Sucker Punch (TKO #4) Read online

  Paige finally returns and daringly looks me in the eye. “Do you have your phone?”

  “Oh, yeah. I do,” I reply, trying to keep my excitement at bay.

  I hand Lance my beer as I reach for it in my back pocket. My heart rate just doubled, I’ve never been one to get a girl’s number. Well, besides Tamilyn’s but that doesn’t count. With shaking hands, I give her my phone. Her hand brushes mine and I feel like a fucking girl, all giddy inside. This is some shit. I watch as she types her number into my phone and hands it back.

  “I’m being dragged to another bar. You guys want to come?” she asks with a gleam of hope in her eyes.

  I glance over at Lance, who checks his phone. He scrunches his brow and presses his lips together. I’m thinking that’s a no. He does have a new baby to get home to. He shows me his phone and Hilary asks how much longer he’d be. I don’t want to keep him, and besides, this was supposed to be a few drinks and we’ve accomplished that.

  “Nah, I don’t want to intrude and I think we’re about to head out.” I instantly regret my words. But I didn’t drive, so I have to leave when Lance does.

  “Well, call me sometime Austin.” She leans forward and boldly kisses me on the cheek. My dick just got rock hard in the middle of Joe’s.

  “I will,” I tell Paige as I watch her wave and then walk off. That same brown curly hair I remember from the hospital has the same bounce it did then. She’s everything I remember. I turn to face Lance as we both finish our last drinks. “Okay, I admit I wanted to beat the shit out of you at first, but I’ve changed my mind.”

  Lance laughs. “See, I know everything. I’m helping you get your life back.”

  He may be laughing, but he’s right. He is helping me get my life back. If it weren’t for him, I’d be sitting home doing nothing and feeling sorry for myself. I’m over that.

  Chapter 5

  Paige

  “Don’t you have some luck? First you see asshole Brendan and then you meet a smoking hot guy. Who was he?” Nora grins from ear to ear.

  I was kinda sad to leave Joe’s. I never thought I’d see Austin again, and I was glad when his friend said his name. As soon as he said it, I remembered. How I forgot it, I have no clue.

  “Yeah, at least it turned the evening around. He was a patient in the hospital not long ago. He lost his arm in a car accident.” I remember walking into that room, my jaw on the floor. I’m used to seeing terrible things happen to people but I found myself feeling sorry for him and the fact he didn’t even know it had happened.

  “Poor guy. Well, regardless, he’s hot. Please tell me you got a number or something and can finally move on from Brendan.” Nora smirks. She has some nerve but I love her.

  I let Nora drag me to another bar and finally we’re leaving. As we inch closer to the cars, all I can think about is going to bed and sleeping in tomorrow.

  I turn to face Nora and scrunch my nose. “Nor, I haven’t been involved with Brendan in four years.”

  Nora unlocks her car and laughs. “Paige, you know if he up and said he wanted to be in your and Darla’s life, you would take him back.”

  “See, that’s where you’re very wrong. There will never be anything between us again. He’s out blowing money at the bar and he’s yet to ever give any kind of support to his daughter. He’s a joke.”

  “It’s his loss. I had a blast, I’m glad you finally decided to come out.”

  “I know.” I laugh as I open my car door. “You told me that a few times tonight. I believe you.”

  “Enjoy your day off tomorrow. I know I’ll enjoy mine by the pool doing nothing. See you later.”

  “Bye Nora.” I check my phone before tossing it onto my passenger seat. I don’t know why I thought I would have a text from Austin just yet.

  I drive carefully home, knowing good and well I probably should have just taken a cab to the bar. Luckily my apartment is right around the corner, so in no time I pull in and park, letting out a sigh of relief.

  I walk into my apartment and toss my keys onto the counter. It’s so quiet in here without Darla. I walk to her room out of habit and turn the light on. Baby dolls and ponies are all over the floor from her playing earlier today. I smile as I turn the light back off and I go take a shower to wash the bar scent off of me.

