Further To Fall

by Catherine Cowles

  I couldn’t help the rumbling laugh that escaped my throat. “I told you not to trust so easily—” My words were cut off by a wave of water Carter sent splashing into my open mouth. The fit of choking coughs was immediate.

  When I regained composure, my eyes narrowed on Carter. Her hands were covering her mouth, but her eyes danced with silent laughter. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her words muffled by the fingers still covering her lips.

  “You are going to pay for that, Firecracker.”

  Carter let out a yelp and made a break for the opposite end of the pool, but I was too quick for her. My fingers latched onto her ankle, and I pulled. Grabbing her around the waist, I yanked her back flush against my front. “Now, are you going apologize like a good girl?”

  “Never!” Carter couldn’t contain her laughter, and each echo sent vibrations through my body, ending at my dick. Before she had a chance to feel my body’s reaction to her, I sent her flying through the air toward the opposite end of the pool. I needed to stop touching her. Maybe I just needed to get laid, it had been a couple of weeks. I could hit a bar for a quick fix after I left Liam’s tonight. Whatever the solution was, it wasn’t the green-eyed goddess emerging from the water at the other end of the pool. I needed to get a grip and fast.

  Later in the day, as the sun danced low in the sky, Liam and I kept an eye on the meat grilling while Ford and the girls sat around the firepit sipping cocktails. “I’m really glad you and Carter ironed things out,” Liam said as he flipped a steak. “It would’ve really sucked to have two of my best friends always at each other’s throats.”

  I swallowed thickly at the reminder of what an ass I’d been to Carter. “She’s a great girl. I admit it, I was totally wrong about her.”

  “Can you say that one again? I’m not quite sure I heard you correctly.”

  I gave a half-hearted jab to Liam’s shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. You were right. I was wrong.” I had never been more wrong about someone in my life.

  “I feel like that should at least earn me a bottle of my favorite whiskey.”

  “Your favorite whiskey is too rich for my blood, rock star.”

  “Not for long, man. Those prizes are getting larger and larger. You’ll be one of the Ultimate Fighting League’s top dogs before you know it.”

  “I hope so. I really fucking hope so.” It was true that I was winning bigger and bigger paydays, but I wanted top billing with the UFL. I wanted to claim the world heavyweight title so badly I could taste it. I was getting closer, paving the road with my sweat and blood. It was worth every drop. I just had to stay focused, and that meant ignoring the delicious temptation sitting twelve feet away.

  7

  Carter

  My lungs were burning with the fire of a thousand blazing suns. Almost two months of running, and it hardly felt any easier than the first night Austin had forced my poor, pitifully sore muscles into a jog after our training session. I’m sure one of the reasons the running didn’t feel any easier was that Austin had recently decided he needed to add hills into our regime. Hills that felt like Mount Kilimanjaro to my out-of-shape self.

  “Stop,” I pleaded, placing a hand on Austin’s forearm. I was too exhausted to even relish the feel of his taut muscles. “I. Need. A. Minute,” I said, gasping for breath between each word.

  “All right, let’s walk for a bit.”

  Even walking was difficult at first, but eventually it no longer felt like the air I was breathing into my lungs had barbs attached to it, and my heart rate began to slow. Finally, I was able to take in my surroundings again. Gravel crunched under our feet as we made our way up the graded road.

  Turning my head to the side, I could see Austin silhouetted against a sun that was low in the sky. He was breathtaking. Cut jaw, strong neck, broad shoulders leading to muscled pecs, and a tapered waist. Not to mention a butt I’d seen old ladies drool over.

  Austin’s eyes slid from the path ahead to me. “See something you like, Firecracker?”

  I fought the heat that I knew was rising to my cheeks. “Just taking in the view. It’s beautiful up here.”

  He shook his head with a grin. “That it is. So, how were your little hellions today?”

