Blow (TKO 3)

His arms find my waist as my hips move with the rhythm. He’s so close I can smell his cologne. I close my eyes, allowing myself to get lost in the music. I wish this were Ruston dancing with me but that would never happen. I’m usually left to dance alone and for once it’s nice to have someone.

The song ends and his hands linger on my waist for a moment before he pulls away. “Can I see you sometime…you know, away from my cousin?”

“I, uh…I guess so.”

He smiles wide, stepping back from me. “What about tomorrow after I leave the gym?”

“You were serious about that?”

“Yes, I am, and I promise to go take a shower so I don’t stink.”

“Aren’t you the gentleman,” I joke. “That’s awfully sweet.”

“I’m not usually sweet, so you’re welcome.”

“Okay, ass, I’m going to get my drink off the bar.” I laugh as I walk away. My insides are all tingly and I’m scared for Ruston to find out. I want to hide this from him but that’s virtually impossible considering we talk every day and Austin is his roommate. Why the hell couldn’t this happen with anyone else? Why with my best friend’s cousin on the same night we shared the most epic kiss?

“So, Ruston, what is it you do now?” Austin asks as he orders another drink for himself. I think it’s best for me to just stop drinking for the night. I’ve already made crazy decisions sober, so who the hell knows what I would do drunk.

“I work with my dad at his office.” Ruston’s dad is an architect and a damn good one. Hell, if I ever decide to build a house I want Ruston to design it.

“So, you’re going to join this gym with me? You’re in good shape, man, you would earn some extra money.”

“Why the hell not? What do you think, Tamilyn?”

All eyes are on me and Ruston knows I hate being put on the spot. My palms grow sweaty and I close my eyes. When I open them, they are both still staring at me. Austin is smirking and I want to know why this decision has anything to do with me.

“If that’s what you want, Rus, you know I support you.”

He turns to Austin. “I’m in. What time?”

“Fuck yeah. I told the guys I’d be there about nine in the morning.”

They chat amongst themselves about their new venture and I sip on my drink. I grab my phone and realize it’s a little after eleven. Time just flew by. Austin stops their conversation and reaches for my phone. He begins typing and then hands it back to me. The screen has his name and his number saved. I’m scared to look up and see Ruston’s expression because I know it’s not going to be pretty but then maybe he should have made this move before. I’d wait forever for him to tell me how he feels, and that kiss won’t leave my mind, but I guess I don’t have forever. It won’t kill anyone for me to live a little.

Chapter 5

Ruston

I was so damn excited to leave the bar last night. Nothing went like I imagined it would. Austin and Tamilyn weren’t supposed to have an attraction toward each other and after the kiss we shared, I didn’t think she’d pursue him. I want to be mad but I can’t be mad at her. She is a grown woman and if she wants to be with someone, I can’t stop her. I hated watching her get into the cab last night. To stake my claim on her, I opened the door for her and softly kissed her cheek. We told each other goodbye and I haven’t heard from her since. Austin walks out of his room smiling a little too wide for my taste. There is nothing I can think of that should have someone smiling that much this early in the morning.

“Good morning, Rus. I thought you had some errands to run this morning.”

“Oh, uh…I decided they can wait.” Truth is, I had no errands to run. I just made that up, looking for an excuse to leave and get Tamilyn to leave with me last night. My plan, however, was botched.

“So you’re still coming to the gym with me, right?” His eyebrow is raised and I’m fully aware that I told him I’d join alongside him. If this is what Tamilyn likes, I guess it’s time to jump in and fight fair. Fight, yes. I won’t go down without a fight when it comes to her.

“Yeah, man.” I glance at the clock. It’s eight and I remember him distinctly saying we’d be there at nine. “Let me hop in the shower real quick and get changed.”

I’m in and out of the shower in a matter of minutes. My gut is twisted into what seems like a million knots. What the hell am I getting myself into today? I’ve never been the fighting type but apparently Austin is. I stare at myself in the mirror, wondering whether or not this will all blow up in my face once it’s said and done.

I grab my phone off my nightstand before meeting Austin in the living room. I stare at Tamilyn’s name and decide to text her.

Wish me luck, I’m going to that gym.

Please be careful, Rus, I worry about you.

I’ll be fine. Want to grab something to eat this evening?