Summary

Olivia has found herself in the cliche of all cliches, but an unexpected encounter with a bartender who has a rather cliche story of his own may be just what her life needs…or it may be another disaster to add to the ever growing list.

Chapter 1

Olivia

I know that everyone around me is wondering what the hell I’m doing sitting all alone in this dingy old bar, sipping my fourth glass of whiskey while wearing a three thousand dollar wedding dress. Well, it’s a funny story. Not like ‘funny, haha’, but more along the lines of tragically comedic. Hell, as of two hours ago, my life became an overplayed romance novel cliché! Today was my wedding day, I know, really shocker there. I spent my morning being primped and pampered until I looked like the luxurious, blushing bride on a magazine cover then walked down the aisle toward my happily ever after and that’s when all hell broke loose.

“Wait!” Yeah, that would be my maid of honor, a.k.a. my sister, you know, in case that helps you hate her a little more.

“Anna? What are you doing?” Had I known what was about to come out of her filthy mouth, I might’ve found something better to say…I’m not sure what, but anything would’ve been better in the end.

“You can’t marry her, Ethan. I…I’m pregnant…” So, you want to take one guess who the baby daddy is? If you said the lying, cheating, pathetic piece of shit standing in front of me wearing a tux, you’d be right!

“Anna? Are you…you’re really pregnant?” See, this is where I should’ve thrown my lady like demeanor out the window and let some fists fly, but hindsight is twenty-twenty and I really would’ve hated to get blood on my dress.

“I am.” Two simple words from a woman who’s NOT his wife-to-be has that prick’s face lighting up like the fourth of July. I really need a drink…

So, that’s how I ended up here, here being the bar across the street from my apartment building, drowning my sorrows in a bottle of top shelf whiskey that’s being paid for by my now ex-husband-to-be’s credit card. Is this an immature way of handling this mess? Probably. Do I care in the slightest? Nope! Don’t judge my petty ass!

The poor bartender’s been walking on eggshells every time he approaches me and I honestly don’t recall him saying even one word to me since I arrived. I walked in, plopped my ass on this bar stool, ordered a whiskey and a few seconds later, it was sitting in front of me. He’s attentive though, I’ll give him that, never letting my glass run empty.

“I’ve seen a lot of people drowning their sorrows at the bar in my time here, but a bride? Well, that’s a new one.” I look up at the…wait…this face is new. The bartender working when I arrived was a lanky guy with shaggy blonde hair, but this guy…my eyes scan his tall, very muscular body from his hips to the thick head of tousled black hair on top of his head. His eyes are a deep green and he has a light stubble on his squared jaw with full lips that are curved into a grin…a grin because he caught me staring…great. Can this day get any worse?!

“Happy to check that box for you then. While you’re over here, can I get another?” I hold up my nearly empty glass that he, thankfully, refills.

“I bet there’s a good story behind that.” He gestures casually to my far from casual white dress.

“That’s a sucker bet. I bet you can’t guess what that story is.” He leans back against the bar, that grin never leaving his face.

“Groom cheated with the bridesmaid?” Wow, I really am a damn cliché if he guessed that close so damn easily!

“Close, but it’s worse. The ex-groom-to-be impregnated the maid of honor…who also happens to be my sister…who decided to announce her pregnancy right when I reached the altar.” He winces while he sucks in a sharp breath through his perfect white teeth.

“That’s fucked up.” I tilt my glass to him in silent cheers then down the whole thing in one go.

“That it is. Well, I guess it’s time to face the music.” I slide off the barstool and watch as he closes out my tab then slides me the receipt for a signature. Seeing the total of $47.50, I get a wide smile as I fill in a $200 tip on top of it then sign off and slide it back.

“Whoa, that’s a little too generous.” I give him a mischievous smirk, or what I hope comes across as one, but with how much whiskey I’ve consumed, who the hell knows what my damn face is doing right now.

“It would be if that wasn’t the asshole’s card. Take the damn tip. It’s less than a therapy session would’ve cost me.” I turn and make my way to the door when a hand on my shoulder stops me.

