Sucker Punch (TKO #4) by Ana Layne Page B

their thing.”
    “I, uh, I guess so. I’ve never been to anything like that.” It also could help me get my mind off of everything that’s just so fucked up right now.
    “Really? Oh, awesome! We’ll probably head out about five-ish if you want to ride with us. I can knock on your door.”
    “Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome!” She smiles. “Let me get him inside and fed. I’ll see you after a bit!”
    “Okay,” I tell her as I walk towards my apartment. Maybe going with her is what I need for the night. I can deal with this Brendan shit tomorrow.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 18
     
     
    Austin
     
    I find it almost insane I just parked in the same spot I did the night of my fight. I see Lance’s truck and Garrett’s are already here, so I walk inside. I’m waiting for people to begin their gawking but I’m surprised when a few of them recognize me from my fight. Even my opponent from that night comes up to me and starts a conversation. This isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
    I spot Lance and he’s grinning from ear to ear. I roll my eyes, wondering what the hell he’s up to already.
    “I know something you don’t know,” he says in a singsong voice.
    “More Taylor Swift lyrics? Good for you,” I retort.
    “You are funny. But seriously, I do know something you don’t know.”
    “And what is that?”
    “Your nurse friend is here.” He smirks.
    “And how do you know this?”
    “Because Raegan asked her to come and she rode with them. Garrett texted me to see if I remembered her name but I couldn’t. When I saw her, though, I instantly knew it was her.”
    “Where is she?” I begin looking all over, trying to find her.
    “She’s with Raegan and Hilary somewhere around here. I figured you would want a heads up so you wouldn’t be all surprised.”
    “Thanks, man. Oh, and good luck tonight,” I tell him.
    “Thank you,” he calls out as he walks to the dressing room.
    I spot Garrett up ahead talking to Howard and I walk towards them. “Hey, Austin, I’m glad you came,” Howard greets me.
    “Hey, guys.”
    The arena is beginning to fill up and suddenly Blaize’s voice booms through the speakers. The line-up gets announced and damn, it’s going to be a good night. I wish Garrett good luck and begin walking over to where everyone is seated. I spot Paige in the crowd surrounded by Hilary and Raegan. She happens to turn and her eyes lock with mine. Her face blushes and I think it’s so damn cute. I make my way to them and give both Raegan and Hilary a hug. I lean down and kiss Paige’s cheek and her face is even more flushed.
    “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” I tell her as I sit beside her.
    “I didn’t know either until Raegan asked if I wanted to come along this afternoon.”
    “How was your day?”
    “It’s better now,” she replies with a smile. I sat with my left arm by her so I can hold her hand if I want to and hell yes, I want to. I pull her hand into mine and we sit back and watch as the action begins to unfold before our eyes.
    Lance goes before Garrett. Paige’s small gasps fill my ears and I chuckle. I guess she’s actually concerned for the two men inside the ring. Little does she know, no one else really is. This is all sport for them. They could care less.
    For the first time since I’ve been a part of the crew at Lou’s, I witness Lance lose his first fight. I replay it over and over in my head and I can’t seem to figure out what he did wrong. His opponent must have just had that upper edge. The disappointment and anger show in his face and I know now is not the time to go talk to him. He needs to blow off his steam and then he’ll be fine. Hilary excuses herself and goes straight to him. He probably wants to see her more than he wants to see me anyway.
    “Did you see how pissed he was?” Raegan leans over to tell me.
    “I know. I’ve never seen him lose before.”
    “I’ve barely seen him lose.