Hooked (TKO 2)

“Damn, that’s some harsh truth.”

“I guess so. So have you talked to that girl lately?”

Her question takes me off guard and I run my hands through my hair as I stammer, searching for the words. “I, uh, yeah, uh, no.”

“Well, we need to change that,” she says firmly, pointing her finger in my face.

“Raegan, no offense, but I don’t think we can change that. She’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with me.”

“We will change her mind. She needs to remember. Do you think she’ll be at Joe’s tonight? It is ladies night. I’m sure I could convince Garrett to go.”

Damn, I don’t know if I’ve ever told Raegan that she’s my best friend, but I think she just took Garrett’s place. A devilish grin spreads across my face. This could be the perfect plan, the perfect way to get Hilary right where I want her.

“I’m in. I sure as fuck need a happy ending after these past two weeks.”

“That’s my boy, Lance. We’ll have her eating out of the palm of your hand.”

My heart begins pounding in my chest at the mere possibility of getting to see Hilary tonight. It’s been a little over a few weeks and her face is still etched into my brain as if I just saw her five minutes ago. I want to feel her lips against mine. I want to hold her soft, curvaceous body, and show her I’m more than the jerk I was in the bar that night.

“You really think Garrett is up for going tonight?”

“Don’t you worry about him. I’ll take care of that.” She grins wickedly.

“I think I just threw up in my mouth, Raegan. Thanks for that.”

She throws her head back in laughter as she rises to her feet. We continue to spar for the next few minutes and in the back of my mind, all I can see is brown hair and beautiful eyes. Dammit, Hilary just does me in. This day can’t go by fast enough.

Chapter 4

I’m pacing outside of Joe’s when Raegan and Garrett pull up in the parking lot. As soon as they get out of the truck, I’m approaching them quickly. My damn palms are sweating and we haven’t even made it inside yet. Hell, I don’t even know if Hilary’s here, or if she’s coming. Raegan links her arm with mine and we begin the walk to the front door with Garrett right behind us. The music blares through as we walk inside. My eyes take some time adjusting to the bright lights and when I can finally see, I make my way to the bar. I can’t do this shit sober. I know that sounds shitty, but my nerves are on edge. I order three shots of Patron and pass them to Raegan and Garrett.

“To liquid courage, making us a hell of a lot stronger than we normally are,” I say as I toss the shot back.

We set the empty shot glasses on the bar. I’m looking for her now.

“Don’t worry, Lance, she’ll be here,” Raegan whispers in my ear. Garrett slides her a drink and she begins slowly sipping it.

“I hope.” I lean across the bar and order a beer. I take the first sip and then glance over my shoulder. My breathing becomes erratic, and I see exactly what I want. Hilary is here.

“Raegan, there she is,” I say, nodding toward her.

“Told you. Okay, so what’s the plan?”

I was supposed to have a plan? Raegan never mentioned a fucking plan. I guess this is where I dive in balls deep and hope Hilary doesn’t crush them. I put one foot in front of the other and look back at Raegan. “This is my plan. Say a prayer for me.”

Garrett laughs and raises his beer to me. I don’t know what the fuck I think I’m doing as I slowly approach her. She doesn’t see me coming, and I think I like it better this way. I can hear her laugh and it’s lik

e music to my soul. My hand moves without me realizing it, and I touch her shoulder. She turns around slowly and when her eyes meet mine, her smile fades.

“What do you want, Lance?”

“I’m sorry I never got back to you a few weeks ago, I had to leave abruptly.” I stay calm as I speak, but my palms are sweating, so I place them in my pockets.

“Oh, you needed to get sucked off in the parking lot? You don’t owe me an explanation for that.”

My heart plummets and I can feel tears forming behind my eyes. This was a damn mistake. “No, Hilary. I wasn’t getting sucked off. I got a phone call that my mom died, and I had to go home.”

Her eyes widen as she throws her hands over her mouth. She looks mortified. “Oh my God. Lance, I’m so sorry.”