Page 50 of Army
“Sounds like we should get a bite to eat. I could go for a burger.”
A juicy hamburger with a thick tomato and crispy lettuce sounded like the best idea in the world, and her mouth salivated at the thought. “I know a great burger restaurant.”
“Is it Big Bobby’s?” His eyes twinkled.
“Yes! At least we have the same taste in food.”
“We have a lot more than that, baby.” He swept his mouth across hers.
She pulled away. “I’m still sore at you. Let me freshen up. Give me about fifteen minutes or so.”
“Okay.” His gaze lingered on her face, and there was such tenderness in those blue eyes that she almost wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“All right then.” She turned around and rifled through her locker until she couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore. With the gym bag clenched in her hand, she went over to the shower area. Mia went to the sink and cupped her hands under the faucet then splashed cool water over her face. Taking her towel from the bag, she patted her skin.I really lost it. What the fuck was that all about? Finn.I’m so worried about him.I have to help him. Get him a good attorney.As much as she didn’t want to admit it to herself, Army’s words had hurt and disappointed her because she really liked him … too much, although she had no intention of telling him that. She was too terrified of falling for him.I’m supposed to be strong and independent, not fearful and teary-eyed. What is it with this guy?
After Mia had taken a quick shower, swiped a coat of sparkling plum gloss on her lips, and slipped into her black denim skirt and multi-colored knit top, she pulled on her ankle boots, grabbed her purse and gym bag, and left the locker room. Scanning the main area, she saw Army by the weights. The muscles of his butt flexed under the fabric of his tight jeans as he bent over and picked up one of the dumbbells. The sight made her breath catch in her throat as she imagined what he’d look like naked, hovering over her as he roughly pinned her arms above her. When Army’s gaze locked on Mia’s, her heart gave a sharp thump, and as he threw her a devastating smile, she felt her insides melting. She licked her lips then started walking toward him when a voice called out her name. Casting a sidelong glance to the left, she froze as panic threw a few punches to her gut.What the hell is Noe doing here?She darted her gaze back to Army and saw him glaring at Noe as he approached her.
“You look great, Mia,” Noe said as his gaze swept over her then lingered on her breasts.
She folded her arms across her chest. “Thanks. So, what are you doing here?”
“I was in the area so I stopped by to say hi. Let me give you a hug.” He put his arms around her and gave her a light squeeze. “You smell fucking good too,” he said in a low voice.
She stepped back, her arms still folded. “I … uh … have—”
“Plans,” Army said behind her, his voice hard. He came over and looped his arm around her shoulder and pressed her close. Mia leaned into him and saw the angry sparks in Noe’s eyes. The two men stood staring at each other, nostrils flaring like two bulls ready to charge.
Glancing at Army, she gestured to Noe. “Noe is a friend of my brother’s. He’s in town on business.” Army grunted. She turned to Noe. “And this is Army.” Noe hissed. “And this”—she swept her arm around—“is where I train. Army’s brother is a fighter. He’s being looked at very seriously by the recruits to go pro. I know he’ll make it. You should see him fight—he’s awesome,” she prattled as the two men kept their staring match going.
“You heading out?” Goliath asked as he came over, his eyes darting between her, Army, and Noe.
“I am.” She pointed at Noe. “This is a friend of my brother’s. He just stopped by to say hi.” Goliath extended his hand, and Noe hesitated before taking it. “Goliath owns Champion, and he’s a three-title heavyweight winner.” That seemed to pique both Noe and Army’s attention, and they turned away from each other.
“I didn’t know that, dude. Impressive as fuck,” Army said.
“That’s quite a legacy. Do you still fight?” Noe asked.
“Nope. Retired and opened this training center. The wife’s glad.”
Happy that the crackling tension between the two men had been temporarily broken, she tugged Army’s hand. “We better get going,” she said softly.
Noe glanced at her, but he seemed intrigued by Goliath, and the fact that the owner was even talking to her brother’s friend was huge and showed her how much Goliath cared about her. Goliath was a man ofveryfew words, and when it came to his past fighting days, he rarely spoke about it.
“I’ll call you,” Noe said, looking down at her hand in Army’s. “And I’ll see you on Sunday.”
Army’s fingers tightened around hers in a vise-like grip, and she bumped against his arm. “You’re crushing my hand,” she whispered.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, easing up.
When they got to the parking lot, Army walked with her to the car.
“I thought we’d take our own cars.”
“I came with Taylor,” he said, putting his hand on the door handle.
“That works then. I can’t wait to get to the restaurant—I’m beyond starved.” She slid inside and turned on the ignition.
“Who’s the asshole?” Army pulled the seatbelt and fastened it behind him.
