Blow (TKO 3)

“All right, I’ll cut you loose. If you need something, I’ll be around here. Oh, I told Austin there’s a fight this evening if you two wanted to check it out. Lance has a match tonight. I think it’d be good to see. You can get a better feel for everything.”

Stepping out, I open the text from my dad to see he’s wondering what time I’ll be at the office today. How the hell could I forget this?

Sorry Dad, Austin had me join this gym with him but I’ll be there probably around lunch time if that’s okay.

That’s okay. We have a new project we need to start on so just get here when you can.

Yes sir.

I take my phone along with my wallet and keys and ask Garrett where I can set them. He points to a set of lockers against a wall and I find an empty one.

Garrett waves me over to the mats where he briefly begins to explain the art of what they do. He shows me the gloves I’ll wear and how to throw a hit. I’ll need practice throwing a hit as well as he does, but I also remember this is my first time. I don’t focus on anything else around me, wondering what he’s going to show me next. He doesn’t throw too much into today because I know he’s trying to not scare me off. I practice throwing a few hits at him while trying to remember to keep myself balanced.

Time seems to fly and I glance at the clock on the wall to read it’s past ten in the morning. Howard comes flying out of the office, causing everyone to freeze. “Garrett! You need to get to the hospital. Raegan’s water just broke.”

Garrett’s face turns pale like he’s just seen a ghost but at the same time, he’s grinning like a fool. “I’m going to be a dad today!” He beams as he rips the gloves off his hands.

Lance runs over to him to hug him. “We’re going to Disneyworld next, right? Us and all our kids, fuck yeah!”

“Dude, shut up. I only have one kid, you have two, so

you have all the kids. I’ll call you when the baby is born.”

“Fuck no, that’s my partner in crime. I’m calling Hilary and we’ll meet y’all there because you know Howard and Whitney are going, which means no one will be here and just to remind you, Hilary hasn’t had the baby yet.” He turns to look at me and Austin. “No offense, guys.”

“None taken. Congrats, man,” I tell Garrett. He just smirks and runs out the door with his keys.

“Damn.” Austin chuckles as we leave. “I was hoping we could get a chance to spar together. Maybe tomorrow. I guess I’ll call Tamilyn and see if she’s free.”

I grit my teeth trying to pretend I am not hearing any of this but it’s too late. His words are embedded in my brain and I’m jealous as fuck, even if I slept with her last night. “She had a photo session today so she’s probably busy right now.”

Austin raises his eyebrow suspiciously while I kick myself in the ass for opening my mouth. “How do you know that?”

“She’s my best friend. We talk all the time, in case you forgot.” He’s only been here a few days and each day has been a complete nightmare. Part of me is scared that it’s just going to get worse and worse.

“Oh, yeah. Well, tell me about last night. What was her name? Must have been good because you never came home.”

“Uh, yeah, it was all right. We stayed pretty busy if you know what I mean so I found it easier to just stay the night.” I will never tell him who I was with and making up a name is nothing but more trouble.

“Hell yeah! At least someone in the apartment is getting some action. I plan on getting a little something soon, if you know what I mean.” He’s fucking with my head. I know he is, but I still turn to face him. His eyes are menacing and I want nothing more than to fucking punch him in the throat right now.

“Dude, shut up,” I warn him.

“What? I’m attracted to her. I know she’s got to be attracted to me. That’s what people do, you know. You did it last night.”

“You really think she’s going to sleep with you?” I cross my arms over my chest as I stop next to my truck.

“No doubt. I’ve got moves that make panties drop, Ruston. Moves you only wish you had.” Goddamn, he’s cocky as shit.

“Okay, well, I’ve got to go help my dad at the office. I’ll catch you later.”

“Unlike you, I’ll be home later.” He laughs as he climbs into his car. Before I can blink an eye, he’s backed out and headed down the road.

I climb into my truck and punch the steering wheel. I want to text Tamilyn and beg her not to see him anymore but who am I to tell her who she can see and who she can’t? I’m trying to not drive her away. Fuck, this is such a damn mess, and all I can do is hope that she doesn’t fall for his so-called panty dropping moves.

Chapter 8

Austin