Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

Austin jumps up just as quickly sliding on a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt. “I’ll get you home. I won’t let you be late. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not your fault. I wasn’t thinking last night. I was so caught up in being with you, which was great, by the way.” I walk over and kiss his cheek.

“You’re amazing, Paige.” He winks as he grabs his keys and wallet.

We’re in the car in a matter of seconds, heading back to my apartment. As soon as Austin pulls into the parking lot, I glance at my dying phone. I have enough time to freshen up a little and change before I have to leave. I’m about to get out of his car when I notice a truck sitting on the other side of my mine. You’ve got to be kidding me. What the fuck is Brendan doing here?

“Give me a sec,” I tell Austin as I jump out of the car.

Brendan is getting out of his truck and is walking my way. His hands are in his pocket and his brown eyes look angry. He’s wearing a baseball hat on his head. Same typical Brendan.

“What are you doing here?” I ask him.

“Why are you just getting home? Where’s the kid?” He begins looking around.

I’m praying Austin doesn’t get out of the car right now. This could be bad. “She’s with her grandparents, and why do you care?”

“I came to tell you I’ve got a lawyer to take care of all this shit. So you can leave me alone and we can live our lives.”

“You came here to tell me that? You’re a piece of shit, Brendan. She’s a person, you asshole.” I thrust my finger at him.

“Paige, is everything all right?” I turn to see Austin standing beside me. His eyes are looking much like they did on the night of our date. I don’t need a replay of that between these two.

“Yeah, he was just leaving.” I turn to Brendan, glaring.

“You’re kidding me, right? Wow, Paige. Does he know about—?”

“Get the fuck out of here, Brendan. Now.” My gosh, he’s trying to ruin everything that’s finally going good in my life right now.

“I’ll take that as a no. Just remember what I said. I’m serious and it will be done.”

“I know it will. I don’t need your threats. I have to go to work. Don’t show up at my home again.”

“Yeah, you need to go wipe the slut off of your face.” Brendan grins before he turns to walk away.

“What the fuck did you just say?” Austin’s temper flares. He’s beginning to walk towards Brendan, but I grab his arm and stare at him with pleading eyes.

“Oh man, don’t worry. I’m not fighting you over her. Been there, done that. She’s all yours.” Brendan smirks as he heads to his truck and gets in. He drives off, leaving us just standing there.

My blood pressure has to be through the damn roof right now. I’m sure Austin has a thousand questions and I’m waiting for them. “Who was that?”

Yep, there’s question number one. “An ex. No one you need to be concerned with.”

“What was he talking about? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Austin, I promise. He just likes to run his mouth, okay? I’m sorry he ruined our morning.” I crush my lips to his, hoping he’ll forget any other questions he had.

“I don’t want you to be late. Text me later, okay? You sure you’re all right?” I at

least admire him for being so thoughtful.

“I will, and I promise you I’m all right.”

He gives me one more kiss before I have to run inside and change to get ready for work. As I shut the door, I’m able to breathe. I really need to call a lawyer on my lunch break and get this ball rolling in my court so I can be done with Brendan and his not-so-pleasant surprise visits. He absolutely infuriates me.

***

“Brendan did what?” Nora asks, all wide eyed. We’re talking over lunch. I was running a little behind so we couldn’t chat this morning.