TKO: Total Knock Out (TKO 1)

“Sure,” she calls over the music and we head over to two empty stools.

“So you really don’t drink?” I ask, trying to make some sort of conversation with her. I’ll take what I can get at this point.

“No, never really been interested, and by the taste of that beer, I don’t plan on it.”

“Maybe you haven’t tasted the right thing.”

“And what do you suggest? Please, not another beer.”

“No, calm down.” I flag the bartender over. “Can you get her a panty dropper?”

She gapes and turns crimson. “What the hell, Garrett? No way in hell am I dropping anything for you!”

I stifle a laugh as I explain it’s a drink. She is so damn cute and I hope she isn’t too embarrassed. When the bartender returns with the drink, she analyzes it as if it were some ticking time bomb she has to disengage.

“What’s so funny?” she snaps. “Why’re you laughing at me?”

“Why don’t you just taste it instead of staring at it? It’s just a drink. Worst case scenario is you hate it.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Why not?”

I watch as she brings the straw up to her lips. One sip later, a faint smile crawls up her lips. “This isn’t bad. How much do I owe you?”

“You owe me nothing but your company.” She tries to slide a five dollar bill toward me but I push it back.

“Take the money, Garrett.”

“Don’t test me Raegan; I’ll put it back in your pocket. I’m not scared. Punch me, pin me, do whatever you have to do but I’m not taking your money.”

After huffing for a few seconds, she puts the bill back in her pants and takes a big sip of her drink. “Don’t you dare try to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me, Garrett. I’ll kick your ass.”

“Maybe that’s what I want you to do, baby.” I wink at her, playing along.

She reaches over and slaps my shoulder. She starts giggling uncontrollably and more than half her drink is gone. The bartender gave her a double drink and that’s a big glass. I should have been more careful when I ordered it, but all I usually drink is beer. I knew something was up when she poked at my chest and slurred something after she finished that one and then half of the next one. She’d probably die right now if she knew how she was acting.

“You know, Garrett, you’re hot. I like you, and I mean really like you. A lot. And I really like these panty droppers. Why don’t you and I get out of here and maybe I can drop my—”

“Come on, let’s get you out of here.” She’s said too much—time to leave. “Did you have fun?”

“Are you kidding me? Best night of my life.” She fist pumps the air and I start laughing. This girl is in no condition to drive home and all she had was one and a half—well, maybe closer to two drinks.

Getting her in the truck is pretty entertaining. She thought she could get in herself but anytime she attempted to lift her leg, she just broke into another fit of giggles. I have to basically pick her up which isn’t a big deal at all. She wraps her arms around my neck and she is so cute the way she lays her head against my shoulder. I’ve never been one to

believe in fate but, right now, how can I not? She’s meant to be with me, I can feel it.

As I park at my apartment, I gaze over at Raegan who is sound asleep. She can sleep in my bed tonight, I’ll take the couch.

She gently stirs as I open the door. When her face nuzzled against my neck, I let out a long sigh. I wish she were here under different circumstances, awake and sober.

“Where are we?” She groans, trying to pick her head up.

“Shh, sleepyhead. We’re at my apartment. You are in no shape to drive. I’m bringing you to my bed and I’ll be on the couch.”

“No.” She whimpers in my ear. “Don’t leave me alone. Please.”

I let out a deep breath and stare at my bed. It is big enough so we could both sleep without touching, but there’s the temptation. If she touches me, I don’t know that I’d be able to stop. Sure as hell wouldn’t want to.