The Fighter (The High Rise, Book 1) Page 10

  “Oh my God! That must’ve been so dangerous!”

  She seems to be enthralled so I continue telling her the plot of Apocalypse Now, with me starring as Captain Willard, to her complete and utter shock. I end my tale appropriately with “The horror… the horror” and she gasps telling me she’s impressed with my bravery. It’s all I can do to keep from laughing. Jesus.

  The first game ends and I get up to use the bathroom. I see that Craig doesn’t notice because he and Ronni are fused at the lips in the chair he’s sitting in with her straddling him. She’s dressed similarly to Glenda and I can’t see his hands so yeah.

  His apartment is set up just like mine and since his bedroom’s closer to where I’m sitting, I use the master bath hoping he’s left his keys in his jeans pocket or somewhere more conspicuous like on the dresser. When I finish in the bathroom, I come out and look around his room and hit fucking pay dirt. His keys are in the tray of a wardrobe valet near his bed and I snort that the fucker even has a valet. I’ve never seen him in a suit but, hell, I don’t know a whole lot about him to even know if he works somewhere other than the weight room.

  I walk over to grab the keys when Glenda asks from the doorway, “What’re you doing?”

  I stop, turning to look at her. “I wanted to see what kinda wood this was made of.” Christ.

  “There’s other wood I’m interested in,” she says sashaying toward me, and I have to chuckle at her idiotic pun. When she gets to me, she pushes me down flat on the bed (the tiny thing is much stronger than she looks) then climbs on top of me, whipping off her shirt as she does. She’s fucking fast and reminds me of a goddamned rhesus monkey the way she’s crawling on me. But, Jesus, she’s probably a size two and her breasts have got to be at least D cups. I give them an admiring glance because, hey, I’m a man and we get off on tits.

  She quickly gets the top button of jeans undone and I have to grab her hand, stopping her.

  “What?” she asks all pouty. But it’s a forced pout and isn’t anywhere near as sexy as the way Laney pouts without even knowing she does it.

  I sit up, literally picking her up off me and setting her on the bed to my side. I stand only to turn to see her now lying on her back, stilettos on the bed and she lets her knees fall apart so that I see she’s not wearing panties under that skirt of hers. Her eyes are on me as she moves a hand down to touch herself.

  Again, I might be tempted if my interest wasn’t elsewhere but I doubt it. I like a challenge and Glenda’s putting all her cards on the table making everything pretty damned easy.

  “Darlin’,” I begin, “any other time or place, I’d take you up on the offer. But right now gonna have to turn you down.”

  She moans as she starts rubbing her fingers faster and I can’t help but watch for a moment because live porn. I shake my head and leave the bedroom going to the kitchen to get another beer. Standing at the bar after taking a drink, I see that it’s almost halftime of the second game. Regretfully, I also see that Ronni and Craig are really fucking in the chair now, and turning to go, I catch a glimpse of Glenda who’s now glaring at me from the bedroom doorway. Tipping my head at her, I take my beer and leave.

  In the hallway as I walk to the elevator I let the craziness of the evening (after Laney) slide off me. Hell, I deal with all kinds of people on a daily basis, but this level of insanity is too much. I ride the elevator back up and as I walk by Laney’s apartment, I’m tempted to knock but keep going, deciding to let things lie for tonight.

  Monday morning I’m at a new job site of one of a chain of convenience stores my guys’ll be building. I’m on hold on the phone waiting to talk to one of the HVAC vendors when I start getting a little worried. Laney wasn’t in the weight room this morning nor was her roommate. I knocked on her door after my workout but didn’t get an answer, and I’m pissed at myself because I didn’t think to get her cell number last night so I can call to see if everything’s okay. I’ll have to check on her after lunch, calling her at Kyle Properties. Just thinking that name makes my blood boil, and I let out a breath knowing I’m going to have to learn to separate the shitty feelings I have toward her uncle and possibly her father from the ones I now have for her.

