Blindsided (The Fighter Series Book 1) Page 6

  I sigh. Screw it. “Let’s just say, I would have paid you to kick someone’s ass for me tonight.”

  He doesn’t reply instantly. The line goes quiet and my stomach drops, but then broken silence. “I was the first one on your mind, huh?”

  Seriously? I laugh. “You’re egotistical. You know that, right?”

  “Narcissistic would be a better choice of words,” he bellows.

  “Whatever,” I roll my eyes. “It just would have been nice to see him knocked on his ass and spread out on the floor. Could have done it myself if I wasn’t working.” Ha! Right.

  “Promise me you’ll get in the ring and spread me out on the floor.”

  “Ugh, you’re so…so…” Disgusting. Self-centered. Self-absorbed. “I’m going to bed. I have to work in the morning. Good night, Levi,” I say quickly, bothered by his insensitivity. I shouldn’t care. I did this to myself.

  “Hey,” he jumps in before I can hang up. “I’ll be back through in a few weeks. Want to hang out?”

  “Levi, are you asking me on a date?”

  “Nooo,” he croons. “I’m asking if you want to hang out. Clearly a difference.”

  I giggle. “We’ll see.”

  “Good night, Paige.” His hum shoots a tingle, an urge of lust, straight down my back. I swear my eyes just rolled.

  “Dammit. That was a bad idea,” I sigh to my ceiling. He’s in my mind, running through all my thoughts. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. Why does he have to be so beautiful in all the wrong ways?

  Chapter 8

  Harvey has had my ass working hard for the fight. He says my mind isn’t in it. He’s fucking nuts. I’m ready for Kenny Payne, this weekend’s fighter. Dude loves submissions. I’d rather go toe to toe, kick for kick, but if he wants to drop to the mat, I’m fine with that too. I’ll kick his ass hanging from the ceiling for all I give a damn.

  Cardio this morning and now I’m beating the shit out of a little sparring boy who has the balls to dance in the ring with me. He’s built like a swimmer and sure as hell doesn’t belong in here. Just because you’re quick doesn’t mean you have the ability to be standing in front of a trained fighter. I’ve seen dudes built like a brick wall try the cage…they just fall harder.

  “We’ll be passing through Chapel Hill in a few days,” Adam informs me. There’s no need. I know. “I was wondering if—” I knew he was setting me up for something. Being in my life for as long as he has, I know exactly where he’s going with this.

  “You stay the fuck away from her,” I interrupt him.

  His smile is victorious. He set me up.

  I say nothing and throw a jab, duck and right punch.

  “It’s been a while since you’ve been like this. What’s with her? The chase?” Smug ass.

  I stop and step toward the corner he’s lazily leaning against. “Don’t stress what’s going on with me. Just know, you touch her, brothers or not, I’ll snap your neck.”

  He flicks his hands up. “No need for that. Just figuring out what’s been on your mind.”

  The son of a bitch winks, jumps down and strolls away. I shake my head. Fell right into his damn trap.

  The water is as cold as I can stand it, and my cock is still hard as a rock. It has been since the first time I laid eyes on Paige. What the hell did she do to me? I’ve fucked other girls since, but it hasn’t fulfilled me. It’s not what I want. When I think of Paige, the man stands up and since we text almost every day, I’m a walking woody.

  I drag my hand up the length and sensations grip my nuts. Leaning back on the cold wall, I begin stroking with the image of Paige. She’s bent over my couch, sweat glistening off her sun-kissed skin, her hair a mangled mess from me pulling on it, her ass cheeks bouncing against my hips with each thrust I drive into her. I stroke faster. Now, she’s standing in front of me naked except for red stilettos as she rubs and tugs her perky tits. She’s fucking hot. Heated throbs coil low. I grip tighter picturing her eyes rolling as she hits her climax, and then…bang bang bang. The sound barges into my amazing view, interrupting my perfect little fantasy. Someone’s banging on my damn door? You have got to be kidding me.

  Fuming, I jerk the door open still dripping wet with a towel around my waist. “What?”

  In-fucking-credible. A smoking hot brunette with big round boobs in a tight little pink shirt, pants that look like they’ve been painted on, and a pair of black fuck me heels is standing at my door biting her lip.

