Page 40 of The Date

Damn you, lady parts. Damn you.

Chapter 14

Bronson

As soon as my meeting ends, I rush home, shower, change, and head back into the CBD, driving through the Harbour City Tunnel towards the address Rose sent me earlier. I’m hoping to get there in time to see her in action.

I feel like I’ve been walking around with the bluest set of balls known to man these past few days, so watching her kick the shit out of a punching bag probably isn’t going to help matters. If anything, I suspect it’s only going to make things considerably worse.

I’ve always prided myself on having self-control, but Rose has a knack for making me forget I ever had any. I thought putting some distance between us and delaying the inevitable would be better for both of us. I was wrong.

All it’s done is push me to the brink of insanity. She consumes my every waking thought, and at night, she haunts my dreams. I fucking crave that woman like no other. Her mouth, her body, every delicious inch. I’ve spent days telling myself to be patient, to give her time, to do things right. But I’m done waiting.

Tonight, she’s mine. And if things go the way I’m hoping, I won’t be settling for one nightcap; I’ll be staying for the whole damn bottle.

I park the car and cross the street, heading for Roundhouse, where Rose takes her classes. I have no idea what awaits me when I get there, but I’m eager to watch her bust out some moves. Since she has a black belt in BJJ, I know I’ll be impressed and possibly even more turned on than I already am.

I’ve changed into dark jeans and a grey Henley. I would’ve looked like a nob if I’d turned up in a suit. I stop on the sidewalk beside the large windows and glance inside. My eyes scan the space, but I see no sign of her at first.

The Roundhouse is alive with an energetic, steady hum of activity. Heavy bags sway from chains overhead, and I can hear the dull thud of fists and feet echoing through the space from out here. Exposed brick climbs the walls. Mats cover most of the floor, surrounded by racks of gloves and training equipment.

My gaze finally finds Rose, and, Jesus fucking Christ. The top she’s wearing looks more like a sports bra than an actual top, leaving her toned stomach completely exposed.

My eyes drop before I can stop them, landing on her teeny-tiny shorts. They barely seem big enough to qualify as clothing, hugging her hips and leaving an obscene amount of bare leg on display.

My jaw tightens when I notice the men gathered around the edge of the mat watching her. I’ve never considered myself a jealous man, but right now all I see is green, and I’m not talking about the colour of her eyes.

She’s sparring with her instructor, moving lightly on her feet as she slips beneath a punch and counters with a quick combination. She looks completely focused and unaware of the attention she’s drawing.

Every muscle in my body becomes rigid as I stare through the glass, watching another man step onto the mat while Rose laughs at something her instructor says. I move away from the window and head for the door.

Do I want to make a scene and stake my claim? Abso-fucking-lutely. Am I going to embarrass Rose by doing it? No fucking way.

Pushing through the front doors, I head in her direction. When I’m a few metres away, her gaze sweeps over me. She throws a side kick, then does a double take when she realises it’s me approaching. As soon as that beautiful smile lights up her face, all the air leaves my body. How easily she can undo me is frightening.

“Bronson,” she says, high-fiving her sparring partner before heading straight for me.

I take a step closer, closing the distance between us, and wrap my arm around her small waist, pulling her in for a chaste kiss. Yes, I’m staking my claim, but I’ve also missed her.

“I’m all sweaty,” she says, trying to pull away.

“Call me crazy, but I like you sweaty.”

The way her cheeks flush tells me she knows exactly where my mind went.

“I was hoping to be showered and changed by the time you got here.”

“I came early. I wanted to see my girl in action.”

“Your girl?”

I nod. “She’s pretty badass, too.”

“You want to spar with me?”

“I do, but not here.”

Her eyes widen. “Why not?”