“You forgot the card and…let me call you a cab.” I smile at his concerned tone then reach up and pat the hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks and there’s no need. I chose this place because I live in that building across the street there.” I take the card from him then make my exit, not a grand exit, but more of a walk of shame…so…damn…cliché.

A month later…

My life, as it turns out, is most certainly not like a romance novel. Sure, it’s pretty cliché, but I’d lean more towards it being like a Greek tragedy. Not only did I find out that Ethan was screwing around with my sister and got her pregnant, a fact she chose to announce at the damn altar, but my mother just left me a voicemail to let me know they’re getting married and she even had the nerve to ask if I would help her plan the wedding!

So, yeah, you can say the last month hasn’t been so great. Oh! Did I fail to mention that the drool worthy bartender I met during my pity party is my neighbor? Not just any neighbor, but the guy lives right across the hall from me! I’ve managed to avoid him seeing me, but I may or may not have seen him through my peephole on a few occasions…or maybe a few too many, but who the hell’s counting, right?

“Okay, Liv, time to do this shit. You’ve been a moping mess for long enough and now we’re done. Screw Ethan!” I roll my eyes at my best friend, June, and flop back on the couch.

“In case you hadn’t heard, Anna was doing plenty of that already.” You know how good friends will support you and help you through the hard times by being loving, kind and sympathetic to your suffering? Well, June supports me by laughing her ass off at my misery.

“Okay, that was good, but now it’s time to get the hell up. We’re going to go have a drink and act like normal twenty-three year olds for a night.” Ugh, sometimes I really regret giving this bitch a key. Be that as it may, I still get up and head to my room to change…but just to be clear, I’m not happy about that shit. Even with my lack of enthusiasm for this plan of hers, I’m ready in only fifteen minutes and we’re out the door in another five.

You know those moments where you wish the ground would open up and swallow you to save you from yourself? Yeah, that’s the very moment I step out of my apartment and June bumps into me, sending me stumbling forward…right into, you guessed it, the hot bartender.

“Damn, Chance, you literally have girls tripping over themselves to get a piece of you!” I have no doubt that my face is as red as June’s obscenely short skirt as I quickly straighten myself and pray he’s not giving me that…oh, there it is…the fucking grin. To make this situation even better, there’s another guy with him who’s smiling like an idiot…a cute idiot, but an idiot no less. Nothing better than having multiple people witness my embarrassment. It’s okay, it’s fine…nothing a dozen or so shots won’t fix.

“Sorry, my friend was raised by wolves and has no manners. June can’t help but be a pushy bitch.” I shoot her a stern glare, but, unsurprisingly, she’s too focused on my neighbor’s friend to notice.

“It’s not a problem, really.” I force a smile for him, but it feels awkward, I feel awkward. Apparently, spending a month avoiding human interaction has greatly affected my ability to act like a normal human being.

“Well, not that this hasn’t been thoroughly embarrassing, because it really has, but my unruly friend promised me enough liquor to numb my humiliation for a night and it looks like we now need to double down.” June, finally out of her trance, wraps an arm around me and nods her confirmation of this absurd plan.

“If you guys find yourself across the street, you’ll have to let me buy you both a drink.” I feel relief knowing that June had said we’d be going to our favorite bar downtown tonight, but then…

“How crazy is that?! We were just heading over there now!” As bold as she is, she links her arm with the hot bartender, Chance’s, friend and practically drags him toward the elevator, leaving me with Chance…alone. It’s this very moment where I realize that June is the worst best friend ever.

“So, I haven’t seen you for a while. How are things?” Yeah, I know he means my failed wedding and binge drinking at the bar in a wedding dress.

“Well, the ex is marrying the sister, my mom had the nerve to ask me to help with the wedding plans and I spilled wine on that three thousand dollar wedding dress, but otherwise I’ve been…good, I guess? How about you? Any entertaining stories from your drunk patrons?” He’s staring at me in disbelief as we head to the elevator, the one both of our friends took down without waiting on us…June’s plan no doubt.

