Текст книги "Hook Me"

Автор книги: Chelle Bliss

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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

“Don’t be silly, woman. It’s a job. We all go into the cage knowing someone isn’t coming out looking as pretty as they did when they went in. All injuries heal. And wait a minute here… you just injured the hell out of that douchebag. He’ll probably never be able to have children because of that wicked knee.”

“Fighting for money is barbaric.” She shook her head but I didn’t buy her distaste for the sport. “What I did was self-preservation. There’s a difference.” She looked me straight in the eye and didn’t blink.

A bullshitter could smell another bullshitter a mile away.

“Liar.” I brushed my fingers against her arm and she shivered with the contact.

Maybe she didn’t like what I did, but I could tell it turned her on.

She didn’t smile, but there was a twinkle in her eyes. Her body responded to mine… no matter how hard she tried to deny it.

Chapter 5

MIA

“I don’t condone violence.” The words fell from my lips in a flat tone even as my body still vibrated from his touch.

Traitor.

My body betrayed me when Michael touched me. I tried to play it cool.

“Not buying it.” He lifted the beer to his lips and took a sip.

I stared at them as they hugged the rim of the glass.

I wanted to smack the cocky grin off his face. His rich brown eyes sparkled and were filled with mischief as he called me a liar. His words were true no matter how hard I wanted to deny them. Michael was pure man – strong, sexy, and self-confident.

“Can we agree to disagree?” I asked, pretending not to look at his mouth.

He licked the beer from his lips. I had the overwhelming urge to use my tongue to capture the few drops of liquid still left behind. “Want a taste?” he asked with a hearty laugh as he tipped the beer in my direction.

I could feel the blush as it crept up my neck. I wanted to avoid his eyes but couldn’t give him the satisfaction. I always believed in fighting fire with fire.

“You missed a little,” I said before I reached up and used my thumb to wipe the few drops on his lips.

His eyes stayed locked with mine as I touched his soft flesh, slowing dragging my fingers from across.

I placed my thumb in my mouth, closing my lips around it.

He leaned in close enough for me to smell the musky cologne on his neck. “You’re wicked,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.

Pulling my thumb from my lips I replied, “I’m just getting started, hot stuff.”

He backed away and stared at me before giving me a giant smile. “I may have met my match with you, Mia.”

“I’ll drink to that.” I couldn’t help but smile. I forgot how much fun it could be to flirt with someone, especially when they were handsome and a smooth talker.

He made it easy and made me feel sexy.

At work I never felt sexy wearing my drab scrubs, knee length lab coat, and my hair up in a ponytail. I looked half dead by the time my shift ended at the hospital.

“Shot?” he asked.

“I’ve given thousands,” I replied, laughing at my hospital humor.

“You’re difficult, Mia.” He eyed me as he fiddled with the beer.

“You have no idea, Michael.” I laughed, wanting to throw myself at him and give in to any wild sexual ideas he currently had, but I wouldn’t allow myself to be so reckless. “What do you have in mind?”

He looked me straight in the eye and didn’t crack a smile. “Blue balls.”

“Seems like a personal problem. I could write you a prescription for something, if you’d like.”

“Um, fuck no to a prescription, but I’m sure it’s nothing you couldn’t fix.” He smirked. “Wanna help me out?”

I leaned forward, my lips almost touching his I said, “Usually when someone walks in with an erection that won’t subside, we drain the fluid with a very large needle. I’m a pro. Interested in seeing my skills first hand?”

His mouth hung open as he gaped. “That’s just inhumane. I mean Jesus, Mia, how could you do that to another human being?” He stepped back, shaking his head.

“Better than it having to be amputated from lack of circulation. So what did you want to drink again?” I smiled until my cheek muscles ached. I couldn’t remember the last time I smiled or laughed as much as I had with him tonight.

“Lemon Drop. Let’s skip the Blue Balls,” he said swallowing hard, probably still reeling from the thought of the long needle in his dick.

