AChristmasForEve

By:MichaelJames

TableofContents

Chapter1

ChristmasEve

So,thisisChristmas,andIlookaroundatmyemptyhome.Ihavenotreeupor

decorations.Ididn’tmailthoseChristmascardsthatstillsitintheboxonthecoffeetable.

Idon’thaveanyonetospendthedaywith.Myfamilyisallinanotherstate,myfriendsall

haveplans.It’sjustmesittinghereonChristmasEvefeelingsorryformyself.IguessI

onlyhavemyselftoblamebyputtingworkbeforeanythingelse.Icouldhavequickly

jumpedonaplanehome.Iwouldhavebeensippinghotchocolatenexttothefireplace

withmom,dad,andmysiblings.Whenyouwantyourcareertomoveforward,yourisk

everything.

Icurlmyselfuponthecouchandcoverupwithablanket.Iopentheromancenovel

thatI’vemeanttoreadforthelastfewmonths.Igetafewchapter’sinandtossthebook

aside.Blah,blah,it’sallthesame;thelovestorywithanHEA.Istarttowonderifthat

willeverbeme,findingtheloveofmylife.Ilaughtomyself;ithasn’thappenedyet,why

woulditnow.Mylifeisworkandmorework.Gosh,I’mlonely.

Decidingtogoforadrive,Igoandgetmycoat.Icircletheblockslookingatallthe

housesdecoratedwithlights.Everyoneofthembeautifulanddifferent.I’vebeendriving

aroundforatleastanhour.Iheaddowntowntowardsthepark.Familiesareice-skatingon

theoutdoorrink.Menandwomaninloveandholdinghands.Istopandwatchallthe

happypeoplemillingaround.IlookovertomyrightandseethelastoftheChristmas

treesforsale.Igetoutofmycarandwalkovertothem.Touchingthepinesandsmelling

thescent,theygiveoff.Myfamilydoesn’tuserealtrees;mymomisallergictothesmell.

NotwatchingwhereI’mgoing,ItripoveratinyCharlieBrowntree.ThankGod,Ididn’t

fall;thatwouldhavebeenembarrassing.

Ileanthetreebackintoitsplace,andavoicesays.“It’sChristmasEve;youcan

justtakethathomewithyou.”

“Ohno,Iwasjustlooking.”

“Pleasetakeithomewithyou;lessIhavetocartoutofheretonight,”hesayswith

asmileandwalksaway.

WhatthehellamIgoingtodowithatree?Ithinkitover,maybeIcanfindafamily

whoneedsthismorethanIdo.IputCharlieinmycarandwalkaroundtheparkfora

while.Idon’treallyseeanyonewhomightwantit.It’sgettingcold,andmyfeetare

frozentothebone.Imightaswellheadhome.

Iliveinaquietneighborhood.IhavetowaitforthekidstoclearthestreetbeforeI

canpullintomydriveway.Theyareplayingagameofstreethockeyandhavingfun.I

unlockmyfrontdoorandheadupstairstochangeintomysweats.MyfeetaresocoldI

decidetotakeabath.Iturnonthewatertoletthetubfill.Shit,IleftCharlieoutinthecar.

Irushbackdownthestairstogoouttogethim.WhenIamtryingtogetthetreeoutofthe

backseat,avoicefrombehindstartlesme.

“Needhelpwiththat,Ma’am?”

Iturntoseeamansmilingatmewiththebrightestwhiteteeththatareallperfectly

straight.Damn,wheredidhecomefrom?Itrytoclosemymouththatprobablyhitthe

pavementbeneathmyfeet.

“Thankyou,Sir.IthinkIcanhandlethislittletree.”

“Ohcomeon,it’sChristmasEve,letmehelpabeautifulwomanout.”

“Ohshit,Ileftmybathwaterrunning!Sure,canyoujustleaveitbythedoor?”I

takeoffrunningformydoor.

Irunupthestairstwoatatime.Thankfullythewaterdidn’toverflowthetub.Igo

backdowntobringthetreeinside.Iopenthedoortofindhimstandingtherewithmytree

inhishands.

Ireachformytree,“Thankyouforyourhelp.”

“Letmebringitinsideforyouandhelpyousetitinastand.”

“Ohyoudon’tneedtodothat,Icandoitlater.”

“Really,it’snotroubleatall.Besides,it’sChristmas,Iwanttohelp.”

“Don’tyouhaveafamilytobug?Whoareyouanyways?I’veneverseenyouinthe

neighborhoodbefore.”

“Idohaveafamily,theyliveacrossthestreet.Iwasoutplayinghockeywiththe

kids;thoughtI’dlendyouahand.”

“Howthoughtfulofyoutowanttohelp,butreally,Idon’thaveastandor

decorationsforCharlie.SoIreallydon’tneedyourhelpanyfurther.”

“Charlie,huh?That’scute.Gotakeyourbath,andI’llbebackinahalfhour.”

Istandherewatchinghimjogawayandwalkintothegarageacrossthestreet.I

neverknewthecouplehadkids.ButIprobablywouldn’tbecauseI’venevertalkedto

thembefore.IjustmindmyownbusinessandgiveawavewhenIseethemoutside.

Istripoutofmyclothesandgetinthetub.Thehotwaterburnsagainstmycold

feet.I’monlyinlongenoughtogetthechillout.Igetdressedinmysweatsandrunmy

fingersthroughmystrawberryblondehair,whichIjusthadcutyesterday.Itwasshoulder

length,butIreallylikethisshortercut.Ihearthedoorbellringandthinktomyself,GodI

hopehedidn’tcomeback.

Iopenthedoortoseehimholdingatreestandandabagofdecorations.Hesmiles

atme,andIshakemyhead.Iopenthedoorwidertolethimin.

“Youreallydidn’tneedtogotoallthistrouble.”

“Ohyes,Idid.Youcan’thaveChristmasandnothaveaprettytreetolookat.”

“Whoareyouanyways?”

“Sorryaboutmymanors,I’mKevin,andyouare?”

“I’mEve,don’tsayanythingaboutthateither.”

Hegivesmealaughanddamnit,hehasagorgeoussmile.Ileadhimintomyliving

roomandaskifhewouldlikeadrink.IgotothekitchenandgettwobeersandwhenIget

back,hehasCharlieinthestand.Heopensthebagofgoodiesandpullsoutlights.

“Ididn’thaveachancetoseeiftheseworksowemightwanttobeforeweputthem

onthetree.”

“Youreallydon’thavetodothis.Youareverykind.”

“IknowIdidn’thaveto,Iwantto,andthat’sthedifference.Icaouldleave,ifyou

wouldlike.”

Ithinkaboutitforawholetwoseconds.“Nostay,youareentertaining.”Igivehim

awink.It’smorelikehe’seasyontheeyes.

Westringthelightsandaddthesilvergarland.It’slookingmorelikeaChristmas

treethanapoordyinghouseplant.Whenhetouchesmyhand,anelectrifyingcurrentruns

throughme.Ilookuphistallframeandoureyeslock.Hegivesmeawinkandsteps

away.

“Eve,youshouldmoveCharlietothefrontwindow.”

“Whyisthat?”

“SoSantaknowstostopheretonight.You’vebeengoodthisyear,right?”

Laughingoutloudathim.Ilaughsohard,Idoubleoverholdingmystomach.

“Kevin,Iworknon-stop.SoIdon’tseehowIhavetimetodoanythingtobeputonthe

naughtylist.”

“Maybethatiswhyyouarenaughty,youaren’tenjoyinglifeenough.”

“Really,hmm.Whatdoyoudotoenjoylife?”

Hecomesoverandstandsinfrontofmeandplacesahandonmyface.Heleansthe

restofthewayinandputshislipstomine.Idon’topentohim,boydoIwantto,though.

Hepullsbackandtakesafewstepsbackward.

“Sorry,Icouldn’thelpmyself.Ishouldprobablyheadhome.”

“Yeah,youprobablyshould.”

Hewalksoutthedoor,andIlockitbehindhim.FinishingoffthebeerIhad;Igo

getanotherone.Whatwasthatallabout?Damn,Eve,hotguykissesyou,andyoudon’t

kisshimback!Ifeelmyforehead;nopenofever.Ithrowmyselfonthecouchandcover

myfacewithmyhands.Whatthehelliswrongwithyougirl!Iletoutabigsigh.

Isitherelookingoutthewindow,backtoCharlieanddecidehewouldlookbetter

inthefrontwindow.Imovehim,andwhenheisalllitup,Ilookacrossthestreet.It’s

brightintheirhouse,andIcanclearlyseeinside.Dancingaroundinwhatmustbethe

livingroomisKevinwithalittlegirlinhisarms.Somethingmustbefunnyashisheadit

tiltedbackandasmilelightsuphisface.CanIhavehimforChristmas?Isayoutloud.

PuttingthatthoughtawayIgopickupthebookIwasreadingearlier.Ireadfortherestof

thenightuntilbed.Igounplugmytreeandseeeveryonemustbesleepingacrosstheroad.

Chapter2

IyawnafewtimesbeforeIgetoutofbed.Igobrushmyteethandusemouthwash.

Afterward,Igodowntothekitchentomakemycoffee.Igetmyphonefromtheliving

roomandcallmymomtowishheraMerryChristmas.Wetalkforawhilebeforeshe

givesthephonetomydad.Ipolishedofftwocupsofcoffeewhiletalkingtothem.Irinse

outmycupandplaceitinthedishwasher.IalreadywishIwasn’talone.Toobadmybody

istrainedsowellthatIcannolongersleepin.

IpluginthelightsonCharlieandlookoutsidetoseesomekidsareoutplaying.

Oneiskickingaroundaball,andanotherisonsomekindofthingthatyourideon.

Anothergroupofkidsarejuststandinginagrouptalking.IlookbacktoseeKevinis

walkingacrossthestreet.NextthingIknow,heisringingmydoorbell.Irunmyfingers

throughmyhairthankfulIbrushedmyteeth.

“MerryChristmas,Sunshine.”

“ThankyouandMerryChristmastoyou,too.”

“Youhaveplanstoday?”

“No,Idon’t.Myfamilyisn’tfromaroundhere.”

“Perfect.”Igivehimastrangelook“Sorry,whatImeantis;perfectforme.NowI

caninviteyoutodinner,andyouhavenoreasontosayno.”

IjuststandherelookingathimandwhenIgivenoreply,hesays,“Dinnerisat

three.I’llseeyouthen.”

Hequicklyturnsandleaves.Iyellathim,“WhatifIhaveotherplans?”

Hewavesahandoverhishead,“I’llseeyouatthree.”

Iclosemydoorandcrossmyarms.Damn,it’scoldoutside.Igosnuggleundermy

blanket.Ibiteonmynailandthinktomyself,whatifIdon’twanttogo?Hereallydidn’t

ask,itwasmorelikehemadeademand.WhatifIdon’tshowup,maybehe’llstop

buggingme.

IpickupmyphoneandtextwithmybestfriendTracyLerouxforawhile.Sheis

spendingChristmaswithherfamilyandsayssheisboredoutofhermind.FunnythingisI

knowI’dbeannoyedifIwashome,butbeingaloneonaholidayreallysucksass.Itoss

myphoneaside.Oh,whatthehell,I’llgotoKevin’s.Itwasverykindofhimtoaskme

over.Iopentheboxofcardsandfindthebestoneinthebunch.Iwritehimashortnote.

Stickitinanenvelopeandsealit.IthinktomyselfwhatImighthaveinthecupboards

thatIcantakeoverwithme.Idon’twanttogoemptyhanded.Ifindaboxofgram

crackers,andIknowrightawaywhatI’llmake.

Mydishismade,it’s1pm,andIneedtoshower.Igoandpickoutacutesweater

withapairofjeansfrommydresser.Takingthemtothebathroomwithme,Itakeaquick

shower.Shavingmylegsandotherspots.Satisfiedwheneverythingfeelssmooth.

Throwingonmyrobe,Iblowdrymyhairandapplymymake-up.Ishouldhaveputthe

sweateronbeforeIappliedmymake-up,IhopeIdon’tsmearit.Lookingatthetimeon

myalarmclockthenIgetmyshoeson.I’llonlybeafewminutesearlyifIgonow.

Igethalfwayacrossthestreet,thenturnaroundtogobacktomyhouse.“Backing

outalready?”Kevinyellsatme.

“Iforgotsomething,I’llberightback.”Gee,washewatchingformeorwhat?

Igotostepbackoutmydoorwhenhisvoiceringsinmyears,“Youreadythis

time?”

“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Walkingmydatetothedoor.”

“Umm,thisisn’tadate.”

Thisisadate?Heneversaidthiswasadate.Maybethiswasabadidea.It’stoolate

toturnbacknowthatweareathisfrontdoor.Wegoinside,andheintroducesmetohis

family.Hismother,father,twosister’sandtheirfamilies.Theyareallveryfriendlyand

easytolike.

Ifeellittlehandspullonthesleeveofmysweater,Ilookdowntoseeacutelittle

redheadsmilingatme.Shemotionsformetocomecloser.WhenIgetdowntoherlevel,

shewhispersinmyear,“UncleKevinwatchedforyouallmorning,helikesyou.Saysyou

aresuperprettyandIagree.Butthatwasasecret.”

“Oh,Isee.Yoursecretissafewithme.”Shegigglesandrunsofftoplaywiththe

restoftherestofkids.

Weallgatheraroundthedinnertableandfillourplateswithdeliciousfood.

Laughterfillsthishomeandjoyfilltheirhearts.AtthismomentI’mhappytobehere.

Whenwefinishedourmeal,Ioffertohelpcleanup,butnoneofthemwillletme.Kevin

givesmeatourofthehouseinstead.Whenwegettohisroom,Ilookatallthephotosin

frames.Icantellhewasintosportsinschool.Inoticetrophy’slinesthefarwallandgoto

lookcloser.Icanfeelhimstandingclosebehind.Theheatfromhisbodysendsshivers

downmyspineandgoosebumpsupmyarms.AsIturntostepaway,hetakesaholdofmy

waist,pullingmeintohim.

Ilookupathimwhenhesays,“I’mnotsorryIkissedyoulastnight,butIamsorry

thatIdidn’tdoitagain.”Heleansin,andIcrushmylipstohis.

Hetasteslikeacandycane,andIwantmore.Hishandpullsmeinclosertohim,

andhisothergoestomyhair.Webreakapartforbreath,thenwelocklipsagain.It’shot,

it’ssexyandgoodgrief,Ineedmore.Ifeelhishandatthehemofmyshirt.Readytoinch

itswayunderneathit.Hestopswhenthereisaknockonthedoor.Webreakapartpanting

andwipingourlips.Ireachupandwipelipstickfromhismouth.Hebitesdownonmy

thumbandsucksitintotohismouth.Anotherknockonthedoorbreaksoureyecontact.

“Guessweshouldheadbackdownstairs.”Igivehimanod.

Dessertwasserved,andthekidslovedmychocolatechipcookiedip.Theywiped

thebowlclean.Weplaysomecards,andIfiguredIshouldgetheadinghome.Younever

wanttooverstayyourwelcome.Kevinisaperfectgentleman,whowalksmehome.I

wondertomyselfifIshouldinvitehimin.

Hetakesmykeys,unlocksmydoorandbendstogivemeakissgoodnight.It’sout

ofmylipsfasterthanIcanthink,“Youcomingin?”

“Idon’tknowifthatisagoodidea.”

“Oh,whynot?”

“Because,Eve,IwantyouforChristmasandIwanttounwrapyou.”

Itakehimbythelapelofhiscoatanddraghiminsidewithme,heusestheheelof

hisshoetokickthedoorclosed.Allwhileourlipsarelocked,andItastehiscandycane

breath.Istripoffmycoatlettingitfalltothefloor,hedoesthesame.Hetakesthehemof

mysweaterandpullsmefreeofit.Hefillshisruggedhandswithmybreasts.Itakeina

deepbreatheasIcanfeelmyselfgettingwet.

“DoesthismeanIcanhaveyouformypresent?”

“Ohyes,yousurecan.”

HepicksmeupandcarriesmetowardCharlie,thenlaysmebeneathhimonthe

floor.Heslowlyworksmeoutoftherestofmyclothes.WhenI’munwrapped,heplaces

hislipsallovermybody.Frommymouthtomyneck,betweenmybreasts,overmynub

andtomypussylips.Histonguedipsoutofhismouthandlicksmeupanddown.Helicks

hiswayovermynub,backupbetweenmybreasts,andtomyneck,stoppingatmyear.

“Yourskintastelikeheaven,yourpussytastelikeasweetfruit.Iwanttobeinside

yousobadly.”

“Doit,Kevin,don’tmakemewaitanylonger.”

Hereachesintohisbackpocketpullingoutacondom.Iwatchasheripsitopenand

slidesitdownhiscock.Helineshiscockupwithmypussyandpushesinsideme.Ohmy

God,itfeelssogood,andthat’swhenIrealizehe’snotevenallthewayin.HowdidInot

noticesooner?Howcanonemanbesobig?

“Youokay,Eve?”

“Yes,nowfuckme,Kevin.”

Hewastesnomoretimefillingmewithhiscock,pullingitbackoutleavingme

empty,andpushingbackinfillingmeagain.Itfeelsabsolutelyamazing.I’mdiggingmy

nailsintohisbackorintohisassallwhilemoaningouthisname.IcumlikeIneverhave

before.Beforehecumsheripsthethecondomoffleavinghismarkonmybody.

“BestfuckingChristmaspresentIhaveeverhad.”Hesaysashekissesme.

“IthinkIagreewithyou.”

Hepicksmeupoffthefloorandcradlesmeinhisarms,“Bedroom,Eve.Pointme

inthedirection.”

Ipoint,andhecarriesmeupthestairs.Laysmedownandcoversmewithhisbody.

“Kevin,youstayingthenight?”

“Ihopetobestayingmanynights.”

Chapter3

Ididn’tthinkanymancouldmakemewanttoplayhookyfromwork,butKevin

haswaltzedintomylife,andIcan’tgetenoughofhim.Forthelastfivenights,hehas

beeninmybed,wishingweneverhadtoleaveoncethemorningalarmgoesoff.Ididcall

insickthedayafterChristmas,Iwastowornoutfromallthesexwehadthatnight.First

undertheChristmastreeinmylivingroomandtwiceoncewewereinmybed.Howcan

thismancomeintomylifeanditfeelslikewebelongtogetheralready?

TodayisthelastworkdaybeforeI’mofffortheNewYear’sholiday.I’mlooking

forwardtospendingasmuchtimeasIcanwithKevin.Hesayshehasasurpriseforme

tonightandIhaveabsolutelynocluewhatitis.I’mnotbigonsurprises,butifitinvolves

him,IthinkIcanhandleit.Ijustwishallthisworkpileduponmydeskwoulddisappear.

ButifIwantthepromotionI’vebeenworkingsohardfor,IneedtogetitfinishedbeforeI

canleavetoday.Kevinispickingmeuptonightatseven;leavingmewiththreehoursto

finish.Ifnooneinterruptsme,Ishouldfinishontimeandstillhaveachancetogetready

forourfirstrealdate.

EventhoughKevininvitedmeovertoChristmasdinnerwithhisfamilythathe

calledadate;Idon’tconsideritanactualdate.NotthatIwouldtakebacktheinvite,buta

dateistakingaladyoutonthetownjustasacouple.MaybeI’malittleoldfashion.But

howoldfashionisittomeettheparentsbeforeyougooutofficially.Anyways,Iwouldn’t

tradeitforanything,buttonightisourfirstofficialdate;ifyouaskme.

Myworkhasn’tbeeneasytoday,therewasmorethanIhadfirstthought.Iam

runningbehindscheduleandprobablywon’thavetimetoshowernow.It’sagoodthingI

workbehindadeskandnotinafastfoodjoint.I’mjustaboutreadytoheadoutofmy

officewhenthebosscomesin.

“Eve,Iwashopingyouwouldbefreetocomeintomorrowmorningforafew

hours?ThingshavegottenhecticovertheChristmasbreak.Wehaveanewclientthatwe

justlanded,andIwouldloveforyoutotakethelead.”

“Oh,whoisit?Someonebig,Ihope.”

“It’smarketingfornewcolognelinefromMr.Steed.Soareyouinterested?He

wantsmagazineads,TVcommercials,andbillboards.”

Damnit,Iwantthisaccount.Iknowit’sgoingtobebigandprobablylandmethe

promotionIwant.Idon’tknowwhoMr.Steedis,butI’mgoingtohavetoworkonNew

Year’sEvetogetthis.IcanonlyhopeKevindoesn’tmindcuttingourdateshorttonight.

I’msurehe’llbeokaywithit,knowingit’simportanttome.

“I’lldoit.Whattimeyouneedmeintomorrow?”

“Nineamsharpanddon’tbelate.Iheardheisahandfultodealwith.Ihopeyou

canhandlehim.”

Igatherupmybriefcaseandpurse;nowIactuallyamrunninglate.Ipulloutof

parkinggarage,andI’mthankfulthetrafficislight.Ishouldhaveenoughtimetochange

intosomethingmorecomfortabletowear.Whatdoyouwearwhenyoudon’tknowwhere

youaregoing?

Gettingoutofmycar,IseeKeviniswaitingformeonmyfrontsteps.Whatasite

toseewhenyoufirstgethome,Icouldgetusedtothis.Hestandsupandmeetsmehalf

way.

“GoodeveningGorgeous.Howwaswork?”Hegivesmeapassionatekiss.

“Hello,Sexy.Mydaywasfabulousandcan’twaittotellyouaboutit.Butasyou

cansee,I’mrunningbehindandneedtochangebeforeourfirstdate.”

“Thesecondtime,”hesayslaughing.

“Firstonedidn’tcount,Ididn’tknowitwasadate,”IsayovermyshoulderasIrun

upthestairstomyroom.

IopenmydressertogetoutapairofblackjeansIhaven’twornbefore,andripthe

tagsoffbeforeIputthemon.Igetablacktanktopfromthetopdrawerandslipitovermy

head,coveringitwithalow-cut,pinksweater.Gettingmybootsfromthecloset,slipping

themonmyfeet,Iruntothebathroomandrunabrushthroughmystrawberryblondehair.

Kevinwhistlesatme,“Damn,I’mgoingtohavethehottestwomanonmyarm

tonight.HowcanIbesolucky?”

“Stop,youareanut!Areyougoingtotellmewherewearegoing,now?”

“That,mylady,isasurprise.”

WetakeKevin’scaronourdate.Geewhiz,it’sbeautiful.Whyhaven’tIseenthisin

thedrivewayacrossthestreet,likeever?It’sashinyblackSUVfullyloadedinside.I’m

almostafraidtotouchanythingit’ssoclean.

“Isthisyourcar,Kevin?Howdoyoukeepitsoclean?”

“Yes,it’smine,andIwentandhaditdetailedtoday.”

“Youtryingtoimpressme?YouknowyoualreadydidthatonChristmasnight.”I

saywithawink.

Wepullintoaparkinggarage,andweheadtowardsthearena.Isthereanevent

tonightIdidn’tknowabout?IhavethisfeelinglikesomeoneisfollowingusandImovea

littleclosertoKevin.I’mnotscaredofthemwithKevinbesideme.I’mnotsureifI

shouldsaysomething.Ilookovermyshoulderafewtimes,andallIseearetwomenthat

lookprettydamnbig.

“Kevin,Ithinkthepeoplebehindusarefollowingus.”

Helooksbackandsays,“Theyareprobablyjustgoingthesameplaceasweare.”

Chapter4

Kevin

NowthatEvehasnoticedthetwomenfollowingus,Isecondguessmysurprise.

It’stoolatetobackoutnowbecausewehavealmostreachedthearena.Iprobablyshould

havegivenheraclueaboutmylife.Ihopeshedoesn’tgetangrywithme.Ireallylikeher,

andIamthrilledshehasnocluewhoIam.IwantedhertolikemeforwhoIamandnot

thestarthatgetsallthegirls.

Beforewewalkin,Ipullherintomyarmsandtellher,“Whateverhappensinside

sticktomyside,okay?”

“Kevin,youaremakingmenervous,firstofftheseguysarefollowingus.Nowyou

aretellingmetosticktoyourside.Areweindanger?”

“No,Eve,Iwouldneverputyouindanger.Let’sgoinsidebeforeyoufreezeout

here.”

IleadEveinside,andwithinsecondsofsteppinginthedoor,Iamrecognizedbya

fan.Oncethathappenseveryonecomestowardsus.ItakeholdofEvearoundthewaist

andpullherclosertome.Mynameisbeingyelled,andpeopleareaskingformetosign

theirprograms.Camerasareflashing,andI’msureEveandIwillbeallovertheheadlines

tomorrow.Mymensurroundus,andtheystartleadingustotheboxsuites.Iknowonce

wegetthere,Ihavealotofexplainingtodo.Evelooksscaredoutofhermind,Icanseeit

alloverherface.

Onceweareintheboxsuites,Ipullherintomyarms,giveherakissontopher

head.“Youokay,Sweetness?”

“Yes,butyoureallyneedtoexplaintomewhatthehellthatwasabout.”

“Well,themenfollowingusaremybodyguards.I’manMMAfighter.Ididn’ttell

youbecauseIwantedyoutolikemeforwhoIam,notmystarstatus.Ihopeyou

understand.”

“Areyou,theKevin‘Lightning’Steed?”

“Yes,thatisme.Youknowaboutme?Haveyouseenmefight?”

Shelaughssohard,shedoublesoverholdingherstomach.“Youarenotgoingto

believewhataccountIlandedtoday,Mr.Steed!Andtoansweryourquestion,noIhave

neverseenyoufight.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Whataccount?”

“Yourlineofcologne,ringabell?Yeah,Ineedtobeatworktomorrowtomeetyou

forameetingatnineamsharp.Iwastoldnottobelatebecausemynewclientisareal

handfultoworkwith.”

“Youhavegottobekidding?Mysexygirlfriendgetstoworkwithme.Nice,can’t

waittostart.Whatdoyoumeanahandfultoworkwith?”

“Girlfriend,huh?SincewhenhaveIbeenyourgirlfriend?”

“SinceourfirstdateonChristmas,”Isaytoherpullingherbackintomyarms.

Inibbleonherearlobe,bitingdownjusthardenoughtomakeheryelpinsurprise.I

dragmylipsdowntoherjaw,toherlipsandsheopenshermouthtomeinstantly.She

tasteslikewintergreencandy.Iwantmoreandmoreallthetime.Shebitesdownonmy

tongue,andmycockgoeshardinmypants.Iwantnothingmorethantofuckherright

herewhileafightgoesonbelow.IpullbackfromEveandgoovertodimthelights.

Eveiswatchingthefightgoingonbelowbendingherselfovertherailing.Mydick

goesevenharderinmyjeans.Iwalkupbehindher,cagingherinwithmyarmsasmy

handstakeholdoftherailing.HerassrubsagainstmyswollenshaftasImoveincloser.

Usingoneofmyhands;Iunbuttonherjeansandslidethezipperdown.It’satightfit,butI

managetogetinsideherjeans.HerpussyiswetformeasIinserttwofingersinsideher.I

usemyotherhandtopushherjeansdowntoherknees.Icantellsheisnervouswitha

crowdofpeoplebelowus,buttheycan’tseeusupherewiththelightssodim.Iworkmy

fingersinandoutofherpussy,usingmyothertopinchhernipplebetweenmyfingers.I

wishIcouldstriphercompletelynaked.Iknowshecan’tgetthefulleffectwithherbrain

theway.ShebucksherhipsthedeeperIgowithmyfingers,Iknowsheisonthevergeof

cumming.Hell,I’mreadytoburstinmyjeans.Ihavethemostbeautifulstrawberry

blondewitheringinfrontofmewiththefightgoingonbelow.It’sthehottestandsexiest

thingIhaveexperienced.Iopenmyjeansandholdmyrock-hardcocktoherpussy.Islide

itbackandforthonherouterpussy.Iremovemyfingersbeforeshecancumandgeta

condomfrommybackpocket,rippingitopenwithmyteeth.Ilinemyselfbackupand

slideintohertightness,itfeelssodamngood.Sheletsoutamoan,andIcoverhermouth

withmyhand,theoneIjusthadinsidehermomentsago.She’snolongerwatchingthe

fightashereyesareclosed.IpumpherfullofmewhileIwatch.He’smynextfight,and

I’mgoingtobeathim.IfeeltheexcitementboilinginmybloodasIfillthecondomwith

myseed.ShegoesweakinthekneesasherclimaxtakesoverandIgripherbythewaist

toholdhertome.Sheturnsherhead,andwelocklips.Icantasteherpussyjuicesleft

behindfrommyfingers,Iwantmore.IknowbeforethisnightisoverI’llhavewhatI

wantagainbecauseaftertonight,therewillbenofuckingheruntilaftermynextfightis

over.

Chapter5

It’sacoldJanuaryday,andthesnowispilingupoutside.Ihavetoworktoday,and

sinceIoverslept,Iamnowrunninglate.InthefiveyearsI’vebeenworkingforGlazed

Marketing,I’veneverbeenlateonce.Ican’tbelieveIoverslept.I’mrushingaroundthe

houselikeamadwoman.Ihavemytoothbrushinmymouthwhilegettingclothesoutof

thecloset.I’msolatethatIdidn’tevenmakemybed.Ifinishmyteethandrundownthe

stairswhilebuttoningmyshirt.Igrabmykeysandstartmycar.Ihurrytothekitchento

makeacupofcoffee.Igetallthepapersfromthecoffeetableandshovethemintomy

briefcase.AtleastI’mpreparedforthemeetingtodaybecauseIbroughthomeabunchof

work.It’stherealreasonIoverslept.Igetmycoffeefromthekitchenandmakemyway

tothedoor.Iopenmyclosetandgetmycoat,mittens,hat,andIputmyuggbootson.I

lockandshutthedoorbehindme.

