Hooked (TKO #2) Page 11

  “I’m sorry. I really don’t want you to leave,” I tell him.

  “It’s okay, Hil, you’re tired. I don’t blame you. It’s been a long two days and you need your rest. I promise I will see you tomorrow.”

  “You mean it?”

  “I mean everything when it comes to you.” He leans down to kiss me. His lips are soft and inviting. I wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him closer. The heat between my thighs is intense. He moans, deepening the kiss, and I almost have to remind myself we are outside. I’d love to rip his shirt off of him. His hands rest against my shirt. The wind blows enough to lift the edge and when his hand touches my skin, I shudder.

  He breaks the kiss. “I don’t want to be disrespectful with your parents inside.”

  “I know. Thank you for being here today. They took it way better than I thought they would.”

  He reaches up to brush my hair behind my ear. “You’re very welcome, sweetheart. I told you everything would be just fine.”

  He’s right. I think I knew he was right from the beginning, and that allowed me to fully trust him. He pulls me in for a hug, holding me tight. I wish I didn’t have to let him leave. Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.

  I move out of the way so he can climb into his truck. He gives me one more kiss before starting the engine. I watch as he drives off before walking back inside my house. I talk with my parents a little longer. I know they are concerned about the role Lance is stepping into, but I am persistent that this is what I want. Their concern at least shows me they truly care. Mom even admits Lance is quite a looker.

  To have their approval makes all the bad things suddenly seem better. When I finally retire to my room, it doesn’t take much for me to pass out. First, I text Lance once more and thank him again for everything he’s doing for me.

  Chapter 18

  Lance

  I look back in my rearview mirror as I drive away from Hilary’s house. Part of me is thrilled that her parents are as understanding as I’d hope they would be, but another part of me is selfish. The selfish part of me wishes she was sitting with me. I want to spend another night with her. That’s not too much to ask, right?

  It’s not that late, and I don’t want to go home just yet. Dad is going to ask questions, and while I won’t hesitate to tell him the entire truth, I just want to postpone it a little longer. Another reason is I don’t want to end up in my room staring at the four walls so soon. No way in hell am I going to the bar. At the rate I’m going, I’m done with the bar scene. There is nothing that place holds for me anymore unless Hilary is coming with me. With a baby on the way, that won’t be for a very long time.

  I keep driving until I reach Raegan and Garrett’s apartment. I look to see if any lights are on, and when the beacon of hope shines through the window, I park my truck. I knock and wait patiently for one of them to open the door for me. It takes a minute or two before Raegan opens it up. She glances at me with her eyebrow raised.

  “It’s getting late, why are you here?” she asks with her hand on her hip. From the looks of her and her attitude, I blame the pregnancy hormones.

  “Well, nice to see you too. Can I come in?”

  “Garrett isn’t going out with you if that’s what you want.”

  I throw my hands up in defeat. “I’m not going out, I just wanted to stop by, but if this is a bad time I can go.”

  “Raegan, let him in,” Garrett calls from inside the house.

  She sighs and steps back, giving me barely enough room to walk inside. She follows me closely to the couch hardly giving me room to breathe and sits beside me. She continues to watch me, and it’s starting to freak me out.

  “Sorry to just pop up,” I tell Garrett, even though I turn to stare at Raegan. My voice turns to a slight whisper next which drives Raegan absolutely insane because I have to remember, she doesn’t know about the baby. “She talked to her parents and everything is good.”

  “That’s awesome, man, I’m glad to hear that.”

  Raegan fidgets in her seat. It’s driving her completely nuts, and I’m sort of reveling in her misfortune.

  “What are ya’ll talking about?” she asks sweetly. I gawk at her like she wasn’t just showing two heads a moment ago. She’s suddenly back to herself. I glance at Garrett and he just shrugs his shoulders, basically telling me to go with it.

  “I’m gonna tell her, man,” I decide.

