi The Leveler. My next win.”
I grit my teeth and ignore him, trying to keep my anger at bay. I know he’s only trying to rile me up. “Yes, I am,” I answer Matt.
Matt’s gaze flicks from Ryker back to me with a sudden understanding of what the hell is going on. “Isn’t he training another fighter?”
“Katie Greer. Model material. Gorgeous as hell with a personality to fall in love with,” Ryker says insensitively with an arched brow at me.
I’m done. I’m not going to fall into his web of deception, plus I know I’m already in hot shit with Levi. I stand and grab my things.
“Thanks, Holly, for dinner, but I think I’m gonna take off now. Let you and Matt have some time together with his friend.” I nod to Matt. “It was very nice meeting you. Sorry the circumstances aren’t any better, but I’m sure I’ll see you around soon.” I wink playfully, trying my best to keep it together and head for the door.
I don’t acknowledge Ryker and step out the door with my heart thundering in my chest. My nerves are a wreck. I’ve done nothing but try to figure out a way to explain this to Levi. He’s going to lose his shit. I just hope I can get the whole story out before he does.
Chapter 10
We landed in Arizona several hours ago and got settled into our hotel rooms. Adam was lucky enough to get all three of us on the same floor. I’m a
tad bit pissed that my room isn’t any larger than it is, but the balcony calms the claustrophobia, so I’m letting Adam off the hook this time.
Paige told me this morning that Holly invited her to have dinner at her house and meet her boyfriend. I’ve had to calm my itchy palm from calling her and wait patiently for my phone to ring. I don’t do well with patience. It’s like the word no. Patience makes “my way” take the back burner, and I don’t enjoy it. It’s not my strong suit unless I’m in the ring. There, patience is a virtue. Wait it out. Watch your opponent and strike at the perfect time.
Katie said she was going to the spa we passed by on our drive to the hotel. And I believe Adam is sacked out. I’m on the balcony watching the sunset when my phone finally rings.
“Sunshine,” I answer.
“Hey, baby,” she says but something isn’t right.
“What’s wrong?”
“You have to promise me you will let me tell the whole story without interrupting me?”
Ladies, when you tell a man this, we brace ourselves because whatever is about to spew from your mouth is never good. And I mean never. I don’t give a rat’s ass if you just bought your man a brand new luxury car with all the bells and whistles, put a kickass stereo system in it and threw him the keys butt fucking naked. Saying, “Promise me you’ll let me finish,” means you’ve done something and we sure the fuck aren’t going to like it.
“Depending on what it is,” I tell her flatly.
“Levi, this is serious and I have to have your word.”
Like she pulled the lever for adrenaline, I’m already bracing to be furious. “Fine. You have my word,” I bite out.
She takes a deep breath and begins. “So Holly invited me over for dinner and to meet her boyfriend. Well, her boyfriend brought a friend.”
“What the fuck did he do?” I grit.
“You gave me your word,” she reminds me.
I take a shaky breath tapping my knee with my fingers. “Yeah.”
“Her boyfriend is a really nice guy. He’s—”
“Paige, you’re testing my restraint here. I know something is wrong and you’re beating around the motherfucking bush. Please just get to it before I can’t hold my promise any longer.”