I walked up the steps to my apartment and unlocked the door. Music was on, so Lexi must be home. We were mostly ships passing in the night since she was out till all hours at glamourous Hollywood events, and I had to be up at 5:30 every morning, but our roommate setup worked for the most part. “Hey, Lex, I’m home.”
Lexi popped out of her bedroom, all boobs, Victoria Secret angel hair, and the most put-together outfit. She was a knockout. “Thank God! I need your opinion on shoes!” She held up two pairs of stilettos. I pointed to the pair in her left hand. “So,” she asked distractedly as she slipped on the black Louboutin’s, “how was school stuff?”
I dropped my bag on one of the bar stools and sighed. “It was good, but I’m exhausted. How was work for you?”
She felt around for a hole in her ear and slid a diamond hoop through it. “Oh, great, but just getting started. I have an event at the Roosevelt tonight. Whatever boring plans you have, you should cancel them and come out!”
I leaned back into the cool granite counter; it felt great against my aching back. “No going out for me tonight. I’m going to jump in the shower and then make dinner. Austin’s coming over, and we’re going to listen to our latest true crime podcast obsession.”
Lexi’s mouth pulled tight. “You two are like a nerdy, old married couple. You might as well be watching Jeopardy while you eat dinner on your TV trays.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder and turned back to her room.
“I’m cool with my nerd status, Lex,” I called, heading for my own room. I peeled off my binding work clothes and stepped into the steaming shower. It was heaven and just the pick-me-up I needed.
Towel-drying my hair, I wove it into a braid down my back and took out my contacts, opting for my glasses instead. I searched out my comfiest yoga pants, fuzzy socks, and worn tee, long-ago having given up on trying to look put-together every time Austin came over. We just saw each other too much, and I was lazy.
Slipping my feet into my cozy slippers, I headed into the kitchen to prep dinner. I wasn’t the best cook in the world, but I had a rotation of a dozen or so meals I could do well. Luckily, Austin was into boring food for training mode, so it was poached chicken, veggies, and sweet potatoes with no fun stuff like butter for him, and veggies and mac and cheese with all the fun stuff for me.
I was just finishing up when I heard my front door open. “A, is that you?”
Austin’s dark head, still damp from a shower, rounded the corner. He wore joggers that hung perfectly from his hips, and his worn, gray t-shirt clung to his sculpted chest. Yup, still not accustomed to his hotness. “Who else would it be?” He rounded the kitchen bar and pulled me into his arms. I lived for these moments of closeness, and as I wrapped my arms around his waist, I felt the stress of the day melt away. “Tough day?” he asked.
I tilted my head back but kept my arms around his waist. My chin rested between his pecs, and he looked down at me. “I’m just worn out and ready for Christmas break. I’ve been going non-stop to fit in everything I need to by the end of the year.”
Austin leaned down just a bit farther and kissed my forehead. “You’re almost there. One and a half weeks, and you’re home free.”
I reluctantly let go of his waist, feeling his warmth fade. “You’re right, the end is within sight. Dinner’s pretty much done if you’re ready to eat.”
“Yeah, I’m starved. Thanks for cooking for me, babe.”
Babe. Babe was a newer endearment, and I had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it made me shiver and tingle in parts of my body that definitely did not say “friendship.” On the other hand, it made me mad, as he clearly had no intention of taking our relationship to a romantic place, so “babe” just reminded me of everything that would never be mine.
I shook myself out of those negative thoughts and reminded myself that I loved Austin. He was a great friend, and I was beyond grateful to have him in my life, even if it wasn’t in every way I wished it could be.
“Earth to Carter…hello…”
I swung around to face the source of my space out. “What? Sorry.”
Austin chuckled. “You must be exhausted. I asked you what you wanted to drink like three times.”
I forced a smile. “Yeah, super tired. Sorry. I’ll take a diet root beer, thanks.”
He gave my shoulder a squeeze as he grabbed drinks and put them on the table. “You still up for another podcast episode?”