“Good choice and they’re my favorite.”

“I gotcha.” He looked away and motioned to the bartender.

I studied him as he ordered our drinks. Without talking to him I’d think he was just another meathead muscle guy without the ability to think quickly and hold a witty conversation, but I would’ve been dead wrong.

Michael was a conundrum to me – brains, brawn, and beauty. His eyes moved in my direction for a moment, but his attention was drawn away from me by the clinking of the glasses on the bar.

Grinning, he slid the clear liquid in front of me. “What shall we drink to?” he asked as he placed the sugar soaked lemons in between us.

“To blue balls?” I asked, holding up the shot glass.

“Fuck that shit. Don’t ever mention that to me again,” he said, picking up his glass. “To new beginnings.” He raised his glass and tapped it against mine.

Warmth cascaded throughout my body before the liquid ever touched my lips. I didn’t want to read into his words and feel like a fool, but the thought of getting to know this sexy as hell man made my toes curl. “Cheers.”

Watching him over the rim, he stared at me, never wavering, and winked as the liquid slid down my throat. It burned for a moment and I winced from the vodka before I slammed the glass down. I reached for the lemon, needing something to cover the taste of the vodka. He was one step ahead of me and already had the lemon in his hand holding it.

I blinked slowly. The martini and shot coursing through my system was already starting to cloud my vision. Opening my lips, I stuck out my tongue and waited for him to place the lemon on it.

I closed my lips around his fingers as the sugar made my mouth water. Running my tongue across the coarse pads of his fingers, I sucked the juice and swallowed. His eyes narrowed as he watched my mouth with parted lips.

I had him right where I wanted him. Two could play games.

“Fuck me,” he muttered and looked away as I opened my lips allowing his fingers to slide out.

“You okay? You look a little off.” I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to hide my laughter.

He leaned in, brushing the hair away from my shoulder. “If you keep that shit up I’m going to find another way to occupy your mouth.”

I’d like to say it was the alcohol that caused him to have that effect on me, but I’d be lying. “I don’t know what you mean.”

He wrapped his fingers around the back of my neck, bringing his lips within centimeters of mine. “You know exactly what you’re doing to me. Let’s not play games here, Mia.” He searched my eyes.

I could feel his warm breath against my lips and my heart pounded in my chest faster than the rhythm of the music. Looking into his eyes without blinking, I melted against him. “Who said I’m playing, Michael.”

I wanted him to kiss me.

He inched close, eyes locked with mine, as I placed my hand against his chest. The rapid tattoo of his heart thumped against my palm matching the beat of my mine.

Leaning forward, I closed my eyes, and held my breath. Butterflies filled my stomach and my legs trembled. The warmth of his lips sent shivers down my body.

The noise around us disappeared as he kissed me. Nothing else seemed to exist except him and me.

Tipping my head back, his grip on the back of my neck increased as he pulled me against his rock hard chest. The feel of him against me was amazing as he kissed me perfectly. Not too much lip, a dash of tongue as he held me against him. I moaned into his mouth as he bit my bottom lip. I sighed against his mouth, melting into his touch – I wanted to be closer to him.

His tongue soothed the spot that he’d just sunk his teeth into and my sex convulsed from the tenderness.

We became one, lost in each other.

Pulling away he whispered, “Damn.” He rubbed his knuckles against my collarbone, before releasing his grip on my neck.

Instantly I missed the warmth of his palm. My body swayed, as I stood there in a daze, blinking as I tried to regain my ability to think. Dumbfounded and in a fog by his kiss, I stood there like an idiot with a grin on my face.

Chapter 6

MICHAEL

“See me again.” I wasn’t asking.

It was a simple statement and I thought I’d use the moment to my advantage.

“I know you’re busy, but I’ll make time for you,” I said as I gripped her hand, squeezing it.

