Maybe This Time, page 17
Jade actually looks like she would consider it. “Guaranteed multiple orgasms right there.”
“Definitely,” I agree.
Ryan groans. “I don’t wanna know.” He stands up and heads to the bar to help out Reid.
“How long’s your break?”
“Thirty minutes. Why? You need a wing woman?”
“Yes, actually, I do.”
“Maybe you should ask Tilly.” We both laugh at that.
“Seriously, Reid can’t stop watching you. It’s not like you’re going to disappear,” she says. I lift my head up to find him watching me. He flashes me a grin, which I return whole heartedly.
“Can I ask you why the sudden need to get laid?” When she instantly looks down, I know something is up. “What is it Jade?”
The colour drains from her face, but she tries to school her expression. “It’s nothing, it’s just time.”
I don’t buy it, but I let it go. “You wanna come to my house before the fight next week?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Actually, no. I’m not gonna go to the fights anymore. It’s not gonna fix anything, if Reid beats Raptor or not. I’m letting it go, and he should, too.”
Whoa. Something is definitely going on here. “Okay, but I’m here if you wanna talk, alright.”
She looks relieved that I’m dropping it. “I’ll remember that.”
“I better get back to work. Look, why don’t we go out sometime this week, and maybe you can meet someone,” I offer.
She nods. “Sounds good. I’m gonna head home.”
“Alright, bye,” I say.
I watch her walk out with the feeling that something isn’t right.
*****
His name escapes my mouth as wave after wave of pleasure takes over me. Reid grunts as he slides into me one last time. I collapse onto my stomach, my face buried in the pillow. Reid pulls out of me and pushes my hair to the side, kissing the back of my neck. I lift my face up from the pillow so I can talk.
“Is it just me or does it get better every single time?” I ask.
He chuckles softly. “It’s fucking perfect every time, baby.”
“I thought so.”
Reid lies down next to me, and rolls me over so I’m facing him. He lifts the sheet to cover us both, and snuggles towards me.
“I love you,” he says, staring into my eyes.
“I love you, too.”
“Do you? Or do you just love the three orgasms I just gave you?” he says, smirking.
“Both,” I say sleepily.
“Sleep, baby,” he whispers.
I fall asleep instantly.
Chapter Twenty
“What’s going on with Jade?” I ask Tag a week later, who is leaning in a sexy pose against the wall. Tonight is Reid’s fight against the sasquatch guy from the restaurant, and even though I’m feeling a little under the weather, I’m definitely going to be there to support Reid. After this fight, he gets to fight the guy that his brother lost against.
Lost.
Died.
If I’m being honest with myself, isn’t death a chance you take when you enter something like this?
“I dunno, she’s been very quiet though,” Tag says, frowning.
“Did you guys have sex?” I ask, grinning.
“What? No. Why? Does she want to?” he asks, grinning.
“Who doesn’t, Tag?” I tease, winking at him.
He throws his head back and laughs. “No one, babe, no one.”
“That’s what I thought. You coming to the fight tonight?” I ask.
“Nope, got my little girl tonight. We’re watching The Little Mermaid and eating popcorn,” he says, smiling.
My heart melts. This tough looking guy with his shaved head, muscular build and goatee is such an amazing father. Goes to show, never judge a book by its cover.
“Don’t swoon over me, girl,” Tag says, his eyes twinkling.
“I’ll try.”
“Try harder.”
“You’re such a good father, I can’t help it.”
His eyes darken. “It wasn’t always this way. I made some fucked up mistakes in the beginning.” He turns and walks off.
Touchy subject, then.
“What are you doing here?” Ryan asks, frowning as he walks in.
“I know you guys need help for the rush, so I thought I’d come in for an hour or so.”
“Reid wants you with him,” he says.
“Reid can wait an hour without me.”
Ryan doesn’t look so sure.
“Relax, Ry.”