  “Hi,” she says all seductively. “I was told I could find you here. I was hoping I could congratulate you on your win.”

  Oh yeah, did I forget to tell you? Kenny Payne went down in the third round. He was a fun fight, keeping me on my toes, testing my stamina and thankfully, we stayed on our feet not dropping to the mat. He clocked me a few good times always keeping his guard up, but finally I saw an opening and took it knocking him out with a right hook.

  I scan all her assets. Plump and perfect dick sucking lips, beautiful breasts, a sensational curve to her hips, and gorgeous long legs. I don’t hesitate and yank her by the arm inside. It’s a dick move, all pun intended, but in case you have forgotten, I was just about to rub one out on an image. You don’t pass on this.

  You would think a piece of ass who really enjoys being man handled and fucked hard would fix the Paige problem. Well, you have thought wrong, my friends. With the chick’s legs sprawled out in front of me, tits bouncing to my every drive, her moans as I drove her up the wall…it didn’t help out one bit. I cannot fuck Paige out of my mind. And now I’m staring at the ceiling wondering why the hell I haven’t heard from her. I enjoy keeping her on her toes and keeping myself saturated in her thoughts. It’s only fair.

  Me: You’re thinking of me aren’t you?

  Paige: Don’t fool yourself.

  Me: You’re smiling. I can see you.

  Paige: Can we say stalker? You’re clearly thinking of me.

  She’s more right than she knows.

  Me: Asshole show up tonight?

  She told me about her ex who has decided to come back and fuck with her head. So why is he back now? Who the hell knows? But it’s messing with Paige’s head whether she admits it or not, and it’s pissing me off interfering with my plans.

  Paige: Not tonight.

  Me: What are u wearing?

  Paige: Clothes. ;)

  Me: God that sounds sexy.

  A little harmless flirting. She loves it. Don’t let her say anything different.

  Paige: Good night Levi!!

  Me: Dream of me.

  Paige: Don’t count on it.

  She can act like she doesn’t think of me, but I know she does. I make sure of it. If my mind stays wrapped around her, then it’s only fair that hers be with me. I won’t allow any different. Adam says it’s because she’s the only woman who has said no to me that makes her so damn irresistible. It’s a good possibility, but either way, I want in between those sexy legs of hers.

  Fingertips drag down my chest, over my abs, and across my cock. Ah yeah, Haley…no Riley is still here.

  “Round two?” she asks stroking my dick.

  She’s a freak and since I can’t fuck Paige out of my mind, maybe a good blowjob will help erase the thoughts for the night.

  And ladies, I heard your disgust. “Oh he’s a dog,” you say. Can I remind you of something? Riley came to me dressed to impress with wicked intentions. Riley is the one who didn’t tell me her name until after she was pleased. She has no problem being fucked, satisfied, and sent on her way. Works both ways, you see. “Oh but how can you do that while thinking of Paige?” Go ahead and lie and say you’ve never done anything and imagined someone else. Tell me you’ve never had a phenomenal fantasy. A celebrity? An athlete? Me? Studies have shown it’s healthy, and I need to be healthy.

  Chapter 9

  Three solid weeks. That was the last time I’ve seen Paige and now Adam and I are headed to a bar to grab some drinks with her and Blain. I’ve entered rings with men I wasn’
t this nervous over. Whatever the hell she’s has done to my head has me all screwed up, but honestly, being excited to see a girl is a feeling that I actually enjoy.

  “What’s with you lately?” Adam pipes up from the passenger side.

  I glance over to him unsure where he’s going with it, so I ride it out. “What do you mean?”

  “Paige. How long have we been friends? I’ve not ever seen you try so hard to get into someone’s pants.”

  “That’s ‘cause I’ve never had to. She’s a cool chick though.”

  The silence hurts, daggers shooting through my skin. I peer at him out of the corner of my eyes, his forehead is crinkled. “She’s a cool chick? Right…” he says suppressing his disbelief.

  “Dude, it makes no sense to me either, but I like her. Not like that, but…man I don’t know.” I shrug.