Her eyes closed and opened slowly before she peered into my eyes. “My life is hectic, Michael. I don’t have a normal schedule.” She frowned and looked at our hands as I stroked her fingers.

“Fuck normal, Mia. Do you want to see me again or not?” I cocked my head and stared into her shimmering hazel eyes.

“I do.” Her face was soft as her frown melted away and her eyes flickered back to mine.

“Tomorrow,” I said. “I want to take you to dinner.”

“I’m off tomorrow, beyond that I can’t make any promises, Michael.”

“Give me your phone, Doc.”

She fumbled as she dug inside her purse, pulling out her phone.

I grabbed it not letting her back out now and dialed my number. Smiling, I snapped a quick photo and attached it to my number in her contacts. “I have your number and you have mine. What time do you want me to pick you up?”

She waved her hands in the air and scrunched her lips. “I can drive,” she said narrowing her eyes.

“I’m driving and paying. No arguments.” I wanted to surprise her and hopefully make that sassy ass mouth speechless. “What time, Mia?” I asked.

“Is six okay? I have to work the next…”

I cut her off, resting my finger against her lips. “Six is perfect. Text me your address and wear something sexy.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, giggling before saluting me.

I liked her smartass attitude. She’d sure as hell keep me on my toes.

I grabbed her hand and brought the soft skin to my lips. Inhaling the vanilla scent, I peeked up at her face as I kissed it. She watched me with parted lips and wide eyes. “Until tomorrow, Mia. I don’t want to keep you from your friends any longer.”

“Tomorrow,” she whispered.

I waited for her to disappear into the crowd before trying to find Anthony. He sat on a couch against the wall with a group of girls surrounding him. They were enthralled by the topic of conversation… him.

“Where ya playing next?” the blond sitting to his right asked, as she stroked his leg.

“Yeah, we want to come see you in action.” The brunette bounced in her seat.

I rolled my eyes as my brother looked at me and grinned. “Ladies, this is my brother Mike. He’s a fighter.”

Fucker.

The last thing I needed or fucking wanted was the attention of these ‘ladies’ as Anthony so nicely put it.

“Oooh,” cooed the blond as she slithered away from him and turned toward me.

“Ready to hit it?” I asked ignoring them. I didn’t feel like making small talk.

“Sure, man.” He pushed himself up and kissed their hands. “Next Saturday at the Ritz. I’m going to see each and every one of you, right?”

They replied ‘yes’ and nodded with conviction.

I grabbed his shirt, pulling him away from his fans. “You’re such a whore at times, Anth.”

“I know. Whatever fills the seats, Mike. What girl doesn’t like a rocker?” He shrugged and waved at them over his shoulder as we walked away. “Hey, can we stop by the Ritz? I want to ask the owner a quick question.”

“Not a problem.”

“Tell me about the girl you were talking to,” he said as he slapped my shoulder.

I looked at him and laughed. “She’s not who she seems to be.” Sometimes there are things you keep close to the vest – especially in my big mouth family.

“I saw her knee that guy in the balls. She seems pretty hard core.”

“She’s something else. Impressed the hell out of me, really.”

“Hmm,” he said as we made our way toward the Ritz.

“What the fuck does ‘hmm’ mean?”

“Nothing. I think you need a ball buster in your life,” he said through a laugh.

“Forget about it, brother.”

“Did you make a plan to see her again?” He eyed me with one eyebrow cocked and a silly ass grin on his face.

“Yes,” I answered as I stopped walking and looked at him.

“Maybe she’ll break you.”

“I don’t need that shit in my life,” I said leaving him to catch up.

“You need to let loose a little, but in the right way. Maybe she’s just what the doctor ordered.”

“You have no idea, Anthony.” I laughed as I grabbed the door handle, opening it to the most ear-shattering guitar riff known to man and followed him inside.

I leaned against the wall, watching the band as they play for their screaming fans. The looks on their faces remind me of watching Anthony when he’s entertaining the crowds.

