Sucker Punch (TKO #4) (7 page)

Chapter 12

Austin

I can’t believe Paige agreed to this date. I was nervous as hell to get behind the wheel of a vehicle again, but with a little pep talk from Ruston, I decided it’s now or never. I can’t live scared all my life because of one little—okay, pretty big—mistake I made. My car has sat up ever since the accident. I’d have Ruston go start it occasionally for me, and now I get to drive again.

I pull up to Paige’s apartment complex and immediately recognize it. She lives by Raegan and Garrett. What a small damn world.

One knock at the door and she answers, looking so damn beautiful. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world as she lets me hold her hand to my car. I open the door for her and watch as her eyes widen. “This is your car?”

“This is my baby.” I smile. I hate I wrecked Ruston’s truck but I would have been devastated if I had wrecked this beauty.

“It’s nice,” she says before I shut the door. I walk around to the driver’s side, giving myself a pep talk the whole time. We aren’t going far. For my first time back behind the wheel, I didn’t want to venture too far out. I’m taking baby steps.

I turn down the radio as I drive away from the complex. She looks a little nervous, and I guess I don’t blame her. “I’m glad you decided to come out with me tonight.”

“I am too. After the past few days of work, I think this was a good idea.”

I haven’t seen Paige since that night at Joe’s. I just can’t get enough of her. I pull into a local burger joint up the road and park the car. I get out wondering why people are staring, but then I remember I don’t wear my prosthetic anymore. They’ll just have to get used to it. I can’t stay locked inside a damn apartment. I have a life too.

I open the door for Paige and we both walk inside to order. We sit down after I pay, waiting for the waitress to bring us our food. We start talking a little. I’m finding I like her more and more with every word she says.

“So yeah, I decided I wanted to be a nurse and my parents backed me one hundred percent through nursing school. It wasn’t easy, but I made it through,” she tells me.

“Why? Because you wouldn’t have met me?” I joke with her.

“Pretty much. To be honest, this is the first date I’ve been on in years.” She looks down into her drink nervously.

“Really? Can I ask why?” I don’t want to pry, but for someone as beautiful as she is to not have been on a date in years—I just can’t believe that.

She looks up from her drink and a sadness fills her eyes. “I just haven’t had time. I work a lot and that’s my life.”

“I understand,” I tell her as our burgers get placed in front of us. I ordered mine almost plain just to be safe. I don’t know how holding a burger will work and I don’t want to make a mess.

I watch her take a bite of her burger and smile. I’m glad she’s not one of those picky eating females. “This is so good,” she says. “I’ve never been here before.”

“Yeah, they make really good burgers. I liked to come here occasionally before my accident,” I tell her.

“Can I ask what happened that night?” she sets her burger down.

I gulp, wondering if she really wants to know. I lived it but I haven’t quite ever talked about it since. I know Ruston, Tamilyn and I all had our apologies and everything but no one has ever sat and discussed it. “Yeah, I’ll tell you.”

I begin to tell her the whole story about Tamilyn and how I didn’t know she had been seeing my cousin, her best friend, pretty much the entire time. I assured Paige that Tamilyn and I were never anything official and we all get along now. I had to stop when I got to the part about catching them sleeping together that night. I told her about my suspicions in all of it and how it broke me to know I was right. I told her about the fight in the front yard and how I sped off in Ruston’s truck because he and I rode together that night.

“Then there was the accident, and that’s how I ended up in the hospital.”

Paige’s eyes fill with tears which look like they might spill any moment now. “I’m so sorry Austin.”

I’m guessing she doesn’t know what else to say. Can’t blame her there. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I should have never gotten behind the wheel of that truck and drove off like I did. I’m alive and that’s all I can be thankful for.”

She wipes her eyes and we finish eating. I watch as she takes another sip of her soda before looking up at me. “When I saw you in ICU that first time, I wondered what happened to make you lose your arm. I got filled in by another nurse your injury had happened in a car accident.”

“I remember thinking when I woke up about how lucky I was that someone so beautiful was in the same room and not looking at me like I was some sort of monster.”

“You’re no monster, Austin. You’re the same as everyone else, you just lost your arm. If someone judges you for that, then shame on them.”

My God, I could almost kiss her right now, but I may try at the end of the date. We sit and talk a little while longer. I notice her checking her phone. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, of course. I was just seeing what time it is. I have to work in the morning.” She smiles.

“Well, why didn’t you say something? I don’t want to keep you too late.”

“Thank you,” she says, scooting her chair back.

We both walk outside. I’m having probably the best damn night of my life. I’m on fucking cloud nine and no one can pull me out of it.

“Why don’t you go back into hiding, freak?” A voice comes from out of nowhere. The hair on my arm stands on end. What the fuck?

Paige gasps and I turn to see where the voice is coming from. A smug guy in a muscle shirt is staring at me with his arms crossed. He’s staggering, clearly drunk, and I’m not in the mood for this. This guy can’t be picking a fight here, not right now. But he is.