Istoponmyfrontporchandlookatallthesnowpiledontopofmycar.Behindmy

carthesnowisevendeeperandthereisnowayI’mgettingoutofthedrivewayanytime

soon.Iputallmystuffinsidethecarandcleanthesnowoffit.ThinkingmaybeifIgeta

headstart,Icanplowmywaythroughthedeepsnow.Ilookinmypurse,andmypockets

beforeIrealizedmykeysareonthecounternexttothecoffeemaker.Now,whatthehell

doIdo?Idon’thaveasecretkeyanywhere.Ialwaysthoughtthatwasastupididea.Why

wouldanyonehideasparekeyoutsidetheirhouse?Nowlookwhoisstupid,Eve!

Icalledmybossandletherknoweverythingthathashappened.Withthepredicted

snowamountsthemeetinghasbeenrescheduled.Theofficewillprobablycloseearly,soI

endupgettingthedayoffanyway.NowImustfigureouthowtogetintomyhouse.I

couldbreakawindow,butthatwouldn’tbeasmartthingtododuringasnowstorm.I

googleonmyphoneforlocksmiths,andIhavecalledthreeofthem.Notoneofthemis

willingtotraveloutontheroads.Ineedtodosomethingquickcausemycarisjustabout

toshutoffandit’sgoingtobecold.IkindagigglewhenIthinkthatifIdidn’thaveauto-

start,Icouldn’thaveleftmykeysinside.

Iknowtheonlywayinsideistobreakawindow.So,Iamgettingoutofmycarto

dosowhenIhearavoicefromacrossthestreet,callingoutmyname.Ilookover,and

Kevin’sfatherisoutsnowblowingtheirdriveway.Heturnsitoffandheadsovertome.

“Ireallyhopeyouaren’tdrivingintoworktoday,Eve.Theroadsarebad.”

“Actually,Ijustgotthedayoff.Now,Ineedtobreakintomyhouse.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Ilockedmykeysinthehouse,andIdon’thaveahiddenkeyanywhere.Icalleda

fewlocksmith’s,butnoneofthemwillcomeoutinthestorm.”

“Well,wecan’thaveyoufreezingtodeathorbreakingawindow;mySonwouldn’t

likethat.Comeovertomyhouse,andwecanfigureitout.”

“Areyousure,Idon’twanttoimposeonyou?”

IgowithMr.Steedtohishome,andKevin’sparentsmakemefeelrightathome.

Theymakeafreshpotofcoffeeandoffermelotsoffood.Isettleforacookiewithmy

coffee.Wemakelightconversation;Ihavetosaytheyaresuchfriendlypeople.Hisdad,

Bobisoutgoingandhismom,Marieismoremellow,youcantellsheistheglueinthis

family.

I’mnotsurewhenKevinwillgethome,helefthishousethismorningatfiveam.

Heistrainingforhisfightandwantedextratimewithhissparringpartner.Ikindawishhe

washererightnowandIknowI’mbeingselfishinwantinghimhere.Hisfightisintwo

daysandhe’sgettingalltheextratimeinnowwithhiscoachthathecan.Withtheroads

gettingworseandthesnowthatjustkeepspilingup,Icrossmyfingersjusthopinghe

makesitheresafely.

Iexcusemyselffromthetabletousethebathroom,andIhearthefrontdooropen

andclose.IcanhearKevin’svoicecallingouttohisparents.Hesoundsfrantic,andIcan’t

makeoutwhatheissaying.IopenthedoortohearMarietellinghimtocalmdownthat

I’minthebathroom.Iwalkoutwithaquestioninglook.Heturnsandseesmewalking

downthehall.

“ThankGod,Iwasworriedsickaboutyou.”Hecomestomeandholdsmetight.

“I’mokay,andKevin,Ican’tbreathe.”

“I’vebeencallingyou.Iwenttoyouroffice,andsomeonesaidyounevermadeit

in.Igottoyourhouse,andyourdoorislocked.Whenyoudidn’tansweryourphone,Igot

moreworried.”

“Ilockedmyselfoutofmyhouse,andyourdadinvitedmeoverhere.NowthatI

thinkaboutit,myphonemustbeinmypursewhichIthinkIleftinmycar.I’msorryI

worriedyou.”

“Ifeelbetterknowingyouaresafeandnotoutontheroads;theyarebad.Attimes,

itacompletewhiteout.”

Kevinfinallyletgoofme,andIcanbreatheagain.Hegoestotakeashower,and

thenwejoinhisparentsforlunch.Afterward,wegoovertomyhouselookingtoseeif

thereisapossiblewayin.Weknowtheonlywayinistobreakawindow.Neitheroneof

usreallywanttodothat,soI’lljuststayattheirhouseforthenight.Ifeelgiddyinside

knowingI’llbesleepingnexttohim.It’sbeenafewnightssincehehasstayedatmy

house.Hiscoachsaysheisn’ttohavesextheentireweekbeforehisfights.Itdoesn’t

makesensetome,butIhonorhiswishes.So,hehasn’tbeenstayingatmyhouse,hesays

it’stootempting.

Onthewaybackovertohishouse,Istopandpickupahandfulofsnow.Iballit

intoasnowballandtossitatKevin.Itlandsrightonhisupperleg.Heturnsaroundwitha

lookthatsaysyoudidn’tjustdothat.

“OhSweetheart,Ithinkyoujustmessedwiththewrongguy.Yousureyouwantto

dothis?”

Ibenddowngettingmoresnow,andhedoesthesame.Itossmysnowball,andit

hitshisuppershoulder.Hetosseshisandhitsmeinthestomach.Wequicklygetmore

snow.Wehaveasnowballfightinthemiddleofthestreet.Isliponsomesnowoncehe

getsmegoodwithonetothesideofmyheadandIfallonmyass.Ilayhereinthesnow,

andallIcandoislaugh.Hecomesoverreachingoutahandtohelpmeup.Ipullashard

asIcan,andhefallsontopofme,catchinghimselfbeforehecrushesme.Welockeyes,

andhebendstogivemeapassionatekiss.WebreakapartwhenMarieyellsoutthefront

doorforus.

Iamwetandcold.Kevintakesmetohisroomandoffersmedryclothes.Itakemy

wetdresspantsoff,andhewatcheswithhungerinhiseyes.Itossmydressshirttothe

floorandputonasweatshirthegaveme.It’sbigandwarm.Ithangstomyupperthigh.

Hegavemesweatpants,butIknowtheywillbetoobig.Isitdownonhisbed,andhe

removeshiswetclothing.Hecan’thidehiserectionfromme.Heputsonadrypairof

sweatpants.Itooknoticeofhimgoingcommando.Iknowwecan’tdoanything,butIsure

wishwecould.Ifeelthedampnessinmypanties,andit’snotfromthesnow.Hecomes

overtomeandkneelsbeforeme.Irunmyhandsthroughhisdirtyblondishhairwith

goldenhighlights.Myhandsfalltohisface,andhisstubbleitchesmypalms.Ileaninto

himandtakehislipstomine.Iopenmymouthtoletourtonguestango.Hishandsslide

upthesidesofmythighs,tomywaistandtomybreasts.Hetakesthemandfillshis

hands.Mynippleshardenbeneaththesweatshirt.

Hebreaksourkissandsays,“Iwanttobeinsideyousobadrightnow.”

Irubhischeekwithmythumb.“Iknow,Iwantthattoo.Onlyafewmorenights.”

Hegetsup,adjustinghispants.Hegetsonthebedandlayshisheadonhispillow;

tellingmetojoinhim.Icrawlupthebedandlaymyheadonhischest.

“Kevin,I’mnervoustowatchyoufight.Iwasexcitedlastweekwatching,butit’s

goingtobedifferentknowingit’syouinthecage.Doyouevergetnervous?”

“Itrynottothinkaboutit.Itrytopumpmyselfupbeforeafight.Idon’tbelievethat

it’sgoodtogointothecagewiththethoughtyoumightlose.Youhavetobeintheright

frameofmind.Wouldyoufeelbetternotgoing?Idon’twanttomakeyouwatchifyouare

uncomfortable.Mymomdidn’tgoforthefirstyear.”

“Howlonghaveyoubeenfighting?”

“Twoyearsintheoctagon.IhavedonemixedmartialartssinceIwasten.Started

traininghardwhenIwasaseniorinhighschool.Ifoughtinlowerlevelsforafewyears,

andIcaughtmybigbreaktwoyearsago.Iwonthechampionshipsixmonthsago.”

“Doyouplanonthisforyourwholecareerordoyouhaveotherplans?What

wouldyoudoifyougothurtandcouldn’tfightanymore.”

“Rightnow,thisismyplan.Ican’tseemyselfdoinganythingelse.IfIthinkabout

notfighting,itmakesmefeelnegative,andIdon’twantthat.”

“IguessIseeyourpoint.IcanrememberwhenIwasakid,Isawsomecommercial

onTVanditstartedtomakemethink,howcanthatcommercialbebetter.Istarted

playingaroundwithidea’s,andbeforeIknewit,thatwasallIdidinmysparetime.”

“So,youlikeyourjob?Iknowyoutoldmeyouareworkinghardforapromotion,

butdoyoureallyenjoyit?”

“Ido,It’shardworkandalotofhoursrightnow.I’mworkingonyourcampaign,

andInowhaveAnnLopez’sjobuntilshereturnstowork.It’stough,butIstillloveit.”

KevinandItalkedforafewmorehours.IfeellikeIknowhimbetterandheknows

mebetter.Wetalkedaboutourfriends,highschool,andex-boyfriendsandex-girlfriends.

Nowwearegoingdowntohavedinnerwithhisparents.

Wehaddinner,andweallgatherinthelivingroomtowatchamovie.I’veseenthis

moviebefore,andI’mnotreallypayingattention.Ican’tgetmymindoffKevin’sfight.I

don’tknowifIcanwatchhiminthecage.Idon’tmindMMAandhaveseenitonTVa

fewtimes.ButthethingisIdidn’tcareaboutthepersonfighting.Intheshorttimewe

haveknowneachotherIhavecometocareabouthim.

Themovieisover,andhisparentssaygoodnight.Kevinflipsthroughthechannels

lookingforanotherfilm.Weareonthecouch,andheislaidoutwithhisheadisonmy

lap.I’vebeenplayingwithhishairforagoodhalfhour.It’sbeenanhourthathisparents

havebeeninbed.

Herollsoverandrunshishandupmyinnerthigh.“WhateverIdo,youhavetobe

quiet.”

Hegrabsontomylegsandpullsmedownonthecouch.Hehookshisthumbsinmy

sweatpantsandpullsthemoff.Hecoversuswithablanketandburieshisfacebetweenmy

legs.Histonguedipsoutofhismouthandlicksmypussy.Ibitemylowerliptohidethe

moanthatwantstoescape.Helicksuptomyclitlettinghistonguemassagethesensitive

nub.Hesucksitintohismouth,andIsquirmunderneathhim.I’mclosetoanorgasm.

Kevingetsuponhiskneesandbringshisupperbodytomine.

“Iwanttobeinsideyousofuckingbad.Iwantyoutoexplodeyourcumallovermy

cock.”

HeslidesinsidemewhileItastemyjuicesonhistongue.Iwouldhaveneverlet

anyothermandothisbefore.Hisrhythmisslow,andIfeeleveryinchofhishugecockas

mywallsstarttotighten.

“Kevin,whataboutwhatyourcoachtoldyou?”

“Hellwithhim,hecanhavesoreballsandseehowitfeels.”

“Ifyouloseitwillbemyfault.”

“IfIlose,Eve,itwillbemyfault,andI’mnotgoingtoletthathappen.”

Heshutsmeupwithhistonguegoingbackinmymouth.Hepicksuphispace,and

hegoesdeeperwitheachthrust.Irockmyhipsmatchinghisrhythm.I’mrightthere,right

onedgeandhestops.

“Areyouonthepill?’

Iplacemyhandsonhisshouldersandpushhimup.Hegetsuponhisknees,andI

situp.Ican’tdothistohim.Imeanifthecoachtellshimnosex,I’msureit’sforareason.

“Wecan’tdothis,Kevin.”Helookstomewithworryinhiseyes.“Weareonyour

parent’ssofaandwhatifyourcoachfoundout?”

Hepullsmebymyanklesuntilmybodyisflatagainstthecouch.“Wouldyou

ratherbeinmybed,withmyheadboardbangingonthewall?”

Heglideshisshaftbackinsideme.Hisrhythmisfastandhard.Ican’tmakehim

stopwhenheisthisdetermined.Heliftsmysweatshirtandkneadsmybreasts.Hepinches

myerectnipplebetweenhisfingers,pumpingfasterwitheachthrust.Ibitemylipagain

tastingblood.Mymusclestighten,mypussygetswetter,andI’msoveryclose.

Hewhispersinmyear,“Cumallovermybarecock.”

Ido;pantinganddizzywithwaveafterwaveashecontinuestofillme.Ifeelmy

orgasmdrippingfromwith-inme.Itrytocatchmybreathasheslowshisrhythm.

Hebitesdownonmyearlobeholdsitbetweenhisteeth,thenhesays,“Iwanttofill

youwitheverydropIhave.”Buthedoesn’t,hepullsoutandlaysbesideme.Aftera

while,wegetupandgotohisroom.

Chapter6

TonightisabignightforKevin.Hisfightistonight,andhischampionshipisonthe

line.I’msonervousforhim.Mystomachhasbeenallknottedupallday.Heseemstobe

calm,coolandcollected.I’mtheonewhocan’tsitstilllongenoughtohaveaclear

thought.Hejustlefttogobacktohisparent’shouse.Hesaiditwastoliftweights,butI

thinkitwastogetawayfromme.WhenIgetnervous;Ihaveahabitofmovingalot!I’ve

cleanedthingsthatweren’tdirty,mademybed,andcleanedthebathroomtoptobottom.

Kevinjustsatbackandwatchedmyeverymove.Hetriedtogetmetositdown,butIjust

couldn’tsitstill.IneedtolearnhowtorelaxifI’mgoingtobewithhim.Hedoesn’tneed

mynervousenergyaroundhimhoursbeforeafight.

SinceIlockedmyselfoutofmyhousetwodaysago,todayisthefirstdayIhave

beenabletobebackhome.Thestormclearedlastnightandroadsarecleanenoughthata

locksmithcametoday.Ithinkabathwouldhelpmerelax,soIdrawabathandlightsome

candles.Ibringupmyplaylistonmyphoneandputmyearbudsinmyears.Istripoutof

myclothesandsinkintothehotwater.Makingsurethephoneissafelyonthesideofthe

tub;Ilaymyheadbackandclosemyeyes.Iaddedsomelavenderbubblebathhopingit

willhelpmerelax.

Ibendmykneesupandsinkfurtherdownintothewater.Thebubblescovermy

breastsandhideallmyprivateparts.Iglidemyhandovermybreastsanddownmytorso.

WhenIreachmyclit,Istarttomassagemyself.Iliftmyotherhandfrommysideandfill

mypalmwithmybreast.Iplaywithittillmypinknippleiserect,withmyotherhandI

inserttwofingersinside.Ifeeltheripplesinsideandusemyfingerstomakemyselffeel

good.Myfingersworktheirmagic,andI’mclose,butnotcloseenough.Ineedmore

frictiontogivemetheextrapushtofallovertheedge.Istarttopinchandpullonmy

nipple.Iusemoreofmypalmtopressagainstmyclit.Iimagineit’sKevin’shandandhis

fingersinsidemeandonmybreast.It’sallIneedtogivemyselfthereleaseIneed.I

removemyfingersoncetheorgasmpasses.IopenmyeyeswhenIpushmyselfupinthe

tub.That’swhenInoticeKevinstandinginthedoorwayleaningagainstthedoorframe.I

pullmyearbudsfrommyears.

“Areyoutryingtokillme,Woman?”

Ifeeltheblushonmycheeks.“Ihadnoideayouwerestandingthere.”

“Trustme,Sweetheart,thatwassexyashell,butnowIneedacoldshower.”

HecomesovertomewhenIstand,andhehandsmeatowel.Itakeitandwrapit

aroundmybody.Hetakesmyhandandputsittohiserectioninhissweatpants.

“Seewhatyoudotome?Tonightyouaremine,Eve.”Heturnsandwalksoutofmy

bathroom.

Iwipethefogfromthemirrorandrunabrushthroughmystrawberryblondehair.I

gotomycloset,gettingasweaterandjeanstowear.Idressandgodowntoseewhere

Kevindisappearedto.Ifindhiminthekitchengettingabottleofwater.Igotohimand

wrapmyarmsaroundhim.Heliftsmeintohisarms,andwekiss.Icannevergetenough

ofhistasteonmytongue,hisscentthatfillsmynose,andhislaughter.I’mfallingsohard

forhim.I’veneverfeltthesekindoffeelingsbefore.Ithinkthatiswhymynervesareso

onedgetoday.Idon’twanthimtogethurttonight.

Heputsmebackdownonmyfeetandsays,“Webettergetgoing,ourridewillbe

atmyhousesoon.”Igivehimanod,andwegetreadytoleave.

Thelimodropsusoffataprivateentrance.Kevintakesholdofmyhandandwe

walktowardsthelockerroom.Hisparentsgouptotheboxsuiteandtellmetheywill

meetmethere.Oncewegettothelockerroom,I’llgettomeethiscoachandtraining

team.I’mstillaballofnerves,maybemorenowthatwearehere.

Kevindropshisdufflebagonthebenchandgoestoshakehandswithhiscoach.

I’mnotsurewhattodosoItakeaseatonthebenchnexttohisbag.Ipickatlintthat

doesn’texistandlookaroundtheroom.WhenKevincomesovertome,Istand.Heopens

hisdufflebagandgetsouthistape,blacksponsorshorts,andprotectivecup.Ican’t

believehowwellheholdshimselftogether.

“Areyoudoingalright,Sweetheart?”

“I’mdoinggood;Ithink.WouldyoulikeitifIletyougetreadyandgomeetyour

parents?”

“No,Iwantyouhere.Willyoubealrightforaminutewaitingforme?Ineedtogo

watchaquickvideoacrossthehall.”Igivehimanodandbeforeheleaveshegivesmea

quickkiss.

I’vebeenwaitingforKevintocomebackforthelastfiveminutes.Whenthelocker

roomdooropens,Iwashopingitwashim,butitwashiscoach.Hewalkstomewithan

angrylookonhisface.

“Listen,Doll!Youseemlikeasweetgirlandasmartone.So,I’mgoingtolayiton

thelinehereforyou.YouareadistractionforKevin,andhedoesn’tneedthatrightnow.I

amhopingyoucouldmakeyourselfscarceandseehimwhenthefightisover.I’msureI

don’tneedtotellyouthisisabigfightforhim.He’sbeentrainingforthisonefor

months.”

Idon’tevenknowwhattosaytohim,Ijustgetupandleavethelockerroom.Ifind

thenearestbathroom,andwipethetearsfrommyeyes.Howcansomemenbesodamn

mean?Hecouldhavebeennicetome,buthetalkedtomelikeI’mapieceoftrash.I

freshenupmymake-up,hopingnoonecantellI’vebeencrying.I’vebeenhidinginthis

bathroomforagoodtwentyminutes;Ishouldprobablyfindtheboxsuitebeforehis

parentsgetworried.

WhenIenterthesuite,thereareafewpeoplehereIdon’tknow.Ispotaminibar

andmakemyselfadrink.Somethingneedstocoolmynerves.Mariecameovertome

tellingmeKevin’sfightshouldbegininaboutfiveminutes.Imakemywayouttothe

exteriorbalcony.Iwanttoseehimgoingintothecage.AsIleanovertherailing,I

rememberthelasttimeIwasherewithhim.Ismiletomyself.

ThemusicstartstoplayforKevin’sopponent.Heisontheothersideofthearena,

andIcan’tseehimwell.Butwhenhegetsintothecage,Icanseehe’sprettyequalto

Kevin’ssizeandheight.Ihearafewboo’sandfeelalittlesorryforthedude.Oncehe

walksaroundthecageafewtimes,Kevin’smusicbeginstoplay.Ileanovertherailing

waitingtoseehim.Iknowhisentranceisrightbelowus.Thecrowdisgoingcrazy,andI

feelproudhe’smyboyfriend.Iseehim,andIyellouthisname,hedoesn’tlookuplikehe

toldmehewould.Maybewithallthenoise,hedidn’thearme.Hehashissponsor

sweatshirton,andthehoodcovershishead.Iwondertomyselfwhyhedidn’tlookup;

maybeheisjustfocusedonhisfight.Hemakeshiswayaroundthering,bouncingaround

gettingpumpedup.Ihopethecrowdquietsdown,soIcanhearthecommentator.

Commentator

It’sTime…It’s5,5-minuteroundsfortheundisputedmiddleweightchampionship

oftheworld.Firstinthebluecornerisagrapper,holdingaprofessionalrecordof23wins

and7loses.6’0”andweighinginat185pounds.FightingoutofRiodeJaneiropresenting

Luke‘TheDuke’Douglas.Hethrowshisfistintotheairandcirclesthecage.Kevinjust

bouncesontheballsofhisfeet.

Andnowintroducingthechampionfightingoutoftheredcorner.Amixedmartial

artist,holdingaprofessionalrecordof18winsand2loses.Hestandsat6’1”andweighs

inat183pounds.FightingoutofRochesterNYpresentingtheformerWECmiddleweight

championandcurrentreigning,defending,andundisputedUFCmiddleweightchampion

oftheworldKevin‘Lightning’Steed.

Thecrowdgoesnuts,andthemengotothecenterring.Theytouchgloves.Ilook

tomyleftwhereKevin’sparentsstandbesideme.Hisdadgoestoturnupthetelevision,

sowecanhearthecommentating.Iholdtherailsotightmyknucklesturnwhite.

IhearthingslikeLukefightssouthpawandthatleavesKevinfightingorthodox.I

havenoideawhatthatmeans.Sofar,it’slikeadancedownthere,notmuchhappening.

Thenoutofno-whereLukegoesafterKevinandgiveshimarighthooktohisleftcheek.

Kevinfightsbackwithakicktohiscalf.Lukegoesforabodykick,andhecaughthim.

Kevinisquickonhisfeetandgiveshimajab.Luketagshimclean,andtheygodownto

theground.“Shotstothebodytoourchampion,”theysay,andIholdmybreath.Kevin

getssteadyonhisfeet,andLukeiskeepingrightonhim,cuttingoffthecagefromKevin.

Lukelandsapunchtohislefteye,splittingitopen.Ihearthecommentatorssay,“Lukeis

lookingrealstrongbutnevercountKevinout.Hecanlandasidekickthatwillknockhis

opponentoutwithoutawarning.Thatiswherehegetsthenickname‘Lightning’andhe

doesholdtherecordformostsinglesidekickknockouts.”Ibringmyhanduptomymouth

withworry,andMariewrapsanarmaroundmyshoulders.It’stheendofroundone,and

bothmengototheircorners.IletoutthebreathIwasholdingin.

RoundtwobeginsandLukeishotoutofthecorner,goingforatakedown.Helands

ontopofKevinandLukekeepsonhimwithanastylefthooktothebody.Kevinkeeps

hislegshigh.Heknowshowtousethemtohisadvantage.“Kevinistough,butLukeis

winning2-1rightnow,”theysay.One-minuteleftinroundtwo.Kevinbreaksfree,and

theyarebackontheirfeet.KevinlandsanicecombotoLuke.Lukemaneuver’sandtakes

Kevindownagain.MygripgetstighterontherailingasIwatchthelastfewsecondsof

theround.

Roundthreebegins,andKevinlandsasidekicktoLuke’sbodyandarighthookto

hiseye.Luke’seyeiscutnow,too.Bothmenarefightingforthewin.Ithinktheyare

archenemies,butIdon’tknowwhy.“Kevinlandsasidekicktotheeye.Lukelandsaleft

hit,andhetriesforakickbutKevinblocks.”Ialmostdon’twanttoheartheTVanymore.

Lukegoesforthetakedown,andhegetsit,andhehammersKevin.Thewayitlooksnow

Kevinneedsthisround,andsofar,it’sLukewhoiswinning.Tensecondsleftintheround

andKevinbreaksfree.

WithKevinlosingthefirstthreeroundshewillneedtogoforaknockout,it’sthe

onlywayhe’llwin.Lukeishotoutofhiscorner,andKevinletshimlandkickafterkick

tohisleg.“Lukeisdoingahellofagoodjobtonight;cuttingoffthering,”theysay.I

wanttorundownthereandcheerhimon,tellhimnottogiveupandtofightharder.His

eyedripsblood,anditisswelling.Helooksexhausted,andIwishthefightwouldend.

LuketakesKevintothegroundagain.HequicklyflipsLuketotheground.Theyroll

again,andit’sKevinblockingthehit.Heuseshislegsandgetstohisfeet.Helandsaright

hooktoLuke’scuteye.Kevinspins,givinghimasidekicktotheheadandLukefallsto

theground.Kevinjumpsreadytostrike,buttherefereestopsthefight.Kevinwinswith

anothersidekickknockout.

Ifeelreliefnowthatthefightisover.IhugMarieandBobandleavetogotothe

lockerroom.Istopoffattherestroomtousethebathroomandfreshenmymake-up.Irun

myfingersthroughmyhair.Ilistentothegirlsatthesinktalkaboutthefightandhow

theywanttogettohim.TheysayhorriblethingsabouthisgirlfriendnotrealizingI’m

standingrighthere.Iquicklymakemyexitnotwantingtohearthemgossipaboutme.

Iknockonthelockerroomdoor;amanopensit,Ithinkit’soneofhissparring

partners,butIdon’tremember.IseeKevinlayingdowngettinghiseyecleanedanda

butterflytoholdhiscuttogether.WhenIgettohisside,helooksangrywithme.So,I

don’tsayanything.Oncehiswoundistendedto,hetellseveryonetogetout.Iwaitfor

everyonetoleave.

Hesays,“Thatmeantyoutoo,Eve.”

NotknowingwhattosayIsay,“Oh!”Igotowalkawayandstop.

“Congratulationsonthewin.I’llwaitoutsidethedoorforyou.”

“Wearedonehere.Gohome,Eve.”WhenIdon’tmovefrommyplace,hegetsup

andcomeschargingatme.“Leave,Eve.”Istilldon’tmove.“Nowyouwanttostick

around,butyoucouldn’tbeforemyfight.DoyourealizeIwasn’tmybesttonight?Askme

why,Eve.”

“Why,Kevin?”

“BecausemygirlfriendasksifIwanthertoleaveandItellher,no.ButwhenI

cameback,youwerenowheretobefound.WhenIwentlookingforyouandcouldn’tfind

you,Iwasworriedanddistractedwonderingwhatthehellhappenedtoyou!”

“Ididn’twanttoleaveyou,yourcoachforcedme.Andhemademefeelliketrash.

So,ifyouwanttobepissedatsomeone,goblowupathim.I’moutofhere.Bye,Kevin.”

Chapter7

Kevin

I’vebeentextingandcallingEveforthelastweekandahalf.Shewon’treturnmy

callsortexts.Ihaveleftflowersonherdoorstepthatstillsitonherfrontporch.IknowI

screweduplettingherleaveaftermyfight;especiallybeingangrywithme.IknowI

shouldhaveapologizedtoherthatnight.Aftershehadwalkedout,Iwentandfoundmy

coach.Iwassoangrywithhimfortreatingherthatway.Iwarnedhimtoneverinterfere

withmypersonallifeagain,orIwouldfirehim.Hewassupposedtosayhewassorryto

mygirlandIdon’tevenknowifhedidthatornot.Iwon’tknowuntilshetalkstome

again.

Today,shewon’thaveachoiceifshewantstotalktomeornotbecausewehavea

meetingatoneatGlazedMarketing.Icouldcarelessaboutthecampaignit’sherIwantto

see.Shewon’tbeabletoignoremetoday.

Idressinapairoffadedbluejeansandalong-sleevedblack,pullovershirt.I

shavedthismorningtogetridofthestubbleonmyface.Ispraymycologneonandhead

outthedoor.Itakenoticethathercarisn’tinherdriveway.Feelinghappysheisn’ttrying

toplayhookyfromwork,IstartmySUVandheadtowardheroffice.Istopoffata

conveniencestoregettingabottleofwater.Now,Isitinheavytraffic,andI’mprobably

goingtobelate.Ihatehowthatisgoingtomakemelook.I’mhardlyeverlatefor

appointments,andtodayofalldaysIdon’twanttobelate.IneedtoseeherbeforeIleave

today.

Ifoundaparkingspaceandjoginside,I’mtenminuteslate,andIamrelievedthey

waitedforme.Thereceptionistshowsmetotheconferenceroomwhereeveryonewaits

forme.

“SorryI’mlate,therewasanaccidentonthehighway.”Ilookaroundtheroom,

andwhenmyeyeslandonEve,shewon’tlookatme.

“Hello,Mr.Steed.I’mCynthiaCordell,theofficemanager.It’sgoodtofinallymeet

youinperson.IlookedoverthecampaignandEvehasdonegreatworkforyou.Please

takeaseat,andwecangetstarted.”

ItakemyplaceandwatchEvestandandhandoutfolderstoeveryoneintheroom.

Shestillwon’tmakeeyecontactwithme.Iopenthefolderandseeafullscheduleof

photoshoots,commercialads,andbillboardads.Alllinedupoverthenextcoupleof

weeks.