  After my shower, I walk to the kitchen and drink a glass of water. Since I saw Austin again, I can’t get him off of my mind. This is weird, considering I once really liked Brendan and I don’t think even he stayed embedded like this. It’s after midnight and I almost go sit on the couch but I’d rather lie in bed.

  I grab my phone and set it on my nightstand. I climb under my covers and think about the night’s events. I can’t believe I saw Brendan and he had the damn nerve to talk to me. I didn’t let him go without giving him a piece of my mind and I didn’t give a damn who inside that bar heard me. I’ve raised our daughter all by myself without a cent from him while he’s been obviously enjoying his time at the bar. What an asshole. My phone dings and I glance over at my nightstand.

  A number I don’t know lights up the screen. My heart flutters because I know deep down who it is. I wasn’t sure I would be hearing from him. I tap the number and go ahead and save it.

  Austin: Sorry about it being awkward tonight. I wasn’t sure you’d remember me.

  I laugh a little as I reply. It did seem awkward but it was so damn cute.

  Paige: Not a worry, and of course I remembered you. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.

  Way to sound lame, I think as I hit send.

  Austin: I know it’s late, I won’t keep you.

  Paige: You aren’t. I just got home and I’m lying down.

  Austin: Can I call you?

  Paige: Sure.

  Not even a minute later, the phone rings. My heart races as I answer. “Hello?”

  “Hey, I’m sorry. I just figured this would be easier.” The sound of his voice is so smooth and calming. I could almost fall asleep just listening to it.

  “Probably. I’m glad you texted.”

  “You can thank Lance for having the guts to do what I was afraid of,” he tells me.

  “Why were you afraid?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe because I saw you ripping that guy a new asshole and I wasn’t sure you’d remember me.”

  I laugh a little before replying. “That was an old issue from my past I had to handle. Nothing to worry about.” I don’t dare mention any details. I need to keep my personal life private for right now. Protecting Darla is all I care about.

  “This is all new to me. Well, since the accident it is. I wasn’t this quiet kind of guy before.”

  “Well, it’s okay.” I yawn. “Things like that make people change. Nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “I can let you go if you want to get some rest,” he offers. I hate to take him up on that offer but I’m actually really tired. This is the first night in a long time I won’t have Darla coming to crawl in the bed with me in the middle of the night.

  “I’m sorry, I feel bad,” I tell him.

  “Don’t be. I’ll talk to you later?”

  “Sounds great. Goodnight.” I yawn one more time.

  “Goodnight, Paige,” he says before the phone call ends.

  I set the phone back on my nightstand and keep this goofy grin on my face until I close my eyes and finally succumb to sleep.

  ***

  My phone ringing wakes me up in the morning. I’m dead tired and can’t imagine who the hell would be calling at—what time is it anyway? I glance at my alarm clock and see it’s only seven in the morning. What in the hell? I grab my phone and glare when I see it’s Brendan. Why is he calling me?

  “Hello?” I answer groggily.

  “Have you simmered down from last night?” he asks.

  “What do you want, Brendan? I thought I made myself clear.”

  “Maybe you think you made yourself clear, but I’m making myself clear. Don’t ever approach me like that again in publi
c. I don’t know who you think you are–“

  I’m wide awake now and livid as hell. “Oh, I know who the hell I am. I’m the mother of your four-year-old daughter you don’t support!”

  “I never wanted kids, Paige. I bet she’s great and all but I want no part in it. You knew my stand on children when we were together.”

  “Then maybe you should have worn a fucking condom!” I yell at him. “What the hell did you call me for again?”

  “You have anger issues.” He laughs.

  “And you’re a deadbeat dad. You don’t have to see her, but all I was trying to say last night was if you’re going to blow your money at the bar, you could at least financially support her.”

  “All I’m saying is, don’t approach me like that again. You live your life and I’ll live mine. If you see me, just act like you don’t know me.”

  “Fuck you, Brendan. You want to disappear so bad, lose my number. I’ve done fine without you for the last four years.”

  He starts to argue more with me but I end the call and turn my phone off. I’m so pissed I begin crying. I can’t believe the nerve of him. The things he just said were so damn wrong. To him, she doesn’t exist at all. He doesn’t even know her to say he doesn’t want her. Darla doesn’t deserve this.