His adrenaline rush came from the people that watch him like a rock god and mine came from beating the piss out of someone.

When I fought the blood pumped through my body so rapidly that I could almost feel it moving. It’s hard to describe to another person. Every muscle in my body grows rigid and is screaming for release. My breathing increases to the point I feel like my lungs will burst if I suck in any more air. When I step into the ring, everything else fades away. I feel like a warrior, fighting for the thrill and challenge. There’s so much adrenaline in my system that I barely feel the blows of my opponent as they land against my body, sometimes crushing my bones.

“I’m ready,” Anthony said, as he tapped me on the shoulder.

I’d been so lost in my thoughts I didn’t notice his approach.

“Yeah. This place gives me a headache.”

“Wait until we play here. We’re going to blow the roof off this motherfucker.”

His smile touched his eyes as he pumped his fists in the air. Anthony didn’t care about playing music to make a living; he simply did it for the thrill and the pussy.

He loved tattooing too much to ever give it up, but since we owned the shop we made our own hours. We worked out a schedule so that at least two of us were there in the evenings.

“You’re driving,” I said, as I threw the keys to him.

“Fuck yeah, I love driving this truck. Bitch purrs when I got her in my clutches.”

“Just get my ass home in one piece and stop talking nasty.”

Sometimes I wanted to punch him in the face, but I loved the big bastard too much to bloody his face.

“Just don’t wreck her,” I said as he pulled into traffic.

“I should’ve been an Indy driver. I feel the need, the need for speed,” he hollered as he gunned it.

“Shut the fuck up and drive,” I mumbled before closing my eyes, not really wanting to watch his idea of Nascar.

Chapter 7

MIA

Throwing down my bag, I reached over the counter and grabbed the phone. Cammie was busy helping a patient book their next appointment.

“Hello,” I said as I surveyed the crowded waiting room.

“I need an appointment as soon as possible,” the lady yelled in the phone, panic evident in her voice. “There’s something wrong with my baby.”

“Is the baby able to breath?”

“Yes,” she cried. “She has a fever and is coughing, help me.”

“How high is the fever?”

“103.1.”

“Bring her in right away. I’ll see you immediately. Hurry.”

“Thank you,” she said before the line went dead.

“Girl, you know were booked. Whatcha doin’?” Cammie, the slightly round and always bubbly receptionist asked.

“It’s a mom, Cam. You know I can never say no when there’s a kid involved.”

“Oh lord, child. Are you going to have time to see her with all this?” She waved her hand toward the waiting room and grimaced.

“Yes, Cammie, I’ll make the time. Let me know as soon as she gets here. I’m going to put everything away and I’ll come grab a chart.”

“It’s a full house today. I brewed a fresh pot of coffee, from the looks of you, you’ll need it.” Cammie felt like a fill-in for my mom when they weren’t around.

“Glad to know I look like shit, Cam,” I said. “Thanks.”

“Not shit, just tired, Mia. I know you don’t sleep well, that’s why I always have a fresh pot on hand when you’re here. Now, get your butt to work, Mia.” She swatted my ass. “We have souls to heal.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I placed the free medication I was able to score courtesy of the pharmaceutical rep that visited the hospital this week before grabbing a chart off the counter and diving right in.

“Mr. Needlemyer,” I said from the doorway.

He looked up at me and a smile broke out across his face. “Ah, Dr. G,” he said as he pushed himself off the chair, struggling with the simple task. “Looking beautiful as always.”

“How are you feeling, Mr. N?” I asked as he approached.

“Like an old fart.” He snorted.

“I hope I look half as good as you when I’m your age.” I smiled at him, patting him on the shoulder.

“Eh, looks are deceiving. My insides are worn out, but if I were just a few years younger…,” he trailed off without finishing, giving me a wink.

I slapped his knee as he sat down on the exam table. “Mr. N., come on now.”

Since the first day I met him, he flirted with me… relentlessly.