Iclearmythroattospeak,“I’msorryyouhavegonethroughallthistroubletoset

uptheseappointments.ButI’mleavingtowntonightforthenextthreeweeks.I’mtraining

forafightinDenver,andIalwaystraininthecitymymatchesareheldin.”

IlookovertoEve,andIcanseethefrustrationwrittenalloverherface.MaybeI

shouldhaveemailedhermyschedule,sowedidn’trunintothismess.Ifeelbadknowing

shedidworkthatwasunnecessary.Shewillhavemoreworknowthankstome.

“Well,Mr.Steedwewantthiscampaignupandrunningassoonaspossible.Would

itworkifwesetalltheseupinDenver?IcouldhaveEveflyoutandmeetyouatevery

appointment,”Cynthiasays.

“Excuseme?DoIhaveachoicehere?”Evesayswithanger.

“Eve,youhavebeenbustingyourassforthiscompanyforyears.Thinkofitasa

mini-vacationwithalittlework.Doesn’tyourfamilyliveinDenver?Youcouldtakeafew

daysandgoseethem.”

Shedoesn’tspeak,andIcantellsheisweighingheroptions.Me,IpersonallyI

thinkit’sanexcellentidea.MaybeI’llbeabletogetmygirlbacksoonerratherthanlater.

“I’llseewhatIcando,withschedulinginDenver.I’llneedafewdaystogetthings

organized.”

Istandandsay,“Splendid,I’llseeyouontheflighttonight.Haveawonderfulday

ladies!”

“Wait,I’mnotgoingtonight!IsaidIneedafewdays.”

“Don’tworry,Mr.Steed,Evewillbeontheplanetonightorthefirstflightout

tomorrowmorning.WhathotelareyoustayingatsoIcanbookherroom?”

NowthatEvewillbebymysideforthenextthreeweeks,shewillhavetotalkto

me.She’llhavetospendtimewithme,andIlookforwardtoeveryminuteofit.Iwillget

mygirlback.

IlandedinDenverandcheckedintothehotel.Ihaven’theardfromEve,soI’m

unsureifsheiscomingtonightortomorrow.Iwanttotexther,butIfeelI’llbeadding

fueltothefireifIdo.

Isendmycoachatextcheckingthetimewearemeetingatthegym.It’sstillearly,

soIdecidetogodowntothebartogetadrink.

BeforeIenterthehotel’srestaurant,IspotEveinthelobby.Shedoesn’tnoticeme,

soIwaittoseewheresheisgoing.Shegetsherkeycardandwalkstowardtheelevators,

andIfollowclosebehind.Oncethedoorsopen,shegetsinside,andIwaittilltheyare

aboutreadytoclosebeforegettinginmyself.Wearetheonlyonesinsidetheelevator.

WhenIgetclosetoher,herbackgoestothewallandIleaninclosetocageherinwith

myarms.Shetakesinadeepbreathandholdsit.Shelooksawayfromme.Itakeher

gorgeousfaceinmyhands,soshehasnochoicebuttolookatme.

“I’vemissedyouandIknowIwaswrong.I’mtrulysorry,Eve.I’lldowhateverit

takestomakeituptoyouifyougivemeasecondchance.”

Theelevatordingsindicatingwereachedherfloor.Shehurriesandducksundermy

arms,leavingmestandingherealone.Iwanttopunchthewall,Iwanttobeattheshitout

ofmycoach.IwanttobeattheshitoutofmyselfforwhatIdidtoher.Ihurther,andI

knowit.Ijustneedonemorechancetomakethingsright.

Decidingit’sbestIdon’thaveadrinkafterall,Igotomyroom.Stripdowntomy

boxersandplopdownonmybed.Ihavemyarmsfoldedbehindmyhead,andIlayhere

staringattheceiling.Ineedtothink.WhileI’mthinking;IstartwonderingwhyI’mso

intothisgirl.I’monlytwenty-five,amIreadytosettledown?DoIneedaserious

girlfriendintheprimeofmycareer?Butthen,IremembertheonethingthatIlikeabout

hersomuch.Shedidn’tlikemeformyfame,shelikedmeforwhoIamasaperson.She

neverchangedonceshelearnedIwasachampionfighter.Sheissweet,kindandcaring.

Myparentsloveher,andtheyhavenotcaredforonegirlIhavebroughthomeinthepast.

There’sasoftknockonthedoorandwhenIopenit,Eveisstandingthere.Iopen

thedoorwidertoletherin.Shewalksinandlooksaroundtheroom.Hereyeslandonmy

bodyandshelooksmeoverfrommyheadtomychest,stoppingatmymid-section.That’s

whenIrememberI’minboxers.

Shelooksawayandsays,“Ihaveaschedulestartedandthoughtmaybewecould

gooverit?Idon’tcaretobearrangingitforthethirdtime.”

“Sure,makeyourselfathome.”

“YoumindputtingsomeclothesonMr.Steed?”

Ipickupmydiscardedjeansfromthefloorandputthemon,notbotheringwiththe

button.Itakeaseatnexttoherattheminitableintheroom.Shehandsmesomepapers,

andItakethemnoticingherhandsareshaky.Iopenthecalendaronmyphoneandwrite

inthetimesshehaswrittendown.Mostofthesearelateafternoon,worksformesinceI

trainearlymornings.

“Looks,goodonmyend.”

“Perfect,I’llletyougetbacktowhateveryouweredoing,andI’llseeyouintwo

daysforthephotoshoot.”

Shestandsupandplacesherschedulebackintoherleatherbinder.Iknowsheis

readytoboltonme.Shehasherhandonthedoorhandle,andIwrapmyarmsaroundher

waist.

“Pleasedon’tgo.”Ifeelherstomachmusclestightenassheinhalesadeepbreath.

“Imissyou,Eve.”

Shelooksatmeoverhershoulder,andIbrushherhairfromthecornerofhereye.

Placingahandonhersoftcheek,Ileanintokissher.Ineedtofeelherlipsonmine,I

needtofeelherskinagainstmyown.Ineedthiswomaninmylife.Sheletsmekissher,

andmyhandfindsthehemofhershirt.Islideitupunderhershirttoherbreasts.She

leansintomybody,herasstouchingtheerectioninmyjeans.Ispinheraroundandtake

herfaceinbothmyhands.Ikissher,andsheopenstome,herwintergreentastefillsmy

mouth.Breakingthekiss;Itakethehemofhershirtandpullitoverherhead.Herbreasts

arebeautifulinthepurplelacebra.Ireacharoundbackandundothehooks,sheletsitfall

tothefloor.Iopenherjeansandtugthemdownherlegs.Iremoveheranklebootsand

spreadherlegsopen.Ibowmyheadtolickherouterfolds,mytonguelappingupher

juicesfromwith-in.Imaneuverherlegsfurtherapartwithmyarmsandgetmytongue

deeperinsideherpussy.Herkneesshakeasshesaysmyname.Iknowsheisontheverge

ofcummingonmytongue.

Istop,pickingherupandtakinghertothebed.Iletmyjeansfalltothefloorand

takemyboxersoff,lettingthemfallwheretheymay.Ilieovertopofherbracingmyself

onmyelbows,shereachesdownandtakesmyshaftinherhands,guidingmetohersweet

pussy.Ipressmycocktoheropening,slidingintoherwetfolds.Ipropelfurtherinuntil

thereisnomorelengthandIdragmycockbackouttothetipoverandoveruntilsheis

moaningoutmyname.Igetuponmykneestakingherbythewaist,Ipullhertome.My

cockslidingbackin.Iholdherbythewaistwhilethrustingharderandfaster.Herbreasts

bouncewitheverythrust.Sweatglistensonherskingivingheraglow.Ifeelmyballs

tighteningandIknowI’mreadytocum.Itakeherhandandplaceitonherclit.

“Massageyourclit,Sweetheart.”

Herfingersarestrokingherclitanddoingtheirmagic.Ifeelherinnerwalls

tightening,Ifeelthewetnessthatiscoveringmyshaft.Itakeoneofmyhandsandplaceit

ontopofhersgivinghermorepressure,shecumscallingoutmyname.Ithrustafew

moretimesbeforeIexplodemyseedintohersweetpussy.Icoverherwithmybody

weight,ourchestsrisingandfallingwhileIcatchmybreath.Shewrapsherarmsaround

myneckandherlegsaroundmylegs.Welayherepanting,andIcouldn’tbehappier.I

rolloveroncemydickgoessoft.Sherollswithmestraddlingmybody.

“Youeverdothattomeagain,Kevin,andwearefinished.Yourcoachevertalksto

melikethatagain,wearedone.”

Chapter8

Kevin

EveandIhavebeeninDenvertwodays.WemetwithEricaCunninghamyesterday

tosetupthephotoshoot.Westarttomorrowatone-thirtyinherstudio.Tobehonest,I’m

notreallylookingforwardtodoingtheshoot.It’snotreallymything.I’dratherspendmy

timeinthegymorwithEve.

Evewentbacktoherroomtomakephonecallsandpackherthings.She’sgoingto

bespendingtherestofherstayhereinmyroom.I’mlookingforwardtohavingherinmy

armsallnight.I’mgoingtotakethistimealonetoplanournight.It’sValentine’sday,and

Iwantourfirstonetobespecial.

Igetoutmylaptoplookingfortheperfectplacetotakehertodinner.SinceEveis

fromhere,Iwanttomakesureit’sahigh-qualityrestaurant.Imakeourreservations

onlineatanearbyplacethatservesavarietyofdifferentfoods.Next,Imoveontoflowers

andwhenIthinkaboutalltheflowerssittingonherfrontporch,Ichangemymindandget

hersomethingelse.ThenImakeacalldowntoroomservice.NowthatIhavedinnerand

bouquetallsetupIneedtodoonemorething.IgetoutmyphonesoIcantextEve.

Kevin:HeyGorgeous,Ineedtoruntothestoreandpickuptapeformyhands.I’ll

bebackinhalfhourtops.

Eve:Okay,thatisquickas‘lightning’,nowonderyouhavethename.Istillhave

onemorecalltomakeandpack.I’llprobablybeanhour.Seeyasoon,Sexy.

Ipocketmyphoneaftercallingforataxi.Igetmywalletandlockthedoor.Igetas

farasthelobbywhenfanscrowdaroundme.Camera’sflashandpiecesofpapersare

beingshovedinmyface.Idon’twanttoberude,butI’monamission.Istopforafew

selfiesandsignafewautographs.Ipushmywaythroughtocrowdtogetoutsidewhere

mytaxiawaitsme.Howdothesepeoplefindmesofast?Itextmycoachtogetmebetter

securityandtellhimIwantnointerruptionstonight.Thetaxitakesmeafewblocks,andI

askhimtowaitforme.IrushinsidegettingthethingsIcameherefor.Ipayformystuff

andgobacktothehotel.WhenIgetback,thesmallcrowdisstillinside,waitinginthe

lobby.Icallthehotelfromthetaxiandtellthemtoclearthelobby,orI’mcheckingout.I

watchasthecrowdslowlyleaves.Ipullmyhoodupovermyheadandgoinside.Once

I’minmyroom,Istarttoprepareformysurprise.

ThereisaknockonthedoorIlookthroughthepeepholeandseemygirl.Iopen

forhertakingamentalnotethatweneedtogetheraroomkey.Ihelpherwithher

luggageandsetitbesidethecloset.Igiveherakissandstarttostripherofherclothing.

Shehasaquestioninglook,andItellhernottoworry.OnceIgethernakedIleadherinto

thebathroom.IholdherhandwhileIhelpherintothetub.

“Youdidallthisforme?It’soneofthenicestthingsanyonehaseverdoneforme.”

“Enjoy,Sweetheart.”Ileaveher;turningoffthelightsandclosingthedoor.

Ihaveneverpeeledrosepetalsfromarosebefore,andIhaveneverdrawnabath

forawoman,either.Ineverhavehadthesefeelingsbefore;towanttoromanceawoman.

Hell,Idon’tthinkIhaveeverlitacandlebeforeeither,letalonehavefourlineduparound

thetub.Seeinghersurprisewaswellworthit.EventhoughIwantedtostripandgetin

withher,Iwantherrelaxedandreadyfortonight.

IfinishupthesurpriseIhaveforhertonightandhideitinmydresserdrawer,just

beforesheopensthedoorfromthebathroom.Shehasonarobethatthehotelprovides.

MydicksstarttoswellwhenIseehercleavageintheopeningoftherobe.Herround

breastsaresmallbutfillmyhandsentirely.Mymouthstartstowaterandmypalmsitch,I

needhertogetsomeclothesonbeforewemissourdinnerreservation.

“Youshouldprobablygetdressed,wehaveareservationattheLucyLuurestaurant

inlessthananhour.”

“Oh,myGod,Ilovethatplace.MyfamilyandIusedtoeattherewhenIstilllived

athome.It’sbeenfouryearssinceI’vebeenthere.”

“Speakingofyourfamily,amIgoingtobemeetingthemwhilewearehere?”

“Ihaven’tevenhadtimetoletthemknowI’mhome.Doyouwanttomeetthem?”

“Ofcourse,Iwanttomeetthem.Butrightnow,youneedtogetready.”

Shegetsclothesfromhersuitcaseandgoesintothebathroomtogetchanged.When

shewalksoutinamintgreendressthatiskneelengthIgiveherawhistle.Damn,mygirl

issmokinghot.Aftersheputsonapairofblack,knee-highboots,Ihelpherintohercoat.

Itakeherhandandweleavethehotel.

LucyLuuisbusy,andI’mgladImadereservations.Thehostessbringsustoour

tableandIthinktheygaveusthebesttablehere.Shegivesusourmenusandtakesour

drinkorder.Evelooksaroundwithasmileonhergorgeousface,andIfeelproudshe’s

mine.Herstrawberryblondehairandherdressbringouthereyesthatshine.Ican’thelp

butbehappythatmyfightatChristmaswasinmyhometown.Otherwise,Iwouldn’thave

beenhometomeetthisbeautiful,amazingwoman.

Thehostessbringsusourdrinks,andbeforeshewalksaway,shesays,“Happy

Valentine’sDay.”IcanseethesurpriseonEve’sface.

“Kevin,Ifeelawful.Iwasn’teventhinkingaboutthedate.Ididn’tgetyouanything.

Hereyouhavegonetoallthistroubletosurpriseme.Hell,I’veneverevenhada

boyfriendbeforeonValentine’sday.”

“Thatrightthereisagift,Sweetheart.I’myourfirstValentine.”Igiveherawink,

andthewaitresscomestotakeourorder.

Eveknowswhatisgoodonthemenuandsheaskedifshecouldorderforme.Ilet

her,andImustsay,shedidawonderfuljob.Sheorderedme;broccolistuffedchicken

breastwithawinesauce.Itwasmeltinyourmouthdelicious.Ihadafewbitesofher

primerib,andthattoowasmeltinyourmouthdelicious.Whileeatingourmeals,she

shareswithmesomeotherplacesshelikestoeatandfillsmeinonherfamily.Ilearned

thatshetookthejobinNewYorkfouryearsago,rightoutofcollegeandonlycomesback

homeforChristmas.Thisyearshewastoobusyatworktomakethetrip.Howluckyare

wethatwebothwereintherightplaceattherighttime?

Afterdinner,wetakeawalk;it’scold,butthecrispairfeelsgood.Iknowshe’s

cold,sowegetacabandgobacktothehotel.Imakeaquickcalldowntoroomservice

whilesheusesthebathroom.Iunbuttonmydressshirtandletithangopen.Ilaydownon

thebedrestingmyheadonthepillow.Shecomesoutandcomestowardsme.When

there’saknockonthedoor,Iknowit’sroomserviceandaskhertoanswerit.Room

servicewheelsinacartwithachocolatefondueandthefruitbouquetIorderedearlier

today.

“Thisisbeautiful.Ialmostdon’twanttoeatit.Ican’tbelieveyoudidallthisfor

me.Youhavemademefeelsospecialtoday.Thankyou,Kevin.”

“Youarewelcome,Sweetheart.HappyValentine’sDay.”

Wedipourfruitintothechocolateandfeedeachotherfruitfromtheskewers.

Whenchocolatedripsfromthecornerofhermouth,Ipullherintotomeandlickthe

chocolatefromher.Shetiltsherhead,andourlipsconnect.Thesweetnessfromher

tongueismoremouthwateringthananythingI’veevertasted.Herhand’srubdownmy

barecheststoppingatmybelt.Shetugsandpullstillshegetsitundone.Ileanbackonthe

bedrestingmyheadonthepillowandthrowingmyarmsovermyhead.Sheadjusts

herself,movingdownmybodytogetmypantsopen.Takingmyshaftintoherhands,she

strokesme,andmycockgrowswithexcitement.Hookingherfingersintothewaistband

ofmyboxerbriefstopullthemfree,Iliftmyasstohelpher.OnceI’mfreeofmypants,

shelicksupanddownmylength.Iwatchherandseethedesireinhereyes.Shesucksthe

tipintohermouth,andIletoutabreathIdidn’tknowIwasholding.Workinghermouth

upanddown,shegripsandholdsmeatthebase.Ireachoutahandtotakeholdofher

head.IholdherheadinplaceasIrockmyhipslettingmetakehermouthasIplease.I

feelthetighteningofmyballsandpullout.Shelookstomeasifshedidsomething

wrong.

“IwanttobeinsideyouwhenIcum,”Itellher.

Isituptakinghermouth,andthesweetnessofthefruitstilllingers.Shepullsher

dressupandoverherhead,tossingittothefloor.Itakehernippleintomymouthaftershe

unhooksthebrafromtheback.Islideherstrapsdownherarms,andherroundbreastsare

bareformyeyes.Itakeherpinknipplebackintomymouthbitingitslightly.Movingto

theleftoneanddoingthesame.Iplaceahandtoherpantiesthataredampfromher

excitement.Itakethewaistbandandripthemfree.Helpingherontomylap,shewrapsher

legsaroundme.Slidinghersweetpussyonmycock.Ifeelherbreastsagainstmychestas

shemovesupandbackdownonmycock.Sheridesmetakingnothingbutpleasurewith

eachthrust.Sheleansherbodybackplacingherpalmsflatonthebedandmovesherfeet,

sotheyareatmysides.Sheslowlyslithersdownmyshaft,goingdeeper.Herbreasts

bouncewithhermovements.SheisabsolutelythemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverhadmy

cockin.

“Oh,God,Kevin.I’mgoingtocum.”

“That’sit,Sweetheart,cumonme.”

Sheridesmefasterandharder.Itakeherclitbetweenmyfingersandmassageit,

rubbingincircles.Shecumscallingoutmyname.Inudgeherhandswithmyfeet,andshe

fallstothebed.Igetuphoveringovertopher.Iplungebackinsidehertillshecums

again,thenIfillhermouthwithmytongueandcuminsideher.Damn,thatwasthebest

feeling.

ThesecondEve’shandswenttomyjeans,IforgotallabouttheothergiftIhad

hiddeninthedresserdrawer.Iwillhavetosaveitforanothernight.NotlikeIneedherin

asexynightywhensheturnsmeonenoughasitis.

“HappyfirstValentine’sDay,Sweetheart.”

Chapter9

Kevin

EveandIhavebeeninDenverforalmostthreeweeksnow.I’matthegymthis

morningwhilesheisstillasleepatthehotel.MyfightisintwodaysandI’mfeelingantsy.

Thisisn’tthatbigofafight,soI’munsurewhyI’mfeelingthisway.Mycoachhasyelled

atmeafewtimestogetmyheadinthecageandI’mjustnotfeelingittoday.

Ileavethering,tossingmyheadgearoffandremovingmygloves.Istarttowalkto

thelockerroom,whenmycoachgripsmebytheelbow.Iyankmyarmoutofhisgripand

keepwalking.He’sapersistentshitandfollowsme.Iwanttoturnaroundandknockhim

onhisass.Gee,can’tIhaveaminutetomyself?

“ThishowyouaregoingtofightChipWashingtonintwodays?Youfightliketoday

andyouwillgetyourasskicked.Whatiswrongwithyou,Kevin?”

“Idon’tknow.CanyougivemeaGoddamnminutetomyself?Youarealwaysup

myass.”

“Eversinceyougotthathotlittlepieceofass,youhavebeenoff.She’sgoingto

ruinyourcareer.”

Istopmywalktothelockerroomandturnaroundandpunchhimsquareinthe

mouth.“Wearedonehere.Idon’tneedyouanymore.”

“Youthinkyoucanfindanewcoach?Youhaveafightintwodays,Kevin.Youneed

me.”

“Ifitwasn’tforme,youwouldstillbeinthegutter,drinkingyourlifeawaybecause

youcouldn’tmakeitasafighter.Youhadskills,butthebottlewasyourbestfriend.Now

youthinkyoucantellmewhoIneedinmylife?Iwarnedyouaboutthewayyoutalk

aboutEve.YouthinkIdon’thearyouwhenyouwhisperunderyourbreathabouther.Like

she’stoblameforajaborkickImissed;sheisn’ttoblame.I’mtheoneinthecage

fighting,nother.She’sbeengoodformeandI’mfedupwithyouandhowyoutreat

people.”

“IcallithowIseeit,shewilldestroyyourcareer.Allyoucanthinkaboutisgetting

yourdickwet.Fuck,I’dputmydickinhertoothendumpherassinsteadofwhatyouare

doing.”

Ilandapunchtohisjawandlayhisassout.BeforeIcandoanymoredamageto

hisface,mysparringpartnerisonme,pullingmeoff.

“You’renolongermyCoach.Idon’teverwanttoseeyouagain.”

IwalkoffandwhenIgettothelockerrooms,Icheckmyhand.I’mgladtoseeI

didn’tbustitopenonhisface.IsitdownonthebenchandwonderwhatI’mgoingtodo

now.Everyfighterneedsacoach.Everyoneofusneedthatpersoninourcornerduringa

fight.Fuck,whydidheturnintosuchanasshole?

Ilaydownonthebenchandstareupintothelights.Hehasbeengettingonmy

nerveseversincehefoundoutaboutEve,likeheisajealousbitch.Ireallyhadittoday

whenIoverheardhimtalking.Hedidn’tthinkIcouldhearhimsinceIwassparring,butI

heardhimcallheragold-diggingslut.Itriedmyhardesttoignoreit,todaywasthelast

straw.Iwon’tstandforsomeonedisrespectingherandI’llneverletitgetthisfaragain

either.

Irubmyhandsdownmyface;Ihavenoonetocoachme.MaybeIshouldcancel

myfightuntilIfindsomeonenew.IhavenevercanceledafightbeforeandIreallydon’t

wanttonow,butIdon’tseeanotheroption.

“Kevin?”

Iturntoseemysparringpartner,Clint.“Hey.”

“I’mopen,yaknow?Icanbeinyourcorneratthefight.Iknowmoreaboutyou

thanthatdickdoesanyways.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Idoallhiswork.Heonlyshowsupforpractice,andbarkingoutorders.Oncehe

leavesthegym,hegoestothebaranddrinkstillhe’sreadytopassoutthenhecallsme

foraridehome.It’sbeenlikethisforthelastyear.Ifindvideo’s,studyyourmovesand

youropponent’smoves.Igivethisinformationtohim,sohecanactlikeyourcoach.When

really,it’sme.”

“Whyhaven’tyoutoldmethisbefore?”

“Isitmyplace?Howmanyfighter’sdoyouknowthatdon’ttrusttheircoaches?So,

wouldyouhavebelievedme?”

“Ifoundhimdrinkinghislifeaway,soyeahImighthave.Areyoulookingto

replacehim,tobemycoach?”

“Let’sgetyouthroughthisfightandwecantalkaboutitafter.Howdoesthat

sound?”

“Soundslikethebestplanyet.Iwanttomakethisclear,don’ttreatmygirlfriend

likeshitandifyoudon’tlikeher,keepittoyourselfbecauseyourasswillbegone.”

“Dude,Ihavenobeefwithyourgirl.Iactuallythinksheisanicelady.HowaboutI

sendthemasseuseintogetyouloosenedupandgetyoubacktopractice?”

I’vebeeninthelockerroomforagoodhalfhourtryingtoclearmyhead.Ican’t

sayIfeelrelievedbecauseIdon’t.Mycoachhasbeenwithmeforsolongandtohearhe

isbackonthebottletearsmeupinside.Ithoughthehadstoppeddrinkingalongtimeago.

Itwasoneoftheconditionsofhimbeingmycoach.Hecouldhavebeenagreatfighter,if

hewasn’tadrunk.HehastaughtmethingsovertheyearsthatIdon’tthinkanyoneelse

couldhavetaughtme.IfIhadknownhewasbacktodrinking,maybeIcouldhavehelped

him,andhe’dstillbemycoach.

“Kevin,Clinthadaskedmetocomeseeyou.”

“Amanda,thanksforcoming,butIthinkIamokay.”

“Ihaveafewminutes.JustletmeworkyourbackandarmsandthenI’llleaveyou

alone.”

Itakemytanktopoffandleanforwardrestingmyheadonmyarms.Amandapours

someoilonmybackandarms,rubbingherfingersintomymuscles.Iclosemyeyesasit

feelsgood.I’vebeentensetodayandmaybethisiswhatIneed.

Iopenmyeyesandsitupstraight.IknowmygirlisherebecauseIcansmellher

perfume.WhenIturnmyhead,Iseeherstandingattheotherendoftherowlockers.Her

armsarecrossedoverherchestandshelookspissed.Igettomyfeetandgotoher.

“Hi,Sweetheart.ThisisAmandaMountjoy,sheisthemassagetherapistforthe

gym.Amanda,mygirlfriend,Eve.”

ThankgoodnessshedroppedherarmsandsmilestoAmanda.Afightwithheris

thelastthingIneedtoday.WewatchasAmandagathersupherthingsandleavesthe

lockerroomandafterwardItakemygirlinmyarmsandjustholdher.

“Areyoualright,Kevin?”

Iloosenmyholdonherandtakeherbythehandandwetakeaseatonthebench.I

tellherallaboutfiringmycoachandhowIhadhithim.ItellheraboutwhatClinthad

toldmeandthathe’llbeinmycornerforthefight.

“I’msorry.Ifeellikethisisallmyfault.”

“Thisisn’tyourfault,Eve.Neverfeellikethat,okay?Thisisallonhim,the

jealousyandhisdrinking.Idon’tneedhim,butIdoneedyou.”

“Thanksforsayingthat,itmeansalottome.Nowgetyourassoutthereandfinish

yourpractice.WehaveameetinginfourhourswithElizabethGardner.”

“Refreshmymemory,whoisElizabeth?”

“Elizabethdoesadcampaignsonline.Shewillbedoingyourshortcommercialfor

theinternet.IstillhavetorunovertoErica’sandgetyourphotosfromthephotoshoot.I

cancomebackhereandmeetyouorwecanmeetatthehotel.”

IwalkEveouttohercarandonceshedrivesaway,IgobackinsidetofindClint.I

stillfeelalittleoff,butIneedthistimetodayinthecage.I’mhopingwithafewroundsof

kickingClint’sassI’llfeelbacktonormal.

Chapter10

Kevin

WejustarrivedatthearenaandIholdEve’shandasIhelpheroutofthecar.My

parentsarehereforthefightandthereissilenceaswewalkdownthehalltothelocker

rooms.IfeelgreattodayandI’mreadyforthisfightwithChipWashington.

ClinthasbeenwonderfulthelasttwodaysandI’mfeelingwewillmakeareally

greatteam.I’llhavetofindanewsparringpartnerifwedecidehe’llbemynewcoach.

Findinganewpartnershouldbeeasyenough.

Whenwereachthelockerrooms,wegoinside,andClintistherewaitingforus.He

tellsmethathereservedfrontrowseatsforEveandmyparentsinsteadofasuite.Ithink

mymotherisaboutreadytopassout.Shehasn’teversatthatclosebefore.Evelooksjust

asterrifiedasmymother.

“Kevin,ifI’msittingthatclose,youbestwinthisfightfastandwithoutblood.I

don’tknowifIcantakeseeingmyboygettinghurt.”

“Ma,Icangetyounewseats,ifyouwant.ButIplanonkickinghisass.”

“YoudoyourbestSon.IgotyourMomandEve.YouworryaboutthefightandI’ll

takecareofthesetwo.”

Ihavetwentyminutesbeforemyfightbegins.ClintistapingmyhandswhileEve

sitsherebesidemetryingtobecoolasacucumber,butshe’snothidingitwell.Ikinda

thinkit’scute,butIalsofeelbadshegetssonervousforme.Oncehegetsmyhandstaped

I’llhavesometimealonewithherandIhopeIcancalmherjitters.

“Igotthis,Sweetheart,sostopworrying.Ihavefoughtguysbetterthanhimand

comeoutontop.”Itakeherinmyembraceandholdhercloseandsay,“Afterthisfight,

I’mgoingtotakeyoubacktothehotelandripyourclothesfromyourbody.Ican’tdothat

ifI’mhurtandaweekwithoutbeinginsideyouhasbeenkillingme.”

IbringmymouthdowntohersandIwantmore.IneedmoreandI’mgoingtoend

thisfightfast.ThereisastormcomingandI’mthe‘Lightning’thatisgoingtostrikeChip

Washington.

MyintromusicblaresthroughthespeakersandpumpsthroughmyveinsasIhead

downtothecage.ThefeelingIgetinsideeverytimeIwalkthiswalkisunbelievable.I

wasborntobeafighter;therehasneverbeenadoubtinmymindaboutthat.Iliveand

breatheforthismoment.Itrainforthis,Ikeepmybodyandmindhealthyforthis.Iama

fighterandI’mreadytoshowtheworldIamtheirchampion.

