Page 23 of Dangerously
I grunt and groan, not even sure why I’m all wound up. “He has a job for me.” I throw a right kick, and he defends.
“A job? That's what I’m for.” March tries to land a left hook, but I bob back just enough for him to miss me.
“That's what I told him,” I huff, out of breath.
“Well, what's the job?”
I pause for a split second before I go after him again. A surge of pent-up aggression exploding from inside of me.
“Declan O’Dea.”
The name registers with March immediately. “The Holy-Hot Irishman?” He drops his guard just as I jab. My fist connects with his nose, and it bursts with blood like a ripe tomato.
“March!”I rush him, placing my hands over his. “Why the fuck did you let your guard down!”
“’Cause you fucking surprised me!”
“Hey!” One of the trainers tosses me a clean towel.
“Thank you.” I place it over March’s gushing nose.
“Fuck, that smarts.” He walks it off, pressing the towel to his face.
“I’m sorry.” I trail after him like a worried puppy.
“I know you are.” He looks at me with watery, amber eyes.
I cover my mouth apologetically.
“You owe me a fucking spiked shake.” March climbs out of the ring and heads to the smoothie bar. Our workout is officially done.
I follow behind him as he takes a seat at one of the tall tables next to the window. Quick to order, I ask for two Hot Rod shakes since that is March’s favorite. A little sucking up can’t hurt right now.
“Nice jab, lady warrior,” someone says from behind me. I turn to find Deak standing there with his defined, muscled arms crossed, and a perfect, bright smile on his face. He’s the trainer who threw me the towel.
“Thanks,” I smirk. “Not sure March feels the same way.”
“He’ll be fine once the swelling goes down. I’ve seen him take way harder hits than that. You just happened to pop him in the sweet spot.” He touches the bridge of my nose lightly. Flirtatiously, actually.
“Lucky strike,” I try to play it off.
“That wasn’t lucky. I watch you. You know what you’re doing.”
I suddenly don’t like the direction this conversation is going. Harmless flirting I can deal with, but when someone starts to see more than meets the eye, it’s time to shut it down. Luckily, our shakes arrive just in time.
“March is a good teacher.” I smile simply, playing my trust-fund baby part.
“I can be a good teacher, too.” Deak places his hand on my arm. I glance down at it, and then back up to his face. There is a haze of desire in his deep-brown eyes.
“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever need a substitute sparring partner.”
“Or a date Friday night?” He throws that out there.
I’m flattered, I am, but I would chew up a man like Deak like bubble gum and spit him out before he even knew what happened. I’ll stick with the boys from my neighborhood. You know, the ones who don’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
“That’s sweet, but I’m busy. Maybe another time.”
“Any time,” he appeals, and it’s such a genuine request. If I had a heart, it just might melt.