  “I swear I’m going to go crazy if someone doesn’t tell me what’s going on.” The annoyance in her voice is back. I’m beginning to feel sorry for Garrett, but he’s the one who knocked her up.

  “Chill, woman, I’m telling you. You have to promise not to freak out, and please don’t call Hilary and make a big deal about this because hardly anyone knows.”

  “Garrett knows,” she says, turning to stick her tongue out at him.

  “Hilary is pregnant with Travis’s baby.”

  Her eyes widen so much I think one of them may actually pop out of the socket. “She did not tell me this. I’m so sorry, Lance, I feel like I set you up for failure.” Her eyes begin to fill with tears but I put my hand up.

  “No crying. He doesn’t know about the baby, okay? I got a hotel room for us last night and helped her go talk to her parents. I told her I’ll take responsibility for her and the baby even though I don’t have to.”

  “You did what? Lance, are you sure?”

  “You sound just like her parents.” I smirk.

  “That’s just a huge responsibility. Are you sure she isn’t going to tell him he’s the father and go back to him?”

  The question sits in the back of my mind. I don’t want to admit I’m afraid of that.

  “She said she wants nothing more to do with him. He really did a number on her, Raegan.”

  Raegan’s eyes fill with tears, and this time they don’t stop. I know she’s hormonal and I probably shouldn’t have had this conversation with her right now, but she was going to find out one day. “Where is Hilary now?”

  “She’s at home. I told her I’d see her tomorrow.”

  “I’m happy for you. Look, our babies can grow up together! My little Lance is growing up.”

  Everyone seems to be saying I’m growing up. I’ve been grown up, I’m just maturing more.

  “I think you’ve officially lost your mind, Raegan.” I laugh. She doesn’t find it too funny. In fact, she scoffs and crosses her arms over her chest. Garrett glares at me for my comment. I want to laugh because I’ll be leaving after a few, and he’ll be stuck here to deal with my aftermath. “I’m kidding, chill out. But that is what’s going on right now so if you see her, please just act normal and don’t go all baby mama.”

  “What do you mean all baby mama?”

  “Don’t start gushing about my decision to take care of her baby. Let her tell you when she’s ready.”

  “Of course. Do I look crazy?”

  I don’t answer her, because I don’t think she’s going to like my answer at all. I wonder if Garrett and I will be good fathers, like Howard is to Randi Lynn? Will Raegan and Hilary be good mothers?

  A child’s life will be in our hands. Not too long ago, I wasn’t even sure I could take care of myself, let alone another human being. I also didn’t think I would ever change for a woman, but I’ve certainly proved myself wrong on that one.

  Chapter 19

  Lance

  I didn’t stay too long at Garrett and Raegan’s apartment last night. By the time I got home, Dad was asleep, so I took another quick shower and decided to lie in my bed. I tossed and turned all night thinking about Hilary. The last text I got from her was before she fell asleep, and I knew I could have texted her but she needs her rest and I didn’t want to wake her. I really just wanted to see if she was okay.

  Every time my phone goes off, I dive for it but it’s always nothing. Maybe she’s not awake yet. That’s what I’m telling myself. I don’t want to think about the possibility she could still give up on me. I can’t take another le
tdown.

  I glance over at my clock. If I don’t get moving soon, I’ll be late for practice. I don’t want to hear Howard yelling at me. I drag my ass out of bed and throw some clothes on. I brush my teeth and grab my wallet and keys. Dad is already gone for the day. I’m feeling guilty. I should have come home sooner last night and talked to him. I decide I’m going to sit with him later on, and let him know about the recent events in my life.

  My phone vibrates loudly and my heart begins beating wildly in my chest when her name pops up. I expected a text message, but a phone call is so much better. It’s not like I’m having a bad day or anything, but hearing her voice just makes everything better. I feel like a giddy school boy as I say hello. Her voice doesn’t sound so chipper. She sounds exhausted and stressed out.

  “Hil, what’s wrong, sweetheart?” I ask, trying to hide the panic in my voice.