ClintopensthegatetotheoctagonandIstepinside.Thecrowdisontheirfeet

chantingmyname.Icanhearthem.Icanfeeltheirexcitement.Itrunsthroughmeasif

theythinkIamtheirGod;butI’mnotaGod,I’mafighter.I’mtheirentertainment,maybe

someofthemidolizeme,buttomethisiswhoIaminmysoul.

Whilethecommentatordoestheintroduction,Iwalkthewallsoftheoctagonfor

myfans.Ispotmyparentswithmygirlnexttothem.Theystandontheirfeetwiththe

cheeringcrowd,mydadhasonearmaroundmymom’swaistandtheotheraroundEve’s

shoulder.Iknowhe’lltakegoodcareofboth.Iwalktothecenterofthecageandfacemy

opponent,Chip.Wesendeachotherglareswhiletherulesarebeingrattledoff.Ireachout

myhandtotouchglovesandChipignoresit.ThattellsmethekindoffighterChipis.

Thatishowhewantstoplay;well,I’mreadytoplay.

RoundoneandChipisaJudofighterandthearmbarishisfavoritetakedown.I

keepthatinmymindwhilewedancearoundthecage.Heisn’tthataggressiveatthe

beginningoftheroundsandIknowthis.IdohislittledanceuntilIcatchhimoffguard

whenIlandafoottohiscalf.Hetriestolungeforwardonme,butIstepback.Iknowhe

wantsmeonthegroundandI’lldomybesttostayonmyfeet.MylastfightwithLuke

Douglas,IgavehimtoomuchofthegroundandIwon’tmakethatmistakewithChip.

ChipconnectsajabtotherightsideofmyfaceandIgivehimahighkneetothe

side.HetriestolockhisarmaroundmyneckbutIbreakfree.Wedothissonganddance

forawhileandtheroundendswithmegivinghimafewkickstohisthigh.

ClinttellsmewheremyhighpointswereintheroundandwhereChip’swere.I

keepthisinthebackofmymindwhenroundtwostarts.Iknowthisisaneasyfightfor

meandrightnowIfeelconfidentI’llwin.

ChipandIarecenterringandIwanttocutthecageofftohim.Idothatbysending

ajab/kickcomboandhebacksup;doingwhatIwant.Hethrowshimselfforwardandgets

mearoundthewaist.Ilandanelbowtohisback.Hegivesmeafewpunchestotheside;

it’snothingthatwillaffectme.Butthenhespinsonmeandhasmyback.Hetriestolock

achoke-holdbutmyelbowstohisstomachmakeshisgripweaken.Ibreakfreeandspin

onhim,landingahighkicktohisthigh.IhearClintyelloutlastminute.Istepbackfrom

Chip,andhegoesaftermywaistagain.Webothlandsomehits,butmostlyit’sbeenmore

ofaholdtilltheroundends.

Roundthreeandthebellrings.IgotothecenteroftheoctagonandsodoesChip.

WebasicallygoaroundincirclesandIwaitforhimtomakeamove.Finally,hecomesat

mewithajabandlandsittothesideofmyface.Ispinonmyheelsandkickmylegout,

landingasidekick.Chipfallsandit’slightsoutforhim.Igetanotherknockoutby

sidekicktomyrecordandthewin.Ibarelyhaveascratchonme,butlikeIsaiditwasan

easyfight.

Onthewayoutofthecage,Igotomygirlandgether.Takingherbyhand,we

walktothelockerroomtogether.Whenwegettheremyoldcoachiswaitingbythedoor.

Icanseetroubleisbrewing.It’sclearheisdrunk,hecanbarelystand.I’mnotsurewhat

todoandIknowthepresswillbeheresoonwaitingtogetaninterview.Idon’thavea

cluewhereClintis,soIaskeveryonetowaithereuntilIfindhim.IgiveEveakissbefore

IwalkofftofindClint.

BythetimeIfindClintandweroundthecornertothelockerroom,myoldcoachis

there,inEvesfaceyellingather.ItakeoffrunningtowardsthemandClintishotonmy

heels.BeforeIcantouchmyoldcoach,IambeingheldbackbymyfatherandClint.Ican

seemygirlstandingtheretakingcoachyellingather.Sheisn’tgivinghimthesatisfaction

oflettinghimbotherher.Myfathertellsmesheisfine,andsecurityhasbeencalled.Itry

oncemoretobreakfree,Iwanttolayhisassout.Icanseethecamera’sflashingandI

knowthiswillbealloverthegossipmagsandinternet.

Finally,securityisheredragginghimout.He’skickingandscreamingandputting

upafight.YellingouttrashaboutEve.MyfatherandClintletmegoandItakeherinmy

armsandIholdhertight.IwanttogetheroutoftheflashingcamerasandItellhersoin

herear.WebreakfreeandIleadusalltothelockerroom.

“Youalright?Didhetouchyou?Ifhetouchedyou,Iwillputthatassholeinthe

hospital.”

“Kevin,calmdown.Hedidn’ttouchme;onlyyellingthingsthatmadenosense.He

waswastedandslurringhiswords.Ijustwanttoleavehereandgocelebrateyourwin.”

“I’msosorry,Sweetheart.Heshouldn’thavebeenbackhere.I’llneverlethimnear

youagain.”

“It’snotyourfaultsolet’smoveon.”Shegetsuponhertiptoesandwhispersinmy

ear,“Wecantalkaboutthislater,butrightnowyourmomisshakenupsoweneedtodo

somethingforher.”

Eveisworriedaboutmymomandnotherself?HowdidIgetsodamnluckyto

havefoundher?IgiveheraquickkissbeforeIgetthetapeoffmyhandsandshower.We

haveacelebrationtogetto.

Chapter11

It’smineandKevin’slastdayinDenver.I’mreallylookingforwardtogoing

hometomorrow.Thehotelisnice,butnothingcomparestomyownbed.Assoonas

Kevinisdoneshoweringandhepackshissuitcase,wewillbeheadingtomyparent’s

home.It’llbethefirsttimeseeingthemthistriphome.MymomhassetupanearlyEaster

dinner.IbelievemyAuntShirleywillbethereaswell.I’mexcitedformyparentstomeet

Kevin.IthinktheywilllikehimcomparedtotheboysIhavebroughthomeinthepast.

WhenKevinstepsoutofthebathroomwiththetowelaroundhiswaistandanother

oneinhishand,wipingathishair,Iwantthetoweltofallfromhiswaist.Hismuscular

bodyisdeliciousineveryway.Icouldsitbackandwatchhimmovealldaylong.

“Eve,haveyouseenmyrazor?”

“Imighthavepackeditwithmymakeup;itwouldbeinmysuitcase,ifIdid.”

Iwatchhimashewalksacrossthehotelroom,wishingthattowelwouldfalloff.

Whenhebendsdown,Igetaperfectviewofhisass.Whenhestandsbackupwithhis

razorinhishandandwalksbackacrosstheroom,Iambitingmybottomlip.Hestopsin

frontofme,bendsoverandputshishandsonthearmsofthechair;hisfacesinchesfrom

mine.

“WoulditbebetterifIdidn’thavemytowelon?”

Hestandsbackuptallandwithonehandhedropshistowel.Hesmilesatmeand

turnstowalkaway.Igetupfromthechair,reachingoutandsmackhisass.Spinningon

theheelsofhisfeet,hegrabsmebythewristsandpinsthembehindmyback.Backingme

upuntilthebackofmykneestouchthebed.Takingthehemofmyshirt,hepullsitupand

overmyhead.Hethenunhooksmybra,droppingittothefloor.Hiseyesarelockedwith

minewhenherestshisforeheadtomine.Hehookshisfingersintothewaistbandofmy

Leggingsandundies,kissingmebeforehebendstoslidethemdownmylegs.Hisfaceis

infrontofmypussyandhelickshislipswhenhelooksuptome.

“Sitontheedgeofthebed,Eve.”

“We’regoingtobelatetomyparents”

“ThenIguesswe’llmakethisaquickie.”

WhenIdon’tsitonthebedfastenoughforhim,hewrapsanarmaroundmythighs

anddropsmeonthebed.Hekissesmynavelthentrailshistonguetomyclit.Heflickshis

tongueafewtimesoverthesensitivenub.Igaspwhenhewrapshislipsaroundmyclit

andsucksitintohismouth.Whenhereleasesmyclit,heuseshistonguetolickupand

downmypussy.Climbingupthebed,coveringmybodywithhisweight.Hislipstake

mineasheputstwofingersinsideme,lettingthemglideinandout.HisfingersrubmyG-

spotandhismouthtasteslikeme.Whenheremoveshisfingers,helineshimselfup.His

cockentersmeandIletoutamoan.Hismotionsareslowashissizefillsmeup.Whenhe

picksuphispace,mybackarchesasmystomachmusclestighten.Iwrapmyarmsaround

hisneckpullinghimcloser.Hischestistighttomybreastsandeverytimehethrusts,his

chestrubsagainstmyerectnipples.Heturnshisfacesothatit’sinthecrookofmyneck

andhebitesdown.IcallouthisnamewhenIcum.Hereleasesmyneckfromhisteethand

kissesthespot.Hekissesmyjaw,thenmylips.Heisstillthrustinginsidemewhilehis

tonguesilencesmymoans.Placinghishandsonbothsidesofmyheadhepusheshimself

up.Hepicksuphisspeed,closeshiseyesandcumsinsideme.Ireachupandrunmy

handsoverhispecs.Helooksdownatmeandsmiles.

“Ithinkwe’realittlelategettingtoyourparents.”

“Itwaswortheveryminuteofit.”

Hepullsoutofmethengoestogetawashclothtocleanup.Igetmyclothesback

onandhegetsdressedtoo.Hefinishespackinghissuitcasethenwegoandcheckout.We

takethehotel’scarservicetomyparent’shome.

Themomentwewalkedintomychildhoodhome,mymomstoleKevinfromme.I

barelygothisnameoutofmymouthbeforeshegavehimahugandgrabbedhimbythe

handandwalkedoffwithhim.Shewalkedhimouttothekitchen,introducedhimtomy

aunt,thenstraightoutthebackdoortomydad’swoodshop.Idecidedtostaybehindand

helpmyauntoutinthekitchen.

MymomhasahamintheovenandI’mhelpingwithpeelingpotatoesandmyaunt

slicesthemforthescallopedpotatoes.Bythetimemymotherreturns,Kevinisn’twith

her.IfeellikeIabandonedhimandIgettwobeersfromtherefrigeratorandpopthetops

off.Ipourmyselfaglassofwinefromtheboxthatsitsonthecounter.Itakemyglassand

thetwobeersouttothewoodshop.WhenIstepinside,mydadisshowingKevinhowto

woodburn.IfKevinispretendingtobeinterested,heisonehellofagoodactorand

deservesanOscar.

Ihandthembothabeerandsay,“Areyouworkingonanorder,Dad?”

“Notthistime.I’mmakingawelcomesignthatIwilldonatetothechurchforthe

silentauctiononEaster.”

“Whatcharityisitforthistime?”

“It’sforoneofthemember’sSon.Hewasoutridinghisdirtbikeandhitatree

stump.Helostcontrolofhisbikeandhitatreehead-on,cutuphislegbadlyanditended

upneedingtobeamputated.Nowweareraisingmoneytobuyaprostheticlegforhim.”

“Oh,wow.Howoldishe?”

“Fourteen,poorkidhasbeenthroughalot.”

“Iwouldliketodonate.Thinkanautographedpicturewouldhelpout?”Kevin

says.

“Thatiswonderful.ThekidlikesMMAfighting.Itoldhimyouweredatingmy

Daughterandhedidn’tbelieveme.”

“Wellifwedidn’thavetocatchaflighttonight,Iwouldgomeethim.I’llsendtwo

pictures;oneforhimandonefortheauction.”

“He’llloveitandthatisverykindofyouKevin.”

Mymomandauntjoinusinthewoodshop.Wealltalkandwatchmydadwood

burn.Whenmymother’stimergoesoff,weallgoinsidetoeatdinner.WhenKevintakes

holdofmyhand,mydadgivesmeasmile.Iknewtheywouldlikehim.

Afterdinner,myauntandmothervolunteermetofillplasticeggswithcandy.The

eggswillbeintheEasteregghuntthatthechurchholdseveryyearforthekids.Bythe

timewearedone,Ihavenoideahowmanyeggswefilledbutweusedsevenbigbagsof

mixedcandy.It’salmosttimeforKevinandItogettotheairportsoIhelpcleanupthe

eggsandtosstheminaplasticcontainer.Isaymygoodbyestomymomwhilemydad

getshisshoeson.Shecanbarelytalkoverhertears.Wemakeplansforthemtocomevisit

myhomeandshesettlesalittle.Igiveheronelasthugbeforeweleave.

Chapter12

It’sreallygoodtobebackhome.Don’tgetmewrong,itwasnicebeinginmy

hometownagain,butthere’ssomethingsatisfyingaboutbeinginyourownhome.When

youbecomeanadult,andbuyyourownplace,youmakethespaceyours.Everything

insidefromthecolorsyouchoosetopaintyourwallstothefurnitureyoupickout,it

becomesyourcomfortzone.Afterahardday’swork,youcomehomeandyouunwind.

Theonlyrulesyouhavetolivebyaretheonesyousetforyourself.Youdon’thaveyour

parentstellingyouwhatyoucanandcan’tdo.Youdon’thaveyourbossfromwork

breathingdownyourneck.IfIdon’twanttovacuummyfloorstoday,Ihavenobody

tellingmethatIhavetodoit.It’smorethanthatthough,whenIboughtthishouseI

thoughtaboutthefuture.ThisiswhereIwanttolive,tobuildafamilyandgrowoldhere.

Afterbustingmyassalldayatwork,Iwantedaplacethatisfilledwithlove,fourwalls

thatareyourstructureandyourpurposeinlife.Thatafteralongdayyouhaveahome,a

family,areasonforitall.ThatiswhyIwantedahome.SincemeetingKevin,I’mfeeling

likehemightbepartofmyfuturetoo.Myfeelingsforhimaredeep,andIwouldsayI’m

inlovewithhim.

I’veonlybeenhomeforthelastfortyminutes.WhenIwasinDenver,Ionlyvisited

myfamilyonceandthatwasyesterday,tohaveanearlyEasterdinner.Betweentheir

schedulesandmine,weweretoobusytoseeeachothermore.MyparentsandImade

plansforthemtocomehereMemorialDayweekend.I’mlookingforwardtothemseeing

whatIhaveaccomplished.They’veonlybeenhereonceandthatwaswhenIstilllivedin

anapartmentcomplex.I’vecomealongwaysincethenandIhopeImakethemproud.

I’vealreadyunpackedmysuitcaseandstartedlaundry.Kevinhasgonetothegym

tomeetupwithClint.He’llbehereinafewhours,andIplanonmakinghimdinnerlater.

Ihavesomeworktogetcaughtuponfirst.MybossCynthiaCordell,wantsmeinthe

officeatninetomorrowmorningtogooverKevin’scampaign.Ialsohaveameetingat

onewithVirginiaCoopertoupdatehercampaignthatIdidforhersixmonthsago.

VirginiahasbeenaclientofGlazedMarketingforyears.Shesentmesomenewphotos

thatshewouldlikeadded,andafewotherssheneedstobetakenout.So,Ineedtoput

thattogetherbeforeKevingetshere.

I’vebeeninmyofficeforoveranhour.WhenIgetuptostretchmyback,my

doorbellrings.I’monlyexpectingKevin,butheknowshecanjustcomein.Iwalked

downthehalltoanswermyfrontdoor,andlookthroughthepeepholeandIdon’tsee

anyone.IopenthedoorthinkingImighthavegottenapackage.Ijumpbackwhen

Kevin’soldcoachappearsfromthesideofmyhouse.Itrytoreachforthedoor,buthe

wasfasterthanme.Hepullsagunfromunderhisjacketandpointsitatme.Iputmy

handsupintheairtoshowthatIwillnotfighthim.

“Youthinkyoucantakemyfighterawayfromme?Everythingwasgreatuntilyou

camealong,Eve.Nowyouneedtofixthis.”

“Idon’tthinkholdingagunatmewillfixthis.Youshouldputthatawaybeforeyou

hurtsomeone.”

“Idon’tthinkyouareinthepositiontotellmewhattodo.Nowstepbackaway

fromthedoor.”

Istepbackawayfromthedoorandhecomesinandlocksitbehindhim.Hetells

metoleadhimtothekitchen.Itrytograbmyphoneonthewaybuthesawmeandtakes

itfromme.Whenwegettothekitchen,hetellsmetositdownandIdoasI’mtold.He

opensadufflebagthatIdidn’trealizehehadonhisshoulder.Hetakesoutsomeropethen

tiesmeup.Ilookatthetablewhenmyphonerings.ThecallisfromHelenO’Jida,my

bestfriendTracy’smom.IwishIcouldreachoverandhitthegreencallbuttonand

screamforhelp,butthepsychocoachhasmyhandstiedbehindmyback.TheonlythingI

candoiswaitforKevintoshowup.

MyphoneringsagainwithanothercallfromHelen.Iwonderwhatit’sabout.She

doesn’tcallmeoftenandit’sunusualforhertocallmetwicewithinminutes.Ihope

nothingiswrongwithTracy.WhenIwashome,shewasunabletokeepourdinnerplans

anddidn’treallytellmewhy.Thismakesmeworriedforher.

CoachJackassleftmealoneinthekitchenforafewminutes.Hedraggedachair

outtotheotherroomwithhim.Ihavenoideawhatheisupto.Whenhereturned,hesat

downacrossthetablefromme.Thegunisonthetableanditpointsatme,butatleastit’s

notinhishand.Hetakesaflaskoutofhisbag.Whenhegoestotakeaswig,it’sempty.

“Needadrink?Ihavewhiskeyinthecupboardabovetherefrigerator.”

Heretrievesthebottle,opensitupanddoesn’tbotherwithaglass.Hewipeshis

mouthandsays,“I’dofferyousome,butIonlydrinkwithfriends.”

“Wecouldbefriends.”

“It’stoolateforthat,Babydoll.”

MyphoneringsandCoachsays,“Ahh,there’smyfighter.Let’slethimwonder

wherehispreciousgirlisforawhile,shallwe?”

Hepicksupthebottleofwhiskeyanddrinks.EverytimeKevincallsorsendsa

text,hedrinksmore.Ithinktomyself;drinkupasshole,drinktillyoupassout.Nextthing

Ihear,issomeonepoundingonmyfrontdoor.

“SoundslikeLightningishere,butIwouldhavethoughthewouldhavebeenfaster.

See,heneedsme,andyouarenothingbutadistraction.”

KevincallsmyphoneagainandthistimeCoachpicksupandsays,“Leaveus

alone,Kevin.I’llcallyouwhenI’mreadytotalk.Untilthen,yousitoutthereonthecute

porchandwait.”Whenhehangsmyphoneup,hepowersitoff.

Chapter13

Kevin

IsithereonEve’sfrontporchreadytobustthedoordown.Myex-coachhasher

tiedtoachairinherkitchen.Allthelightsareoffinsideexceptthekitchenwhereheis

holdingher.Icanonlyseeherhandstiedbehindherfromthisview.Hehastheblinds

closedineverywindowexceptfortheonenexttowhereIsit.It’sherlivingroomwindow,

thesameoneshehadherChristmastreein.

Ihaven’tcalledthecopsyet.I’mholdingouthopehe’llcometohissensesandlet

hergo.It’smehe’sangryat.HehasnorealreasontobeupsetatEve.Therealityishehas

noreasontobepissedatanyoneexceptforhimself.WhenIgetmyhandsonhimhe’s

goingtowishhenevermetme.Ijustneedtofigureoutawaytogetintothehouse.I’m

guessingheputchairsorsomethingheavyinfrontofthedoorsbecauseItriedmykeyas

soonasIgothere.

Myphonerings,andCoachsays,“Iseeyouaredoingasyouweretoldand

waiting.IhopeyouarereadyforalongnightKevin.

“Coach,letEvego.It’smeyou’reangrywith.”

“See,Lightning,thatiswhereyouarewrong.Weweredoinggreatbeforeyourlittle

flingherecamelong.Nowyousitthereandthinkaboutthislonger.Makeyourselfcozy,

Boy.It’sgoingtobealongnight.”

Igetupfromthewickerchair,andstartpacingtheporch.Myfighterinstinctsare

kickinginandI’mtemptedtobreakthefrontwindow.Ineedtogetheroutofthere.He

comestothefrontwindowandlooksout.He’sbeendoingthisabouteverytwenty

minutes.Idon’tsitbackdown.Ikeeppacingwithmymindgoingamillionmilesa

minute.Ineedaplan.

Anothertwentyminutespassandjustlikeclockworkhechecksthefrontporch

makingsureI’mstillhere.Thelongerthisgoesonthemoremybloodboils.Whenhe

goesbacktothekitchenIcheckthetimeandstepaway.Istartcheckingalltheground

levelwindows.Allofthemarelocked.Ilookuptothesecondlevel,I’mgoingtoneeda

ladder.Icheckthetimeandrunbacktotheporchjustintimeforhimtocomeandcheck

onme.Isitbackinthewickerchair.WhenheleavesIsendatexttomydad.

Kevin:DadIneedhelp.ComeovertoEve’ssoIcanexplain.You’vegottobe

quiet.

Bob:What’sgoingon?

Kevin:DadjustcomeoverhereI’montheporch.

Bob:I’llbethereinaminute.

WhenmydadgetshereItellhimtoduckdown.IknowCoachisgoingtocheckon

me.Afterhedoes,Ifillmydadin.Hegoesbackhometogetaladder,hatandajacket.

Whenhegetsback,IputthehatandcoatonwaitingforCoachtolookout.Whenhedoes

hegetshisphoneoutandcalls.

“Youbroketherules,Boy.Itoldyoutostayput.Youneedmorediscipline.Youthink

you’reaboveme?Itrainedyouandnowyoudisrespectmeagain?Youkeepbreaking

ruleswewilldothisallnight.”

HehangsupbeforeIcansayanything.Imovethechairsomydad’sfacewillbe

shadowed.Igivehimthehatandjacket.Hesitstherepretendingtobeme.Hetriestotalk

meintocallingthecops.Fuckthat;Coachismine.Theassholeisgonnameetmyfists

beforeIknockhisassoutflat.Ipickuptheladderfromthefrontlawnthatmydadjust

broughtoverandcarryitaroundtothesideofthehouse.IleanitonthesideofEve’s

house,underherbedroomwindow.I’mthankfulshehasawindowfansoIknowIcanget

in.

Iclimbtheladderandremovethefan.Itossittothegroundandwatchasitbreaks.

Isitonthewindow’sledgeandgetmyfeetinside.Onceinside,Iremovemyshoesand

checkthetime.Ihaveabouttenminutesbeforehewillcheckthewindow,soIwalksoftly

outofEve’sbedroomandintoherbathroom.Ishutthedoorandturnthelighton.Ilook

throughEve’svanityforhermake-upbagandwhenIfinditIgetthelightersheusesfor

hereyelinerpencil.Ishutthelightoffandopenthedoorthenwalkdownthehallwayto

thestairs.WhenIgettothetopofstaircaseIflickthelighter,andstartmyway

downstairs.WhenIreachthelaststep,IsitandwaitforCoachtocomecheckonmefrom

thewindow.

Iwaitandwaitforhimtocomeintothelivingroom,buthedoesn’tcome.Idon’t

hearanynoisefromthekitcheneither.Istandandtakethelaststepandflickthelighterto

getagoodlookaroundsothatIdon’tstumbleoveranything.Ipocketthelighterandthen

startgoingtothekitchen.Istoptolistenformovementanddon’thearany.Ipeekmyhead

intothekitchenandCoach’sheadisrestingonthetableandIbelieveheispassedout.

NowwhatdoIdofirst?Untiemygirlorfindsomethingtotiehimupwith?IfIuntieEve

IcanusethatropebutifhewakesupIhavenothing.Icanseehe’sholdingagunandit

pointstowardsEve.Anysuddenmovementcouldcausehimtodosomethingrash.Iball

upmyfists,Iwanttohurtthisasshat,butIknow,Ineedtokeepmycool.Ican’triskEve

gettinghurt.

Eventhougheverycellinmybodywantstohurthim,theonlyoptionIseeistoget

thegunawayfromhimfirst.Iwalksoftlyintothekitchenandfreezewhenhisheadfalls

offhisarmandtothetable.Hedoesn’twakesoIcontinuetomakemymove.Evenotices

mehereandshekeepshermouthclosed.Ireachforthegunandhewakes.Thinkingfaster

thanhim,Ielbowhiminthefacewithmyleftarmandgetthegunwithmyrighthand.

“Youlittleprick.Ithinkyoubrokemynose.”Hecriesout.

Ipointhisgunathimandsay,“YoumakeamoveoutofthechairandIwillshoot

you,righthereandrightnow.”

“Youwon’tdothat.Iknowyoubetterthanthat.Besidesit’snotevenloaded.”

IdotheonlythingIknow,andhauloffandpunchhim.Hisnoseisnevergoingto

berightagainafterthathit.Blooddripsfromhisnoseandhecoversitwithbothhis

hands.He’ssodrunkhedoesn’tfeelthepain.

“Niceswing,Lightning,justlikeItaughtyou.”

Igetdowntohisfaceandsay,“YoumovefromthischairandI’llmakeyouhurtso

badyouwillspendweeksinahospital.”

Hedoesn’tsayanotherword.IgoovertoEveandstarttountieherhands.She

standsandhugsmewhensheisuntied.IkeepmyeyeonCoachashesitsthereand

bleeds.

“Didhehurtyou?”

“No.I’mokay,I’mjustgladyouarehere.”

IletgoofEveandgettherope.IstepovertoCoachandproceedtotiehisbloody

hands.EvecallsthecopswhileIgotothefrontdoortoletmydadinandIwasrighthe

hadakitchenchairshovedunderthedoorknob.Itdoesn’ttakelongforthecopstoshow

up.OfficerJudyHallorantakesEveintotheotherroomforherstatementwhileanother

officertakesmine.

TheytakeCoachoutincuff’sandhesays,“Hebrokemynose.”

“Begladitwasn’tyourjawwhereyouhadtoeatoutofastrawformonths;

asshole.Don’tcomenearmeorEveeveragain.”

Mymotherranoverassoonasshesawthecopcarsandoncethecopshavetaken

theirstatementsandleave,mydadandmomleaveshortlyafter.Ilockupthehouseand

joinEveonthesofa.Iholdhertightlyinmyarms.

“Yousureyou’realright,Sweetheart?Hedidn’ttouchyou,didhe?”

“No,I’malright.OnceIrealizedhewashalfdrunkandonlywantedyourattention

Istayedcalm.ThatandItoldhimwherethealcoholwas.”

“Iwassoworriedthathewouldhurtyou.Iwouldhavekilledhimifheharmedyou

inanyway.Iloveyou,EveandIwouldn’tforgivemyselfifanythinghappenedtoyou.”

“It’snotyourfault,Kevin.He’sanalcoholicandneedshelp.He’sarundownlonely

man.Ifeelkindasorryforhim.I’mgoingtogoshower.I’mtiredandreadyforbed.”

EveshowerswhileIwaitforherinthebedroom.Ithinkaboutthenightandifhe

triesanythingagaintheoutcomewon’tbethesame.I’mnotgoingtohavethewomanI

lovelivinginfear.

Chapter14

IjustgotoffthephonewithOfficerJudyHalloran.Shewantedtogivemean

updateonthechargesfiledagainstKevin’sex-coach.Tobehonest,Idon’tcarewhat

happenstohimatthispoint,aslongasIdon’thavetoseehim;everagain.Whilehehad

metiedtomyownkitchenchairholdingmeagainstmywill,mybestfriend’smother,

HelenwastryingtocallmetoletmeknowTracywasinemergencysurgerywith

gallbladderstones.Helenwasacompletewreckandneededme.Tracy’ssurgerywas

takinglongerthanitwassupposedtotakeandshewaslookingforsomeonetotalkto.

Cometofindouthergallbladderwasgreenoncetheygotinthere,sotheyendedup

removingit.IfeelhorribleIwasn’tthereforher.It’sallhisfaultandI’mpissedatmyself

thatIactuallyfeltsorryforhim.

IjustlandedinDenverandmymomisnowdrivingmetothehospitalbecausenot

onlywasTracy’sgallbladderdeadinsideherbodyshehadareactiontotheanesthesiaand

isnowonarespirator.IfanythinghappenstomybestfriendI’mnotsurewhatI’lldo.We

havebeenthroughsomuchtogetherandItellhereverything.Ourfriendshipis

unbreakableandirreplaceable.

“Yousureyoudon’twanttostopbyhomeandfreshenup?”

“No,Mom,I’mfine.IneedtoknowwhatisgoingonwithTracyassoonas

possible.”

“She’llpullthrough,Eve.Ijustknowit.”

“Ihopeso.”

Mymomdroppedmeoffattheentrancewhilesheparkedthecar.Igoandfindthe

silverelevatorstotakeituptothesecondfloor.OnceIstepoff,Igoandsearchforher

room.ItakeadeepbreathbeforeIenter.I’veneverseenapersononlifesupportbefore.

HelenisinachairnexttoTracy’sbed.Herheadisdownonthebedandsheis

sleeping.Ilookatmybestfriendandmyhandcoversmymouth.It’sjustlikethemovies,

butitissomuchworsewhenyouknowtheperson.Theonlysoundsintheroomarethe

machines.Iwanttoruntoherandshakeherawake.Tellherwehavemorememoriesto

makeandthatallsheneedstodoiswakeup.