  My lips pulled into a smile. “They were awesome. Well, most of them were anyway. We’re working on a creative writing project where they write about an adventure they’d like to go on with one of their heroes. Some of the stuff they’ve come up with is pretty hilarious. I’m going to help them make their own books with covers and everything.”

  Austin’s face was gentle now, with heat in his eyes that had a mirroring warmth growing in my chest. “Those kids are lucky to have you.”

  I ducked my head at his kind words. “Thanks. They’ve definitely wormed their way into my heart.” They had also taken over my life. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. every weekday meant no more late-night hang sessions at Liam’s beach house. But he was busy recording a new album anyway, so I hardly saw him anymore. The person I saw more than anyone was Austin.

  “What was it that made you want to become a teacher?”

  I hummed as I thought about how to answer. “I was a total nerd growing up. I got made fun of a lot because I liked to follow the rules, and my nose was always in a book. I had this teacher in the second grade, Mrs. Barea, who saw what was happening with the other kids.”

  A small smile pulled at my lips at the bittersweet memory. “Mrs. Barea intervened when she could, but more importantly, she spent a lot of time with me. Encouraging me. Letting me know that it was okay to be different, it was a blessing to be unique, and that I should never follow the crowd just to avoid kids saying mean things.”

  I kicked at one of the rocks in the road, feeling just a hint of embarrassment about sharing my dorky past. “I’ve carried her words with me all these years, and I still make it a point to visit her every time I’m home. I just hope I can make a difference in one child’s life the way she did in mine.”

  Austin threw an arm over my shoulders, pressing the side of my body against his. My stomach did a little flip. “I know you’re making that kind of difference in more than one of these kids’ lives,” he said and then let me go.

  Clearing my throat, I asked, “So, what about you? Why fighting?”

  The shutters went down over Austin’s eyes, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. “My dad and I watched a lot of boxing when I was growing up. It was just him and me, my mom bailed when I was three. Money was tight, but he worked extra shifts to pay for my youth league fees and gear.”

  My heart ached at Austin’s revelation. Every time we had one of these heart-to-hearts, I got a little more insight into how Austin had become the man he was today. “As I got older, MMA was really taking off, and we got into that. He was at every one of my matches. He would switch shifts, work doubles, whatever it took. He was always there. I owe him everything. I hate that he can’t come to fights as easily now, but he loves it back in Michigan.”

  We crested the top of the hill just as Austin finished speaking and, suddenly, we were looking out over all of Los Angeles. I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out to squeeze his hand. “He sounds like an amazing man.”

  “He is.” Austin’s voice sounded just a little rougher, a little more ragged.

  “Just like his son,” I said, squeezing his hand again before letting it drop.

  Austin turned his face towards me. “I was an asshole to you when we first met.”

  Chuckling, I said, “That is true. I used to call you angry mountain man in my head, but you’ve grown on me.”

  He barked out a laugh and pulled me into a tight hug. We were sweaty and gross, but I didn’t even care. Having his arms around me felt like the dip in a rollercoaster and coming home all at once. I could feel his heart beating against my cheek, and when he spoke, his voice sent vibrations through my whole body. “I’m so glad you gave this angry mountain man a second chance.”

  I tipped back my head so that my chin rested on
his sternum. “You’ve proved your usefulness. Like when I needed help opening that particularly stubborn jar of pickles, even though I’m pretty sure I loosened it for you.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “Or when I needed someone really tall to reach that light that was out in my apartment.”

  “You’re basically saying that I could be replaced with a ladder and an increased upper body workout.”

  “Hmm, now that I think about it…”

  Austin released me with a shove. “You little stinker.”

  I shot him a smirk. “Race you back down?”

  He shook his head. “No, because you’ll end up tripping over your own feet, and I’ll have to take you to the emergency room so they can put two-dozen stitches in your face.”

  That little jerk. I gaped at him. But, mentally, I was plotting my revenge. “I’m not that bad.”

  Austin snorted. He snorted. My revenge was going to be epic, like putting pink hair dye in his shampoo. “Whatever you say, Firecracker. Whatever you say.”