  At lunch, Kale, one of the plumbers on site, and I go to a nearby sub sandwich place. He and I have known each other going on three years now, we’re the same age, but where we differ is that he’s been married for two years now.

  “Tell me about the black eye,” he says once we’re in the truck.

  On Friday, I told some of my guys that I was going to start fighting in a club every weekend, so if I show up battered on Monday mornings not to worry about it. Guess I forgot to tell Kale.

  “Been fighting in a club.” I shrug. Kale’s a good friend but I don’t want to involve him in all the bullshit.

  “I thought about doing that. You at a gym?”

  “Nah. Just a little place Aaron was going to,” I say casually.

  “Speaking of, how is he?”

  I’d told everyone Aaron had been in a snowboarding accident and had to take some time off. Damn. It’s kind of scary how easily the lies spill from my lips, but if it means protecting someone I love then so be it.

  “Getting better. Using a cane to get around so that he looks like some old geezer but he said the doctor told him he should be good to go in a couple months.”

  We get to the sub place and once our orders are ready, we sit at a table and shoot the shit.

  “Remind me what it’s like, man. Going out and having your pick of the hot women every night,” he says.

  I laugh. “This coming from the guy who bitched incessantly because he was ready to settle down, so tired of the ‘meat market’ and its lack of prime cuts.”

  He chuckles. “Yeah, well, hindsight and all.”

  I frown. “You and Sarah not doing well?” Sarah’s an awesome woman and she’s perfect for Kale.

  “We’re doing all right I guess. I mean, ever since Colt was born she never has time for sex. ‘Bout ready to put a wedding dress on my hand and a tux on my dick, let ‘em tie the fuckin’ knot since they’re together so often.”

  I snort. “As long as I’m not the best man, we’re good.”

  He laughs. “But seriously, regale me with tales of all the hot babes you’re fuckin’ now.”

  I can’t help but grin and shake my head as I put mustard on my sandwich then pick it up and take a bite only to see him staring at me suspiciously.

  “What?” I ask, mouth full.

  “Who is she?”

  I keep chewing wondering if I should tell him about Laney then think why the hell not.

  “She lives down the hall from me. She’s hot, man. Smokin’ hot.”

  “She smart?” He knows that’s always been a prerequisite of mine because although I’d fuck a not-so-bright chick I’d only get serious with the ones who challenge me. Yes. I’m a prick.

  “Very.”

  “Good.”

  We continue eating our talk turning to the job, me letting him know I’ve called the engineer who’s coming out this afternoon to check a mistake I found on the blueprints for the plumbing so he needs to hold off in that area.

  Back at the site the guys are on task, so to get away from the noise, I go back to my truck to call Laney. I get through the secretary then hear the sweetest voice ever.

  “This is Laney Kyle. How can I help you?”

  “Hey, babe. Thought I’d check on you since you weren’t in the weight room this morning.”

  I hear her small gasp of surprise that it’s me. “Oh, hey. I, uh, Dani won’t be home until tonight so I didn’t want to work out alone.”

  “Next time, let me know. I’ll work out with you,” I offer.

  She snorts. “I know exactly what kind of workout you’d suggest.”

  I grin. “Hell yes I’d suggest it. Woman with an ass like yours, how could I resist?”

  She’s so quiet I think she might’ve hung up on me.

  “Hel
lo?”

  “I’m here,” she says, her voice low.

  “What happened?”

  “It’s embarrassing, you saying stuff like that,” she confesses in a whisper.

  “Better get used to it because you’re stunning and I can’t help but let you know how good you look.”

  “Are you always this charming?” she asks snippily.

  “Charmed the pants right off you, didn’t I?” I snort at the scoffing sound she makes.

  “You need to stop.”

  “I guess I shouldn’t tell you what was on my mind this morning then,” I tease.

  I hear her suck in a breath which makes me smile. “This isn’t appropriate to talk about when I’m at work.” Prim and Proper Laney is hot.

  “Okay. I won’t talk about how hot you looked riding me last night. Seriously turned me the fuck on.”