“Wait, hold the hell on! Your mom asked you to help plan your sister’s wedding to the man you were engaged to that cheated on you with and knocked up your sister?” Yep, still sounds like a shitty Greek tragedy to me.

“Yeah, that about sums it up.” We reach the elevator and he presses the call button while shaking his head.

“No offense, but is your mom fucking nuts?” I give him a sad smile and shrug my shoulders. I mean, it is a valid question.

“Probably. I guess this is the price I get to pay for never meeting her high standards…but precious, perfect Anna can do no wrong, even when she’s screwing her sister’s fiancé and getting knocked up by the prick.” So, I might still be a little upset…just a little…hardly noticeable really.

“That’s bullshit. I mean…no, that’s just fucking bullshit. Look, if your family thinks that shit is in anyway okay and that you should just be happy for them, screw them. They don’t have to hate her for her choices, but they sure the hell shouldn’t encourage and enable her through her mistakes. How old is she anyway?” I feel my cheeks flush and I assume it’s because, aside from June, no one’s ever stood up for me before. Yes, I’m fully aware of how pathetic I am, thank you very much!

“She’s nineteen and Ethan’s twenty-five.” He shakes his head again and he looks disgusted by the whole thing.

“Alright, so here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to go over to the bar, take a few shots and we’re going to forget those assholes even exist, even if only for one night.” The doors open and he places his hand on the small of my back to guide me inside the small metal box.

True to his word, Chance keeps me company the whole night, while June hangs all over his friend, Mick, and he has me talking and laughing without bringing up my bastard ex or screwed up family even once.

Chapter 2

It’s the morning after our little bar outing and it appears my mom has decided she’s done waiting for me to return her call…which would explain why she’s pounding on my door at nine in the morning while shouting for me to open the damn thing. I manage to crawl off the couch and stumble to the door, flinging it open at the same time Chance opens his. I flash him an apologetic smile then direct my attention to the woman in front of me wearing a pant suit that doesn’t belong in a neighborhood like this.

“You look awful, Olivia! God, you look like a homeless person!” I roll my eyes which makes her gasp as if that’s the worst thing in the world that I could’ve done, even worse than screwing my sister’s fiancé and announcing at their wedding that I’m knocked up.

“Thanks, I live to disappoint you. What are you doing here anyway?” She straightens her back and pins me with her cold glare, the one she reserves just for me.

“Well, the wedding planner is needing a head count and you aren’t returning my calls. I assume you’ll be there and…I’m guessing you’ll be alone?” I open my mouth to speak when I see Chance step around her as he reaches my side and wraps an arm around my waist.

“You assumed incorrectly. I’ll be with her. Hi, I’m Chance Langley.” My head’s spinning with this…whatever it is that’s happening right now, but Chance just keeps on smiling at her, even as he places a kiss on top of my head. After all, it’s not like my life isn’t crazy and chaotic enough already!

“You always have been a reckless thing, Olivia. You moved on rather quickly I see. You’re absolutely shameless!” Her disapproving tone is impossible to miss, but Chance is on it in a flash.

“At least she didn’t move on with someone else while engaged to another. It takes someone desperate and cheap to screw a man who’s clearly taken, don’t you think? Oh, and let’s not forget the whole thing with the unexpected pregnancy. Now that shit is shameful.” My mom’s eyes widen and I can see her struggling to maintain her composure.

“The wedding is the twenty fourth at two and will be held at St. Matthews.” Of course, she would choose the same chapel where my wedding was, or, rather, where it was supposed to be.

“Hopefully the venue brings her more luck than it did me. It would be a true shame if she found out her fiancé knocked up her maid of honor too.” She huffs out a heavy breath that almost sounds like a scoff, if only she didn’t deem scoffing to be so undignified, then stomps off toward the elevator without another word.

“So, that’s your mother?” I nod absentmindedly as I watch her step into the elevator then wait until the doors close before looking up at him.

“Why did you do that? Now she’ll expect me to be there and when I’m not, she’ll never let it go.” I don’t even have the energy to sound irritated, I’m just too…exhausted.