  “You’re walking funny again. Another workout with Mr. Muscles?” Taylor’s voice sounded from behind me as I hobbled across the parking lot.

  I turned my head towards her. “He made me run hills last night. Hills.”

  Taylor let out a throaty laugh. “You must be in love with him. No man is going to get me to run up a mountain if I’m not head over heels.”

  My steps faltered, and my stomach dipped. I wasn’t in love with Austin. Sure, I was attracted to him, but we were friends. Falling in love with Austin would be a recipe for disaster. I forced myself to find a normal walking rhythm again. “Nope. Just a sucker of a friend, apparently,” I said with forced levity.

  “Whatever you say, girlie.”

  “Hey, ladies!” Taylor and I turned to see Kyle Davis jogging towards us. Kyle was a fellow teacher with a few more years on the job than Taylor and me. He was handsome in that conventional, country-club kind of way. He was also incredibly kind and just a bit nerdy. I wished he made my stomach flutter a fraction of the amount Austin did, but he just didn’t.

  “What are you two up to?” he asked.

  “Just talking about Carter’s newfound love of running,” Taylor answered with a light laugh.

  Kyle’s face brightened. “You like to run? I go jogging every morning before school if you ever want to join me.”

  I groaned. “I actually hate it. I only go because my friend, Austin, is trying to get me into shape. It’s not working.”

  He chuckled. “It’ll get easier, I promise.”

  “I don’t have high expectations. I’d just like to get through a mile without sounding like I’ve been smoking a pack a day since I was five.”

  “It’s good to have goals,” Taylor retorted.

  “That it is. Now, someone find me some Motrin so I can make it through this day.”

  The only answer to my request was Taylor’s howling laughter and Kyle’s deep chuckle.

  8

  Austin

  Sweat poured into my eyes as my fists hit the mitts with a precision that created the perfect pop, pop, pop sound that fighters longed to hear.

  “That’s it. Crisper. Give me a little more heat on that hook. Perfect,” Mel said as he put me through my paces. A buzzer sounded. “That’s time. Take a break.”

  I pulled the gloves from my hands, chest heaving. “You’re going to kill me one of these days.”

  Mel sent me a slightly feral grin. “Just making sure you’re ready to take Cobra down in a few weeks.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” I gave Mel a hard time, but I was grateful to have a coach who knew exactly how hard to push. My fight against Cobra was my first big UFL fight. The prize money was great, and if I won, it was my ticket to the top international heavyweight bracket. There was no question, I had to win.

  Mel leaned against the ropes of the ring we were working in today. “You eating right? Getting enough sleep? Staying focused?”

  “Yes, old man. No pussy and no pizza.”

  Mel chuckled. “Really? Something tells me that might not be entirely true.”

  I turned to follow his gaze. Standing in the entryway to the gym was Carter. She wore a pale pink sundress that brought out the red undertones of her strawberry-blonde hair and made her ivory skin glow. I felt like I had taken an uppercut to the gut.

  “I picked you up some boring lunch at that health food place you love,” she called over the din of gloved fists hitting punching bags.

  I couldn’t help the grin that came to my face. “I hope you didn’t force any vegetables onto your own plate.”

  She beamed back. “Never. I stopped at In-N-Out for Mel and me.”

  Mel swung down from the ring at the uttered “In-N-Out.” “I told you, you’re my favorite. Didn’t I?”

  Carter reached up on her tiptoes and kissed Mel’s stubbled cheek. “Yes, you did. How are you?”

  “I’m just fine, girl. Busy, but fine.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “I’m going to take my lunch into the office and catch up on some paperwork, but you two use the break room or sit up on the roof.”

  Carter handed Mel his bag of food as I dipped under the ropes. “Thanks for bringing me lunch, Firecracker.” I bent to kiss her cheek, fighting a smile when I saw the color pinking them. I fucking loved making Carter blush.