  “He-he found me.” Her voice is barely a whisper, but I heard everything she just said. Out of anger, I punch the wall beside me. Luckily, I did no damage, but then I wouldn’t have cared if I had.

  “What do you mean he found you? What the hell happened?” I’m raising my voice and not even meaning to. The last thing I want to do is scare her but when it comes to Travis, I will always fear for her safety. This is why I should have stayed with her last night. Her going back home so soon was a mistake. Guilt floods my body.

  “He showed up at my house this morning, asking where I’ve been. My dad told him h-he needed to leave or he would call the cops. You should have seen the look he gave me. I was so scared.”

  “But he left, right?”

  “Yeah, he did. What am I going to do? He’s not going to leave me alone.” The fear in her voice breaks my heart. No woman should have to be scared of a man.

  “Are you alone right now? Do I need to come by? I can. Just say the word.”

  “No, my mom is here.”

  “Stay with her today. If she goes somewhere, tag along with her. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are alone. If something happens, and I couldn’t make it to you in time, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.”

  “I didn’t want to tell you about this because I didn’t want you to worry, but I couldn’t keep this hidden from you.”

  “No, I’m glad you told me. He’s going to pay for this.”

  “Lance, just let him be. He’s not worth it,” she pleads. She’s right. I almost gave up my life because of the last encounter with Travis.

  “You’re right.” I sigh. “It just pisses me off that he actually went to your house like that. I should have watched over you better.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  We talk for a little longer before hanging up. I hurry to prepare myself for training at the gym. At least I know I’ll have no trouble sparring and working out today. I’ll take out all my frustrations, and I’ll imagine I’m kicking his ass.

  ***

  “I was just getting ready to call you,” Howard yells across the gym. His voice echoes loudly, bouncing off the walls.

  “I was on my way. I had an unexpected phone call that ran a little over.”

  He looks skeptical, because he knows me well. I can’t get out of it, so I tell him what I’ve just learned about Hilary, and I already know he’s getting ready to threaten me.

  “Before you say anything, I know better, Howard. I’m not putting myself in that position again. I’m not hunting him down or anything.”

  When he starts laughing, I’m seriously hoping this is the end of this conversation. I don’t want to talk about it anymore because the more I talk and think about it, the madder I get.

  “Where’s Garrett?” I ask. He’s usually here by now. The guy never runs late for anything.

  “Raegan is sick this morning, so he stayed home with her. He’ll be back tomorrow.”

  “Morning sickness? She was feisty last night. I stopped by for a minute and thought she was going to rip my head off.”

  Howard chuckles and pats my shoulder. “Hilary will probably be the same way. Whitney was a mess during her pregnancy. There were some nights I wanted to pack a bag and come sleep here, but I love her so I put up with it. You just learn to shut your mouth.”

  “Whitney was hell before the pregnancy, so I really feel for you.”

  “That’s why we won’t be having more kids,” he says sternly. Then he adds, “No, I’m kidding. I’d put up with it if she wanted more, but Randi is just so damn perfect. You never know true love until you hold your baby for the first time.”

  I know what he’s saying is true. I’ve heard people say that before. I’m sure I will see love when Hilary has the baby, but since the baby isn’t mine, I worry I won’t be able to experience what Howard is talking about.

  “This baby may not be mine, but I’ll still love it the same, right?” I ask him, hoping he has answers.

  “Of course you will. If this is meant to be, and you take what you told her seriously, you won’t think anything less of that child. You are going to be a great father to that baby. She is lucky to have someone like you stepping up.”

  “I just don’t want to let her down.”

  “You won’t. Now, let’s get to work. It’s just me and you.”

  I’m glad he decided to change the subject. I need my mind to be cleansed for now. I walk over to the locker where I set my gloves yesterday. That’s what I love about this gym; I can leave something wherever the hell I want and it will stay there.