Mymomcomesintotheroom.Sheputsanarmaroundmyshoulderandholdsme.

Westandherestaringatherlikesheisinafreakshoworsomething.Ilooktomymom

andthenstepaway.IgoovertoHelenandwakeher.Ihugher,andshecriesonmy

shoulder.I’mnotsurehowmuchtimepasseswhenIfeelahandtouchmyarm.Ilook

towardTracyandhereyesareopen.Istandandhitthecallbutton.Itellherdon’ttryand

talk.Thenursescomeinandtalktoher.Sheseemstobealertandfollowingthenurse’s

instruction.IholdHeleninonearmwhileholdingmymomintheother.Thedoctorcomes

intotheroomandasksustostepout.WetellTracywewillberightoutsidethedoor.

Ithasbeenforty-fiveminutessincewesteppedoutintothehall.Ihavebittenallmy

nailsoffwhilewewait.It’sanervoushabitIhave.Istandagainstthewallbouncingback

andforthfromonefoottotheother.Whatthehellistakingsolong?Whyhasn’tanyone

updatedus?JustwhenIwanttomarchbackinthere,thedoctorcomesout.Hetellsushe

tookthebreathingtubeoutandsheisdoinggood.She’llbehereafewmoredaysto

recoverbutthingsarelookingup.WegobackintoherroomandHelengoestoherbed

sideandhugsher.

“Comehere,Eve.”Hervoiceiscracklybutit’ssogoodtohearit.

“Nexttimeyouwantmyattentionyoucouldjustcall,youknow?”Ismile,andshe

smilesback.Igiveherahugthensomewater.

Tracylookstired,sowetellhertogetsomerest.Helenlooksexhaustedtoo.Itold

hersheshouldgohometogetsomesleepandthatIwouldstaywithTracy.Ittookmy

momtoconvinceheritwasokaytoleaveforafewhours.Iwalkdowntothewaiting

roomtofindsomethingtoread.IpickupasportsmagazineandIthinkaboutKevin.He

wantedtocomewithme,butheneededtostaybehindtolookforanewsparringpartner.

Thesepastfewdayshe’sbeenbesidememakingsureI’mokayandhe’sbeensogoodto

me.Ithinkhefeelsatfaultaboutwhathisex-coachdid.I’vetoldhimmanytimesit’snot

hisfaultandtostopblaminghimself.Hewasreluctanttoletmecomealone,butinthe

end,heknewheneededtobehome.

ItakethemagazinebackwithmetoTracy’sroom.She’sasleepsoIsitinthechair

nexttoherbedandopenthesportsmagazineflippingthroughthepages.I’mhalfway

throughitwhenIseeKevin’sadforhislineofcologne.ThepicturesEricaCunningham

didarefantastic,andmyadlooksperfect.Theonlyproblemissomeonereleaseditearly.

Itwasn’tdueoutuntilnextweekwhenElizabethGardnerhadtheonlineadfinished.Now

I’mgoingtohavetocallmybossCynthiaandifIknowMs.CordelllikeIdo,sheisn’t

goingtobehappywithme.ThiswillprobablyscrewupthepromotionI’vebeenworking

sohardfor.

Eve:Youradisoutanddamnyou’reasexyman!ToobadI’mgoingtogetmyass

chewedout.

Kevin:Howisyourfriend?Andwhywillyougetyourasschewedout?

Eve:I’llexplainlater.Tracyisawakeandbreathingonherown.She’srestingright

now.

Kevin:Thatisgreatnewsaboutyourfriend.IhavesomethingIneedtotalktoyou

about.Callmewhenyougetamoment.

Eve:Iwill.Imissyoualready.

Kevin:Missyoutoo,Eve.

Eve:Callyoulater.

IlookatTracystillsleepingandbackatthemagazine.IknowatsomepointI’ll

havetocallmyboss,butnottoday.TodayhasbeengoodandI’mnotgoingtoruinthat.I

flipthroughtherestofthepagesandsetitdown.Igetmypurseandwalkdowntothe

cafeteriaforabitetoeat.AfterIgetacupofsoupandfindatableIcallKevin.

“Hey,Ididn’tthinkyouwouldcallthissoon.Iseverythingalright?”

“Yes,she’sstillasleep.So,howdidyourmeetinggowiththepossiblesparring

partner?”

“ItwentgoodandIthinkhe’llbeagoodmatchforme.”

“Whatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?”

“Ihavetoleave.I’mnotsurewhenI’llbeback.”

“Oh!Whereareyougoing?”

“LosAngeles.Ididn’twanttoleavewithoutsayinggoodbye.”

“Gee,Kevin,youmakeitsoundlikethisisapermanentmove.”

“Eve,Ididn’tplanthisandI’msorry.

“Kevin,youarescaringme.Areyoubreakingupwithme?Icantellbyyourvoice

somethingiswrong.You’realreadyattheairport,aren’tyou?Yourbreakingupwithme

aftereverythingwehavegonethrough?Why?IthinkIdeservethatmuchfromyou.”

“Ihavetoboardtheplane.IwillcallyouwhenIgettomyapartment.Bye,Eve.”

Thelinegoesdead.HehasanapartmentinLosAngeles?Whywouldhehavea

placetherewhenheliveswithhisparents?Whatthehellhappenedinthepastninehours

I’vebeengone?

Chapter15

I’minmyfrontyardpullingweedsfrommyflowerbeds.It’salmosteightytoday,

andI’mcoveredinsweat.It’stheendofMay,andtomorrowmyparentswillbeherefor

theirfirstvisittomyhouse.Ialreadycleanedtheinsideandhavetheguestroomsetup.

Sinceitissoniceout,Idecidedtomaketheoutsidelookasgoodaspossible.Iwantmy

parentstobeproudofmyhomeandIwanttoshowthemIcandothisonmyown.They

worriedaboutmewhenImovedtoNY,andworriedevenmorewhenItoldthemIwas

buyingahouse.IthinkoncetheyseewhatI’veaccomplishedtheywillworryless.

Iputthesmallgardeningshoveldownandsitinthegrass.Iwipesweatfrommy

foreheadbeforeremovingmygloves.Great,nowIprobablyhavedirtstucktomyface.I

lookatmyflowerbed,andIamonlyhalfwaydone.It’ssohottoday,andthesunshines

brightlyasthereisnocloudcoverageatall.Ishouldprobablyputsomesunblockon.

“HeyEve,howareyoutoday?”

Iturntolookovermyshoulder,andsay,“Hi,Marie.I’mdoinggood.Howare

you?”

“I’mgoodthanks.

“Youhavebeenouthereawhile,soIbroughtyouaglassoflemonade.”Shehands

ittome.

“Thankyou.Thatiskindofyou.”Idrinkhalfofitandsay,“Wow,thisisgood.”

“Kevinlovesmylemonade.Imakeitfreshwhenit’sthishotout.”

Igiveherasmile.I’mnotsurewhatelsetodo.Idon’treallycaretotalkabout

Kevin.I’vebeenavoidingMarieandBobforthelastfewweeks.Idon’thaveanyidea

whathe’stoldhisparentsbecausehedoesn’teventalktome.Thinkingabouthimhurts

andtalkingabouthimisworse.Itryeverydaytodoneitherofthosetwothings,so

avoidingthemiseasier.

“Youhaveplansthisweekend?”Iask.

“WegotoBob’sbrother’shouseeveryyearforacookout.Howaboutyou?”

“MyParentsarecominginfromDenvertomorrowforthreedays.”

“Oh,howwonderful.Ihopeyouenjoyyourtimewiththem.”

“I’msurethethreedayswillflyby.”

“Ishouldgetback.Ihaveacakeinovenfortomorrow.”

Idrinktherestofthelemonadeandjumptomyfeet.“Marie,yourglass.”Ihandit

offtoherandsay,“Thankyouforthedrink.”

“Youknowwheretogetmore.”Shesmilesandwalksaway.

Iwatchasshecrossesthestreettogohome.Whenshegoesinside,Iwalkbackup

mysidewalkandthefrontstepsofmyhouseandsitonmyporchinawickerchair.Iopen

myphoneandpressmymessages.IstarttoreadpasttextsbetweenKevinandmesincehe

landedinLosAngeles.

Kevin:I’msorryEveaboutthewayIhadtoleave.Iwishtherewereaneasierway.

ThereissomethingIneedtotakecareofhere,andIdon’tknowhowlongitwilltakeme.

Eve:Whycan’tyoutellmewhatitis?MaybeIcanhelp.

Kevin:Ican’taskyoutohelpmewiththis.Icanonlyaskyoutotrustme.Imiss

youandwantyou,butIalsocan’taskyoutoputyourlifeonholdforme.

Eve:Thisisn’tfairtome.Don’tIdeserveabetteranswer?

Kevin:Youdo,andthatiswhyIwon’taskyoutowait.Youhavenoideahowthis

painsme.IthinkaboutyoueverydayandwishIwaswithyou.Youshouldforgetabout

meandmoveonwithyourlife.

Eve:Iloveyou,Kevin.Howdoyouexpectmetomoveon?

Iclosemyphoneandwipemyfaceonmyshirt.It’sbeentwoweekssincethen,and

he’sneverreplied.ItoldhimIlovehim,andhesaidnothing.Iwashurtthenitturnedto

anger,butnow,Ifeelnumb.Iwakeeverydayandgotowork.Ikeepmyselfasbusyas

possible.It’shardtoworkonhiscampaign,butItellmyselfit’sformypromotionandthat

Idon’tneedhim.Idomyworkandmoveonwiththerestofmyclients.IfeellikeI’ve

becomearobotwithnoemotionsexceptfornow.Iwipemoretearsfrommyface.I

haven’tallowedmyselftocrybecausecryingwouldmeanImustfaceit’soverbetween

us.IwipemyfaceagainasIrealize,It’sreallyoverbetweenus.Thesefivemonthshave

meantnothingtohim.Everythingwedidtogethermeantnothing.Hewasnevergoingto

loveme.Iwipethetearsawayagainandopenmyphone.Iopenhiscontactandhitdelete.

Whentheconfirmationbuttoncomesup,Ithinktwiceaboutit,butIhitconfirm.Justlike

that,Ideletedhim.Isetmyphonedownthengoandfinishtherestoftheweedingwith

tearfilledeyes.Itakemyangerandhurtoutontheweedsthatdidnothingbutgrowinthe

wrongplace.

Chapter16

MemorialDayweekendwentbyfastlikeIthoughtitwould.Spendingthreedays

withmyparentswastough.MydadkeptgoingonandonabouthowKevin’spicture

raisedthemostmoney.TheykeptaskingmequestionsaboutKevinallweekend.When

theyaskedwherehewas,Itookthecowardswayoutandtoldthemhewastrainingoutof

town.I’mnotsurewhyIliedanddidn’ttellthemthetruthabouthimbreakingupwith

me.Ifeelhorribleaboutit.Itisn’tlikemetoboldfacelietoanyone.WhenIgetthe

courage,I’lltellthemthetruth.

IletoutayawnasIclosethefileIhaveopenonmydesk.Havingtoentertainmy

parentsforthreedayswasexhausting.Wewenthikingatoneofthelocalwaterfalls,hada

cookoutandwenttotwodifferentcasinos’.Everydaywewereoutdoingsomethingand

uplatesittingaroundabonfireorwatchingmovies.Ifilethefoldersinthefilingcabinet

beforeIgetreadyforlunch.Ihaveadoctor’sappointmentduringmylunchhourtoday,so

Igetmypurseandputmyphoneinsideitandleavemyoffice.IstopoffatCynthia’s

officetoletherknowI’mleaving.

Iknockonthedoorframeandsay,“I’llbeback.I’msteppingoutforlunch.”

“CanIjoinyou?IhaveafewthingsIneedtodiscusswithyou.”

“I’mactuallyusingmylunchhourtogotomydoctor’soffice.”

“Oh,iseverythingalright?”

“Yep,justaroutinecheckup.”

“Alright,stopbywhenyougetback.”

WhenIgettomyappointmentandsignin,Itakeaseatinthewaitingarea.Ipick

upamagazine,andit’sthesameoneIsawbackinDenverwhenTracywasinthehospital.

Insteadofputtingitdown,IopenitandfindthepageKevinison.Irunmyfingersdown

hisface.Imisshimsomuch.IjustwishIknewwhatwentwrong.Whatcouldpossiblybe

soimportantthathefeelshecan’tsharewithme?Ishetryingtoprotectme?Isthere

anotherwoman?I’vegoneovereverythinginmyhead,anditdoesn’tmakeanysenseto

me.HewantedtocomewithmetoDenver,butinstead,heendsupinLosAngelesinan

apartmentthatIhadnoideaheevenhad.Iclosethemagazineanddropitbackontheend

table;I’veputmyselfthroughenough.

Igetcalledbackandwaitinthetinyroomformydoctor.Ihopesheisn’tmuch

longerbecauseIdon’twanttobelategettingbacktowork.EspeciallynowthatIknow,

mybossiswaitingforme.

“Afternoon,Eve.Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.”

“It’salrightDr.Latinski.”

“I’vetoldyoumanytimestocallmeTheresa.Whatbringsyouintoday?”

“Justacheckup.Youwantedtomakesurethenewbirthcontrolwasworking.”

“Youfeeltheyareagoodfit?Whenwasyourlastmenstrualcycle?”

“BeginningofMarch.”

“Eve,it’sJune.Anychanceyouarepregnant?”

“I’veneverbeenregular,andyoutoldmeswitchingpillscouldmessupmycycle.”

“Webettergetapregnancytesttomakesure.”

Itakethepeecupwithmetothebathroom.NowayamIpregnant.I’dknow,right?

Isn’ttheremorningsickness,sorebreasts,andallthatgoodstuff?Beingpregnantisthe

lastthingIneed.I’mnotgoingtobeasinglemom.

I’mfifteenminuteslategettingbacktowork.Idropmystuffoffonmydeskandgo

righttomyboss’soffice.Herdoorisclosedsomaybeshewon’tnoticeI’mlate.Her

secretaryisn’tatherdesk,soIknockonCynthia’sdoor.Whenshetellsmetoenter,Igo

inandtakeaseat.

“Eve,thanksformakingtimeforme.”

“Sorrymyappointmenttooksolong.”

“You’refine.ThereasonIwantedtotalktoyouistogiveyouaheadsup.I’m

leavingGlazedMarketing.”

“What?Why?”

“ThecompanyhasbeensoldtoEmpirePrint,andIrefusetoworkforthem.”

“Ihadnoideathecompanywasselling.Theyareoneofourbiggestcompetitors.”

“Itwashush-hush,andI’mnotevensupposedtotellyou.Ilikeyou,Eve,andyou

arevaluabletothiscompany.IhatetobetheonetotellyouthepromotionIwasgoingto

giveyou,isn’tgoingtohappeneither.Empireplansonbringingintheirownforthese

positions.”

“I’veworkedmyassoffforthiscompanyandthatspotasassistantmanager.”

“Iknowyouhave.ThatiswhyI’mleaving.Iwouldsuggestyoustartlookingfora

newplacetowork.”

“Whereareyougoing?”

“I’mactuallymovingbacktoTexas.Ilinedupajobalready,andI’llbehome.I’m

trulysorryEve.”

“Iappreciatetheheadsup.I’mnotsurewhatI’lldo.Ilikelivinghere,andthereis

onlyoneothermarketingcompanylefthere.”

“I’veheardgoodthingsaboutBlitzPress.Ifyouleave,maybeyoucangetKevinto

takehiscampaignwithyou.Takingaclienttoanewjobwithhisstatuswillshowyou

haveinitiative.Emailyourclientstoletthemknowyouareleavingthecompanyand

someoneelsewillhandletheirmarketing.Iftheylikeyou,theywillfollow.”

“Whenisyourlastday?”

“Friday,andfortherecord,I’mgoingtomissworkingwithyou.”

“I’llmissyoutoo.”

“I’mtakingtorestofthedayoff.Youshoulddothataswell.Gofigureoutyour

nextmove.”

ItookCynthiauponherofferandleftworkahalfhourago.I’mnowatthegrocery

storetopickupsomemilkandsandwichmeat.WhenIgetintolinetocashoutthegossip

tabloidsstareatmeandthereonthecoverisKevinwithanotherwoman.Itellmyselfto

lookaway.Itcan’tbereal;nowayishewithanotherwoman.

“Ma’am,thelinehasmoved.”

Ilookatthewoman,wonderingwhatsheistalkingabout.Shepointsatthecashier.

Right,I’minthecheckoutline.Ipayformystuffandleave.Irunouttomycarwithtears

fillingmyeyes.Howcouldthishappen?ThemanIloveisinanotherstatewithanother

woman,andI’mherepregnantwithhisbaby.Myjobisgoingnowhereafterbustingmy

ass.Howdidmylifebecomesuchamess?

Chapter17

Kevin

Ihaveafighttomorrownight.It’sanothereasyfightandit’snotformybelt.Iwas

askedlastweektofightforafillinaslot,duetoanotherfighterbreakinghisarm.Iagreed

tothefightsinceI’minLosAngeles.ButifIwasstillinNewYorkIwouldn’thave

acceptedthefight.I’vebeentrainingeverydaywithClintandmynewsparringpartner.

I’vespentmanyhoursworkingoutinthisgyminthepast.Membersoftenstopbyto

watchmetrain.Theywaitaroundhopingtohavemesignsomethingforthem.Theowner

hadtoldmemanytimessinceIbecamethechampionhisbusinesshadpickedup.After

thedistractionsforthelasttwoweeks,IwishIwereintheNewYorkgym.WhenIwas

theremylifewassimpler.IcouldgoinanddomythingandleavewhenIwasdone.

InotonlymissthegyminNewYork,butIalsomissEve.TherearedaysIwantto

callherjusttohearhervoice.Idon’tthough,IknowdeepdownIneedtolivewiththe

choiceImade.Ihateeveryminuteofit,butIhavenoonetoblamebutme.Imissmy

parentstoo.Ialmostwenthomelastweekend,butIknowifIdidthatI’dendupwanting

towalkacrossthestreettoEve’shouse.So,Idon’tplanongoinghomeforawhile.Ican’t

allowmyselftodragherintothemessI’min.

IfinishmybottleofwaterandwaitforClinttofinishupwhateverhe’sdoing.He’s

beengreatatcoachingmeandI’mhappywithmychoicetobringhimonasmycoach.

Mynewsparringpartnerisworkingoutformetoo.WhichmakesbeinginLAalittlebit

better.Ihaven’tbeendoingverymuchwhileI’mherebesideworkingoutandtraining.

Thereisn’tmuchIfeellikedoinglately.IfI’mnotatthegymoratappointmentsIam

homeatmyapartment.Idon’tfeelmuchlikesocializing.

“Kevin,let’sgetanotherroundin.Thistimeyouhavetokeepyourhandsup.”

“Alright.”

“YouneedtorememberKurttrainedinboxing.He’sgoingtogowithpunches.So,

thegoodnewsishe’llwanttokeepyouonyourfeet.Yourkickswilldodamageonhim,

butyoumightwanttogethimtotheground.”

“Gotit,Clint.Let’sgetthisroundover.Ihaveanappointmentinacouplehours.”

I’mbackatmyapartment,andIdon’thavemuchtimebeforeIneedtoleaveagain.

MylastroundofsparringtooklongerthanIwantedittoo.Iopenmylaptoptocheckmy

e-mails.IseeIhaveonefromEve.Iscrollpastitandtoafewothers.Ihaveonefrommy

momandIopentoreadit.Kevin,Whathaveyoudone?IsnappedthispictureofEve

sittingonherfrontporch.Shelookssadandheartbroken.Imentionedyoutoherafew

weeksagoandsheignoredmelikeIhadn’tsaidyourname.Whatisgoingonwithyou?

Youbarelycall,andyoudidn’teventellyourfatherandIyouhaveafighttomorrow,Ihad

toreaditinatabloid.Thisisn’tlikeyou.DidyoubreakupwithEve?Ihopenot,butifyou

did,youcouldatleasttellus,sowedon’tmakefoolsofourselves.Icantellsheis

avoidingus.CallyourparentsKevin.-Love,Mom.Iexitoutofthee-mailbeforescrolling

downtoseethepictureofEve.IknowI’mgoingtohavetocallherlaterandIknowshe’s

goingtoaskmetoomanyquestionsIdon’twanttoanswer.IclickonEve’se-mailtoread

it.Kevin,IjustthoughtIwouldletyouknowI’mleavingGlazedMarketing-Eve.Why

wouldshebeleavingherjob?Shehasbeenworkingonapromotion.Icloseitoutand

reopenmymom’s,IscrolltoherpictureandmymomisrightshelooksheartbrokenandI

knowsomeofitismyfault.Maybeallofitismyfault.

IcheckthetimeandIdon’thavetimetoanswerherormymomback.Ineedto

showerandgetreadyfortheappointmentatthehospital.IonlyhaveanhourbeforeIneed

tobethere.ItakeonelastlookatEve.HerhairIbelievehasgrownbuthereyesarefullof

sadness.Sheisn’tsmilingatall.InthetimeI’vebeengoneIdidthistoher?Slammingthe

liddownonthelaptop,Igetuptogoandshower.Idon’twanttogototheappointment.I

wanttojumponaflightandgofixwhatIbroke.

ItookaquickshowerandIdidn’ttakethetimetodryoff.Iopenmylaptopande-

mailEve.Whyareyouleavingyourjob?Whereareyougoing?CanItakemyaccountto

whereveryougo?-Kevin.Ilogoffmycomputerandhurrytomyroomtogetdressed.All

IcanthinkaboutiswhatI’vedone.Iwishtherewasanotherway.IfonlyIwasn’tinthis

situationI’dbehomewiththepeopleIlove.

Chapter18

MyoldbossCynthialeftandnowmybossisTrishPotter.She’sniceandactually

funny.She’seasytoworkfor,buttheproblemisshedidgivethepositionIworkedhard

fortoAnnLopez.ThatpillwashardtoswallowknowingIdidmyworkontopofAnn’s

workwhileshewasonleave.ThecampaignthatlandedherthepromotionIdidallthe

workon.Idon’thaveanyhardfeelingstowardsAnn,butsomeonecouldhavegivenme

credit.IbroughtituptoTrishandsheatleastlistenedtome.Sheendeduptellingmeto

keepworkingandtherewillbemorepromotionscomingup.Itangersmebutwhatelseis

theretodo.

“Hey,Eve,Iwaswonderingifwecouldhavelunchtoday?”

“Sure,Jacquelyn.Whattime?”

“Iplanongoinginanhourifyoucanswingit?”

“Worksforme.Juststopinwheneveryouareready.”

JacquelynSander’shasbeenworkinghereforthelastsixyears.I’mcuriousasto

whyshewantstohavelunchwithme.Wehaven’tevergoneouttolunchbeforeorhung

outoutsideofwork.Shebasicallycomesindoesherjobandleaves.Shesweetaspieand

talkstoeveryone.

Iopenmye-mailaccountandIhavealotofthem.Isentoutnoticestoquiteafew

clientslettingthemknowI’mleaving.I’mnotsurewhyIdidthat,it’snotlikeIhave

anotherjob.I’vethoughtaboutquittinghere,butnowthatI’mpregnantIneedtomake

sureIhaveincome.Ihavelookedintoworkingatotherplaces,butI’mnotsureIwantto

beatthebottomagain.

Iopenandreadsomeofthemail.Itseemsmostaredisappointedandwanttoknow

whereI’mgoing.IopenKevin’se-maillasttoread.IcloseitbecauseIhavenoanswerto

givehim.Apartofmewishesheaskedaboutmepersonally.Maybeit’sbesthedidn’task,

ImeanwhatamIgoingtosayback,heyjerkyou’regoingtobeadad?Icloseoutmye-

mailsIdon’tfeellikedealingwiththisanymoretoday.Jacquelynshouldbeheresoonfor

lunchanyways.

IwenttolunchwithJacquelynandshegavemeagoodpitchonstartingupourown

businessinmarketing.Wecouldworkfromhomeoranywherethere’sinternet.Ihaveto

admitit’sverytempting.Itwouldbeabigleapoffaithhopingsomeofourclientswould

gowithus.We’dhavetobasicallystealclientsandI’mnotsureIwanttodoanything

illegal.IhavebuiltagoodrelationshipwithmanyoutsidecontractorslikeErica

Cunningham.Iknowsheisindependentandcanworkwithanyone.IfIcangetKevinto

comewithme,I’malmostpositiveotherswillfollowsuit.TogetKevintocomewithme

I’dhavetotellhimaboutthebaby,andhonestly,I’vebeenunsureifIwasgoingtotell

him.

“Hey,Eve.”

IlooktowardsthedoorandTrishstandsthere.“Hey,what’sup?”

“DidyouknowyourBoyfriendhasafighttomorrow?Weshouldhaveknownsowe

couldgethiscommercialstoplayduringhisfight.”

“Ihadnoideahehadafight.Ihaveneverinthepastdonepaidadvertisement.It’s

nothingGlazedMarketinghaseverdone.”

“Well,thisisn’tGlazedMarketinganymore.Isuggestyougetonthephoneandfind

outhowtogetthisdone.”

“Won’tthiscostKevinmoremoney?”

“Really,Eve?Hecanaffordit.Getitdoneandletmeknowwhenit’ssettoair.I

wantitduringhisfight.So,youmightwanttofindoutwhattimehefights.”

“Gotit.I’llgetrightonthat.”

Sheleavesmyofficeandtotellyouthetruth,thispissesmeoff.Howcanshejust

tellmetoairacommercialwithoutaclientapprovingit?I’mnotdoingthattohimorany

ofthem.That’snothowIdowork.Peoplehavebudgetsforareason.Iopenupmye-

mailsandIcopyalltheaddresses.Afterward,Isentamasse-mailusingmypersonal

account.InolongerworkforGlazedMarketing.IwillnotgooversetbudgetslikeIwas

justaskedtodo.Thanks,Eve.Ilogoffmycomputerpackupmyfewbelongings.Igo

righttoJacquelyn’soffice.

“I’min.Ijustquitwithoutnotice.Ihopeyouwereserious.”

“Oh,I’mserious,butnonotice?”

“IhavesomethingIneedtodo.I’llgetaholdofyouonMonday.”

Igotoleave,andshecallsafterme,“Eve,didyoutellyourclients?”

“Idid.WhenwegetstartedI’malsogoingtorunanadinthepaper.Igottago.

We’lltalksoon.Haveagoodweekend.”

Ijustwalkedoutonmyjob.Ididn’ttellanyoneIquit.I’mnotgoingtobea

doormatforanyoneanymore.Icanworkmyassoffbuildingme,right?Igetinmycar

anddrivehome.Ican’tthinkaboutitrightnow.Ihavesomethingmoreimportanttodo.

Chapter19

WhatwasIthinkingyesterday?ThisallseemedlikeagoodideaandnowI’mnot

sosure.Ifeelsicktomystomach.I’mnotsureifit’sfromthebabyornerves.Isitherein

seatc-one.IhavetheaisleseatandI’msureit’srightwhereKevinwillcomeouttogetto

thecage.Icouldbewayoffmaybehe’llcomeoutontheotherside.

Myfeetbouncewithnervesandmynailsaregone.Twofightshavealready

happened,andheisscheduledforthethirdfight.IwaitforKevin’smusictostartthenI

jumptomyfeetwiththerestofthecrowd.IleanontherailingasIwatchforhimtocome

downtothecage.WhenIseehim,Ialmostthrow-up.I’mnotsurewhyI’msonervoushe

mightnotevennoticeme.

KevinmakeshiswaydowntheaisleandIleanovertherailingfurtherwith

everyoneelse.Hehashishandsupgivinghighfivesashepassesthecrowd.He’ssoclose

andIlosemyvoice,butanotherfannexttomeyellsout,andhelooksup.Oureyes

connect,andhestops.Hishandsareonhishipsashewaitsformetosaysomething.Iturn

andrunawaywhenIseehisoldcoachandthegirlfromthetabloidfollowingbehindhim.

Ifaintlyhearhimcalloutmyname.Idon’tstopthough,Ikeeprunning.IruntillI’m

outsideandoutofbreath.WhatwasIthinkingcominghere?WhydidIthinkitwasa

goodideatotellhimhe’llbeadaddy?Ishouldhavenevercomehere.

Ifindacabandgobacktomyhotelroom.Icryintomypillow.I’mstupidfor

cominghere.I’mstupidtothinkhemightstillcareaboutme.Icryharderandharderuntil

Ican’tcryanymore.OnceIamcalmerIthinkaboutseeinghim.Whywashisex-coach

withhim?DidIreallymeansolittletohimthathechoosesthatassholeoverme?Christ,

theguykidnappedmeinmyownhome,andheldagunonmeforhours.Idon’t

understandthis.Idon’tgetwhyafterhedidsomanyawfulthingstome,whywould

Kevinallowthistohappen?Andwhothehellisthatwoman?

Icalltheairport,Ihavenoreasontostaynow.Itrytoreschedulemyflight,but

thereisn’tonesooner.I’mstuckhereuntiltomorrownight.I’mhungryanddecideto

orderroomservice.Ithengoinandshowersinceitwillbeanhourbeforemydinner

comes.Ilookinthemirrortotiemyhairup.Mymascarahasrundownmycheeksfrom

crying.Iopenmytravelbagandgetmake-upremoverpadsandwipeitallaway.Istart

bathwaterdecidingtotakeabubblebathinstead.Isetthetimeronmyphone,soIdon’t

missroomservice.