  “Anytime, Bulldog. Where do you want to eat?”

  “Let’s go up onto the roof. I could use some fresh air.”

  “Sounds good.”

  I grabbed my water bottle and led her toward the elevator. “What are you doing downtown anyway?”

  Her long eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at me. Doe eyes, that’s what she had. These innocent-as-fuck doe eyes that could convince me to do almost anything. “I had to run by the school to pick up some papers I forgot and thought I might as well pay my favorite fighter a visit on my way home.”

  “Well, I’m glad you did. You have perfect timing, I’m starving.” The elevator doors slid open to the rooftop. It wasn’t finished or anything, but the guys had drug some old outdoor furniture, a table, and some chairs up here so we had a place to take a break when we needed it.

  “Wow, that’s an awesome view,” Carter said as she gazed towards the Hollywood Hills. “I keep meaning to go to the Griffith Observatory, but I never seem to have the time.”

  “It’s pretty dope.”

  “You’ve been there?” she asked, sunlight catching the shine of her hair.

  “Yeah, not long after I first moved here. The views are killer.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Here, grab a seat.” I pulled two rickety chairs up to the worn table while Carter unpacked my chicken salad and protein shake and her cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake. I would have killed for that burger.

  “What? Your health food not looking so appetizing compared to my feast of culinary delights?” Carter said with a smirk.

  “It’s cruel of you to tempt me this way, you know?”

  “You might be one of my favorite people, but I still wouldn’t make myself eat kale for you. Sorry.”

  I squeezed her side. She squeaked. “I would never want you to torture yourself with kale on my behalf.”

  “Thank you. You are a true friend.” She dipped a French fry into her milkshake like the weirdo she was and popped it into her mouth. “So, how’s training going?”

  “Good. My boxing game is strong, and my grappling is getting better with this new coach Mel brought in.”

  “That’s great. Does that mean I might actually get to attend this fight?”

  I hadn’t let Carter come to any of my bouts so far, no matter how much she begged. Fights were not exactly the safest environments, and I couldn’t risk getting distracted by worrying about her when I needed my head in the game. “Carter, we’ve talked about this.”

  “I know, I know. But I really want to go to this one. It’s such a big deal. I want to cheer you on.” She fluttered those big doe eyes
at me, and my resolve weakened.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  Carter bounced up and down in her chair like a little kid, and I couldn’t hold in my chuckle. “Promise?”

  “I promise.”

  “Yes!” She shot her fist into the air. “What do people wear to fights?”

  “I said I’d think about it, that doesn’t mean you should start planning your outfit.” My mind drifted to an image of Carter wearing a low-cut minidress that fight groupies favored. I bit back a groan.

  “I just want to make sure I’m prepared in case you decide I can go.”

  A smile touched my lips. “You wear whatever you feel comfortable in.” I paused. “But don’t let Taylor dress you.” The last thing I needed was Carter starting a riot by being too damn gorgeous for her own good dressed in some skimpy outfit Taylor put her in.

  Carter’s brows pulled together. “Why not?”

  I searched my mind for a plausible excuse. “She, uh, just doesn’t have as good of taste as you. Let’s not worry about it just yet, I’m still not sure it’s a good idea.”

  Carter pulled a full-on pout. “Oh, all right.”

  This girl was cute as fuck.

  9

  Carter

  I unleashed a very unladylike grunt as I pulled my bag from the backseat of my car. Christmas break could not get here soon enough. The life of a first-year teacher was no joke. I was so overwhelmed with lesson plans, grading assignments, and preparing my students for standardized testing, it felt like I barely had time to breathe. Thankfully, I had developed a routine that managed to keep my head above water and me at least semi-sane.

  LA was finally starting to feel like home. I loved the kids in my class and working at the same school as Taylor was a blast. We didn’t have a ton of time to socialize, but she and Kyle always helped me when I got stuck planning lessons and made the teachers’ lounge a more amusing place.