“And we will be there. We’re going to show them that they didn’t break you and that you’re fine without them. We’re going to show them that they didn’t win.” It sounds like such a good plan…if it wasn’t for the part where he’s saying I’m going to watch my ex-fiancé marry my sister.

“Maybe this won’t sound like such a shit plan after I’ve had a cup of coffee. You want one?” I head inside without waiting for an answer, but the footsteps following behind me and the sound of the door closing tells me he’s following me.

“Look, I’ve been where you are…well, not exactly where you are, but pretty close. Being cheated on sucks and the easiest way to get through it is to not hide yourself away from it. Face that shit head on and show them what a badass you are.” I get to work making a pot of coffee and let his words sink in, but I just don’t feel it.

“But I’m not a badass, Chance.” He walks into the kitchen and leans against the counter next to me, looking far more comfortable in my home than I feel at the moment.

“Sure, you are! On your wedding day, you found out your fiancé was fucking your sister and knocked her up, but instead of breaking down and losing it, you went to the bar, drank a shit ton of whiskey and charged that shit to the cheating bastard’s card. That was badass as hell, Liv.” He gives me that grin that, for the time being, isn’t as annoying as I’ve been trying to convince myself it is. His large frame, however, is currently dominating my kitchen and making it feel much smaller than it already does.

“What happened to you? You said you’ve been where I am…” I notice the way his body tenses up and for a long moment, I don’t think he’s going to tell me, so I pour us both a cup of coffee then hand him his before heading out to the living room and taking a seat on the couch. He sits on the other end and cradles the hot mug between his large hands while slouched forward looking thoroughly…defeated. I have to say, I don’t like it.

“My ex-girlfriend, Mandy, she cheated on me. We were together for four years and I had just gotten into fighting when we met. She ended up pregnant that last year and five months in, she tells me the baby isn’t mine. The dad was my former best friend and manager, Danny. I found out a week later that they had been stealing money from me the whole time we were together too.

“I ended up drowning my demons, got hooked on drugs for a while and almost completely screwed my fighting career. I let those bastards win for too long before I showed up at the gym down the street one night, completely strung the hell out on god only knows what. The owner, Mick, you know, the one your friend was making out with last night, he helped get me straight.” I scoot closer and place my hand on his arm, feeling my heart ache for this man I barely know as we have some weird bonding moment over our shared trauma.

“I’m sorry you went through that. I mean, in so many ways, what you went through was so much worse. God, sorry doesn’t even cut it really. I…I didn’t know you were a fighter. Is it like boxing?” I watch as his grin comes back and he gives me an amused look as he shakes his head.

“Underground MMA. I don’t fight as much these days, but I do help train some of the new fighters. I usually have two or three fights a month, just enough to help cover the bills.” Man, he just gets more interesting by the minute!

“Wow, that’s…it’s pretty amazing! I used to watch MMA fights with June, well, we watched them in our own way.” I can’t help but laugh at the memories that flood me with that thought.

“Now I know there’s a story there. Come on, enlighten me.” Well, if there’s even a remote chance of him hanging around sometimes, he’s going to find out how weird and awkward I am eventually, so I might as well speed things up a little…give him a crash course, so to speak.

“So, June likes to turn on the matches, but she mutes the TV and we do our own running commentary. It’s always some weird, off the wall shit that generally has nothing to do with the fight itself. The last time we did this, she had a shit day at work, so she picked the bigger of the two opponents and I took the little guy, pretending I was her boss while she verbally assaulted me. It was…fucking weird, honestly, but hilarious.” That damn grin of his morphs into a full-blown smile and I must admit, it’s one hell of a smile!

“That’s great! I don’t know why, but I can actually picture the two of you doing that shit. So, for the wedding, do I have to wear a tux?” I quirk my brow at him and try to bite back my smile, but…do they even make tuxes in his size? The guy’s built like a damn mountain!

“Um, no, no tux. Slacks and a nice button-down shirt is fine. Are you serious about going? I mean, you barely know me and, aside from drinks last night and coffee this morning, our only other interaction was you witnessing my unusual meltdown on my wedding day.” He removes one hand from the mug and takes my hand in his. I try not to focus on how damn warm his hand feels when it’s wrapped around mine.