“What the fuck did you say to me?” I step towards him, making sure Paige is behind me. I won’t let anything happen to her.

“You heard me you, one-arm freak.” I knew people could be cruel, but even when I had both arms, I would have never treated anyone disabled this way.

“Just what the fuck is your problem? Let me enjoy my night and go enjoy yours. I’ll even forget the asshole remarks you just made.”

“You know she probably just feels sorry for you.”

I take another step closer to him. I know the rules of Lou’s. I can’t fight outside of the gym or I’ll be terminated but I haven’t exactly been on the roster to fight lately, and this asshole is begging for it. “You may want to shut the fuck up now.”

“What are you going to do? Hit me with one arm?”

“Austin, he’s not worth it,” Paige says from behind me.

“Honey, why don’t you just come with me? I’ll show you what being with a real man is like,” the guy says to her. I notice out of the corner of my eye a small crowd is beginning to form around us. I should walk away, but he just won’t quit running his fucking mouth.

I step closer and throw a hook against his cheek. He spits blood and his gaze turns furious. He tries to punch me back but I block him. I guess training again has paid off. He tries again and his fist barely grazes my cheek. He tries to push me but I grab hold of his shirt and slam him to the ground.

Hell, I do still have it in me. The fight never left.

“You got fucking lucky,” he seethes.

I pick my foot up and slam it into his chest. “No, you got lucky. You better pray I never see you again.”

I move my foot and turn away from him. The crowd formed around us moves out of my way. No one says a word. Poor Paige, she looks terrified and I hate she had to see that. I reach for her hand and let out an inward sigh of relief when she takes it. I get her in the car and look toward the guy to make sure he isn’t trying to cause more shit. When I see he’s still lying on the ground, I get in the car and start up the engine. I begin to drive away before I say anything to Paige. I can only imagine what’s going through her head right now and with my luck, this is the only date we’ll ever have.

Chapter 13

Paige

What started out as a good first date turned into a nightmare. I don’t blame him for punching the guy. He was a complete asshole. I can’t believe he had the audacity to say the things he did to Austin. I’m at a loss for words right now, though. I was honestly thinking Austin was just going to blow him off and walk away.

We’re driving away from the burger place. I’m guessing he’s just going to bring me home now. I told him I work early in the morning and I do. I also have to go get Darla.

“I’m so sorry you had to see that, Paige,” he sighs as he drives. I turn to look at him. His face is beet red and he’s breathing rapidly.

“It’s fine. He deserved that. I’m sorry you were singled out like that,” I tell him. I want to know how he’s feeling inside. I can’t imagine having someone say such cruel things to me.

“I guess it was bound to happen eventually. I just wish it wasn’t tonight. I wanted to give you a good date and he ruined it,” he growls, and I’m guessing if he could, he’d punch the steering wheel right now.

“He didn’t ruin it, I promise, Austin.” He pulls into my apartment complex and parks the car. “I really did have a great time.”

I unbuckle my seatbelt and do the gutsiest thing I’ve done in a long time. I lean towards him and place my hands on each side of his face.

“What are you doing?” he asks with a sad tone to his voice. “Remember? I’m a freak.”

“Well, you’re my freak,” I tell him before I softly press my lips against his. He doesn’t kiss me back at first; I think he’s in shock. I move my lips before bringing them back again. This time, his lips part and I finally get to taste him. The tension in his body eases and he relaxes into the kiss. My heart is beating so rapidly in my chest, I wonder if he can hear it. I break the kiss and gaze into his eyes.

“I was supposed to do that tonight.” He chuckles.

“Well, I beat you to it. Thank you for a great night.”

“Does this mean you’ll see me again?” he asks with a hopeful tone in his voice.

“Definitely. Goodnight, Austin,” I tell him as I lean in one more time for another kiss.

I get out of his car and wave to him and walk towards my apartment and go inside while I wait for him to leave. Once he’s gone, I’ll get in my car and go pick up Darla.

I lean against the front door and bring my hand to my lips. That kiss—it made everything that happened tonight worth it.

I let about ten minutes pass before I step back outside and head to my car. Raegan is getting out of her car and smiles at me. “Hey neighbor!”

“Hey Raegan!” I greet her.

It’s simple as that. As quickly as she said hi, she is heading to her place. She has a few bags in her hands and I turn to see her apartment door opening. That must be her boyfriend Garrett that Austin told me about.

I get into my car and head to my parents’ house. I can’t wait to see my Darla.

I pull up to their house and walk straight in. Mom looks surprised to see me. I guess she was thinking I’d be late or something. “Hey Paige, how was the date?”

“It was fine. We ate burgers and then some guy picked a fight with him.”

Mom’s eyes widen and I know it’s time to explain. I tell her about how I originally met Austin and how he lost his arm. She gasps, probably feeling sorry for him, but I tell her how sweet he is and how he’s overcome what he’s been through. I tell her the remarks the guy made and how Austin didn’t back down and let this guy walk all over him. I’m waiting for her to tell me I shouldn’t see him again, but instead she applauds his actions. She’s glad he got me out of the way and stood up for himself.