  I try to close my eyes again and go back to sleep but I can’t. I get up and slowly start moving around. All I wanted to do was sleep late on my day off and now I can’t even do that. Brendan just seems to fuck up so many things in my life.

  I have a few hours before I have to go pick up Darla, so I make a pot of coffee and turn the TV on. Nothing is on this early on a Saturday morning but infomercials and cartoons.

  I find myself thinking about Austin, wondering just what he was like before the accident. I wonder if I would ever have run into him at the bar if I’d never met him in the hospital. Who knows? But I bet he isn’t anywhere near the asshole Brendan is. I sigh and stare numbly at the TV as I count down the hours until I pick up my baby girl.

  Chapter 6

  Austin

  “Just call me Big Daddy, yo.” Lance grins as I walk inside Joe’s. I swear he has some constant source of caffeine streaming through his veins.

  “And why would he do that?” Garrett asks.

  “Um, maybe because I helped him get the number of some hottie nurse he met in the hospital.”

  “Dude, shut up,” I tell him as I walk to my locker to set my keys down.

  “There’s a new lady in your life?” Garrett asks.

  I shrug. “Maybe. I guess we’ll see.”

  “Did you call her yet?” Lance interjects.

  “Get off my nuts.” I laugh as I struggle to get my hand inside my glove.

  “Austin, I’m like a squirrel. I’m all over your nuts.”

  “You’re stupid, Lance, that doesn’t even make sense. You need help.” Garrett scrunches his nose.

  “Okay, Grandpa.” Lance laughs.

  Garrett glares before shooting him the middle finger. “I had a wonderful night, thank you.”

  “Did Raegan read you a bedtime story?” Lance begins laughing so hard he doesn’t even notice Garrett is getting ready to kick his feet from underneath him. I chuckle as Lance’s body meets the cushiony mat.

  “Why do I get the feeling everyone is horsing around?” Howard asks as he steps out of the office.

  “That’s because we are.” Lance grins from the mat. “Howie, my man. Tell them I’m Big Daddy.”

  “I plead the fifth. Get to work, guys. Garrett, you’re up this week and Lance, so are you,” He reminds them before stepping back into the office.

  My face falls as I realize he didn’t say my name. I know I probably need a hell of a lot of training to start fighting again, and I realize I never got any sort of confirmation on whether or not I can fight with one arm. I hate this so much. I should be getting ready with them. At least I can help them practice.

  “Austin, want to help me spar?” Garrett asks. “Howard can help Big Daddy.”

  “Haters.” Lance sticks his tongue out as he walks towards the office.

  “Yeah, I can try,” I tell Garrett. I’ve hit on the punching bag a few times since I’ve been back but I’ve yet to attempt to spar again. I guess we’ll see if I can or not because I know Garrett doesn’t hold anything back, plus he has an advantage over me—an extra arm.

  I stand on the mat in position and wait for him to get ready. He throws the first punch but I’m able to block it. Hell, I’m proud I could even do that. I swing back, but his quick reflexes land me on the ground. I groan as I pull myself up.

  “You can do this man, just concentrate,” he tells me. Suddenly I realize what he’s doing. This isn’t for him, he’s trying to help me. He’s pushing me to my limit, helping me overcome what’s holding me back.

  I nod as I get back into position and throw another punch. He blocks it but I keep myself steady so I don’t repeat what just happened. We go round for round right there on the mat, each only getting one hit on the other.

  I’m sweating. This is the most I’ve moved around since the accident. Garrett isn’t holding back—which is good, because I wouldn’t want him to treat me any differently than anyone else in this gym.

  The sound of hands clapping together breaks our concentration and I turn to see Howard grinning from ear to ear.

  “This is what I like to see.” He beams as he walks closer. “You keep training like this, Austin, and you could very well have another chance at stepping back into the ring.”

  “You mean that?” I ask in a hoarse voice. I sure as hell could use some water right now.