“I’m serious, Liv. If I would’ve had the opportunity to put Mandy and Danny in their place, I would’ve been all over it, but I didn’t and I sure the hell didn’t have anyone there to help me through it. With that being said, I’m not going to let you go through this shit alone like I did. As for us not knowing each other, we’re remedying that right now, aren’t we?” His brow raises and the smile shifts back into that cocky, smug grin of his.

“Alright, fine. You win. I have to ask…do they even make…you know what? Never mind.” My cheeks flush in embarrassment and I honestly can’t believe I was going to ask something so stupid!

“Oh, no you don’t. What were you going to ask?” I shake my head, really hoping he’ll drop it.

“Nothing, it was honestly really stupid. Just forget it.” He scoots closer and, of course, isn’t going to fucking drop it.

“Not happening. Do they even make what, Liv?” I groan and drop my head back against the couch and close my eyes. Hopefully if I don’t see his facial expression when I ask, it won’t feel as embarrassing.

“Do they even make tuxes for guys your size?” Nope, still embarrassing as hell!

“You calling me fat, short stack?” My eyes shoot open and my mouth drops opens in shock.

“First of all, mister, I’m not short! I’m fun size! Second, you’re not fat! I was thinking…you know…because you’re built like a fucking two story brick house! Ugh, I can’t believe you called me short! It’s not my fault that you’re freakishly tall!” He puts his giant hand over his heart and gasps, being a dramatic beast of a man.

“That hurts my feelings! For your information, they do make tuxes my size, thank you very much! I even have the perfect suit already!” I really try not to laugh, I honestly do, but his expression is just too damn funny. Now, the only real problem with this is that my head flies forward, which is only a problem because a certain giant decided to scoot closer to me and his head is in my way. So, yeah, I go from laughing to whimpering in seconds thanks to an unexpected headbutt.

“Shit! I knew you were made of brick! Damn it, that hurt!” I don’t know how our morning came to this, me whimpering and, now, him laughing, but even with the bump I’m sure to have later, I don’t hate it.

“Let me get you an ice pack for that. Can’t have you walking around with a goose egg at the wedding.” I hear him shuffling out of the living room, opening what I assume is the freezer, then shuffling back out before my hand is pulled away from my head and is quickly replaced with an ice pack.

“Ugh, thanks. I thought we’d at least make it through a few weeks of knowing each other before we started abusing each other.” His laughter, oh that beautiful laughter, echoes through my apartment.

“You’re something else, Liv. So, tell me a little about what to expect at this wedding.” So, I do. I tell him all about my screwed up family over more than a few cups of coffee while he just…listens.

Chapter 3

Chance

I never would’ve imagined I would become friends with the bride sitting at the bar five weeks ago with a sob story to beat all sob stories, but here I am, buttoning up my long sleeve button-down shirt, wearing black slacks and freshly shined dress shoes. I have to admit, meeting Liv the way I did, I probably should’ve ran the other way and part of me really fucking wanted to, but I just…couldn’t.

Maybe it was the whole kindred spirit thing that Mick was preaching to me about the other night, but whatever it was, it somehow led to today, the day where I convinced her to let me accompany her to the very chapel where her wedding was meant to happen so she can watch her piece of shit ex marry her bitch of a sister.

Yeah, I’m really starting to have second thoughts about that shit, but I can’t let her back out now. If anything, the look on her mom’s face when I told her I was going to be her date for the wedding was enough to make me agree to it. Just for the sake of making that evil witch miserable, I’ll suffer through this with Liv and I’ll do my best to make sure they all see just how strong Liv really is.

It takes me three attempts to get my damn tie done right then I finally throw on my suit jacket and head across the hall to get Liv. I knock on her door, but I’m in no way prepared for the goddess that appears on the other side. Liv is wearing a burgundy silk gown that has an open back with a low enough cut in the front to show off just the right amount of cleavage without being slutty and the slit up the side stops mid-thigh. The top almost looks like a corset and paired with the fuck me heels she has on, her perfectly curled auburn hair that cascades over her shoulders and down her back then add to it the natural look she pulled off with her makeup that makes her grey eyes impossible to ignore, she’s a fucking vision.