Aftermybath,Iputthehotel’srobeonandturnthetelevisionon.WhenI’m

pluggingmyphoneintocharge,roomserviceknocksonmydoor.Ipeekthroughthe

peepholeonthedoor.Iopen,andtheywheelmydinnerin.Iflipthroughthechannelson

theTVwhilebitingintomybaconcheeseburger.Thereisn’tmuchon,soIwatcharerun

ofRoseanne.

WhenI’mdoneeatingIdecidedtocallTracy.Shedidn’tanswerandIdidn’tleave

heramessage.Isetmyphonedownanditrings.Ididn’tcheckthenumberbecauseI

assumeditwasTracycallingmeback,butit’snotTracyontheotherend.

“Whereareyou?”Ididn’tanswersoheaskedagain.“Whereareyou,Eve?”

“Noneofyourbusiness,Kevin.HaveahappylifewithCoachandyourWoman.Oh,

andKevin,HappyFather’sDaytomorrow.”

Ihangupthephone.HecallsbackandIdon’tanswer.Fivemoretimeshecalls

backbeforeIturnmyphoneoff.Icurlupintoaballandcryforwhatseemslikehours.I

shouldhavenevercomehere.IwishInevermethim.IshouldhavenevertoldhimHappy

Father’sDay.

IpowermyphoneontotryTracyagain.Ineedafriendrightnow.IseeIhavemore

missedcallsfromKevinandatext.Iopentoreadit.

Kevin:WhatdoyoumeanhappyFather’sDay?Don’tignoreme,Eve.Iwillfind

you.

Eve:Don’tbother,Kevin.Idon’tneedyou.

Kevin:Tellmewhereyouarestaying.Ineedtoseeyou.

Eve:No.

Kevin:Whatthehell,youtellmeI’mgoingtobeaDadandnowyouwon’tletme?

Whybothertellingmeatall?

Eve:GobewithyourotherWoman.Iseenowyoumadeyourchoice.

Kevin:Idon’thaveanotherWoman.JusttellmewhereyouaresoIcanexplain.

Eve:Gotohell,Kevin.

IdialTracy’snumberwithmyfingerscrossed.Ireallyneedmyfriendrightnow.I

don’tknowwhattodo.Ihavenoideawhatisrightorwronganymore.Iquitmyjoband

flewheretoseehimandnowI’mquestioningeverythingI’vedoneinthelastfewdays.

Chapter20

Thelasttwoweekshavebeengoingverywell.IstartedworkingfromhomeandI

havetwonewclients.ThefirstoneisforaladynamedLauraAlbert.Sheisajewelry

designerandhersmallcompanytookoffjustoverayearago.Iamworkingongettingher

anonlineadtogetherwithElizabeth,andIalreadyhavehermagazineaddone.I’maiming

tohavebothreleasedbytheendoftheweek.Lauraissupereasytoworkforandgaveme

thegoaheadtodowhatIwant.AnotherclientIpickedupisalocalcardealerwhojust

tookoverhisfatherbusiness.HewantsTVcommercialsandmagazineads.Oneofmy

clientsthatIhadwhileworkingatGlazedMarketingiscallingonceshegetsbackfrom

herFourthofJulyweekendsincetodayisthefourth,itwillonlybeafewmoredays.

CarolChaseisabakeryowner;shehasmultiplebakeriesthroughoutNewYorkState.She

hasputtogetheracookbookthatshewantsadvertised.Sheisexcitedtogivemethe

business.Shelikestheideaofhelpingmewithmystartup.Carolisoneofthosepeople

thatmakesyouhappytobearound.Jacquelyndecidedtoputhertwoweeks’noticeinand

oncesheisfinishedwiththatshewillcomehelpme.Shetoldmeyesterdaythatthreeof

herclientsarecomingwithher.Soforonlytwoweeksin,wearedoingprettygood.We

gottogetherlastweektodecideonourbusinessnameandsurprisinglyitonlytookus

fifteenminutes.JackieEve’sMarketingiswhatwecameupwith.

Ihaven’thadmuchtimetodoanythingotherthanworkandIamhappyaboutthat.

WheneverIhavefreetime,IsitaroundthinkingaboutKevin.Ihaven’ttalkedtohimeven

thoughhecallsmeafewtimesaday.Ifhedoesn’tcallhetextsme.WhenIlistentohis

voicemessageshejustwantstoexplainwhatisgoingon.I’mnotreadytotalktohim.IfI

talktohimitwillbecomerealthathe’sthefatherofourbaby.AlthoughIknowIwill

havetoatsomepointbecauseI’mnotgoingtokeephissonordaughterfromhimifhe

wantstobepartofthebaby’slife.I’mhopingbythetimeIdecidetotalktohimitwon’t

hurtasmuch.Ilovehim.Ijustneedtofigureoutawaynottolovehim.

IamnotinacelebrationmoodeventhoughIlovethefourthofJuly.Iwillprobably

juststayhome.LastyearIwenttotheparkandwatchedthefireworksdisplayandfor

suchasmalltown,theyputonthebestshowI’veeverseen.Theyhadsomefoodvendors

andafewcarnivaltypegamesaswell.Itwasfun,butlastyearIwentwithfriendsfrom

work.ThisyearI’dhavetogoaloneandthatisn’tasmuchfun.MaybeifI’mluckyIcan

seethemfromhere,ifnotthereisalwaysnextyear.

Ihaveallmyworkcaughtupandit’sanicedayout,soIshouldgetmybuttoutside

tomowmylawn.Ihaven’tmowedinoveraweekandthegrassisn’tgoingtomowitself.

WhileIgetmysneakersonmydoorbellringsandIlookthroughthepeepholehole,

Kevin’smomstandsonmyfrontporchanditlookslikeshehasaglassoflemonade.I

alreadyknowIhavetoansweritifIwanttogetmylawndone.

Itakeadeepbreathbeforeopeningthedoor.“HiMarie,howareyou?”

“I’mdoinggood.Howareyou?”

“I’mdoingalright.”

“Ibroughtyousomeofmyfreshlemonade.”

“Thankyou.Wanttohaveaseatforaminute?”

“I’dloveto.”

Wesitdown,andItakeasip.God,thisisgoodstuff.IcanseewhyKevinlovesit

somuch.Isettheglassdownandsay,“HowisBob?”

“He’sgood.Hekeepshimselfbusywithhisgarden.Listen,Eve,Idon’tknowwhat

happenedbetweenyouandKevin.Hehasn’ttoldus.BobandIwantyoutoknowwelike

youandjustbecauseyouandKevinmaynotbetogetheranymoreyouarestillwelcomein

ourhome.Ihopeyouknowthat.”

“Thankyou,Marie,forsayingthat.Iwasn’tsurewhatKevintoldyouorhowyou

felt.Ilikeyoutwoaswell.”

“Hehasn’tsaidanything.Hewon’teventalkaboutyou.Itoldhimhe’sanidiotand

hestilldidn’tsayanything.So,Iassumethebreakupishisfault?”

“Tobehonest,itwas.Ilovehim,Marie,andithurtsstill,butintimeI’llmoveon.”

“Well,Ishouldgetback.Areyoudoinganythingtonightforthefourth?”

“IhavenoplansImightjuststayhome.”

“Wearegoingtotheparkforthefireworksyouarewelcometojoinus.”

“Thankyou,andI’llthinkaboutit.”

IgetmylawnmowedandI’mreadyforanap,butIshoulddomylaundryandrun

thevacuumcleaner.IgetmymailfrommymailboxbeforeIheadinside.It’sbeenafew

dayssinceIlastcheckedit.Itakeitinthelivingroomandsitonthecouch,whichwas

probablyabadidea.Maybeacatnapwouldn’thurt.

Chapter21

Kevin

EarlierthisafternoonIcalledhome,andmymomisn’ttoohappywithme.Shetold

meshehadjustgothomefromEve’shouse.ShewentonandonabouthowIammakinga

mistake.Aftershestoppedtalking,Iwasfinallyabletoaskhertodosomethingforme.

WhenIaskedhertokeepaneyeonEveformeshesaidshehasitcovered.Iaskedto

speakwithmydadandoncehegotonthephonehegavemetheadviceIneeded.

Ihaven’ttoldmyparentsmuchaboutthewayIendedthingswithEve.IknowI

didn’thandlethingstherightwayandI’mashamedofmyself.Theywouldbeupsetwith

memoreiftheyknewhowIleftwhileshewashomewithafriendinthehospital.Atthe

time,IthoughtIwasdoingtherightthing.IloveEveandIknownowthatIwasajerk

andmadeabigmistake.Ijustneedhertoletmeexplain.IthinkIcanfixthisifshewould

justlistentome.

It’sbeenhourssinceIcalledhome.It’sjustaboutdarkoutandIwalktheparkwith

shadesandahaton.Idon’twanttoberecognizedtonight.Inormallydon’tmindstopping

tosignautographswhenthereisafan,buttonightIwanttobeleftalone.Hopefullywith

itbeingthefourthpeoplearebusyhavingfunwithfamilyandfriends.AsIwalkthrough

theparkIseefamilies,couples,andteenshangingout.Peopleareonblankets,inlawn

chairsorsittingontailgates.Ihearlaughterandkidsrunningaroundhavingfun.Soonthe

fireworkswillstart,andtheskywillbefilledwithbeautifulcolors.Thecracklingandthe

bangswillechoformiles.Ikeepwalkingaboutthecrowdwithmyheadtilteddown,

waitingtoseethebeauty.

AsthefirstfireworklightsuptheskyIlookup,IkeepwalkingandIwon’tstop

untilIstandbeforeEve.Shehasn’tnoticedmeasIwalktowardsher.Mydad’sadvice

goesoutthewindowwhenItakeherfaceinmyhandsandkissher.Shetriestopushme

away,butIwon’thaveit.Iwaitedforherlipstotouchminefortoolong.Thisismy

womanandmybaby,I’mgettingherback.

Thefireworkskeepgoingoffonebyone.Idon’tcareatthismomentaboutthemat

all.Evehasstoppedfightingourkissandherhandsareonthesidesofmywaist.Whenwe

needair,itpainsmetonothaveherlipsonmine,hertasteinmymouth.

“Iloveyou,Eve.Ican’tlivewithoutyou.Iwantustobeafamily.”Igetthering

frommypocketandgetdownononeknee.“Eve,youaremylife,youmeaneverythingto

me.I’velovedyousincethemomentIsawyou.Iwantyoutobemybestfriend,andmy

wife.Iwantourbabyandtobethebestdadtohimorher.Pleaseforgivemeandsayyes

tobecomingmywife.”

IwaitforheranswerasIlookuptothemostbeautifulstrawberryblondeinthe

world.HereyesleaktearsandIhopetheyarehappytears.Abigdisplayoffireworklights

theskybehindherandthebangisloud.Herhandswipethetearsfromhercheeksthenshe

turnsandrunsaway.Igettomyfeetandwatchher.Mydadputsahandonmyshoulder.I

didn’tevenknowhewasthere.

“GogetmyfutureDaughter-in-law.”Hesays.

Itakeoffrunning.Icutthroughthecrowdtogetaheadofher.WhenIseeher,I

reachforherandIgetheraroundthewaisttostopherfromrunning.Ipickherupandtoss

heronmyshoulder.Icarryherawayfromthepark.Iwon’tstopuntilshehearsmeout.

Shefoughtmeatfirst,butwhenshefiguredoutIwasn’tlettingherdownshegaveup.

OncesheislisteningIbegintoexplain.

“WhenyouwerehomewithTracy,Coachcalledmefromjail.Hebeggedmetobail

himout.Iwasn’tgoingto;IswearIwasn’t,Eve,butwhenhetoldmehedidn’twanttodie

injail,hegotmyattention.Coachhadlivercancerandonlyhadweekstolive.Henever

toldanyonehehadit.Whenyoucameintothepicturehewentcrazy.Iwastheonlyperson

whogavehimareasontolive.WhenIfiredhim,hethoughthislastdyingwishwasgone.

Hewantedtodiebeingsomeoneotherthanadrunk.Thewomanyouthinkisagirlfriend,

ishisDaughter.Theyhadn’ttalkedinfiveyears.Heneededherandme,sohecoulddiein

peace.Ididn’ttellyoubecauseofwhathedidtoyou.IthoughtIneededtokeepyousafe

fromhim.I’msorry,Eve.”

“Kevin,putmedown.”Istopwalkingandputheronherfeet.Shewipesthetears

frommyfaceasIwipehers.“I’msorryyoulostyourfriendandCoach,butyoucould

havetoldme.I’malevel-headedgirlandI’mnotacold-heartedbitch.”

“Iknow.Youarethesweetest,mostcaringandloveablewoman.Iwaswrong,Eve,

forshuttingyouout.Itkilledmeeverydaynottotellyou.Iloveyouwithallofmyheart.I

maybebeastrongfighterinside,butyouaremyweakness.”

“Kevin,shutup.”Shegetsuponhertiptoes,herhandgoestothesideofmyface.

Thegrandfinallygoesoffinthedistance.“You,KevinSteed,aremylifetoo.Ourbabyis

probablythebestpartofourlove.Myanswerisyes,Kevin.”

Chapter22

Kevin

IhaveafightcomingupnextmonthwithLukeDouglashewantsarematchafterI

knockedhimoutinourlastfight.I’mreadytofighthimrightnowiftheopportunitywas

there.I’mexcitedtoknockhisassoutagain,butIamnotexcitedtogobacktoLos

Angeles.IalwaysgoandtraininthecityIwillfightin.Iliketofeelthevibesandshow

myfacearoundtown.IthelpsmefeelthefansouttoseeifIamtheirfighteroriftheyare

againstme.

Todaywasaroundofcardiowhichismyleastfavoritethingtodo.Iwouldrather

beintheringsparringwithmypartner,keepingmymovesincheck.Runningandlight

weightsareboringeventhoughIknowit’simportant.Iheadtothelockerroomsto

showerbeforeIgotoEve’shouse.WhichIguessismyhomenowtoosinceImovedin

withherafterIaskedhertomarryme.

Clintyellsoutmyname,andIturntofacehimandsay,“What’sup?”

“HaveyoutalkedtoEveyet?IneedtoknowifIambookingourflightornot.”

“Ihaven’tyet.Iwillafterourappointment.”

“Bigday,huh?Areyouhopingforaboy?”

Ismileathimandsay,“Whatmandoesn’twantaboy?Butreally,Ijustwanthim

orhertobehealthy.Igottashower,andgetoutofhere.I’llcallyoulateraboutLos

Angeles.”

Igetintheshowerafterstrippingthesweatygymclothesoff.Ican’tbelievetoday

wefindoutifwearehavingasonordaughter.I’mscaredoutofmymind.Inever

dreamedI’dbeadadthisearlyinmylife.Ihavenoideahowtobeaparent.Mymom

saysnottoworry,itwillallfallintoplaceandmydadsaysthesame.Allyouhavetodois

lovethechildandeverythingelseyouwilllearnasyougo.Ihavetotaketheirwordforit,

afterall;theyraisedmysiblingsandme.

WhenIgethomeeverythingisquiet,sothattellsmeEveisstillsleeping.Itrained

earlytodaybecauseoftheappointmentfortheultrasound.Idropmygymbagoffinthe

laundryroomandgetabottleofwaterfromtherefrigerator.IhavehalfofitgonebeforeI

gettoourbedroom.

Ileanonthedoorframeandlookatmybeautifulfiancée.Thecovershaveslidoff

her,andsheliesnakedonherback.Shehasonehandunderherhead,andherlefthandis

onherbelly.ThediamondringIgothershinesfromthesunlightthatpeeksthroughthe

twocurtains.Ithinktomyself;thisismysoontobewifeandbaby.Chillsrunthroughme

andthehairsonmyarmsstand.HowdidIgetthisdamnluckytohaveawomanlikeEve?

Ihopeourchildisjustlikeher.AsnervousasIamtobeahusbandandfatherIwillnot

everturnmybackonheragainorourkid.Mylifeisherewiththem.

IquietlywalkoverandlaydownnexttoEve,Ireachoverandputmyhandontop

ofhers.Shemovesherhandoutfromundermine.Herbabybumpmoves,andatfirst,I

thinkit’sfromhermovingherbody,butthenIfeelitagain.Mybabyjustkickedmyhand.

Ijustfeltmychildmoveforthefirsttime.MyeyesbegintowaterasIrealizethisisreal.

Ofcourse,I’veknowninthebackofmymindI’mgoingtobeadad,butthisismybaby

inEve’sbelly.Thisisourlovemovingandkickingmyhand.

Eve’shandwipesatmytears,Ilookuptoherandsay,“TheBabyismoving,like

kickingmyhand.”

“Iknow.Sheneverstopsmovinginthemornings.”

“She?DoyouknowwearehavingaDaughter?Thisisn’tthefirsttimeyoufelt

her?”

“No,ItoldyouIneverwentfortheultrasound.SotodaywillbethefirstIseeher

too.I’vefelthermoveforweeksnow.”

“So,youthinkwearehavingagirl,huh?Whatifsheisahe?”

“Thenmyintuitioniswrong,andIwilllovehim.”

“Thisisincredible,Eve;Ican’tbelieveIamfeelingourbabymove.Ican’twaitto

holdourbabyforthefirsttime.”

“Ineedtoshower,orwearegoingtobelate.”Iwatchasshewalksacrossour

bedroom.Herbellyisstartingtoshowherpregnancy.“Stopstaringatme;I’mablimp.”

“Youarenotablimp.Ithinkyouaresexyashell.Ifyoudon’tbelievemecomeand

checkmyjeans.”

“Kevin,Ithinkyouhityourheadatthegymtoday.Lookatme.Myclothesdon’t

evenfit.Myhairisafrizzymess,andmyassisgettingbigger.Iamnotsexysostop

staringatmelikeyouwanttogobblemeupasifI’maThanksgivingturkeywithstuffing.”

Ilaughandsay,“Turkeyismyfavoriteholidaymeal.”

Sherollshereyesatme.“I’mgoingtoshower.Gogobblesomeeggsor

something.”

Eveleavesandgoesintothebathroom,andIlieherewithmydickhardashell.She

hasnoideahowsexysheispregnant.Iadjustmyselfinmyjeansandtrytothinkof

somethingelse.Ilookatthetimeandrealizemyideaofjoiningherintheshowerisabad

one.Iwatchtheceilingfanspinroundandrounduntilmyerectionisgone.

IdriveEvetothedoctor’sofficefortheultrasound.MypalmsaresweatyasIgrip

thesteeringwheel.Iamsodamnexcitedtoseemylittlepeanutandnervousashell.What

happensifsomethingiswrongwithourbaby?Iamtryingnottothinkaboutit,butit’s

kindahardnotto.I’veseenmovieswhereparentsgetbadnewsduringtheappointment.I

amcrossingmyfingerseverythingisalright.AbigtoughguylikemeandIwanttovomit

rightnow.

Evegetsuponthetableandlaysdown.Hershirtgetstuckedupunderatoweland

thesamewithherpants.Iholdherhandandwatchastheladysquirtsgelonherbelly.I

thenlookupatthemonitorlookingforourbaby.Theladymovesthehandwandarounda

fewtimesthenstops.Weseeourlittleone’sface.Itlookslikeheisyawning.After

movingaroundthismorning;hemustbetired.Iwatchashebeginstosuckhisthumb.

Theladysays,“Theheartbeatisstrong,andyouaretwenty-twoweeksputtingyour

duedateDecemberTwelve.Wouldyouliketoknowthesex?”

Evelookstome,andInodmyhead.Shetellsthelady,“Yes,please.”

Shemovesthewandaroundsomemore.“Activebabyyouhavehere.”Iholdmy

breathwaitingtoknow.Afewmorebreathsandshesays,“Youarehavingagirl.

Congratulations.”

Evesmilesfromeartoear,“IknewIwasright.”

“Ialreadyloveher.”IsitforwardandgiveEveakiss.

Ababygirl!Ican’tbelieveI’mgoingtobeadadtoalittlegirl,she’llbemylittle

princess.I’mgoingtokickanyone’sassiftheymesswithmylittlegirl.

Chapter23

Kevin

Aweekhasgoneby,andIjustfinisheduptraininginthegymIusedtotrainat

whileIlivedinLosAngeles.AsIwaswalkingtomycar,IsawLuke.Henoticedmetoo,

butneitheroneofussaidawordtoeachother.WhenIreachedmycaroutofthecornerof

myeye,IsawLukepullonthedoortogoinside,butthenhefelltotheground.Irushed

overtohim,andhewaspassedoutcold.Itriedtowakehimbutgotnoresponsefrom

him.Icallednine-one-one,andtheyrushedhimtotheemergencyroom.NowI’vebeen

sittingherewaitingtogetwordonhimforthelasttwohours.

“Mr.Steed,wemovedMr.Douglastoaroom.Youarewelcometogouptothefifth

floortovisithim.Wearealsowonderingifyoucantellushowtocontactanyofhisfamily

members.”

“No,Ma’amIdonot,butIcantrytofindoutfromthegym.”

“Thatwouldbegreatifyoucould.”

“Canyoutellmewhatisgoingon?”

“Wearesorry,butwecannotsharethatkindofinformationwithyou.Youwould

havetobeafamilymemberorhavewrittenconsent.”

“Willherecoverfromthis?”

“Webelievehewill.Asofrightnow,wearekeepinghimtomakesureeverything

goesasplanned.Itisimportantwefindhisfamilymembersincasesomethingweretogo

wrong.”

“Canyoutellmeifthiswascausedfromfighting?”

“I’mnotsure,butit’sprobablywhatcausedit.”

“I’mgoingtogocheckonhimandthenI’llgotothegymtoseeifIcanhelpfind

hisfamily.”

“Thankyou.”

Iroundthecorner,andIcanoverhearthenursestalking.Ipullmyphoneouttoact

asifI’mmakingacall.IlistenastheytalkaboutLuke’scondition.Hehasableedinhis

brainandtheybelievethemedicationsareworkingsofar.Onenursetoldtheother,I

didn’tknowhisfamilycontactandtheothersaysshehopesIfinditincaseheneeds

surgery.

Iwalkintohisroom,andhe’sresting.AtleastIthinkhe’sasleep;theydidn’t

mentionifheisinacomaornot.Itakeaseatandlookaroundtheroom.It’squietinhere

besidesthesoundsofthemachinesbeeping.ItremindsmeofsittingwithCoachand

watchinghimdie.Forweeks,Isataroundhishospitalroomwiththesamesoundsasnow.

Itmakesyouthinkallkindsofcrazythings.Youaskyourselfareyoulivingyourownlife

tothefullestandareyouhappy.Thenyoulookbackateverythingyou’vedone,andyou

starttowonderifyoudideverythingright.Didyoutreatyourparentswithlove,respect,

andappreciation?Didyoutryyourhardestinschool?Areyouagoodperson;a

responsibleadult?Thenyouaskyourself,ifthiswasyoulyinginabeddyingdidyoulive

ahappylife?Wereyouwithsomeoneyouloved,anddidyougettosettledowntohavea

family?Iwouldgetupsetandpissedoffatmyselfeverytime.Iknowifitweremedying,

I’dbeanunfulfilledman.Mylifewasn’tcompletewithoutEveandourbabyinit.Iwould

havediedamiserableperson.IspenthoursandhoursthinkingofEveandallthethingsI

wasmissingouton.IoftenthoughtaboutthefutureandhowIneededherbackinmylife.

Whendeathispresentandstaringyouintheeye,everythingandanythinggoes

throughyourmind,butoncethesituationisgoneandyoucangobacktoyoureveryday

life,yougobacktothewaythingswerebefore.Youmaytalkaboutthefuture,youmight

makeafewchanges,butwithallthecrazythoughtsdiditdoyouanygoodintheend?I

meanyeah,Iwentaftermygirlandgotherback.Ican’tsayasanythingelsehaschanged.

Rightnow,lookingatLuke,allIcanthinkaboutistoquitfighting.Eveandmybabygirl

needme.Whatifthiswasmelyinghere?Howwouldthisaffectthem?Isittimeformeto

leavethecage?CanIpreventthisfrombeingmeinahospitalbed?Iwanttobehereon

earthalongtime.IhaveafuturewithtwopeopleIlovedeeply.

“Lightning?Whatthehellhappened?”

“Youpassedoutgoingintothegym.Ibroughtyouhere.Theywouldn’tsaywhat

happenedtoyoubecauseIamnotfamily.”

“Passedout,fromwhat?”

“I’mnotsure.I’mgoingtoletthenursesknowyouareawake.”

“Damn;myheadhurtslikehell.”

Icallthenursesandwhentheyreachtheroom,Istepout.LukeandIaren’treally

friends.Allwecareaboutiskickingeachother’sasses.Iwalkdowntothewaitingareato

callEve.Shedoesn’tanswer,butIgetatextfromherthatshe’llcallmewhenshe’soff

thephonewithaclient.

IwaitlongenoughtofindouthowLukeisdoing.Ihopeheisalertenoughforthe

nursestogethisfamilyinformationfromhim.AfterIseehimonemoretime,Ileavethe

hospitalandgobacktothegym.Ipackupmygymstuffandheadbacktomyapartment

topackmyclothes.AllIcareaboutrightnowisgettinghometomygirlsandtellingEve

thatIamgivingupfighting.

Chapter24

Kevinhasbeenhomeforthreeweeksandheisdrivingmecrazy!Hehasn’ttoldme

yetwhyhe’sbeenhomeforthelastfewweeksdoingnothingbutbuggingmewhile

JacquelynandIaretryingtogetworkdone.Hegoestothegymearlyeverymorninglike

normalbutishometherestoftheday.AlthoughIthinkit’ssweetthatheisputtingso

muchtimeandinterestinourweddingIwishhe’dletmegetworkdone.

It’sjustaboutnineinthemorningandanyminutenowKevinwillcomebursting

throughmyofficedoors;Ijustknowit.Ihaveaconferencecalltomakeattenafternine.I

don’twanttoberude,butI’mgoingtohavetokickhimout.Ican’tkeepschedulingmy

workaroundhisinterruptions.Mycalltodayistooimportanttomiss.

JacquelynandIhavebeentryingtogetCynthiaTapleyasaclientforweeksnow.

Hercampaignwouldbringusalotofpotentialclientsifsheweretocomewithus.She

needsmarketingforherfashionlineofclothing.WithCynthia’sstarstatusthiswouldbe

sogoodforus.NotonlyissheastarbutherfriendTammyPierceisaswell.Ihaveheard

throughsocialmediasheisgettingreadytolaunchhernewalbum.Tammy’sonlineads

hitarecordhightwoyearsagoandIwantthem.Thesetwopeoplewouldbesohelpfulto

mineandJacquelyn’scareersasbusinesspartners.Wewouldn’thavetoworryabout

incomeformonthstocome.WithmybabyonthewayIneedthis,soIcantaketimeoffto

bewithmybabygirlwhensheisborn.

Isitheretappingmynailsonmydesk.Kevinneverbustedthroughmyofficedoor

atninenordidthephonecallfromCynthiahappen.It’salmostnoonandIneedtoleave

formydoctor’sappointment.IhavenocluewhereKevinisandhe’snotansweringhis

phone.HegoeswithmetoeveryappointmentnowandIcan’tbelieveheisn’there.I’m

notsureifIshouldbeworriedwhereheisorifmaybeheisactuallybusy.Maybejust

maybe,Clinthashimgettingscheduledforafight.Hehasn’thadonesincethe

cancellationwithLukeDouglas.Kevinneverreallytoldmewhathappened,butIreadthe

storyonhowLukehadaconcussionorsomethingandcan’tfight.IknowKevinwas

lookingforwardtothatfightandtobehonesthehasn’tbeenactingrightsince.

IlogmycomputeroffandsodoesJacquelyn.“Itwasnicegettingsomeworkdone

todaywithoutKevinbuggingus.”

“Iknow.I’msorry,Jacquelyn,ifheisgettingonyournerves.”

“Oh,please.He’sadarlingandIlovehowinvolvedhewantstobewithyour

wedding.Youdon’tfindtoomanymenwhodo.Ijustmeantwegetmoredone.”

“Yeah,Igetthat.”

“WellI’mgoingtocallitaday.IpromisedmyMotherI’dtakehershopping.I’ll

finishupmyworkathome.Don’tworryaboutCynthiaTapley.Ifwedon’tgether,wecan

moveontothenextpossibleclient.Thishere,whatwehavegoingonisgoingtobebig,

Eve.Ijustknowit.”

JacquelynleavesandIgetmypursefromthehallclosetbythefrontdoor.Igetout

tomycarandit’slikeasaunainside.It’shotfortheendofSeptember.Irollmywindows

downandcrankuptheairconditioningassoonasIgetoutontotheroad.Iwipesweat

frommyforeheadandthentakeadrinkofwaterfrommywaterbottle.Gee;ifIhad

knownitwasthishot,Iwouldhaveputmywindowsdownsooner.Ilookinthecenter

consoleforanapkin.IfthereisonethingIcan’tstand,it’ssweatbetweenthesenever-

endinggrowingboobs.Boobsweatistheworst.

Igottothedoctor’sofficeandputmycarinpark.NomatterhowhighIturnedthe

airup,itwasstilltoohot.I’msweatingandfeelinglightheaded.Iputmykeysinmypurse

andopenmycardoor.Igetmyfeetoutontheground.Isitheretryingtoletthedizziness

pass.

“Ma’am,canyouhearme?”

Iopenmyeyesandmysightisblurry.Whatthehellisgoingon?Itrytositup,but

someoneencouragesmenottomove.Iwipemyeyeshopingmyvisionclears.

“Youmusthavepassedout.Canyoudrinksomewater?”

TheyhandmethebottleofwaterandItakeadrink.IdrinkmostofitbeforeIpass

itback.Iholdontothesteeringwheelandpullmyselfup.Iamstilllightheaded.Inotice

thesignforthemedicalbuilding.