  I can talk to Adam about anything—sex, fights, sex, cars, women, fighting, but sensitive emotions are not one of our strong suits. Normally we fumble through it, but by the time we get to the sound of the bell, we completely understand each other. Don’t believe me? Watch.

  “Ah. So, you kinda like, you know?” he says.

  “I don’t know. There’s just something there.”

  “That you like or see?”

  “Both,” I answer.

  “Well, cool. Different for you but cool.”

  “Yeah. Not gonna put a ring on it, man.”

  “Oh yeah,” he shakes his head. “Didn’t think that.”

  “Good. No relationships.”

  “Yeah, I know. Hopefully it works out for you.”

  “Yeah, thanks man.”

  See what I mean? Need an interpretation? Here’s the run down: I like the girl and I’m willing to put some effort into her, but a relationship is off the table. I like strange. Different types of strange in different towns and states. They all have their own styles, and I like them all. But for some fucking reason, I’m stuck on Paige.

  The bar is small and quiet. I like quiet. It means I can feel everyone out with no interruptions. Paige and Blain are sitting at the table laughing when she takes notice of us walking in. The glow on her face does something extensive in my chest and causes a sensation that is pleasantly confusing. Actually being jubilant that she’s excited to see me…now that’s a new feeling. And that doe-eyed look on her face, well it’s downright worth fantasizing about.

  “Hey!” she chirps grinning from ear to ear.

  “Hi,” I answer cool, calm, and a bundle of fucking nerves. “What’s up, man?” I nod to Blain.

  “How was the trip back?” he asks.

  “Good except for this guy snoring.” I slap Adam on his shoulder.

  “Dude, I’m not built like you. Can’t run on no sleep,” he replies.

  I take the seat in front of Paige raking my eyes over her and reveling in her beauty. “How are you?” “Good,” she says bashfully ducking her head to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

  “You miss me?” I smile wide at her.

  Her gorgeous green eyes are frantic, her cheeks heating up. “Ha. Levi. Good one.”

  She’s wearing a grey shirt with colorful writing that drops to a V right into her cleavage. She doesn’t have much makeup on, sporting her natural beauty, and her hair is down curving around her face. Simply beautiful.

  “You look good,” I tell her but it catches Adam’s attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I see his eyes cut to me. Yeah, I don’t play nice often.

  Crimson red storms over her face and down her neck. “Thanks,” she says. “You look…like you.”

  She likes what she sees. I dressed up for her. Jeans instead of jogging pants, a nice shirt instead of a plain t-shirt. That’s as good as I get unless it’s a formal dinner, then unfortunately I have to play dress up.

  Quickly, Blain takes over the conversation and begins talking about my last fight. Payne was a good fighter, difficult at times, and had some good moves, but not as good as mine. Paige scrunches her nose when we talk about blood or bones snapping, but thrill and excitement splays across her face when we get into the toe-to-toe, kick-for-kick, or ground play. It’s adorable.

  What the fuck did I just say? Adorable? Damn.

  “Did you come out to the same song as you did when you were here?” Blain asks.

  What a weird ass question. “Uh, I have a few. Which one did I come out to?”

  “Whatever it was, Paigey lit up to it.”

  I slide my eyes her way. “Oh really? Maybe you could remind me what lit you up, Paigey?”

  “Volbeat.”

  I chuckle. “What does preppy know about that song? Just because he says fight?”

  She scrunches her eyes and accepts the challenge. “No. The whole song is about a fighter. He enters the ring, wants to win, left hooks and all,” she says crossing her hands on the table. “Do you not know the words?”

  I’m intrigued and marveled that she even knows my music. “Oh no. I know it. Just didn’t peg you to listen to metal.”

  “She’s contrasted. She looks sweet and innocent, then her music will blow you out of the water.” Blain laughs at her.

  “Levi?” A woman appears beside me. As I turn I’m met by a blonde woman with one hell of a set of tits. “Oh my God, it is you!” And now that amazing set of tits are bouncing from her excitement.

  “Yeah, it’s me. How are you?” I have no clue who the hell she is.

  “I’m good. Are you in town for a few?”

  “Um, yeah?”