“You look…stunning.” She gives me the sweetest damn smile then grabs her small purse and steps out her door, making sure it’s locked. She must not have really looked at me when she opened her door because when she turns around, her eyes go wide and her perfect lips part on a gasp.

“God damn, Chance! Holy hell, you clean up nice!” That compliment, coming from a woman as gorgeous as her, it has me feeling pretty damn amazing. I extend my arm to her and she slips her hand through with a bright smile on her face.

“Well, I called in a favor for today…I thought you might like to ride to this shit show in style.” When we step out of the elevator and reach the doors, she sees the limo out front and her eyes light the hell up like the Fourth of July.

“No fucking way! You rented a limo?!” Her excitement makes it impossible not to smile. This woman is something else and seeing her so damn happy…knowing I’m the one who put that damn smile on her face…it does something to me.

“Not rented, just borrowed. The guy who owns the limo company is the father of one of the kids I’m training. I offered a month of free lessons if he let us use the limo and a driver for today.” She clearly wasn’t expecting that answer, but I don’t regret doing it…not when she looks like I just gave her the damn sun and moon on a silver platter.

As soon as we step out the door, the driver is opening the back door for us and I let her slide in first before following behind her. The entire eleven block drive is amazing simply because she’s so damn excited and she makes absolutely no attempt to hide it, not even a little. She’s so happy that I actually find myself feeling disappointed when we arrive even though she looks strangely happy still, even with what she knows we’re about to walk into.

“Well, are you ready to get this shitshow over with?” I take her small hand in mine and give her a reassuring squeeze before releasing her hand and sliding out as soon as the driver opens the door then offer her my hand to help her out. We make our way to the doors where a man in a suit opens them for us and she walks in with her head held high like the boss bitch she is. I can feel all the eyes on us when we step into the church and I can safely say that I don’t know a single damn person here, not that I expected to.

“Which side do we sit on?” I whisper the words to her because, shit, I don’t know which side is which and since her mom isn’t out here, I can’t even use her smug as fuck face as a guide for where to go.

“We’re on the left. See that couple there in the front on the right? That’s Ethan’s parents.” I see the uptight, ‘holier than thou’ couple she points at and I can’t help but feel relieved that she’s not stuck with them as her in laws. I honestly don’t know how the hell she turned out the way she did when these people are the ones she was raised around.

“Alright, you lead, I follow.” She, thankfully, leads us to one of the pews in the back and we’re, luckily, the only ones sitting this far from the priest. We sit for ten minutes before the music starts and when a little girl, that I can easily assume is the flower girl, begins walking down the aisle, everything goes to shit in the most spectacular way possible.

“Livy!!!” The little girl ditches the basket with the rose petals, tossing that bitch on the ground in the middle of the aisle, then runs at Liv and throws her arms around her. Liv and the girl ignore the gasps and whispered comments while they hug.

“Hey, Mel! You look beautiful, sweetheart, but you better get going before your gram and pop get mad.” She kisses the little girl on the head then nudges her toward the abandoned basket. Seeing her be so sweet to the little girl warms my damn heart and the smile she’s wearing sure the hell is beautiful.

After the little hiccup with the flower girl, that Liv informed me is her ex’s niece, things run smoothly and far sooner than I’d like, the wedding march starts. It’s right then that I realize that her prick of an ex made it to the front of the aisle when we weren’t looking, so I steal a peak at him, sizing the bastard up, and I almost have to laugh. I couldn’t tell you what the hell she saw in that asshole, but if I’m being honest, anyone she ends up with now will be a damn upgrade.

A lot of the guests gasp when the bride, Liv’s bitch of a sister, walks out, but all I can think of is the fact that Liv was a much sexier bride and that’s saying something since when I saw her, she was at least four or five shots deep and had clearly spent a fair chunk of her time at the bar crying. I know, I shouldn’t be thinking that way and it’s not like I think of her as anything more than a friend, but that shit is glaringly obvious.