“Ihaveanappointment.”

“Someonealreadywentinsidetogetadoctor.Ihopetheycomeoutsoon.Here;

drinksomemorewater.Youareprobablydehydrated.”

“Thankyou.”Iscootupontothefrontseatofmycarmoreanddrinkthewater.

“Eve,areyoualright?”DoctorLatinskiasks.

“I’mlightheaded,andImusthavepassedout.”

“Iwouldliketogetyouinsideoutofthisheatandcheckyouover.I’mthinkingit

mightbegoodtogetanIVgoing,too.”

Igiveheranodandtheyhelpmetomyfeetandintoawheelchair.Someonehands

memypurseandIthankeveryonefortheirhelp.Ifeelembarrassed,butthereisnothingI

candoaboutthat.Iconsidermyselfluckysomeonefoundme,though.

DoctorLatinskiwheelsmerightintoaroomandhasanursegetmesomemore

water.Shechecksmybloodpressureandithasdroppedsome.Shealsopokesmyfinger

totestmybloodsugaranditreadsnormalrange.I’mstartingtofeelbetternowthatI’m

notinthehotsun.Sheasksmesomequestionswhilefeelingaroundmybellyand

listeningforthebaby’sheartbeatwiththestethoscope.

“IthinkIwanttosendyounextdoortothehospital.”

Iswallowthesalivainmymouth.“Istheresomethingwrongwithmybaby?”

“Sorry,Ididn’tmeantoscareyou.Thebabysoundsgood.IjustwanttogetanIV

onyoutogetsomemorefluidsinyou.Youaretwenty-sevenweekstoday.Iwouldliketo

seeyoubackintwoweeks,unlessyoukeephavingthisproblem.”

IgetwheeledovertotheemergencyroomandhookeduptoanIV.Isithere

worriedoutofmymind.IwishKevinwasherewithmenow.It’sasifkarmahasbitten

meontheassforbeingannoyedwithhiminterruptingmeeverydayandnowthedayI

needhimhe’snowheretobefound.IlookupattheIVwonderinghowlongthiswilltake.

Ijustneedtoknoweverythingwillbealrightwithmybabygirl.

Iholdmyphoneinmyhandwaitingforittoring.I’vecalledKevinafewtimes

alreadywithnoanswer.Wherethehellishe?Whatcouldhepossiblybedoingtoday?

“Ringdamnit,ring.”

“Eve,whatisgoingon.Whathappened?AreyouandtheBabyokay?”

“Kevin?Howdidyougethere?I’vebeencallingyou.”

“Igotyourmessage.Itriedcallingyouback,butyouneveranswered.IthinkIran

threeredlightsonthewayhere.IthinkIgaveTracyaheartattacktoo.”

“What?Tracy?”

“Eve,youneedtoanswerme.AreyouandourBabyallright?”

ItellKevinaboutpassingoutandthatI’mhereforfluidsandthatIshouldbeable

togohomeafterward.Hegivesmekissesandrubsmybelly.Ithinkhehascalmeddown.

“Tracy,huh?Whereisshe?”

“Iwantedtosurpriseyouandflyyourbestfriendinfortheweekend.Now,Ifeel

guiltyIwasn’tbackintimeforyourappointment.Itwon’thappenagain.YouGirlsneeded

me,andIwasn’thereforyou.NomatterhowhardItryIkeepfuckingup.”

“Kevin,whatyoudidissweet.Youcan’tblameyourselfformenotstayinghydrated

enoughinthisheatwave.”

Kevingetsuponthebedwithmeandputsanarmundermyneckandtheotherto

mybelly.“Itwon’thappenagain.I’mgoingtomakesurefromnowonyouaretakingcare

ofyourself.”

“Whatisgoingonwithyou?Youhavebeengoingtothegym,butyouarenotacting

liketheKevinIknow.Don’tyouhaveanyupcomingfights?”

“Idon’t.I’mgivingupfighting.”

“You’rewhat?Whywouldyoudothat?”

“BecauseIcan’tbeagoodhusbandandfatherifIwastotakeonetoomanyhitsto

thehead.Idon’twanttoenduplikeLukeandbeforcedtostop.Iwanttoendmyfighting

careermyway.”

“Areyousureyouwanttogiveupfighting?Iseeyouwhenyouprepareforafight,

Kevin.Youtakeyouroccupationseriously.Allthetrainingyoudidtogetwhereyouare

today.Thededicationyouputintothatcage,Ican’tseeyouleavingitbehind.”

“Ihavethoughtthisoverforweeks,Eve.Myheartisfeelingbrokenandlost,butin

mymind,IfeelIammakingtherightchoice.”

“Iwishyouwouldhavetoldmethissooner.Ialmostfeelasifyouaregivingupon

yourdreamandeverythingyouworkedhardfor.Iwillbackyouinwhateverfinaldecision

youmake.”

“Ihavemademyfinaldecision.I’mquittingthecage.”

“CanIcomeinyet?”

IsitupstraightwhenIhearmybestfriend’svoice.“OhmyGod,Tracy,getin

here!”

TracycomesinandIgetthebiggesthugfromher.Ican’twaittospendsometime

withherthisweekend.NowIjustneedtogetthehelloutofhere,soIcandothat.Ialso

needtofigureouthowtogetKevinbackinthecage.HeisafighterandIknowafew

monthsfromnowormaybeayear,he’llregrethischoicetoquitfighting.Besidesthat,it’s

oneofthethingsIloveabouthim.

Chapter25

ItwassuchagreatweekendwithTracybeinghere.Wewentshoppingfor

bridesmaid’sdressesandpickedoutthemostgorgeousreddressesforthegirlstowear.

Welookedatweddinggowns,butIdidn’ttryanyon.ThatissomethingIwanttodowith

mymomandmaybeKevin’smomtoo.Itwassomuchfunhavingherheretomakethings

evenmoreexcitingforKevinandme.Icanhardlywaittoseewhatshedoeswiththe

flowersIpickedout.Wehavethecenterpieceschosenaswell.Thisweekendwasvery

productive.

KevinwentacrossthestreettogoseehisparentsforaminuteandIstayedhometo

takeabathandrelax.AsmuchasitwasfuntohaveTracyhereIamexhausted.Igetthe

watertemperaturetowhereIwantitthenIgetaclipfromthevanityandputmyhairup.I

setafewtowelsnexttothetubandtakemyclothesoff.Ihappentoseemyreflectionin

themirrorandIturnmylipup,goshI’mgettinghuge.Imoveclosertothemirrorandturn

tolookatmyassandit’sdefinitelygrown.Istepbackandspintheotherwayandruna

handdownmyever-growingbelly.AsmuchasIhatehowbigI’mgetting,Ilovethislittle

girlinsideme.

Igetintothebathandleanback.Iputmyfeetuponthelittleledgebythefaucet

andclosemyeyes.IfeelthebabymoveandIstarttowatchmybelly.Iwatchherfootor

armmovingundermyskin.Ithinkitisoneoftheneatestthings.Isetmyhandonmy

bellyandshekicksatit.Ibrieflylookoverwhenthedooropens,andKevincomesin.

“Watchthis,Babe.”Isaypointingtomystomach.

Hesitsdownbesidethetubandhetooseesourlittleonemoving.“Thatisfunky

andsodamncool.”

Hegetsthebarofsoapandsetsitdown.Itisthereforabriefmomentbeforeshe

kicksitoff.Webothlaugh,andhedoesitagain.

“MaybeourGirlwillbeanMMAfighterlikeherDaddyanddeliverknockoutkicks

too.”

“OurDaughterisn’tgoingtobeafighter.”

“Whythehellnot?Withyoutraininghershe’llbegreatatit.Shealreadyhasahell

ofakick.”

“Itoldyou,Eve,I’mdone.I’mnotgettingbackintothecage.”

“Ithinkyouarebeingafool.Youarethinkingwithyourheadandnotyourheart.”

“WhatifI’mouttherefightingsomenightandgetpunchedorkickedinthehead

andIendupwithbraindamageorsomethingelse?HowwillIbeabletotakecareofyou

andher?”

“Forone,Kevin,Idon’tneedtobetakencareof.Fortwo,Iamcapableoftaking

careofourDaughteronmyown.DoIwanteitheroneofthosetwothings?No,butIalso

can’tstandbyandwatchyougiveuponsomethingyouwantedtodowithyourlife.You

areonlytwenty-fiveandifIdidn’tcomealongyou’dstillbefighting.Ifsomethingbad

weretohappentoyou,ourDaughterandIwillknowyoulivedalifedoingwhatyoulove.

Notmanypeopleinthisworldcansaythat.Don’tbeoneoftheoneswhoaremiserable

andunhappybecauseyougaveupyourdreamjob.”

HestandsupandIthinkheisgoingtoleavethebathroom,buthestartstoundohis

jeansandtakeshisshirtoff.HegetshisfootinthewaterandIsitforward.IamgladI

boughtahousewithabigtub.Ileanbackonhischestandhegetsthesoapandlathershis

handsbeforehestartstomassagemyshoulders.Iclosemyeyesandrelax.

“I’llthinkaboutthefightingsomemoreifwesetaweddingdatetonight.”

“DecemberSecond.Howdoesthatsound?”

“Soundsperfect.Yousureyoudon’twanttodoitsooner?”

“Nope.Thereisstilltoomuchtodoyet.”

“ThenI’lltakeit.MyMomhassomethingforyouandIputitonyourdesk.”

“Areyoureadytogetout?”

Isitforward,andhegetsoutofthetub.Theflooriswetfromwhenhegotin.He

wrapsatowelaroundhiswaistandhandsmeadryonesinceminegotwetfrombeingon

thefloor.Istand,andheholdsouthishandformewhileIgetout.Idryoffandhe

watcheswhileheleansonthebathroomdoorframe.

“Stopstaringatme.I’masbigasahouse.”

“Youarenot.Youarethemostgorgeouspregnantwomanontheearth.”

“Isthatwhyyouarelookingatmelikeyouarereadytoeatme?”

“Oh,Sweetness,Iamgoingtoeatyouandyouwillloveeveryminuteofit.”

“Umm….Ihopethatisapromise,Mr.Steed.”

Hecomestowardsmelikealionstalkinghisprey.Ibackupafewstepsandhe

grabbedmebythewaistbringingmetohim.HeswoopsdownandpicksmelikeIdon’t

weightanything.Hecarriesmetoourbedandsetsmedown.Heundoesthetowelfrom

mybodyandchillsrunthroughme.Iknowthattonightheisreadytosatisfyourneeds.

Kevinputshishandsonthebedandmovesinforakiss.Oncehislipstouchmine

I’malreadyagoner.Ifallbackwards,andheincheshiswayupontothebed.Herubshis

nosewithmineandthenhistonguelicksmylips.HesmilesatmeandsometimesIcan’t

believethisisallreal.Ican’tbelieveonelonelyChristmasEveturnedintothis.

“Iloveyou,Kevin‘Lightning’Steed.”

Hishardcockpenetratesmeashesays,“Iloveyou,EveThornton.Icannotwaitfor

youtobemywife.”

HiscockdrivesinfurtherandthedeeperhegoesthemoreIsquirmunderneathhim.

HeholdshisweightoffofmeandImisshavinghisbodyclosertome.Hispelvisgrinds

againstmineashemoveshishipsinacircularmotion.Mypussytightensaroundhis

manhoodwhenhebeginstoslideinandout.Hereachesformyclitandflicksitwithhis

fingerafewtimes.Ican’tholdtheorgasminanylonger.Myeyescloseasmyheadtilts,

andIliftmyassoffthebed.KevingoesfasterknowingI’monthevergeofcumming.I

grabontothesheetsandmoanasIrelease.I’moutofbreathandhekeepsgoinguntilhe

getshisreleasetoo,fillingmewithhisseed.Whenhepullsoutandfallstothebedbeside

me,Irolloverandfacehim.

“Ican’twaituntilDecemberSecond.”

Chapter26

IlayhereawakeinbedwatchingKevinsleeping.Hesleepspeacefully,andI

wonderifheisdreamingandifheis,whatishedreamingabout?I’mnotgettingenough

sleeplatelymyselftoevenhaveadream.Iamtoouncomfortableonmostnightstofall

intoadeepsleep.Ilayawakeonmanynightsthinkingabouteverythingthatneedstobe

doneforthewedding,forthebaby,andformycareer.Youwouldthinkwithhowbusywe

arethatsleepwouldcomeeasily.

IrolloverandadjustthebodypillowIusetobecomfortable.MaybeIshouldtossit

outsinceIwakeupeverytimeIrollovertomovethepillowwithme.Ipullthecomforter

upfurthertoo.It’searlyNovember,andithasgottencolder.Ican’treallybelievehowfast

Octoberflewby.ItwaslikeIblinked,anditwasgone.

IreachoverIrunmyhandlightlythroughKevin’shair.Itfeelsweirdundermy

fingertipsashejustgotitcutyesterday.Whenhegaveupfighting,hewaslettingitgrow

out,butsincehecametohissensesanddecidedtoreturntothecage,hegotitcut.Hehas

afightinacoupleofdays,andIwasactuallyshockedathowfastClintgothimone.I

thinkhewashopingthatKevincametohissensestooandwasalreadylooking.

Iglanceovermyshouldertoseethetime,andit’sjustaboutfiveinthemorning.

Kevin’salarmwillgooffshortly.Iknowhehasplansofgoingtothegymandafterthat

weareleavingtomakethethree-hourdrivedownstate.Hehasbookedusaroomforthe

nightatahotel.BobandMariearejoiningusaswell,andIknowwehavedinner

reservations.Iplanontakingmylaptoptogetsomemoreworkdone.JacquelynandI

endeduplandingthejobwithCynthiaTapley,andweareveryclosetogettingTammy

Piercetosignwithusalso.Everythingseemstobecomingtogether.IjustwishIcouldget

somemuch-neededsleep.

WhenIgetuptousethebathroom,InoticeKevinisn’tinbed.Iseethetime,andI

musthavefallenasleeprightbeforehisalarmwentoff.Ijumpintheshowertotakea

quickonesincenowit’salmostten.IamgladIgotafewhoursofsleep,butnow,Ihave

tohurrybecauseKevinshouldbehomeanyminuteandIstillneedtogetthingspacked

forourtrip.

“Hmm,myfavoritesighttosee,”Kevinsayswhengettingintheshower.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Kevinreachesoutandrunshisfingertipsovermyclit.“Joining,myladyinthe

shower,”hesays.

“Don’tstartorwewillbelate.Ijustwokeup,andnothingispacked.”

“Iguesswewillbelate,”hislipssayagainstmyneck.

“Kevin…”isallIcangetoutbeforehisteethdigintomyskin.

Ifallbackintotheshowerwall,andIamgladthedumbruleofnosexforaweek

beforeafightisgone.Whenheinsertsacoupleoffingersinsideme,Igrabontohis

shoulderforbalance.Hekicksmyfoottospreadmylegswiderapartandmynailssink

intohisskinwhenhebendshisfingerstorubmyribbedarea.Mychestheavesashetakes

mybreathaway.Whetherheuseshisfingers,tongueorhiscock,heknowshowtobring

metoanorgasm.

Kevinremoveshisfingersfrominsidemeandturnsthewateroff.Hethenstepsout

andholdsoutahand.Ishereallyleavingmeneedingtoorgasm?Idon’tthinkIcanbeleft

onedgeallday.Ilookhimintheeye,andhewinksatmebeforeItakehishelpinghand.I

getmyfeetonthefloor,andheswoopsmeupthensetsmeonthevanity.It’scoldagainst

mywetassandchillsgothroughmyheatedbody.Hegripsmykneesandpushesmylegs

apartashebringsmeclosertotheledge.Gettingdownonhisknees,hestickshistongue

outlickingmyouterlowerlipsbeforeheflickshistongueonmyclit.Ileanmybody

weightbackusingmyarmstoholdmyselfup.Myassisbarelyonthevanityashepulls

meclosertohim.Histonguepenetratesme,lickingmyinsides.

“Kevin,ifyoudon’tfuckmerightnow,I’mgoingtocum.”

Hecontinuesdoingwhathe’sdoingwithoutstopping.Ibitedownonmylowerlip

tryingtoholdoffonmyorgasm.Hisfingersbegintoplaywithmyclit,andI’magoner.

Mystomachtightens,mypussytightens,andIreleaseanorgasmthatdoesn’tstop.My

eyesareclosed,andmylipsarepartedwhenhestandsandkissesme.Itastemyselfonhis

tongue.Whenhiscockentersme,Ibreatheintohismouth.Hethrustinandoutofme

beforetheorgasmpasses.Ifalltomyelbowsnotabletoholdmybodyupanylonger.

“Oh,good,God,”Isayoutofbreath.

Heholdsthebacksofmythighsashepoundsintome.Hewatchesme,andIwatch

him.Icanseethepassionhehasforme.Thedesireinhiseyesandeverythingweshare

togetheretchedintohisface.HelovesmeasmuchasIlovehim.Iamonehellofalucky

girlthathecametomydoorsteplastChristmasEve.

IholdmyselfononeelbowwhenIextendmyarmandpullhimdowntome.Ilatch

mylipstohisandkisshim.IwanthimtoknowjusthowmuchIlovehim.Beingwith

someoneyouloveisapowerfulfeeling,beingintimatetogetherisonlyonewaytoshow

justhowmuchwecanloveoneanother.Outofnowheretearsfillmyeyes.Ifeelthemrun

downthesidesofmyface,drippingfrommyjaw.Hebreaksthekissandwipesthem

away.

“Pleasedon’tstop.”

HekeepshispaceandIbringhimbacktomylipsthenhedropsoneofmylegsand

Iliftittosetitonthevanity.Hetakesanipplebetweenhisthumbandfinger.Itouchmy

clitandcumagain.Hethrustafewmoretimesbeforehedoestoo.

“Iloveyou,Kevin.Ican’twaittobeyourwife,themotherofyourChildandtolive

tillwegrowoldtogether.”

“Iloveyoutoo,Eve.”HewipesmytearsagainandIsmileathim.“Webetterget

packedbeforemyParentsgethere.”

Igivehimanodthenhehelpsmeoffthesink.Wegetbackintheshowertowash

up.Iamhappyhedidn’tthinkIwascrazyforcryingduringourlovemaking.Perhapshe

felttheconnectionwesharedtoo.

Chapter27

Bob,Marie,KevinandIleftforthearenatwohoursago.Iwaitinthelockerrooms

withKevinwhileBobandMariewenttoourseats.Kevinwantsmetowalkwithhimas

hemakeshisentrancetoday.HisparentsandIhaveringsideseatstoday,soIagreedtoit.I

amfeelingnervousasIamnotusedtohavinganyattentiononme.ImeanIdoknowthe

fanscometoseehimandtheywillpaynoattentiontome,butstill,Iamnervous.My

stomachisinknotstothepointithurts.Myhandsaresweaty,andIfeelkindaclammy.I

tryandtakeafewdeepsbreathstocalmdown.I’mnothavingananxietyattackor

anythinglikethat,Idon’tthink.I’mjustalittlejittery.

Ileanbackonthewallandclosemyeyesforafewmoments.KevinandClintare

talking,gettingpumpedupforthefight.Hishandshavebeentapedandhisglovesareon.

He’sreadytogetintothecage.ClintremindshimofOliverPlaid’sstrongpointsand

weakness.IhideayawnandIstartthinkingabouthowIsleptallthewayhereyesterday.I

laidonthebackseatwithmyheadonKevin’slapwhilehisfatherBobdrove.Ididn’tjoin

themfordinnerlastnightbecauseIwasjusttooexhaustedtogo.Istayedinourhotel

roomandsleptthewholetime.HebroughtmedinnerfromtherestaurantandIwatched

televisionwhileIateit.HewatchedavideooffightsOliverhasbeenin.AfterIateIwent

backtosleep.Ithinkallthesleeplessnightsarefinallycatchinguptome.

“Eve,it’stime,”saysClint.

IopenmyeyesandKevinisn’there.“WhereisKevin?”Iask.

“Hewentnextdoorforasecond.Wecangethimonourwayout.”

IseeKevin’ssweatshirtandgrabitoffthebench.Westepoutintothehallandhe

comesoutoftheroomacrossfromus.Hegivesmehiscockysmileandtakesmyhand.

Webegintowalktotheentrancetothearena.Wewaitforhisintroductorymusicbefore

Clintopensthedoors.Hewrapsanarmaroundmyshoulder,andIlookupathim.He

givesmeapeckonthelipsandsaidhelovesme.ClinttakestheleadandKevintakesmy

handpullingmeintothearenawithhim.Iwalkbesidehimasthecrowdcheers.Iheara

fewboo’sbutit’snothingcomparedtothegoodones.Wegetabouthalfwaydownthe

aisleandmystomachknotsup.IseehowcloseourseatsarewhenMariestandsoutinthe

walkway.IpanicknowinghowcloseI’llbetothefight.Whenwegetdownclosetothe

cage,IjoinBobandMaire.IrubmybabybumpandIcan’tbelievesheisn’tkickingwith

allthisnoise.

Kevingetsweighedthenhegetsintothecage.Istandwiththerestofthecrowd.I

takeabreathinlettingitbackout.“Eve,areyouokay?”

“Iam,justalittlenervousbeingthisclosetothecage.”

“Youarelookingalittlepale.”

“I’llbealrightoncethisfightisoverwith.”

“IknowwhatyoumeanIhaven’tsatthisclosebefore.”

MarietakesmyhandasKevindropshisarmsandgoestohiscorner.Clinttalksto

himforasplitsecondbeforetheannouncer’sdotheintroductions.Isitdownandthe

crowdaroundusarestillontheirfeet.Themannexttomelooksdownatmetheneyesmy

belly.

“Youhavealittlefighterinthere?”Ashewatchesmerubmybelly.

“MaybealittlegirlMMAfighter.”

“ThewayIseeit,theyarejustasgood.”Hesitsdownandstretcheshishandout

andsays,“I’mSteveHughey.I’moneofKevin’ssponsors.”

“I’mEveThornton.It’snicetomeetyou.”

Thefightersgotothecenterring.KevinandOliver,touchgloves.Thebellrings

andOliveristhefirsttothrowapunch.Kevinbendsbackwardavoidingthehit.Bob,

Marie,andStevesitontheedgeoftheirseats.Ihaven’tmovedfrommyspot.Thepainsin

mystomacharegettingstronger.Igriptheedgeofmyseat,holdingmybreathuntilit

passes.WhenitstopsInowknowitwasn’tnervesatall,I’vebeenhavingcontractions.I

don’tknowwhattodo.It’stooearlytogointolabor.

BeforeIknowwhatisgoingonroundoneisover.Idon’tevenknowhowKevin

did.“Didhelosetheround?”IaskedleaningforwardtolookatBobandMarie.

“IthinkhemighthavewithOlivergettingthelastthreehitsin,”Bobsays.

Marieeyesme.IcantellshewantstoaskmeifI’malrightagain.Iquicklylook

backatthecage,notwantingtogiveherthechance.IseeKevingoingbacktocenter

cage.ThebellringsandKevingoesrightforOliver’sthighwithakickandlandingit.

Oliverisquickgettinghisbalanceback.Thetwoofthemdancearoundeachotherwaiting

forthenextmomenttocatchtheotheroffguard.Iscootuponmyseat,bitingmy

thumbnailasIwaittoo.WhenoutofnowhereKevinleapsatOliverlandingarightjabto

hisjaw.HeisstunnedforabriefsecondandKevinhitshimagain,Kevinthenspinsand

swingshislegconnectingtohislowerleg.Oliverstumblesandthebellrings.Istandwith

everyoneelseastheycheerknowinghewonthatround.Istandherefrozeninplace.The

hootsandhowlsechoandMarietakesmyhand,givingitasqueeze.

Ilookatherandsay,“Mywaterjustbroke.WhatdoIdo?Kevinisfighting.My

stuffisthreehoursaway,andsoismydoctor.It’stooearly,Marie.”Iaminshockand

mumbling.

“Weneedtogetyoutoahospital.Bobgivemeyourkeys.”

“Wecan’tleavewithoutKevin.”

“Oh,wedon’thaveachoice.BobwillbringKevinassoonasthefightisover.”She

lookstoBobholdingoutherhand.“Keys!I’lltextyouthehospitalinformationwhenwe

getthere.”

“Marie,Ican’tleave.NotwithoutKevinknowing.”

ShewalkspastmeandovertocagesidetoClint.Helooksinmydirectionwithbig

eyes.Hegivesmeathumbup.Whenshegetsbacktome,shetakesmebytheelbow.

“He’llknowoncetheroundisover.”

IglancebackatthecageasKevinispinnedbyOliver,andhe’stryingtogetfree.

Oliverthrowspunchestothesideofhisface.Acontractioncomes,andMariesteadiesme.

Shedoesthebreathingstepswithmeandwhenit’sdone,shegivesmeanodtowardsthe

aisle.

“Marie,mypantsarewet.”

“DoyouwanttohavethisBabyhere?Ifnotstopstallingandlet’sgo.”

Bobtakeshisbutton-upshirtoffandtiesitaroundmywaist.Hethengetsmyjacket

andputsitovermyshoulders.SteveeyesmeandI’msurehehasfiguredoutwhatis

happening.Wegetoutintothewalkway,andabouthalfwayupIgetacontraction.Ihold

ontotherailingaswebothdothebreathingtechnique.ItakeonelastlookatKevinwhen

theroundendsbeforeweleavethearena.

Chapter28

Kevin

IampinnedbyOliverPlaid,andhehitsmeinthejawafewtimes.Iusemyfeet

andbacktotrytogetfree.Ineedhimtostopbeatingmyface,soIcanhavemyhands

free.HeloseshisgriponceIbuckoffthematwithallmystrengthandIcanstopusingmy

handstoblocktheblows.Itrytopushhimoffme.Iamjustaboutfreewhentheround

ends.Igettomyfeetgoingtomycorner.Clintwipesatthebloodfromasmallcutinmy

brow.IstareoveratOliver’scornerhiscoachalsowipesthebloodfromhisface.Ismile

insideknowingI’mnotdonewithhimyet.IknowhewonthefirstroundandIwonthe

second.IthinkImighthavewonthisround,butitcouldgoeitherway.Clintputsawater

bottleuptomymouth,andItakesome,swishingsomearoundbeforespittingitbackout.

“Kevin,Ineedyoutowinthisround.”

“I’lldomybest,butIamsureIcanwinthenexttworounds.”

“Okayletmerephrasethat.Ineedyoutoendthisfightthisround.”

“Why,doyouthinkheisgoingtowin?Doyounothavefaithinme?”

ThebellringsandbeforeIgetcenterring,heyellsout,“Doit,Lightning.Imean

it.”

Idon’tgetwhatthebigdealis.IamstillthinkingabouthisreasoningwhenOliver

getsagoodhittothesideofmyface,makingmysmallcutbleedmore.Igettomysenses

whenIfeelakicktomycalf.Ibackupoutofhisreachjustashedivesformywaist.He

stumbledwhenhethoughthewasgoingtogetmedown.Itakethemomenttogetmy

mindbackintothefight.Hegetshisfooting,andwedancearoundeachother.Thenhe

reachesouttakingaswingatme.Ispinandlandasidekicktohisthigh.Idoitagain

catchinghislowerlegthattime.Hefallsbackwardintothecage.Ihavehimpinned,andI

takeafewpuncheswhilegivinghimakneetohisstomach.Therefereeinterferes,andI

backupastep.Oliverpusheshimselfoffthecage.Itakethemomenttogivehima

sidekicktothejaw.Hefallstothemat,andIleaponhimtopinhimdown.Igettappedby

thereferee,andthefightstops.Anothersidekickknockoutundermybelt.Clintcomesto

thecageandonceIamannouncedthewinner.Hehandsmemybelt,andIsayafew

wordstothecrowd.

Heleansoverandsays,“Wegottago.Eve’swaterbroke,andyourMomtookherto

thehospital.”

IrunbacktothelockerroomsasfastasIcan.Rippingmyglovesoffontheway.I

grabmybagandbelongings,andI’mhurryingoutofthelockerroomwhenmyfather

stopsme.

“Icalledacab;it’swaitingforusoutthesidedoor.”

“Isshealright?It’stooearly,Dad.Thisisn’tsupposedtobehappeningyet.”

“AsfarasIknow,yourMotherhassaidtheyarejustnowgettingEveuptothe

maternityward.Let’snotworryyetuntilweknowwhatishappening.”

Wegetintothewaitingtaxi,andmydadgivesthedrivertheaddress.Itwilltakea

halfhourbeforewegetthere.Myheartisracinginmychestaswetakeoffforthe

hospital.Isayasilentprayermygirlswillbealright.Everythinggoesthroughmymind.

It’snotherdoctor,wehaven’tdonethebabyroomyet,butmostlyit’snottimeyet.We

hadatleastfourtofiveweekslefttoprepareforthis.Mydadtakesmyhandsandbegins

toremovethetapefromthem.Iwipeatthecutovermyeye.It’sstoppedbleedingatleast.

IfeeltheswellingandthenIthinkwhatifthisfightputEveintolaborearly.Whatifshe

wastoostressedoutwithworryingaboutmyfight?CouldIbethereasonourbabyis

comingtosoon?ShouldIhavestucktomyplanofnotgettingintothecageanymore?

Thetaxipullsupinfrontofthehospital.Igetoutwhenmydadsaidhe’llfindme

andtojustgo.Ileavemybagandeverythingbehindrunningintotheemergencyroom.I

findthehelpdeskandaskforEveThornton.Ithentaketheelevatorsuptothethirdfloor.