“He was worried the whole night was ruined, Mom. It was so sweet.”

“If you keep seeing him, we’d love to meet him. Right, honey?” She looks at my dad.

“Of course. Darla just passed out. Do you just want her to sleep here, Paige?” he asks me. I hate I drove here to find her asleep and I hate the feeling I’m putting them out.

“Y’all watch her enough. I don’t want to burn anyone out,” I tell them.

“Paige, you’re not. Darla is our granddaughter and we love spending time with her. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

I know I shouldn’t be, and I also know they are right. “Fine, if you guys insist. I love you for everything you do for the both of us.”

“And we love you two too,” Mom tells me. “So tell me some more about this Austin fella.”

I smile and Dad just rolls his eyes and walks back into the living room. I sit at the table with Mom and tell her everything I know. She’s smiling as big as I am by the time it’s all over with. I never talked this excitedly about Brendan with her and she notices.

***

I awaken to a quiet house, remembering Darla stayed with my parents. It’s time for me to get up and get ready for yet another day of work. Nora got text confirmation about the date. All I told her was everything went great. I figure I’ll give her the full details in person.

I clock in and notice she’s not here yet. Usually we meet in the parking lot, but today I didn’t see her there. As soon as I close my locker, I hear her voice.

“Hey hooker, I’m ready for the details of this date!” she says as she walks to her locker.

I grin and begin telling the same story my mom heard last night. When I get to the part about the fight, her eyes widen, just like Mom’s. I laugh—I can’t help it. I left out the kiss to my mom but I tell Nora all about it.

She gets all giddy. “So, when are you seeing him again?”

“Nor, seriously, you know it’s not that easy for me. I have a kid, I can’t just go out on dates all of the time,” I remind her.

“I know. Just let me be excited for you, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I chuckle. One great date doesn’t constitute completely letting my walls down. Some walls need to stay up a little longer.

I check my phone one last time before I begin my shift. Austin just sent his typical good morning text. I reply before shutting my locker. I sure do plan on having a good day.

One of my patients this morning is a young girl who just had a small surgery and is in recovery. As soon as she wakes, she can be transferred from ICU to a regular room. I grab her chart and look it over. She’s only nine years old and I read her appendix had to be immediately removed. Poor little girl. I turn and see a bouquet of flowers on the desk of the nurse’s station. I go and grab one to set it on her chest. That way, when she comes to, she’ll have something beautiful to look at.

I have to go check on another patient and I hope I’ll be there when this little girl wakes. I walk back out of the room and continue on my rounds. Since losing a patient the other day, I’ve been a little nervous to walk into these rooms. Not knowing what was going to happen just constantly ate at me. Today things are going well though. I see a few patients get to leave ICU while others hang onto their lives. These people are fighters, and I admire each and every single one of them.

I make my way back to the little girl’s room. As I walk in, she is being prepared to move out of ICU. She looks up and smiles at me. That warms my heart so much. She clings to the flower as they finish prepping her. I step out and think about what a great day this is so far.

I take my lunch break soon after and check my phone as I bite into the turkey sandwich I made this morning. There’s a message from Austin and a message from Brendan. Talk about a buzzkill. I open Austin’s message but ignore Brendan’s. He’s the one who told me to leave him alone, and I will.

Austin: I got in trouble for my fight last night.

Paige: What do you mean?

Austin: Fighting outside of the gym isn’t allowed. Even though this wasn’t my fault.

Paige: I’m sorry.

Austin: I’m not trying to ruin your day, I just wanted to talk to you and that sorta came out.

Paige: I don’t mind. I’m just on lunch.

Another message from Brendan pops up and I groan. My gosh, what is his problem? I decide to torture myself and see what the hell he wants.

Brendan: What the hell are these papers I got served today?

Brendan: Paige, fucking answer me. I don’t owe you shit. We already talked about this.

Oh hell, I completely forgot about the child support papers I had filed. I’ve been doing this on my own and doing a damn good job but I’m tired of letting him live an easy life. My mom sat there with me while I filled them out weeks ago. I wanted her help in case any something confused me. I can’t believe that slipped my mind.

Paige: I don’t have to answer anything for you, Brendan. I’m leaving you alone like you asked.

Brendan: You fucking bitch. You won’t get a fucking dime from me.

Paige: We’ll see about that. Leave me alone. It’s time you own up to your responsibilities. Either that or sign your rights away like you probably should have done to begin with.

Brendan: Where do I sign then, because you aren’t getting my money.

What a selfish fucking asshole.

Paige: You know what? I’ll talk with my lawyer and I’ll let you know.

Truth is, I don’t have a lawyer, but I guess now I’ll need to find out just how to make all of his fucking dreams come true. What the hell did I ever see in him? I’m so agitated I toss the half of my sandwich I hadn’t eaten yet and throw my phone into my locker. I see there is another message from Austin, but it can wait. Brendan just ruined everything.