As her sister nears our pew, I wrap my arms around Liv’s waist from behind just in time for her sister’s eyes to find us. If I thought her mom’s facial expression was funny that day in the hall, this woman’s expression is fucking priceless! Her jaw drops, as in literally hanging open with wide eyes and everything! I really hope the photographer got a picture of that shit. Liv, the badass she is, gives her a little wave then relaxes back into my chest and rests her small hands over mine as we watch her walk by.

I haven’t been to many weddings, only two in fact, but I know there isn’t a damn thing about this one that would be considered normal. The entire time the priest was doing his thing, the piece of shit groom was shooting glances at Liv who, to her credit, never let that gorgeous smile of hers fade. As if that shit wasn’t weird enough, the kiss was cringe worthy and was more like a quick peck that had me half expecting him to wipe his mouth after. We wait until they walk out of the church to get up then make our way outside and head to the banquet hall next door where the reception is being held.

“That was…” Shit, what can I even say? Is there a nice way to say a wedding was complete shit? An absolute disaster of epic proportions? That it reminded me of a tooth extraction without the Novocain? Is there a polite way to say that spontaneous combustion would’ve been a more comfortable thing to experience?

“Fucking embarrassing? For them, not me that is.” I laugh at that because she’s not wrong! Hell, I’m honestly just glad she seems so unbothered by it all.

“Definitely. Let’s get in there and find our seats so we can get a drink.” Her hand on my arm squeezes, silently agreeing to my plan as I lead us inside, following the line of guests.

Chapter 4

We find our table which, unsurprisingly, is as far from the bride and groom’s table as they could get us and I’m fucking thankful for that! A server walks by with a tray lined with champaign flutes, so I grab two and pass one to Liv.

“To the bad bitch sitting beside me.” I tilt my glass in a toast and she smiles that sexy ass smile as she raises her glass before we both take a drink.

“I can’t thank you enough for coming with me, Chance.” Man, she makes it sound like I wasn’t the one who practically forced her to go by confronting her mom the way I did.

“It’s my pleasure and also kind of my fault you ended up having to come.” She nods and gives me a playful smirk.

“You aren’t wrong, but you were right, I’m glad we came.” The room gets loud as the bride and groom enter, but we remain seated, uninterested in the doomed newlyweds…until those bastards walk right the fuck over to our table.

“Liv, I didn’t think you were going to come.” Her sister has on a smile like that cartoon cat when he thinks he caught the troublesome mouse.

“Well, I couldn’t let her miss it…any excuse to see my gorgeous girlfriend dressed like the goddess she is.” I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her toward me, placing a kiss on her temple as she melts into me.

“I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Anna, Olivia’s sister.” She holds out her hand to me, but I only glance down at the offensive appendage then raise my gaze back to her face.

“We haven’t, but I know all about the two of you. By the way, thanks for being a blind bastard. If you hadn’t screwed up and knocked up the sister, I wouldn’t get to have Liv all to myself. In fact, I can say that it’s one hundred percent your fault I even got lucky enough to meet her. Had you two not blown the wedding to shit, she never would’ve walked into my bar and then I wouldn’t be sitting here today, so seriously, thank you…both of you.” They both have that look that tells me they aren’t sure if they’ve been insulted or genuinely shown appreciation, but that’s good because I meant it, all of it. Liv is awesome and even if I can’t open myself to something more than friendship with her, being her friend is enough.

“We need to get to our seats so they can start the toasts. It was…nice meeting you?” Anna, obviously not being an intelligent woman, genuinely doesn’t seem to know how to feel about our interaction. Maybe I should’ve been more of a dick. The second they walk away, Liv buries her face in my bicep and her body starts shaking. I’m not going to lie, the thought that I made her cry is freaking me the hell out, but then…she snorts? Holy…shit! She’s laughing!

“You good?” I wait to ask until she’s settled down some and luckily she nods, but that fucking smile when she pulls away makes my heart skip a beat.