WhenIstepoutthenurseslookatmelikeIhavelostmymindbecauseIamstilldressed

inmyfightingclothes.

“EveThornton’sroomplease,”Iask.

TheycontinuetolookatmelikeIhavetwoheads.Ispotmymom,andIcallout

hername.Shewavesformetocomeinherdirection.Itakeoffdownthehall.WhenIget

toEve’sroom,mymom,letsmeknowIdidn’tneedtoyellatthenurses.GuessIdidn’t

realizehowloudIwas,butatthisminuteIdon’tcare.IsteppastmymomgoingtoEve.

Shegripsthebedrail,andmygirlisinpain.Itakeherhandonceshesitsbackonthebed.

“Areyoualright?IcameassoonasIcould.”

“I’mscared,Kevin.Thisisn’tsupposedtobehappeningyet.”

“Iknow,butourgirlmustbereadytomeetus.HavetheDoctor’ssaidanything,

yet?”

“Theyaregettingeverythingsetupforhercare.ShemighthavetobeinNICUfor

awhiledependingonhowsheis,buttheysayherchancearegood.”

Evetakesmyhand,andshesqueezesittight.Iseeherbreathingthroughher

contraction.Iremembereverythingwelearnedintheclasseswetookandbegintocoach

herthroughthem.Whenitpasses,Igiveherthecupwithicechipstowetherlips.Igive

herakissandrubherbelly.

“Wearegoingtobeahappy,lovingfamilyandourlittleoneisgoingtorunthe

house.”

“Didyouwinyourfight?”

“Idid.Wereyoustressed,isthatwhyyouwentintolaborearly?”

“No,Kevin,ithadnothingtodowiththat.Thedoctorsaidit’sjustnaturetakingits

course.So,don’tevenstartblamingyourself.”

Anothercontractionbegins,andweworkthoughittogether.Iholdherhand,and

wedotheseweirdbreathingtechniques.Myparentsareintheroomwithuswaiting.Eve

toldthemthattheycouldgobacktothehotel,buttheyrefuse.Mymomhasbeenhelpful

andcaring.Evefeelshorriblethathermomisn’thereliketheyhadplanned.Wecalled

them,andEvecriedthroughtheentireconversation.

AnursecomesinandchecksEveover,shetellsusitprobablybeafewmorehours.

Evesaidyeswhentheyaskedherifshewantedanepiduralbecausethecontractionsare

gettingstronger.Ifshewaitedmuchlonger,shewouldn’tbeabletogetone.Iholdher

handandtalktoherthroughit.Onceit’sallinandthenursesleaveIgetuponthebed

withher.Eveisrestingmorecomfortablynow.

“Kevin,maybeyoushouldtakeashowerandgetdressed.Ithinkyouaremaking

thenursesnervous.”

“Idon’twanttoleaveyou.”

“It’snotlikeyouwon’tbehere.Thebathroomisrightthere.”shesayspointingto

thebathroom.

AfterIshowerandgetdressed,IjoinEveonherbed.Iholdherassherests.My

parentssitquietlyintheroom.It’slikethecalmbeforethestorm.Notthatmybabyisa

storm,butIknowthisisn’tgoingtobeeasyforEvetodeliverababy.Whoknowswhat

theoutcomewillbeonceshearrives.Ilayhereprayingandhopingshe’llbealright.Not

justthebaby,butbothofthem.Theyaremygirls,andIcan’tsurvivewithouteitheroneof

them.

FivehourslaterandEvesaysshefeelslikeit’stimetopush.Thenursescallthe

doctorin,andhetellsherwhattodo.Twenty-fiveminutespassandoneachcontraction,

shepushes.Iholdherhandandtellhershecandothis.WhenIseethebaby’shead,Ifeel

likeIcouldpassout.Itfeelsasiftimeisinfastforwardandreadyornot,ourbabyis

coming.Asaman,andafathersomanythingsrunthroughyourmind.Ican’tpossibly

knowwhatisgoingoninEve’sbrain.ButIdoknowthatnomatterwhatwewilldothis

togetherbecauseoncesheishere,wewillforeverbeafamily.

“Onemore,Eve.Onthenextcontraction,youpushhard.”Thedoctortellsher.

Shelooksatmebriefly.Icanseethefearinhereyes.Ileandownnexttoherear.

“Yougotthis,Eve.Justonemorepushandwewillbeparents.”

Shenodsherheadandatearleaksfromthecornerofhereye.Thelastpush,andthe

doctorsays,“Happybirthday,toyourbabygirl.”

Wewaitforhercrytocomeanditfeelslikeeternity,butwhenherlittlecrycomes,

Eveandmyeyesarefulloftears.IgivemywifetobeakissbeforeIcutthecord.She

weighsfourpoundsandfiveounces.Sheissodamntiny.TheyletEveholdherforonlya

coupleofminutesbeforetheytakeherawaytotheNICU.Sheneedstobeventilated.My

heartwantsnothingmorethantogivehermylungs,soshecanbreatheeasier.

“Kevin,gowiththem.IneedyoutheretowatchAmeliaandmakesurenothing

happenstoher.”

“Amelia?Iloveit.”

WhenIleavetheroom,Iamtorn.IwantnothingmorethantostaywithEvethe

loveofmylife,butyetIcan’tasadadwithoutknowingmybabyisalright.Evetoldme,I

neededtobewithAmeliamorerightnowandshe’dfeelbetterknowingIwasthere.Ifind

theelevatorsuptothenextfloor.Iwatchthroughaglassdooratthedoctorandnurses

takingcareofmytinyAmelia.Iwantsobadlytogointhereandholdher,tobringher

intomyarmsandprotectherfromanythingbadhappeningtoher.Istaystandingherefor

alongtimejustwatching.Anursetellsmewhensheexitstheroomtogoandgetsome

rest,thatAmeliaisingoodhandsanddoingwell.IstayhereworriedthatifIleave

somethinghorriblewillhappen.Mymomtouchesmyshoulder,andIgiveheraquick

glancebeforeIputmyeyesbackonmybaby.

“She’ssotiny,Mom.”

“Yes,sheis,butdon’tworry,Kevin.She’saSteed,andthatmeanssheisafighter.”

“HowisEve?”

“Sheaskedmetocomegetyou.I’llstandguardwhileyougotoseeher.Ithinkshe

needsanupdate.”

“Ifanythingatallhappensyoupromisetocallme,right?”

“Yes,Son.Iwon’tletanythinghappentomyGrandbaby.”

ItakeonelastlookatAmeliabeforeIgobackdowntoEve’sroom.

Chapter29

TodayisfourweeksthatwehavebeenatthehospitalwithAmelia.She’sdoing

well,andwegettotakeherhometoday.BothKevinandIareexcitedtobringherhometo

getsettledandbeginourjourneyasparents.Amelia’sfirstweekinthebigoleworldwas

tough.Shewasonoxygenforthefirstthreedaysthenshedevelopedjaundice.Shehadto

bekeptunderthelightsfortendays.Shealsohadafeedingtubeasshewasn’tableto

suckonherown.Afterweeksofafeedingtube,shestartedtogainweight.Shewas

movedfromNICUdowntothematernitywardwhereIwasabletocareforhermoreon

myown.Sheiseatingonherownnowforthelastthreedaysandthedoctorsare

comfortableenoughtothinkwehaveturnedthecorner.

KevingoestogethiscarwhileIgetAmeliainhercarseat.WhenIsignedthe

dischargepapers,Ihappenedtoseethedate.Beinghere;onedayrunsintothenext,and

youlosetrackofthedate.TodaywassupposedtobemineandKevin’swedding.He

hasn’tsaidanythingaboutittome,butI’msureherealizesthatweweretobemarried

today.Iguessifyoumissyourownweddingthereisn’tabetterexcusetomissitthan

bringingyourfamilyhome.

Wemakethethree-hourtriphome,andIcan’twaittowalkthroughmydoorsand

startthiswonderfullife.Icouldn’tbeanyhappierthanIamrightnow.Iamonelucky

ladytohaveKevin’slove.Heisagoodman,evenwithallhisfuckupsinthepast.When

hepullsintoourdriveway,heturnstomeandsmiles.

“Youreadyforthis?”

“Morethanyouknow,”Isay.

HecarriesAmeliatothedoor,andIunlockit.WhenIgetinside,Ibreatheinthe

scentofhome.Ihavemissedthisplace.IknewwhenIboughtmyhomeIwantedittobe

astarterhome,butnowIwanttobehereforever,growingoldandgraywithKevin.

WatchingAmeliagrowup,tobecomeherownperson.Todayinawaystillhasmeaning,

andthisdatewillforeverbeinmyheart.Marriageornomarriage;it’sstilloneofthebest

daysofmylife.

Kevintakesourdaughtertothelivingroomandgetsheroutofhercarrier.“Come,

let’sshowourbabyhernewroom.”

“Heremptyroom?”

Heholdsourdaughtertohischest,andhethentakesmyhand.Heleadsmeupthe

staircase,andtellsmetoopenthedoor.IopenitandIamsurprisedbywhatIsee.Her

roomisallsetup,andit’severythingIhadwanted.

“Howdidyoudothis?”

“OurParentsdiditforus.Doyoulikeit?”

“Likeit,Iloveit.HowdidyouknowthisiseverythingIwanted?”

“Youwerewritingalistandlookingthingsup.YouhadthoughtIwassleeping,but

Iwasn’t.IwantedtomakesurewhenwebroughtAmeliahomeitwasallready.Ididn’t

wanttostressyouout.”

“Mr.Steed,youaresneaky,butIloveit.”

Iwalkaroundtheroom,runningmyhandsacrossthedarkwoodofthecrib,onthe

animalmobilethathangsaboveitandItouchthesoftcomforter.Iturntohim,andheis

sittingintherockingchairthatusedtobemymothers,withourdaughter.Kevinstretches

outhisarm,andIjointhem.IsitonhislapafterItakeAmeliaintomyarms.Hesnapsour

firstfamilypictureofusinourhome.

Iamstartledwhenasoftknockcomesonthedoor,thenitopensslightly.WhenI

seemymotheropenthedooralltheway,myeyesfillwithtears.Ihadnoideamyparents

wouldbehere.

“Mom,DadcomeseeyourGranddaughter,Amelia.”

Ihandherover,andmymotherisallsmileswhilesheholdsher.KevinandIgetup

toletherrockher.Ameliasleeps,neverwaking.AllIcanthinkisthatsheknowsshe’s

home.Myfatherstandsclosetothem,andKevinsnapsanotherpicture.

“Ihadnoideayouwouldbehere,”Isay.

“Well,wealreadyhadplansofcomingsinceitwassupposedtobeyourwedding

day.”Myfathersays.

MymomlaysAmeliainhercribandcoversherwiththesoftblanket.Astoughasit

wasweleaveherroomtolethersleep.WegodownstairswhereIgivemyparentsbig

hugs.Icouldn’tbeanyhappierthanIamrightnow.Tohavethemhereonthedaywe

broughtherhomemeanssomuchtome.Kevinmakesapotofcoffee,andwesitaround

thetabletalkingaboutthestayinthehospital.IcalledKevin’sparentsoverandMarie,of

course,broughtoverbrowniesshehadbaked.Myhomehasneverfeltlikethisbefore.

I’veneverhadsomanypeoplewhoIloveandlovemeback,fillthespaceIbought.This

righthereisthereasonwecallourprivateplaceahome.Iloveeverysingleminuteofit.

Myparentstellmetheyarestayingforaweek.MymomwantstomakesureIget

enoughrest,butIthinkshejustwantstobreatheinthebabyscent,andsnugglewith

Amelia.Spoilmybaby,likegrandparentsdo.I’mokaywithitbecauseItoowanttotake

ineveryminuteofherlife.

WhenAmeliawakes,Igouptoherroom.IchangeherdiaperthenIsitwithher

andnurseher.Oncesheisfed,Ibringherdownwithme.Mydadtakesherandholdsher

closetohischest.Herubsherback,andbeforeweknowit,bothofthemaresleepingin

therecliner.Igetmyphone,andItakeapicture.Iknowitwillbeapicturethatwillrepeat

overthenextfewyears.Mymomhasmanyofmydadandmejustlikethisfromthefirst

threeyearsofmylife.

Mariecomesandtellsusdinnerisready.Sheandmymomhadstartedcooking

whenIwentuptofeedAmelia.It’snothingfancy,justspaghettiandmeatballs,butit’s

special.Thesmellofgarlicbreadlingersintheair,andmystomachgrowls.Wealltakea

seatandbeforewediginBobsaysadinnerprayer.WhenIgazeatKevin,hegivesmea

wink.

Mydadswallowshisfoodandsays,“Kevin,whenisyournextfight?”

“TwodaysbeforetheNewYear.IwillleavethedayafterChristmasforthecity.”

“Idon’tlikethebigapple,”mymothersays.

Kevin,myparents,andhisparentscontinuetotalkabouthisnextfight.Ijustsit

heretakingitallin.IthinkabouthowwemissedThanksgiving.Iblurtoutwithout

thinking,“Mom,Dad,canyoustaytillChristmas?”Kevinlooksatme,andhiseyebrow

rises.MaybeIshouldhavediscussedthiswithhimfirst.

“Wewishwecould,Pumpkin,butwehavetohelpthechurchwithtoys.Wealready

signedup.”

“It’sokay.Iwasjustasking.”

Wefinishedwithdinner,andweallwenttothelivingroomafter.Wesataround

talking,andmydadhasbecomethebabyhog.Ilovethebondheisformingwithhis

granddaughter.WhenItookherfromhimtofeedherandputherdownforthenight,I

couldseehedidn’twanttolethergo.MyfatherandIalwayshadagoodrelationship,and

Ialreadyknowhewillspoilherwithloveandgiftseventhoughtherearemanymiles

betweenus.

ShortlyafterIgetAmeliadownforthenight.Ishouldsayforafewhours,Boband

Mariewenthome,andmyparentsretiredfortheevening.KevinandIcrawlintobedalso.

Icurlmyselfintohiswarmbody.Itfeelswonderfulbeinginourbedtogether.Fourweeks

isalongtimetobeawayfromallofthis.

“Iloveyou,Kevin.Happynon-weddingday.”

“Don’tyoustartthinkingyouaregettingoutofbeingmywife.Wewillbemarried

soonenough.”

“Ican’twaittobeMrs.Kevin‘Lightning’Steed.”

Itiltmyheadupandgivehimakiss.Iwrapmyarmoverhischestandheputshis

aroundmetoo.HeistheonlybodypillowIneedrightnow.Idriftofftosleepfeeling

blessed.

Chapter30

Thedayshaveturnedintoweeks,timeisflyingbyfasterthanIwant.Tomorrowis

ChristmasEveandwehaven’tevenhadachancetodecorateaChristmastree.It’sbeen

setupinthelivingroomforaweeknow.Itsitsinthesamewindowaslastyear,butthis

year,it’smuchbigger.Kevininsistedwegetasix-foot-talltree.Ittakesupsomuchspace

andIkindamissthelittletinyoneIhadlikelastyear.AmeliaisnappingsoIgetthe

monitorandgouptotheattic.IbringdownthesmallboxofornamentsIhave.Mostof

themarefrommychildhoodthatmymothergavemeeveryyear.Isearchforlightsand

findsomeatthebottomofthebox.Iunrollthemandplugthemintomakesurethey

work.FourstrandslaterIhavetwothatwork.

Thefrontdooropensandthewindfromthewinterairblowsin.Igetthechills,but

whenIturntolook,it’sKevinwithhishandsfullofbags.Igetupoffthefloorandhelp

him.Isetbagsontopofthecouchandstartlookingthroughthem.It’sfulloflights,

ornamentsandeverythingyoucouldpossiblewantfordecorations.

“Youarealwaysfullofsurprises.Nowthishugetreewon’tlooksobare.”

Igivehimakiss,“Youcangothroughallthestuff.Thethingsyoudon’twantwe

cansaveortakeback.I’mgoingtogoupandgetourDaughter.”Hesays,takingabag

withhimwhenheleaves.

Ismileknowingheprobablygotmesomething.Itakeeverythingoutofthebags

andlookthroughallthestuff.Idecidetodoallclearlightsonthetree,itwillgogreatwith

thesilvershinnyballs.Kevincomesdownstairswithoursleepingdaughter.Heputsherin

thebassinetthenhelpsmestringthelightsandplacetheornaments.Wesnapafew

picturesofusaroundourfirsttreeasafamily.AfterwardKevinstringslightsallaround

thelivingroomgivingitawarmglowthenhegoesoutsideandhangslightsontheporch.

HowluckyamIthathelovesChristmas?Mostmencouldgivetwoshitsaboutallthis

decoratingstuff.

Bythetimetheeveningcomesweorderapizzafordinner,watchacoupleof

Christmasmoviesandcallitanight.TomorrowwehavedinnerplanswithClintandhis

wife.Iamlookingforwardtogettingoutofthehouseforsomethingotherthanrunning

errands.ThenextfewdaysKevinandIwillspendasmuchtimetogetheraswecanbefore

hegoestothecityforaweek.WedecidedthatI’llstayhomewithAmeliawhilehegoes

forhisfight.Bothofusarebeingprotectiveofher.Neitheroneofusarewantingherona

plane,justyet.

“Eve,wakeupsleepyhead.”

IsitupstraightinbedandKevinlaughs.Herunshishanddownmyhair.“Nice

hair-do.”

Ilookoverattheclockandit’sseveninthemorning.“Amelia,issomethingwrong

withher?”

“No,shejustwokeup.”

“Shesleptthroughthenight?”

Hestandsfromthebedandholdsoutahand.“Comeon,she’shungry.Howdidit

feeltosleepallnight?”

“Youhavenoideahowgooditfelt.”

Ifollowhimdownstairs.Ameliacriesfromherbounceseat.Igorighttoher.

“She’sbeenchangedalready.I’llgetyousomecoffee.”

Isitwithherinmyarmsandfeedher.Kevinbringsmecoffeeandheisnothingbut

smilesthismorning.Agoodnight’ssleepmusthavedonehimsomegoodaswell.He

leansdowntomeonthecouchandgivesmeakissonthelipsthengivesonetoour

daughteronherforehead.Hewalksovertothetreeandplugsthelightsin.Hedoesthisto

allthelightshestrungaroundtheroom.ThisChristmasEveissoverydifferentfromlast

year’s.Theonlythingthatcouldmakethisonebetteristohavemyparentshere.Mymom

hadcalledlastweektellingmethatmydadandhercouldn’tmakeitbutpromisedtobe

herenextyear.Iwasdisappointed,butIunderstood.Afterallitismewhomovedsomany

milesaway.

KevincomesandtakesAmeliafrommeandputsherinthebasinetIwalkoverto

thetreeandlookoutside,Ithinkbackonwatchinghisfamilydancearoundtheliving

roomayearago.

“Istoodinthisspotlastyear.YouweredancingwithyourNiece.Thehousewasso

litupIcouldseeeverything.”

“Diditmakeyouwishitwasyouinmyarms?”

Iletoutalaugh,“Yeah,Idid.Herewasthiscrazyguy,helpingmewiththesmallest

treeintheworldandhewouldn’ttakenoforananswer.Ididn’tknowyou,butyea,I

wantednothingmorethantobetheoneyoutwirledaroundinthelivingroom.ButIwas

lonelythatnight.It’sprobablywhyIwantedthatlunaticsobadly.”

“ThankheavensforyoubeinglonelyorelseIwouldn’tbewithyourightnow.”He

sayswithabigsmileandwink.“Ihavesomethingforyou.”Hehandsmeasmallbox.

“Youdon’twantmetowaittilltomorrow?”

“No,openit.”

Iopentheboxandit’stwogoldhandsintertwined.“Iloveit.Thankyou,Babe.”

Igotohangitonthetree.“Eve,beforeyouhangthatcanyoureadtheback.”

Iturnitover,andmyheartskipsabeat.Ipeekupathimandhiseyesmeetmine.

“Areyouserious?”

“Veryserious.Ican’twaitanotherdaywithoutyoubeingmywife.IloveyouandI

can’tthinkofabetterdaytomarryyou,thanonthedatewhenIsawthisstrawberry

blondegetoutofhercarandruntoherfrontdoor.Ihadtothinkofsomethingfasttosay

toyou.Ihadtoseeyourbeautyupclose.Whenyoucamerunningbackouttoyourcar,

youtookmybreathaway.DeepdownIknewyouweretheoneforme.Ineverpictureda

futureofhavingawife,orkidsuntilImetyou.Ican’twaitanylonger.”Hegetsdownon

onekneeinfrontofme,“Eve,willyoumarrymetodayandmakemethehappiestman?”

ThedoorbellringsandIwipeatthetearsstreamingdownmycheeks.“How?”I

ask.“It’sChristmasEve.IstheresomeonewhomarriespeopleonChristmasEve?”

“Goopenthedoor,andyouwillhaveyouranswer.”

Iruntothedooranxioustoseewhoitis.IopenthedoorinahurryandMarieand

Bobstandthere.I’mconfused.IglancebackatKevinandhesmiles.

“Welldon’tkeepanoldmanwaiting,”Bobsays.“Arewegettinghitchedtoday?”

Ihavenowords,butKevinsays,“Shehasn’tgivenmeanansweryet.Eve,myDad

canmarryus.Hetookthecourse,sohecould.”

“Youhavebeenplanningthis?”

“Absolutely.”

“Kevin,Ican’tmarryyouwithoutmyparentsbeinghere.”

“Youwon’thaveto,wearerighthere.”

Whenmyfather’svoiceissoclearIspin,andmyparentscomefromthekitchen

andrightbehindthemmybestfriendTracy.Iamblownaway.OnceagainKevinhas

surprisedme.

“Eve,answerthemanbeforeyougivehimaheartattack,”saysTracy.

“Yes,ohmyGod,yes.”

Kevinpicksmeupandtwirlsmearoundincircles.Iholdhisfacebetweenmy

handswhileIkissthemanIlove.

“Okaylovebirds,wehaveawedding.SavesomeofthatforwhenyourParents

aren’tintheroom.”EveryonelaughsatTracy.Leaveittohertobethejokester.

IgoupstairswithTracy,myMomandMarie.Theytakemeintothesparebedroom

wheretheyhavemyweddingdressalllaidoutonthebed.Ilooktothemwithshock.How

didtheyknowthiswasthedressIhadwanted?Ipickitupbythecornersoftheshoulders

andholdittomyfront.Iwalkovertothefull-lengthmirror.

“Youaregoingtobeabeautifulbride,Eve.”IseeMarieinthereflection.

“Howdidyouallpullthisoff?Imeantheplanningandgettingthedress,I

wanted?”

“MySoncanbesneakywhenhewantssomething.Hewentintoyourcomputer

lookingforanysiteyoumayhavevisited.Hefoundthatyouhadmarkedafewdressesand

therewasonethatyouhadmarkedontwosites.Heaskedmetogoandgetitforyou.”

“Mom,howlonghaveyouknownaboutthis?”

“SincethedayyoubroughtAmeliahome.”

“Howdidyoudoit?Youaren’tgoodatkeepingsecrets.”

“Oh,Ialmostslippedafewtimes.”Shesayswithlaughterinhervoice.“Ihave

somethingforyou,youdon’thavetouseitifyoudon’twantto.”

ShehandsmeaboxandIopenthelid.ImovethetissuepaperoutofthewayandI

bringasmallwhitedressout.Iholdittomychest.“Iloveit,Mom.”

“Imadeitfrommyweddingdress.”

“Oh,Mom,sheisgoingtolooklikeanangel.Thankyousoverymuch.”Igivemy

momabighugastearsrolldownmyface.

“Okay,Ladies,enoughwiththemushystuff.Weneedourbridetogetinthe

shower.”That’sTracyforya,keepingthingsmoving.

“Wait,Ihaveonemorething.”

MymomgivesmeanotherboxandIopenit.Ipulloutherweddingveil.Iusedto

playwithitwhenIwasyoung.“Ican’tbelieveyoustillhavethis.Itwillbeanhonorto

wearthistoday.”

“Youhavefifteenminutestobeshowered.Makesureyoushaveallthegoodparts.

Wewouldn’twantyournewhubbytofeelstubblesonthoselittlelegsofyours.”

IgivemybestfriendTracyabighug.“Canyoubelievethisishappening?Ialways

thoughtyouwouldbethefirsttomarry.”

“Icanbelieveit.YouareagoodpersonandKevinisluckytohaveyou.Nowscoot

beforeIstealhimformyself.”

Igotoleavetheroom,stoppingatthedoorIturnandsay,“Thankyou.Thankyou

forbeingmyfamilyandforeverythingyouhaveeverdoneforme.”Ismileandwalk

away.

ItakeashowerandshavelikeTracyhadsaid.Ileavethebathroomwithmyrobeon

andatowelonmyhead.IgobacktothespareroomwherealadyIdon’tknowsitsina

chairinofthecorneroftheroom.Shegetsupandcomestomewithherhandout.

“I’mPatFox,I’llbedoingyourhairandmakeuptoday.”

“Hi,Pat.”Isitinthechairthatissetupinfrontofthefull-lengthmirror.

Shestartstocombthroughmystrawberryblondehair,“Wouldyoulikeitupor

down?”

“Youdowhateveryouwant.You’retheProfessional,notme.”

Anhourlatermyhairisdoneinanup-do.Shestartsonmymakeupanditonly

takeshertwentyminutes.Whensheisalldone,Ilooklikeabridewhoisreadytoclaim

herprince.MymomcomesintheroomwithAmeliaandshesitswithmewhileIfeedher.

Wetalkaboutherweddingday,athingwehavedonealotinthepast.Ilovehearingthe

storyofmyparent’sday.Nowit’smyturnandIwanttobeabletodothiswithmyown

daughtersomeday.

“Youaremarryingagoodperson,Eve.Icouldn’thavepickedabetterpersonifI

couldhavedoneitmyself.Ijusthaveonepieceofadviceforyou.”

“What’sthat?”

“Keepnosecrets,tellnolies,andtelleachotheryoulovethemeveryday,evenif

youaremad.”

“Thanks,Mom.Iwillrememberthat.”

Marieopensthedoorasliverandwewaveherin.MymomtakesAmeliafromme

toputherinhernewdressbeforeshegoestochangeherself.MarieandTracyarealready

intheirgownsandhelpmeintomine.TracywearsaredgownthatIhadpickedmonths

ago.Mariewearsaredgowntoo,butadifferentdesignandIloveit.Theydoupthe

zipperonmydressandIcan’tbelieveitfitsmeperfectly.Mymomcomesback,andshe

looksbeautifulinherredgownthatmatchesMarie’s.Iloveit.

Mydadcomesintotheroomandsays,“Areyouready?”

“Iam,Dad.Areyou?”

“AfatherisneverreadytogivehisDaughteraway,butIkindoflikeKevin,soI’ll

letitflythisonetime.”

HegivesmethesmilethatIlovesomuchabouthimandItakehiselbowwhenhe

offersittome.HehelpsmedownthestairsandwhenwegettothebottomstepTracy

handsmemydaughter.Musicstartstoplay,andthefrontdooropens.Iseealltheloveand

thoughtthatKevinputintoourweddingday.Hemakeseyecontactwithmeasmyfather

leadsmedownthepathtohim.Hestandsonmyfrontsidewalk,nexttoaburningfirepit.

Ilookaroundandthereareafewplacedaroundourguests.WhenIreachhim,hehas

wateryeyesandItouchthesideofhisface.God,Iamaveryblessedperson.

Bobstartstoreadfromanotebook.IplaceAmeliainTracy’sarmsbeforewesay

ourvowsandplaceringsoneachother’sfingers.Hepicksmeupwhenhisfather

pronouncedushusbandandwife.Ibendtokissmyhusbandashetwirlsusaroundina

circle.

“LadiesandGentlemen,Mr.andMrs.KevinSteed.”

Heputsmedownandwekissonemoretimebeforehepicksmeupagainand

carriesmeacrossthestreettohisparent’shome.Insidethegarageisalldeckedoutforour

reception.Ourfamiliesandfriendsjoinus.Wehaveasit-downdinner,servedbycaterers

hehired.WehaveourfirstdanceandthereisnoplaceelseIwouldeverwanttobe.He

mayhavefighter’ssizearms,buttheyarethemostlovingarmsawomancouldaskfor.He

maythrowpunchesandlandsidekickstofaces,butheisagentlesoul.Whatstartedoutas

carryingasimpleCharlieBrowntreeintomyhomeandstringingthelightsonit,turned

intohimhavinglitalightaroundmyheartthathasnoend.HeismyChristmasgiftand

myMMAfighterforever.

ThankyouforreadingAChristmasforEve.MerryChristmasandHappyNewYear.

OXOXOX–MichaelJames

Document Outline

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
The Quest for Tanelorn Michael Moorcock
The Quest for Tanelorn Michael Moorcock
Banishing Burnout Six Strategies for Im Michael P Leiter
Crymsyn Hart & Dahlia Rose How to Ruin Christmas for a Vampire (pdf)(1)
all i want for christmas song worksheet
Driving Home For Christmas
Kinkade 028 2, I ll Be Home For Christmas
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY TWO FRONT TEETH
Wishes For Christmas
All i want for christmas is you
Patterson James & Ledwidge Michael Michael Bennett 01 Negocjator
Patterson, James Run For Your Life
Patterson James & Ledwidge Michael Szybki numer
Emma Petersen [Twelfth Night 11] All I Want for Christmas (pdf)
Nora Roberts Home For Christmas
Mark Alders A Human for Christmas
Home For Christmas Stewart Isl Tracey Alvarez

więcej podobnych podstron

A Christmas For Eve Michael James

Document Outline