“So tell me, how are you really feeling? Any problems like dizziness, fatigue, or any changes since last time I saw you?” I flipped through his chart, checking his vitals from his last visit.

“I feel about as good as I can for a man my age. Nothing new to report, Doc. Right as rain.”

I listened to his heart, checked his lungs, and felt his lymph glands before I wrote a refill for his blood pressure and cholesterol pills.

He sat on the exam table and watched me as he fidgeted with his hands.

“Something you want to ask me, Mr. N?”

“Well, um, kind of. I’ve been seeing this special lady.  I wanted to talk to you about that little blue pill. Can I take it?”

“Do you need it? That’s the more important question.” I inched closer to him so we could talk a bit quieter. “Do you have a problem getting and maintaining an erection?”

His face turned pink as he looked away momentarily avoiding my gaze. “I don’t think so, but it’s been so long since I’ve been with a woman. My wife died over five years ago. I don’t know if the ol’ pipes still work,” he said, giving me a weak smile.

“Ever had any trouble in the past?”

“Never.” He shook his head, looking down.

“With your medical history I wouldn’t feel comfortable prescribing it. If you have trouble with your lady, call me and I’ll help you out.”

“Doc, be still my beating heart.”

“You know what I mean, Mr. Needlemyer.” I blushed.

Did men ever lose their dirty minds?

“I do. If I have any problems with,” he coughed, “I’ll call you.”

“Here’s your refills and I’ll see you next month, just make an appointment with Cammie on your way out.”

“Wishful thinking at my age.”

“You’ll be fine,” I said as I laid my hand on his. A knock on the door made him jump. “Yes?” I called out.

“The mother is here with her child,” Cammie yelled through the door.

“Coming,” I said. “Mr. Needlemyer, I need to go but remember to call me if you have any problems.” I closed the chart and stood.

“Go ahead, Doc. I’ll be fine.”

“Thanks, Mr. N.” I waved to him as I shut the door and headed to the waiting room.

I knew there was joy in motherhood, but I’ve always seen the other side where children are sick or injured and the panic in the mothers’ eyes. I wasn’t ready to become a mother, not yet. I had a career I had to focus on and a life to live before I invited a bundle of joy into my life.

After examining the baby and determining that she had a lung infection, I gave the mother antibiotics and directions to help her breathe easier. She left the clinic feeling relieved and looking calm.

The rest of the day was a blur – countless patients with various illnesses. At four o’clock the waiting room had finally emptied. I’d been so busy I didn’t spend much time thinking about Michael.

I had a couple hours to get ready for him to pick me up. It’d been a long time since I’d been on a real date.

I wondered sometimes why men didn’t ask me out or never called me for a second date. I think I’m a good catch. I have my shit together… maybe a little too together and independent for some guys.

“Where you rushing off to, Doc?” Cammie asked as I tried to sneak out the door.

“I just have some things to do,” I replied, stopping in the doorway.

I never was a good liar.

I could see the giant smile spread across her face. She slammed her hand on the desk and began to laugh. “You go, girl. I want all the details. Shoo now,” she said waving her hands at me.

I blew her a kiss, stepping out into the warm sunshine and felt a sense of renewed hope.

The clinic didn’t leave me zapped of energy and emotionally drained like the hospital.

* * *

I twirled the razor in my hand and debated with myself about shaving. If I shaved, I felt like I hoped the night would end with a roll in the hay. If I didn’t shave, it guaranteed that I wouldn’t commit a carnal sin.

Running my fingers over my shin, I could feel the prickle of hair. I sighed and caved, deciding to forgo the European look.

I carefully shaved, then rinsed out the heavy conditioner in my hair before climbing out of the shower. The mirror had fogged over and I opened the door to let in some of the cool air. I had one hour to blow dry, do my makeup, and get dressed.

I towel dried my hair a little first before walking into my closet to pick out something sexy as he’d requested. I found the perfect little black dress that had a very low cut back and stopped just below the knee. It showed just the right amount of cleavage, but it wasn’t trampy. It made people stop and stare.