A genuine smile came to my lips this time. “Do you even have to ask? I have to know if my predictions are right.”
“You always think it’s the boyfriend or husband.”
“In over 75% of murders, the victim knows the murderer, and it’s usually the spouse!” Luckily, Austin shared my morbid fascination with true crime TV shows and podcasts.
“You are such a weirdo. You’re lucky I like you.”
“Oh, yes, oh so blessed am I.” I tucked my hands under my chin and fluttered my eyelashes at him. Austin just laughed and pinched my side, sending pleasant shivers up my spine.
Just then, I heard a door open, and Lexi sauntered out looking like sex on a stick. I couldn’t help but compare my long and lean body to her curvaceous one. My shoulders drooped involuntarily. “Hey there, Austin, keeping our little Carter company tonight?” She grinned wickedly at him.
“More like she’s taking care of me.” He lifted his plate off the bar and set it on the table in the dining nook. “Fueling me up for my fight next weekend.”
Lexi played with the long necklace that hung between her breasts. “Well, if you want to blow off some steam after you fuel up, I’m running an event at the Roosevelt tonight. Carter said she’s too tired, but you’re welcome to come by.”
Her words were a paper cut to my heart. Not a life-threatening injury by any means, but it still hurt like a B. I had to remind myself that Lexi was naturally a flirt, and Austin was free to do whatever he wanted. I just didn’t want to witness it. I turned away and busied myself gathering up salt, pepper, and napkins.
Austin cleared his throat. “Thanks, Lexi, but I think I’m gonna hang here with Carter.”
Lexi crossed to him and patted his chest. “You’re such a good friend to her, Austin.”
Austin stepped out of her reach, taking a seat at the table. “Well, she’s a good friend to me.”
An awkward silence filled the room as Lexi plucked up her keys and clutch purse and headed towards the door. “I’m off, kids. Try not to have too much fun without me.” The door slammed in her wake, and I headed to the table with my food.
“Your roommate is certainly forward,” Austin said with a grimace.
Silently, I breathed out a sigh of relief. Visions of waking up to a shirtless Austin leaving Lexi’s room had been dancing in my head. “She’s harmless. She’s just naturally a flirt.”
“But it’s rude of her to try and get me to go to a party when she knows I have plans to hang out with you.”
He had a point there, but I shrugged. I didn’t want to admit just how disappointed I would have been if he had taken Lexi up on the offer.
Austin took a drink of water, and I watched his throat work. How could someone make drinking water look sexy? “Just watch yourself around her. I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her.”
I snorted. Austin could probably throw Lexi pretty dang far. “Let’s talk about something else. How was training today? You feel ready for Saturday?”
Austin reclined back in his chair, his serious business look in full effect. “I’m as ready as I can possibly be, and I’m confident I’ll come out with the win.”
“Without getting hurt, right?” I asked, nibbling on the corner of my lip.
Austin leaned across the table and pulled my lip from between my teeth. “Don’t do any damage to that pretty mouth because you’re worried about me. I’ll be fine. Promise.”
My heart stuttered a beat at the contact, and I swallowed hard. “If you’re so confident about the match, can I finally come to thi
s one?” I widened my eyes and gave him my very best puppy-dog face.
Austin just laughed and rose from his chair to grab something from his gym bag. “Well, it just so happens that I have a fight pass right here…”
I jumped up and rushed over to him. “For me?”
Austin dropped the laminated pass into my palm and then trapped my hand. “For you. On one condition. Liam and Ford are going with you, and you have to promise to stay with one of them at all times. No wandering off by yourself. Deal?”
I nodded enthusiastically. “Deal! Unless I have to pee, of course. They can’t follow me into the bathroom, that’d just be weird.”
Austin’s brows drew together as if he hadn’t considered that possibility. “Well, they walk you to the bathroom and wait outside.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. He was so freaking overprotective, even after I had graduated from the Austin school of self-defense.
He tugged on my trapped hand. “I mean it, Firecracker. Promise me.”
