“I doubt it’s easy, man,” Ruston says. “All the fighters I’ve seen look like they train constantly. They don’t just throw down in the streets.”
“Do you not listen? I just told you I’ve had some actual training. I’m not an idiot. You should join me, man. This could be fucking epic. Family kicking ass in the ring.”
Ruston and I must have the same look on our face because Austin breaks into a fit of laughter. He’s laughing so hard he’s clenching his sides. “What?” I ask him, unamused.
“You two are cracking me up. What’s with the serious faces? I’m serious about this, Rus, you should consider it. They told me to show up tomorrow and I plan on it.”
“I’ll think about it,” Ruston answers. I slap him on the arm and even with the music blaring, it could still be heard. “What?” he looks at me, puzzled.
“You, fighting? Are you sure, Ruston?”
“He’s a big boy, Tamilyn. I bet he can take care of himself.” Austin winks.
“I know he is. Do what y’all want. It could be entertaining to watch y’all get your asses kicked.”
“Sweetheart.” Austin grins. “I don’t lose at anything. Just you wait and see.”
Ruston laughs, and I just can’t seem to get the are you shitting me look off my face. Austin is confident, I’ll give him that much. Maybe he is as good as he says he is. Who knows? I only know one thing—he’s got to stop staring at me with those gorgeous eyes because I’m facing a serious conflict of heart. I don’t know why I keep thinking of it that way. Other than the kiss Ruston and I just shared, nothing has ever happened before.
“How late are you planning on staying, Tam?
” Ruston asks, changing the subject.
“I’m not sure. We just got here not long ago. Why?”
“I’m tired. I have to be up early to go run a few errands before probably going to this gym Austin wants me to check out. I can bring you home if you’d like.”
“Nice try. You’ve been drinking and you know my rules. I can’t believe you want to leave so soon.” I pout, hoping it will change his mind.
“I can stay with her if you’re ready to go,” Austin offers. “I can make sure she gets home and then I’ll head back to the apartment.”
Ruston eyes him strangely, to the point that I’m a little nervous about it. “It’s okay. I’ll stay. You ready for your next drink, Tam?”
I look down to see barely any liquid in my glass, but a ton of ice. I didn’t realize I was practically done. “Uh, yeah…sure.”
Ruston turns to walk off, leaving us standing there. Austin touches the small of my back before I can get away. My whole body shuts down. How the fuck can both of their touches be so electrifying? “Is he always this uptight?”
“N-no,” I answer.
“Well, he needs to lighten up and have some fun. What’s your take on shots?” He raises his eyebrow and a laugh escapes my mouth.
“You’re talking my language, Austin. Nice to have you in town.”
“Oh, believe me, sweetheart, the pleasure is all mine.”
His words leave me frozen. He’s such a smooth talker. With a few more drinks, he just may be a whole lot more.
“I’m sure it is.”
“Are you seeing anyone?” he asks as we inch closer to the crowd inside the bar. I turn to face him and shake my head. I feel terrible saying no but I’m not lying. I’m not seeing anyone. “Good, I think you just made my stay here so much better. Let’s go get those shots.”
Ruston is waiting patiently at the bar with my next rum and Coke in his hands. He slides it to me and I thank him. I’ve barely had a sip before Austin hands us each a shot of whisky. He clears his throat. “Here’s to me starting a new life with my cousin Ruston and the ever so beautiful Tamilyn. I think we’re going to get along just fine.”
Ruston throws his back immediately and coughs. “Sorry, it must have gone down the wrong hole. Good toast, man.”
I toss my shot back and reach for my drink to chase it. Maybe this should have been a guys’ night but Ruston will just have to put on his big boy underwear and deal with it. I kissed him earlier, for crying out loud, not Austin.
A song I like starts playing and my first instinct is to dance. Ruston shakes his head and goes back to his drink. Typical behavior for him. Austin leans over and asks if I want to dance. Without thinking, I nod. It’s just a dance, so what could happen?