“I can’t help it, babe, it’s an important fight,” he says, rubbing his hands on his face wearily.
“I know, trust me, I know,” I say quietly.
“Yeah, all I know is you better be there. Jade isn’t going for some reason, but Reid doesn’t care cos he just needs you there.”
“So I’ve heard,” I say dryly.
Ryan tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Go home, babe, get ready. We’ll come pick you up,” he says.
“Alright,” I tell him, but end up serving a few more customers and wiping down the bar before I leave.
A couple of hours later I’m dressed in light denim distressed jeans, a light pink V neck top and black boots. My hair is tied away from my face, and flowing down my back in a ponytail. Reid rang me and said he was going to the location earlier to warm up, so I’ll be riding with Ryan. I hear a horn sound and rush to the front door, locking it behind me. Sliding into the car, I shoot him an amused look.
“Beeping the horn, really? If this was a date you'd be considered a douche.”
“Well, I rang your phone and you didn’t answer, and unlucky for you, but this isn’t a date,” he says, grinning mischievously. I watch as he reverses the car and pulls onto the road.
“Unlucky for me? Really? I’ve seen enough of the Ryan Knox charm to know how you operate.”
“How I operate?” he asks, eyebrows rising.
“Yeah, flashing that charming smile of yours, your smooth lines…”
“Smooth lines?” he repeats, scoffing.
“Yep.”
“Babe, all I need is this face and this body, not to mention what I can do for a woman in the sheets, and I’m pretty much good to go,” he brags.
“So modest.”
He shrugs. “It’s the truth.”
“You’re pretty hot,” I admit, a little reluctantly.
He laughs. “Of course you’d think so.”
“I may be biased, though.”
“Just a little,” he says, squashing his thumb and index finger.
“I’m a little partial to those baby blues.”
“You’re perfect for Reid,” he says, smiling at me with such warmth, I get a little choked up.
I clear my throat. “Where’s the fight held?”
“Place you’ve never been before. It’s a little further out,” he says.
“Is Mia gonna be there?” I ask.
“Probably. She’s not the only doctor that comes out, though, so maybe not.”
“Can I ask you something?”
He nods his head yes.
“Why wouldn’t Reid stop fighting, now that he has River, I mean, wouldn’t that seem more important?”
Ryan sighs. “He considered it. But it’s only two fights left, and then he'll be done forever. He’s come this close.”
“I guess,” I say, starting to feel a little anxious. I only hope he wins tonight.
The drive is about half an hour, and I’m surprised at the amount of people around the warehouse.
“Shit, there’s more people here than the last two fights.”
“Yep,” he says, finding a secluded parking spot a little away from the crowd.
“He’s gonna be fine, right?”
“He’s gonna be fine.”
“Okay, let’s do this, then,” I say, taking a deep breath.
The atmosphere is different tonight, it’s thick and heavy. Filled with anticipation. I can see people holding up signs for both Reid and his opponent, some more creative than others. For the first time at a fight, there are seats around the ring. Ryan takes me by my arm, and I smile when I see familiar faces. Xander, dad and Dash. I hug all three men and then look around for my man.
“Where is he?”
“Out back, he’ll be out in a minute,” he says.
“Can I go see him?” I ask, my gaze darting.
“Just wait, baby,” Dash says, pulling me closer to him.
Something’s not right.
I sigh in relief when I see Reid walk out. He’s shirtless, and a little sweaty, like he’s already been fighting. I head in his direction, stopping when I see his face. He looks mad. No, not mad, he looks pissed. He raises his head and sees me, and I watch as his face goes soft right before my eyes. He reaches me in a few quick steps.
“What’s wrong?” I ask quickly.
“Nothing, now that you’re here,” he says, pulling me against his warm chest.
“Tell me-”
“There was an incident, I took care of it. I gotta head up now. You know the drill, stand with Ryan,” he says, lowering his face for a quick but passionate kiss.
“Love you.”