I wanted his eyes on me tonight and no one else.

I did my best to do a smoky eye as they call it in all the fashion magazines. I dried my hair before finishing the rest of my makeup.

As the minutes ticked away my heart started to pound, I could feel my blood pressure rising. I felt flushed and clammy.

I blotted the thin layer of dampness from my skin just before six and pulled the dress over my head carefully before strapping on my favorite black heels with the red bottoms.

The day I was able to afford to buy myself a pair was the day I knew I could take care of myself – I’d arrived and stood on my own two feet.

I looked in the mirror one last time and turned around, making sure my underwear didn’t show and everything was in the right place.

“It’s just a date. I got this.” My pep talk helped a little until the doorbell rang. I never really felt nervous on a date before, but there was something different about him.

“Coming,” I yelled as I walked through the house, grabbing my purse and keys.

I opened it to the stunning man leaning against the doorframe with the sexiest grin on his face.

Whistling, his eyes raked over my body before landing on my face. “Fucking beautiful. Turn around,” he said, twirling his finger in the air. “Absolutely stunning.” He held his out.

“Thank you. You’re looking pretty damn good yourself.”

He did too. Wearing a sky blue dress shirt, tucked into his black pants, the sleeves were rolled halfway up his forearms. He looked like he just stepped out of GQ magazine.

His mouth enveloped mine as soon as I locked the door and faced him. Pulling my body against him, claiming my lips with as much fervor as he had the night before, he stole my breath. His hand on the small of my back felt like a hot iron against my skin, searing into me.

“Ready?” he asked as he released me.

“Yes,” I said, a little too breathy.

He helped me into his pickup truck before closing the door and jogging around to the driver side. The truck was modern and decked out. It wasn’t a redneck truck but a total boy toy, black and trimmed in chrome.

“Where are we headed?” I asked, pulling my dress down to my knees.

“Sunset Beach for dinner.” He adjusted and gripped the steering wheel tightly as he glanced at my legs.

“There isn’t a restaurant there.”

“I know.” Resting his arm behind my head, he backed out of the drive.

I uncrossed my legs and shifted in my seat and he glanced down before looking back toward the road.

“What did you do today?” he asked.

“Worked at the free clinic in town and you?”

“I worked out and went to the shop for a couple hours. Tell me about the clinic.”

I told him about the work we did and the residents in the county that lacked simple things like medicine and insurance. He listed intently and asked questions throughout our conversation.

“Kids too?” he asked with furrowed brows.

“They’re the saddest to see.” I frowned, looking out the window.

He rested his hand on my knee and squeezed, causing a wave of warmth to emanate through my body. “I never knew there was such a problem.”

“Homelessness and poverty is pervasive in this area, Michael. Underemployment is almost an epidemic.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” His eyes were soft when he looked at me, waiting for the traffic light.

“Not unless you have a medical degree,” I laughed.

“Don’t have that, but there has to be another way I can help. My family does a lot of charity work. My parents are huge in helping people in the area.”

“Maybe. We do have a small fundraiser coming up. Last year we raised ten thousand dollars which helped us update some of the equipment in the clinic, but there’s so much more that’s needed.”

I didn’t really want to ask for his help, but if his family already helped organizations in the area, I couldn’t turn it down.

“I honestly have never heard of it. I’m sure my family would love to help.”

“It’s very kind of you, Michael.” I smiled at him, his kindness made me feel giddy.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for kids.”

“Do you have any of your own?” I didn’t want to pry, but I wanted to know his situation.

Did he have a crazy ass ex or a gaggle of kids running around all over town that I needed to be aware of before we went any further.

“No kids, you?”

“No, I barely have time to date with work, let alone have a child.”

“You shouldn’t work so much, Mia. Life’s too short not to enjoy it.”