  “Oh, my gosh… I’ve gotta go…”

  “Wait,” I say with a chuckle at how cute she is. “Write my number down.” I give her my number then reiterate, “Text me so I have your number, or I’ll have to keep calling you at work. Got it? And we’re still on for Andre’s tonight at seven-thirty. Already called and made the reservations.”

  “Well, you’re awfully bossy,” she snaps. “And you’re also extremely sure of yourself too.”

  Sassy Laney is even hotter than Prim and Proper Laney.

  “Goddamned right I’m sure. I see something I want, I go for it. And I want you.”

  “Heath…” she semi-scolds in a hushed voice.

  “Text me.”

  “Fine. Bye.”

  She hangs up and the smile I’m sporting feels great. It feels even better when I get her text a few minutes later.

  (213) 555-8619—It’s me. Here’s my number. Happy?

  Me—Extremely. Be ready by six-thirty

  Laney—You really are very bossy

  Me—I think you secretly like it…

  Laney—Yes, when I like something I complain about it

  Me—You won’t be complaining later when I make you come so hard you’re begging for more

  Laney—Seriously?

  Me—Seriously. Just wait. You’ll be begging…

  I think I’ve lost her when she doesn’t text back for a few minutes and then I receive one that makes me sit and take notice.

  Laney—Not if I make you beg first…

  Hold the phone. Good God. I love how she switches gears and throws shit right back at me. She just keeps surprising the hell out of me.

  Me—Are you trash talking me, woman?

  Laney—Damn straight I am. I can hold my own, jerkface

  Me—Jerkface? Sounds like someone needs that pretty little ass spanked

  Laney—You wouldn’t dare!

  Me—Don’t tempt me

  She doesn’t text for a minute then I get the next one and let out a fucking groan at the vision that appears of her in my head.

  Laney—I’ll tempt you & you’ll like it

  Me—I’ll love it, actually

  Laney—God, you have an answer for everything

  Me—I’ve been told I’m quite skilled in the art of conversation

  Laney—Hm

  Me—Hm? You just thought of me fucking you, didn’t you?

  Laney—You’re too much

  Me—I remember you saying something to that effect last night except it was more, “You’re so big”

  Laney—OMG You’re so full of yourself!

  Me—But I want you to be full of me

  Laney—Wow. Is sex all you think about?

  Me—When I’m talking to you? Fuck yes. I wanna fuck you right now… if I thought I could get away, I’d come to your office now… bend you over your desk… pull up your tight skirt… squeeze that luscious ass of yours… then take you so hard you’d scream my name

  Laney—I’m sure the other people in my office would understand

  Between thoughts of her and her smartass comments, I’ve got to stop texting her before I bust a fucking nut right here on the job site.

  Me--Smartass

  Laney—As much as I’ve enjoyed this conversation, I have to get back to work. Have a great day ;)

  Me—I will now that I’ve talked to you

  Laney—Silver-tongued devil…

  Me—You seemed to love my tongue…

  Laney—Going back to work now

  I laugh.

  Me—You have a great day too, baby. I’ll call you later

  Laney—xo

  Thirteen

  I stop texting Heath and look around the office positive that all eyes are on me but no one’s paying any attention.

  Because he’s made me a little hot and bothered, I get up and head to the restroom to cool off a bit. Jeez.

  I can’t believe I was so bold with him but it was kind of fun. He’s so up front about the way he feels and it’s a little scary since he’s just going on our physical attraction to each other. I mean, the sex was great but what if once we get to know each other we find we aren’t compatible? Or we start out strong then fizzle out? That’s the risk everyone takes when they get into a relationship, sure, but I know if this failed between us I’d truly be devastated. I wasn’t joking when I said he could destroy me. And not just that, no, he could completely wreck me.

  In the bathroom, I look at myself in the mirror.

  You’re gonna have to be smart this time, Laney. Don’t fall too fast. Make sure he’s a sticker before you give him your heart. And if all this is, is just good sex, well, be ready to walk away.

  The words sound really good and I know I’m giving myself good advice; the problem is following it.