  She purrs bending to my ear. “We need a repeat of last time. Call me.” Like a pro, she hands me her number she’s pre-scribbled on a napkin beforehand.

  “Mmm…” I hum. “Sure thing.” Smooth, until I remember who the hell is sitting across from me. Slowly, I look back to Paige. Her lip is curled, her eyes emotionless, and she’s clenching her jaw—she’s disgusted. Am I supposed to feel bad? It’s a wicked confliction, but I don’t. She’s the one who wants to be friends. I’m not changing. I set my own rules.

  The blonde flashes Paige the stank eye and leaves with a perfect sway in her hips to show just how beautiful that ass would look bent over. Apparently, I’ve had it before. I’ll need a reminder.

  Tsk-tsk, ladies. Wipe the smugness off your faces. Again, I heard the dog comment. This dog was sitting pretty when I was approached…again by a woman. I was sitting here minding my own business when opportunity knocked on the door. Don’t you answer the door when someone knocks? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

  “So who was that?” Paige pops out. Was that jealousy?

  “A friend,” I reply impassively.

  “What’s this friend’s name?” She teethes her straw.

  I lift a single eyebrow. “I don’t see where that is any of your concern.”

  Her face twists in a mix of rage and hurt. Hey, as much as I dislike it, these are her rules. I’d gladly gift her with the knowledge of why it’s in her best interest to allow me into her little bubble.

  “Her name is Emily,” Blain states with a knowing smile.

  Ah, Emily. That’s right. Fun times in the pool.

  Chapter 10

  Levi has been in town all week and plans on being here for a few more. I don’t know how much more I can handle. Sometimes he’s sweet, other times he’s a pervert, then he’s a complete jerk. It irks me to know he’s out with other girls. I know, I know. It’s my decision, but it’s like he’s rubbing it in my face. I’m starting to really like him, and I do not want to. I don’t like what he’s about—sex and fights. It’s not my style. Not my life. I enjoy the thought of a strong relationship, and no matter what, Levi can’t give me that. He’s admitted it. Although difficult to control, I have to accept my decision.

  He goes to the gym and trains every day. His coaches push him hard, but he pushes right back. I don’t know where he finds the energy, but he exhausts me just listening to what all he’s done and then still has the zest to go out. Blain has hung out with him and Adam a few nights, but I�
��ve stayed behind. I know my boundaries.

  Friday nights are always busy at Tonic, and just like every weekend, I’m here with Mason. He’s pulling extra hours through the week as well since his wedding is getting closer and his pockets are getting slimmer. He said his fiancé, Krista, is going crazy over every little detail, stressing out and losing her damn mind. It’s weird hearing about it. She’s a super sweet girl. They make the perfect couple and I’m thrilled they’re getting married.

  Blain told me this morning he’d stop in at some point tonight, but Lacy, Jason’s sister, is here with her friends and said that the four musketeers—Blain, Levi, Adam, and Jason—are at Levi’s hotel. All my hopes of seeing Blain went up in smoke after that. Blain has been so far up Levi’s ass, I don’t get to see him much and jealousy is starting to creep in on me.

  “You look good tonight.” I snap out of my thoughts and look up to Wesley’s smile.

  It’s been over a month since the last time I saw him. What the hell? “Go away,” I spout off.

  “What are you doing tonight after work?”

  “Going to bed.”

  “Mmm, I’ve missed that. Want company?”

  I jam my hand on my hip. “What part of get lost do you not understand?” I snap.

  “The part where your eyes tell me something different.”

  I throw my towel at his head, but he catches it laughing.

  “You don’t know shit about me anymore. Get lost.” And before any more words are exchanged, I walk away.

  Years ago, I missed him. Years ago, I wished things were different between us. Years ago he swore it was an accident, but cheating is cheating and I will have no part of taking him back. It wasn’t an accident. Not what I saw. The long freaking ten seconds I stood there frozen in hurt. No accident.

  He’s gone by the time I get back out to the bar. Brownie points for Mason telling him to quit wishing and get lost. I’m still fuming. It takes one asshole to ruin the whole night, and he pissed me right off. How dare he come to my work and disturb me? It’s like cornering me. I can’t get away.