At the look of genuine worry in his eyes, I decided to take pity on him. “I promise, Bulldog. Liam or Ford will be stuck to me like glue from beginning to end.” I pulled my hand and the pass from between his and threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you,” I whispered into his ear.
His muscles slowly relaxed, and he hugged me back. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s clean up so we can listen to this next episode.”
We worked together with synchronized ease, clearing the table, washing the dishes, and wiping down the counters. I settled on the couch, pulling my fluffy blanket around me as Austin set up his phone and Bluetooth speaker. He sat back on the couch, phone in hand. “Here, come get cozy.” He lifted his arm up for me to cuddle underneath.
This is where things got really blurry for me. I could say “no, I’m fine over here,” but I never did. It felt too good to burrow into Austin’s side, to feel his warmth and strength seep into me. I relished these moments where I could pretend that he was mine, and I was his. I held onto them as long as possible, even if it was always painful when reality struck, and he went home. But for now, I just thought about how good the weight of his arm felt around me. I didn’t even make it halfway through the episode before I slowly drifted off to sleep.
I woke to the feeling of being lifted. “Wha?” I slurred a half word.
“Shhhhh. You fell asleep. I’m taking you to bed.”
“Mmkay.” I smacked my lips and curled deeper into Austin’s arms. They felt so good and strong, and I felt so safe and warm.
Austin gently laid me on my bed and pulled down the covers beneath me, tucking me in with such care, it would have broken my heart if I were fully conscious. He carefully removed my glasses, setting them on my nightstand, then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “Goodnight, Carter. Sweet dreams.”
10
Carter
The energy in the arena was electric, and I wanted to soak in every drop. This was nothing like the gym Austin trained at. Just an hour outside of LA, this place was massive and all sorts of fancy. They had obviously cleared out all the equipment and replaced it with rows of chairs and risers surrounding the octagon. Looking at the chain-link walls that made up each of the eight sides of the fighting ring, I suddenly felt as if I had swallowed a boulder.
Liam, decked out in a low-slung hat and sunglasses in an attempt to conceal his famous profile was out in front of me. He weaved his way through the crowd, a bodyguard at his side, but kept a firm grip on my hand. Ford followed closely behind. As we made it to the first few rows of padded folding chairs, a bulky and very intimidating security guard stopped Liam. We flashed our passes. He let us through and pointed us towards our seats. In the very first row.
I twisted my fingers into complicated knots as I sat down between Liam and Ford. “Right in the middle of the action, huh?” Even I could hear the nerves in my voice.
Liam and Ford eyed each other over my head, and Liam leaned over and patted my knee. “You going to be okay watching this? We can leave if you’re having second thoughts. Austin will totally understand.”
That steeled my resolve. I wanted to be here to support Austin, and I wasn’t going to be a baby about it. “No, I’m fine, I’m just nervous for him. I don’t want him getting hurt.”
Ford snickered. “He’s gonna get hurt, that’s the name of the game. But don’t worry, Bulldog’s a beast. No one’s gonna take him down.”
I ignored Ford’s less-than-helpful reassurances and pulled out my phone to text Taylor.
Me: Just got to the fight now. I’m so nervous my stomach hurts.
My knee bounced up and down of its own accord as my eyes took in every detail of the chain-link fence and the floor it surrounded. The vibration in my palm brought my gaze back to my phone.
Taylor: You’re worried about Mr. Muscles? Puh-lease, you should be worried about his opponent’s blood getting on your outfit.
I snorted.
Me: Thank you, that was just what I needed.
Taylor: No problem, girlie. Have fun and call me later!
Me: You got it! <3
I slid my phone back into my purse and smoothed my palms over my skinny jeans just as the lights flickered, and music started to play. Across the cage, the meanest-looking guy I had ever seen lumbered toward the ring.
I grabbed both Liam’s and Ford’s arms in a death grip as I frantically looked back and forth between the two of them. “That’s not who Austin’s fighting, right? There’s no way they’re in the same weight class. He’s huge!”