  I’m panicking once again when it comes to Mr. Heath Cutter Noble.

  I texted him that I wouldn’t be home until right at six because I had a last-minute showing and that I didn’t know if I could be ready by six-thirty.

  Mr. Smooth texted back that I could wear a gunnysack and still look beautiful.

  I roll my eyes now as I mutter, “Gunnysack my ass,” digging through my closet and trying to pick out the right dress to wear.

  Then I find it. The nude sleeveless, open-backed Swarovski crystal covered cocktail dress I’ve been saving for a special occasion. It’s so pretty. I saw it on sale and had to have it but since purchasing it, I haven’t gone to anything that was worth wearing it for. But tonight’s the perfect night for it.

  I got home at five after six and jumped in the shower immediately, washing my hair and all. When I got out, I blow dried it, wound some hot rollers in it (which are still in it) then put on my makeup. It’s hard putting on evening dramatic makeup when you’re hurrying your ass off. But I somehow managed to pull it off. I next put on the dress along with nude stilettos that lace up my ankles and I’m just about ready.

  I’m nervous as hell knowing he’s going to knock at any second as I take out the curlers then tease and fluff my hair for maximum poofiness, hairspraying it within an inch of its life. Lastly, I dab a little perfume behind my ears and I’m good to go.

  And he still hasn’t shown.

  Grabbing my phone off my dresser I check to see if he’s sent a text but he hasn’t. It’s already ten to seven and now I get the sinking feeling that I’ve been had. How ultimate player would it be for him to stand me up after I’ve gone through all the trouble of getting ready? I feel the blood drain from my face at the thought that he’d do this to me.

  When I hear someone at the door I perk up, going into the living room to answer it, only to see Dani coming in.

  When she gets a look at me, a big “Whoa!” comes out of her mouth. She closes the door, tossing her tote to the side and comes over to inspect me. “Where’re you going? You look beautiful!”

  “I have a date with Heath,” I explain wringing my hands. “But he hasn’t shown yet. We were supposed to leave at six-thirty but I got home late. And he hasn’t texted or called or anything.”

  “You’re going out with Heath? Wait. What? Since when did this all happen?” H
er mouth hangs open as she watches me start to pace.

  “Last night. Well, Saturday night, really. I’d just gotten back from Mom and Dad’s and saw him in the lobby. He had a black eye so I got him ice, he kissed me, and then last night we did it.”

  She’s staring at me speechless.

  “And he told me we were going to Andre’s for dinner at seven-thirty tonight but he’s not here!”

  She’s finally coherent enough to understand what I’m saying. “Okay. You kissed Saturday, slept together last night and you’re supposed to go to dinner tonight but you don’t know where he is.”

  I nod blowing out a breath trying to stay calm.

  “That’s crazy. I want all the details as soon as possible!” She narrows her eyes at me. “Want me to go check on him?”

  “No!” I holler. “If he’s standing me up I don’t want him to know I got ready so he gets a good laugh out of it.”

  Just then my phone chimes. Dani comes over and reads it with me.

  Heath—Sorry. Was on the phone with an engineer driving home. Got in ten minutes ago. On my way down the hall now.

  “Do I answer?” I ask.

  “Nope. He’s on his way. You just stand here looking spectacular,” she says as she goes to open the door even before Heath knocks. She makes a show of looking at her wrist—which doesn’t have a watch on it—then looks down the hallway trying to make him feel bad for being late.

  “I’m sorry. Work got crazy and I couldn’t get the asshole off the line,” I hear him say. “When I got to my apartment, he was still rambling on about the blueprints so I hung up on him and got ready. It’s my fault. I should’ve—holy fuck.”

  He stops in the doorway and stares at me, his eyes moving up and down my body taking it all in.

  I do the same to him because he looks so handsome wearing black slacks, dark brown lace-up brogues, and a white button up shirt under a light gray wool sports jacket. Holy smokes.

  “Are you two gonna stand here and stare at each other all night? Don’t you have a reservation?” Dani says with a snort.