Staring out the window I thought about his words. I did enjoy my life, didn’t I? “I do enjoy my life,” I said without conviction.

“Are you telling me or trying to convince yourself?” he asked as we pulled into the deserted parking lot.

“Where’s everyone? I’ve never seen the parking lot empty before.”

“It’s closed for a private event.”

Giving him a confused look, I asked, ‘Then why are we here?”

He turned off the engine and turned toward me. “I rented the beach for tonight. It’s all ours.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I said as he climbed out of the truck.

“Does this man know how to do anything small?” I mumbled as I reached down and removed my heals before he opened the door.

“Great idea,” he said as he looked at my feet. He kicked off his dress shoes and threw them on the driver’s side floor before helping me down.

A small white canopy sat in the distance, near the edge of the crashing waves. The sand felt hot on my soles, the sun still beating against the small glass crystals. It was like walking on warm pillows as it squished between my toes.

“Thank you,” I said as I stared at the waves crashing against the shore.

“For what?” he asked, sliding his hand into mine.

“The beach at sunset. It’s one of my favorite places and I rarely get to come here.” I squeezed his hand feeling completely at peace.

“It’s one of my favorites, too. Great for thinking and getting away from it all,” he said as we approached the canopy.

A small round table was in the middle, decorated with a white linen table clothes, fine white china, wine glasses, and candles. The floor was the warm sand and a chandelier hung from the beams. Soft music filled the air along with the warm breeze flowing off the ocean waves.

It may have been the single most romantic date I’d ever had.

“You did all this in a couple hours?” I asked in shock.

“I have mad skills and connections don’t hurt either.” He laughed.

“I may have under estimated you, Michael,” I said as I kissed his cheek and inhaled his musky scent mixed with the salty ocean air.

“Most people do,” he said as he pulled out my chair.

Leaning over, I brushed my fingers against his cheek. “You’re sweet,” I said wanting to kiss him.

Grabbing my hand, he planted a sensual kiss on the inside of my wrist, making my knees feel weak. If he kept this up my panties would be wetter than the sand after high tide.

“Thanks,” I said, sitting as I brushed the bottom of my dress against my legs.

Michael lifted my chair off the ground, tucking my legs under the table before taking a seat across from me.

A man dressed in a tuxedo poured champagne and smiled at us both.

Michael looked at me, raising his glass. “A toast,” he said, tilting his head.

I grabbed my glass, holding it up to his.

“To new beginnings,” he said as he clinked his glass against mine.

That was the second time he used that phrase. A warm gooey feeling oozed through my body as I sipped the champagne, letting the tiny bubbles pop on my tongue. We ran into each other less than forty-eight hours ago, but I felt comfortable with him – content.

I placed the glass on the table. “Tell me more about you,” I said, rubbing my fingertips across the crystal stem.

“What would you like to know?” he asked as he motioned to the gentleman.

“Are you a piercer or a fighter?”

Two dishes were placed in front of us. Each contained a mouth-watering steak with asparagus and a baked potato. The man grabbed my napkin off the table and placed it on my lap.

Looking at him I smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“My pleasure,” he said before walking away and making himself busy.

“I’m part owner in the tattoo shop. I don’t have the artistic ability that the rest of my siblings have so I learned everything I could about piercing. I’ve been doing it for years. I couldn’t tattoo even if I wanted to. My hands get pretty messed up sometimes after a fight.”

“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that you let someone hit you.”

“Only if they’re fast enough,” he said, as he laughed.

“Why?” I cut into my steak, averting his gaze.

“It’s a rush, Mia. I can’t explain it, but it’s the greatest high ever.”

“I still think it’s barbaric.”

“Street fighting is barbaric, not MMA matches. We both know what’s going to happen. It’s sport.”

“Softball is a sport and much safer,” I said placing the mouthwatering steak on my tongue.

He laughed and it was so genuine that it warmed my body from the inside out. “It’s a sport for girls. No offense to you.”