  “I do. Keep working and I’ll make a few phone calls in the next few days. I’ve never seen any rule stating you can’t fight if you’re missing an arm. That would be discrimination.”

  The smile that spreads across my face can’t be hidden. I forget about the water I thought I needed and I’m filled with nothing but sweet fucking adrenaline.

  “Ready to go again, man?” Garrett asks me.

  “Hell yeah. Let’s do this.” And we begin again. Round after round and I’m feeling better. I’m slowly regaining the confidence I lost in the accident and I love it.

  ***

  Lance pulls up at my apartment and I open my door. “Thanks for the ride, man, I appreciate it.”

  “That’s what friends do. Enjoy your Sunday off. I’ll see you Monday.”

  I wave bye and walk inside. Ruston is washing a few dishes. I laugh at seeing him so domesticated. “Hey Rus.”

  “Hey, Austin. I was just cleaning up a little before I go meet Tam. We have a, uh, date tonight.” His voice is low like he didn’t mean to slip that last part out. I guess he still thinks deep down I’m really bothered by it all when in reality, I’m not.

  “Sounds fun.”

  “How was Joe’s last night?”

  “It was all right. We just had a few drinks and I ran into the nurse from the hospital. I got her number,” I tell him.

  “Really? That’s awesome.”

  “I have even better news.” I just can’t contain what Howard told me any longer. “I started practicing again today. Howard says with more practice I should be able to fight again.”

  Ruston’s eyes widen much like mine did earlier. “That’s fucking awesome, man. You better let me know when you step back into the ring. I want to be there for you.”

  “When I know, you’ll know, I swear. I’ll let you finish up and get ready for your date. Garrett fucking worked me today. I’m exhausted.”

  “You need anything before I go?” he asks me.

  I shake my head and smile. “No thanks man, I’m good. I may order a pizza in a bit but I’m good.”

  He smiles and finishes the last of the dishes. He’s already dressed, so I take that as an okay to go into the bathroom and shower. I haven’t had to wash sweat off of my body in a long time and I love it. I dry off and put on a fresh change of clothes. I grab my phone and contemplate texting Paige. I don’t w
ant to bother her, but the talk we had in the early hours of this morning seemed to go rather well.

  I lie across my bed and stare at the messages from this morning. I begin typing and glance at my words before I decide to hit send.

  Austin: Hey, how was your day?

  A few minutes pass before an answer pops up. Like a fool, I just lay there waiting for her response, wondering if it was going to even come.

  Paige: Hey! It was okay. It was my day off so I took care of some things around my house and relaxed. That was probably more info than you wanted.

  Austin: No, it’s okay. I started practicing at my gym again today; now I’m home.

  Paige: Practicing? What were you practicing?

  Austin: Fighting.

  Paige: Oh, I hope you’re being careful.

  I smile. It seems like it’s been forever since someone has cared. She doesn’t even know me and her concern may not be genuine, but I’m taking it that way.

  Austin: I’m always careful, I promise.

  Paige: Good, I’d hate to see you in the hospital again.

  Austin: You won’t.

  Minutes pass and no reply. I guess that was the end of the conversation. Minutes turn into an hour yet still nothing. I yawn a little, deciding I better order that pizza before it gets too late. My stomach is growling. I need to eat something. I place the order and sit on the couch. I turn the TV on and start watching some movie. I stare at my phone, wanting it to light up more than I’ve wanted anything in my life, but nothing happens.

  The doorbell rings and I grab my wallet before walking to the door. The pizza guy looks upon me with pity as he hands me the pizza box, but I manage. So what if it slides around a little in the box? I’m still eating it. I hand him a couple of dollars for his tip and thank him. I set the pizza on the counter before going back to shut and lock the front door. Opening the pizza box, I grab a slice. I’m a plain Jane guy. Pepperoni and extra cheese is my favorite. It’s hot, nearly burning the roof of my mouth, but I eat it anyway. Three slices in and I’m beginning to get full. I close the box and open the fridge. Before the door can shut, I place the pizza box inside. At least I have a snack for later if I get hungry.