“You too, beauty, you too.”
He escorts me back to Ryan, and they have a silent conversation with their eyes. After a few moments, Ryan steps forward and hugs Reid. Reid grins, and pulls away, walking off with my dad and Xander.
“Why’s everyone so tense tonight?” I ask Ryan so only he can hear. He doesn’t reply, instead sets his hands firmly on my shoulders, and positions me so I’m standing right in front of him. The fight starts, and I watch as Reid and Frank circle each other. Reid throws the first punch, hitting him square in the face. I turn to look at Ryan, and then see a familiar face.
“Silas,” I call out, waving my hand. I frown when I see his nose is bleeding, and his cheek is swollen. I step towards him, wondering if he’s okay, frowning when I see the emotions on his face. He looks worried and unsure.
Worst of all he looks guilty.
Ryan turns to look where I’m looking and his face turns to stone. He walks over to Silas, and I follow quickly behind him.
Ryan lifts his hand and hits Silas, who instantly falls to the floor.
“What the fuck are you doing, Ryan?” I shriek, my mouth open in horror. I lean down onto my knees and put my hands on either side of his face.
“Are you okay?” I ask him, feeling panicked.
“How the fuck do you know him?” Ryan asks me in a tone I’ve never heard before.
“From the library,” I say, confused. I turn to see Reid rushing towards me. A glance back at the ring shows a huge form lying unmoving on the floor. Shit.
I’ve never seen Reid look so terrifying before. His jaw is set, his fists are clenched and his eyes are cold as ice.
Unfeeling.
Impenetrable.
I gulp when he pins me with a scathing look. “Get your hands off him. Now,” he demands. I take my hands off Silas, but don’t move or stand up. Silas sits up, wincing in pain. Before I know it, I’m dragged up by my arm, and then thrown over Reid’s shoulder.
“Reid-”
“Not a fucking word, Summer,” he growls, and I still. What the fuck did I do? He takes me to his car, and sits me down in the passenger seat none too gently.
“Don’t fucking manhandle me,” I snap, clicking in my seat belt.
Reid ignores me, starting the car and driving off. After ten minutes of silence, I can’t take it anymore.
“What was that?” I say shortly.
“Are you fucking him?” he asks.
My jaw drops open. “What the fuck?”
“Yes or fucking no, Summer,” he says, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.
“Fuck you, Reid,” I say, looking out the window. I can’t believe this shit. I’ve never even looked at another man the way I look at Reid, never felt for another man what I feel for him, and he doesn’t trust me?
“I’ve been stabbed in the back once or twice, but this takes the fucking cake,” he grits out.
“Maybe instead of accusing me, you can tell me what you are talking out?” I say, my voice raising.
“The guy who killed my baby brother, and you’re touching him like he’s fucking precious? Feeling his face and shit?” he yells, losing control. My mind takes a few seconds to catch up.
Silas is a fighter?
Silas is the one Reece fought?
Lawyer, always in the library studying Silas?
“Reid. Silas is at the library when I study, I had no idea he was the guy! He’s studying law, I just thought he was a student!” I try to explain, but it seems Reid’s not having it.
“Worst fucking day of my life when I realise Mia was right about you,” he says.
I go silent, his words having the effect he wanted them to.
They cut.
Reid is a bastard. I haven’t done shit, and I’m not gonna take this from him.
“Stop the car,” I say, keeping my voice calm and collected.
“You may be a fucking bitch but I’m not a bastard. I’ll take you home,” he says, his words final.
I dig my nails into my thighs to stop myself from crying.
This is it.
This is the end.
The air in the car feels suffocating, and I open the window a little so I can breathe. Reid’s anger is hitting me in waves, as he sits there brooding. I wrap my arms around myself, positioning my body to be as far away from his as possible.
I’m out of the car before he can even come to a full stop.
I don’t look back.
I don’t hear his car leave until I’m inside the house.
