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“Was the guy okay?”
“Broke his nose and a rib, but yeah, he recovered fine.”
“Jesus, Lance.”
Closing my eyes, I let out a breath. “That’s the last time I did anything like that. And it’s why I stay mostly to myself.”
“You’re afraid you’ll hurt someone?”
“Not so much anymore. At this point it’s nervous energy that triggers me more than anything. And it’s due to the pressure I’m under. God, I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”
“I’m glad you are.” Her silky voice is comforting, and she takes our clasped hands and kisses the back of mine the same way I did hers. “I want to know you. More than anything. Okay? Don’t be ashamed to tell me something like that, especially the truth. Deal?”
I nod.
“So, how does your love compare in ball to boxing?”
“I love ball. I love thieving it just as a wide receiver opens up, it’s a natural high. I love the speed, the energy, the hustle, getting lost in the chaos. Boxing…it’s just me. And I like that part of it. And the minute I glove up, it’s like…permission. I missed it a lot. That’s what got me back in the gym.”
She nods in perfect understanding. “I get it.”
“I think you’re the only woman I’ve ever met that might. I see how you let go, Harper, and it’s beautiful. You’re beautiful.”
She pulls into a gravel parking lot in front of what looks like a warehouse and parks her Toyota. I glance around confused, and she turns to me with watery eyes.
“Was it too much? Did I freak you out?”
“God, what you told me? No. Hell, no. Without trying to sound condescending, I’m proud of you.” She unbuckles her seat belt, and before I can open my door, she climbs to my side straddling me before kissing the hell out of me. When she pulls away, her eyes are still shimmering.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Saying,” kiss, “what you mean,” kiss, kiss, kiss, “and meaning what you say.”
“O-kay,” I chuckle as she showers me with affection.
“I’m serious.”
“Want to tell me which part made you so grateful?” I grin. “Happy to repeat it.”
“Nope. Can’t be repeated.”
“Shame.”
She kisses me again and then nods toward the building. “Come on. Let’s go in.”
“I have a better idea. I’m wiped. How about we go home instead of doing whatever you have planned, so I can put into you what’s left of my energy.”
She frowns and then moans when I bend and kiss the delicate flesh of her neck. “Why did I have to meet you this year? Why not last year? School’s going to be over—”
I silence her with a kiss. When I pull back, she’s smiling. “I promise you’re going to love this.”
“You going to tell me what this is?” I look for signs or a marquee and come up empty.
Her face lights up. She’s never looked more beautiful. “It’s a weigh-in. You’re already registered with USA Boxing. You’re here to meet your trainer.”
I shake my head, anger simmering from embarrassment. “I can’t afford a trainer. I told you that.” I nudge her to move her from my lap. “Let’s go.”