Liam’s jaw clenched. “Well, A’s in the heavyweight division now, but he’s at the light end of the class, so he’s going to have to fight dudes a lot bigger than him. But he’s got speed that they don’t.”
My stomach sank again. This was not good. Another song began to play, and the crowd turned behind me. I saw a figure with the hood of his silk robe up, making his way down the aisle. As Austin got closer, I swear I could feel the intense energy rolling off him in waves.
I had witnessed how seriously he took his training: the hours he put in at the gym, watching any tape he could get his hands on of his opponents’ fights, how he monitored every morsel of food he put into his body. But I had never seen him like this. He was laser-focused as if he were balancing on the edge of the sharpest knife’s blade. It scared me, and it was hot as hell all at the same time.
He shrugged off his robe and dropped the loose shorts he had on to reveal the shortest and tightest shorts I had ever seen on a man in real life. Dear God, I needed to look away, but I couldn’t quite make myself. There was no hiding that bulge now. My face heated, and I tore my gaze back up to Austin’s face. A referee was patting down his face, shoulders, chest and then examining Austin’s gloves. When the ref was done, Austin made his way to the cage and climbed in.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I felt like if my gaze was on him, no one would dare hurt him. “I think I’m going to throw up.”
Ford elbowed me in the side. “Probably wouldn’t be the first time someone’s tossed their cookies watching a fight. Just do me a favor and point your upchuck towards Liam instead of me, okay?”
Without taking my eyes off Austin, I reached over and pinched Ford’s side. “Just for that, I’m aiming right at you.”
The ref ushered the fighters into the center of the ring, and his voice came over the loudspeaker, “I want a good, clean fight. Touch gloves if you want to, and then back to your corners.”
Austin stayed silent but extended his gloves. His serial killer-looking opponent kept his gloves lowered but spat something at Austin I couldn’t hear. My nails dug into my palms as my fists clenched. “I really do not like that guy.”
Liam squeezed my shoulder. “It’s mostly show. These guys all have to play to the character they’re known as.”
The little relief I felt with Liam’s words was soon erased by the sound of the bell. The fighters circled one another, putting out brief, testing jabs. Then, Meanie erupted with
a vicious kick to Austin’s side, and I gasped. Suddenly, it was like another person had invaded my body, I was screaming and cursing at Meanie. “Oh, no you don’t, you little weaselly fucker.” And screaming and cursing at Austin, “Come on, Bulldog, get your shit together! Take him down!”
It was all kind of a blur. I think I might have had a seizure. Four minutes into the first round, right after I had screamed at Austin to “knock him the fuck out,” he did just that with a beautiful uppercut to the jaw. Meanie went down like a ton of bricks, and I lost my mind. I started jumping up and down, threw myself at Liam and then at Ford, probably hugged some strangers, too. Who knows.
EMTs rushed to help the dazed fighter to his feet, and Mel rubbed a clear ointment over a cut on Austin’s brow. Once the medics looked Meanie over, both fighters were once again ushered into the center of the cage. The ref grabbed each of their hands and raised Austin’s over his head. The crowd drowned out anything the ref had said.
As Austin’s hand reached the sky, our eyes met. My screams silenced, and I just beamed at him. He had worked so hard for this, truly paying for it with his own blood, sweat, and tears. I knew that with winning this fight, he would get the attention of the big suits at the UFL, and his dream of fighting at the top of the international stage would be just around the corner. I was so freaking proud of him.
I felt a nudge at my side and looked over at Liam. “Come on, let’s go backstage before things get too crazy out here. We can grab a drink while we wait for Austin to shower and talk to Mel.”
“Sounds good to me.” My cheeks were hurting from smiling so hard, and my voice was raw, but I couldn’t have been happier.
11
Austin
As Mel stretched tape across my brutalized ribs, my teeth clanged together, and my jaw clenched. The pain was no joke, but I was used to it by now. “Are you sure you don’t need an x-ray, boy?”
Further To Fall Page 6