I collapse on my bed, curling into a ball.
Who would have thought my night would end like this?
Chapter Twenty One
Someone knocks again on my door and I bury myself further under the covers.
“Summer, it’s two in the afternoon,” I hear my brother say, and I can tell he’s worried.
“Come in,” I call out, my voice thick with sleep. I spent the night crying, and I must look like shit.
“Hey,” he says a little warily. He takes a seat on the end of my bed.
“Hey.”
“You okay?” he asks, and I laugh humourlessly.
“No, but I will be.”
“You wanna tell me what happened?” he asks gently, relaxing onto the bed. I tell him the story, leaving out Reid’s treatment in the car.
“So it was just a misunderstanding, sis. Reid loves you, he’ll come around.”
He might, but do I want him to?
I force a smile. “We’ll see, baby bro. It’s not the end of the world, right?” Yeah, I just work for him, and happen to be best friends with his brother. If that's even still the case. The thought makes my heart hurt. If Ryan’s mad at me, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“I’m gonna make you some coffee, why don’t you get your ass into the shower,” he says as he turns to leave.
I get out of a bed with a groan, and then look back down at it longingly. My zebra bed sheets look so welcoming. I sigh heavily, and head for the bathroom. Not even bothering to look into the mirror, I strip down mechanically and hop into an almost scalding fall of water. In my mind, I go through the list of things I need to get done.
First things first. Knox Tavern. I need to find a new job, and stat. I turn the shower off and wrap a towel around me. Still dripping wet, I wipe my hand on the towel before picking up my phone and putting it on speaker.
“Hey, baby girl, I’m just on my way over to see you,” comes a gravelly voice.
“Hey, dad. I was wondering, is that job offer still open?”
He’s silent for a beat. “Of course it is. But are you sure-”
“Thanks, dad, I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Alright,” he says, sighing.
We both hang up.
I dry myself and dress in a black maxi dress.
“Smells good,” I say as I walk into the kitchen. “Never even knew you could cook, Xander.”
He laughs. “When the time calls for it.”
“Seriously? This whole time!”
He laughs some more. “I wanted my big sister to fuss over me, is that so bad?”
“You owe me,” I grumble. Truth be told, I like fussing over him too.
“Your cooking is way better though,” he says, grinning.
My lip twitches, and I take a bite of toast. Running through my phone, I scan all the messages in my inbox. Nothing from Reid, not like I expected anything. What hurts the most is nothing from Ryan, either. Dad comes over and we order in pizza for lunch. They're both tip toeing around me, not wanting to bring up Reid’s name, and I appreciate it.
After dad leaves I head to the library, not surprised when I see Silas sitting there in his usual seat. He looks worse for wear, and doesn’t have any books or folders with him. I sit down opposite him, and stare up at him in silence.
“I knew you were his girlfriend,” he starts, and I stay silent. “Reece and I were friends once.”
“What happened?” I ask.
He sighs and leans back in his chair. “Jade happened. She was with me first, you know.”
I sit up straight. “You fought over Jade?”
“She was my girlfriend, until she wasn’t. She left me for Reece.”
“You were both into the fighting scene?”
“Yeah, that’s how we met.” He looks at me for a moment, clearly struggling with what to say.
“I only hit him twice, Summer, fuck. It happened too fast, he went down…” He puts his face into his hands, shaking. After a beat, he looks up. “Look, the reason I was pissed at Reece wasn’t just because he stole Jade. If Jade was happy, I was happy. Reece was…” he trails off.
“Tell me,” I demand softly.
“Reece was sleeping with Mia, Summer. And I know for a fact her baby is his, not Reid's.”
“What?” I ask, gaping. Silas nods sadly, his brown eyes full of regret.
“Mia's a fucking bitch,” I snap. Then I realise something. “Jade found out, didn’t she? She started acting weird all of a sudden, wanting to move on.”
“I guess she did,” Silas says, shrugging.