  I get into stance on the mats, spacing my feet the perfect distance and preparing to spar with Howard. It’s almost like sparring with Garrett but Howard packs the heat. He doesn’t play around. He treats me as if I’m standing in the ring against an opponent. After a few minutes of nonstop hooks and takedowns, I crouch to catch my breath. I look up through sweaty eyelashes and make eye contact with Howard.

  “When can I get back in the ring? It’s been too long.”

  “You’re ready? I was waiting for you to tell me that. I know last time took a toll on you, and shit went downhill fast. If you’re ready, I’ll get Blaize to add you to the list for next week.”

  “I’m in.” There is no hesitation. Fighting is my life. I need it like I need the air I breathe. I’ve missed it way too much, and I’m ready.

  “Then it’s done. He should be able to get you in without a problem. He asked me the other day where you’d been.”

  Now that I’ve distracted Howard, I sweep his legs from underneath him in a swift motion and pin him to the ground. “See, I’ve still got it,” I boast.

  “Well done. Now let me up, and let’s go again. This time, we hold nothing back.”

  “Since when do you hold anything back?” I ask as he stands.

  Before I can blink, I’m lying on the ground helpless. My body is molded into the cool softness of the rubbery mats. That bastard. “I don’t.”

  We continue sparring. If I’m getting back into the ring next week, I need to be prepared. I refuse to be caught off guard.

  “Give me your best hook, Lance,” Howard demands as he gets back into stance. I throw a right hook but he stops it immediately. “I said give me a hook, damn it. You throw a hook like that in the ring, and the bastard will take you down faster than you can blink. Your arm isn’t bent right, and your footing is off.”

  “Fuck,” I mutter. I reposition my feet, shifting my weight to my lead foot so I can pivot and deliver a hook the way I’m supposed to. I have no clue how the fuck I messed that up. I’m usually better with those, and Howard knows it. This time, I nail it.

  “That’s more like it,” Howard says, rubbing his sweaty brow. “I knew you had better than that in you. How many years have you been here?”

  “Too many,” I mutter.

  “Exactly, too many years to fuck that up. The hook is one of the first things I taught you.”

  “I got it, man. I just messed up once.”

  “Yeah, just once. If you had been in the ring, you would have lost.”

  He’s
right, and I don’t want to admit it.

  “We have a lot to work on,” he says. “I want to see you practicing your posture, counter-punches, front kicks, leg locks, and submission moves. I’ll help you today, and tomorrow Garrett will be here. Too much time has been wasted and we’ve got to get you ready.”

  “Sounds good. Can I get some water real quick? You’re kicking my ass.” I laugh, trying to make light of the situation.

  He points over to the water cooler, and I run over, almost drinking every damn drop in the tank, or at least it seems that way. The water is cool and refreshing as it runs down the back of my throat. I could keep drinking it, but I need to get back to work.

  I return to the mat and do the first thing Howard told me to work on—my posture. He tries to throw a punch and immediately I block his and retaliate with one of my own. He grins and we go at it again and again, until he finally wears me down and gets a hit in. “There’s the old Lance I know. I was wondering where he went.”

  “Oh, he’s here and exhausted as fuck.” I laugh.

  “You’re out of shape.” He points to my stomach. I have to glance down but I know he’s full of shit. There’s not an ounce of fat on my stomach.

  “Am not. I have a damn six pack, and I don’t mean beer.” I stand with my hand on my hip. “Haters gonna hate.”

  “You need psychiatric help, boy,” he teases.

  “Don’t hate on me, man, where’s the love?”

  “Oh, there’s love, and there will be more of it when you win your match next week.”

  I need a good payday in my life. I have more than enough in my savings. Even though I still help Dad out with bills, I am able to put some aside and I’ve continued to save it up.

  Hours pass while Howard and I continue to spar. We work on everything he wanted me to, plus more. I know my body will be sore later but I don’t mind. If it means victory next week, then I’ll pay the price. I’ll never let my body become this unaccustomed to the fight again.