“I’m so glad we came!” She leans her head against my bicep as some prick on a mic announces that they’re going to let the best man and maid of honor do the traditional toasts. A thought comes to me, one that I’ve had a few times since we arrived and I decide I want to know her answer far more than I want to hear the bullshit toasts.

“Is this really the kind of wedding you wanted?” After getting to know her, I just can’t see her wanting anything close to this, but maybe I’m wrong.

“No, not at all. My mom planned everything, all the way down to the lingerie under my damn dress. I kept telling myself that I was agreeing to it all just so I didn’t have to stress about handling it all myself…but I wasn’t happy with it.” The sadness in her voice has me wanting to change the subject, but instead my mouth decides to spew more shit.

“What would your idea of the perfect wedding be then? What would your dream wedding look like?” She’s quiet for a minute then she sits up and looks me in the eye with a thoughtful expression.

“I’d want something small, just me, the groom and our close family…well, not my close family, but his if he wanted. I’d want it to be outdoors, but not on a beach, maybe in the forest. I don’t want a white fucking dress, god, I hate white. I don’t want flowers either. Flowers die and I don’t see how carrying a bouquet of dying plants could possibly be seen as romantic. I don’t know, I just…I would want to be married looking like me to a guy who looks like himself, not some glammed up version of ourselves. The truth is, I was never one of those girls who dreamed of weddings, romance and happily ever after.” She shrugs off her response, but all I can think is…could her answer be more fucking perfect?!

“You deserve to have that if that’s what you want. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She nudges me with her shoulder and tilts her head to the side.

“If the fighting thing doesn’t work out for you, you could always become a self-help guru.” She bats her lashes at me and I laugh…loudly. We draw a bit more attention to ourselves with that, but neither of us give a shit and they quickly get on with their shitty toasts. When they finally wrap it up, the servers bring around dinner for everyone and I know I have to look confused as hell when they set only a salad in front of Liv. Shit only gets worse when her mom decides to walk over and not so quietly explains why she received something different from every fucking person here.

“I noticed you were putting on some weight, so I figured it would be best not to feed you something high in fat and carbs.” I look at the rib eye and baked potato on my plate then quickly cut that shit in half then pull the plate out from under her salad bowl, because who the fuck even puts a plate under the damn salad bowl anyway?! I put half the rib eye and half the potato on the salad plate then set it in front of her.

“With all due respect, maybe you should be more worried about your other daughter’s weight because I’ve heard those pregnancy cravings can cause some massive unwanted weight gain. You worry about her and I’ll worry about Liv who, by the way, is perfect exactly the way she is.” I swear, you would be able to hear a pin drop up in this bitch with how quiet everyone is, but I don’t give two fucks when I see the awe and appreciation in Liv’s eyes as a brilliant smile takes over her beautiful face…a smile that I put there.

“I can’t believe you’re just going to sit there and let this man talk to me that way! I’m your mother…” Liv turns in her seat so that she’s facing her mom and I just know shit’s about to get good.

“My mother?! Funny, you never once acted like one…not to me. Am I going to sit here and let him stand up for me? Support me? Demand I be shown respect from anyone who chooses to so blatantly disrespect me for literally no reason what-so-ever? Yes, mom, I’m going to sit here and watch him talk to you that way and I’ll do it with a damn smile on my face.” I expect some more words to be thrown around, but her mom scans the room and her cheeks flush before she simply storms off back to her seat.

“Bad…ass.” I whisper the words in her ear and she flashes me a heart melting smile. We eat our dinner which isn’t bad, but I sure the hell wouldn’t write home about it. Just when everyone is starting to finish up, they announce that the bride and groom are going to share their first dance. We sit at the table and watch them, but I look over at Liv and am so damn glad that I don’t see any sadness in her eyes.

When the second song starts, I stand up and offer my hand, which she takes, so I lead her to the dance floor. The other couples are dancing like stuffy rich people, their arms being the only part of their bodies to touch. I’ve never danced like that, but Liv makes it clear she isn’t like that either. She wraps her arms around my neck and with the almost eight inch height difference, it forces her body to press against mine.

“Thank you.” I look down to see her stormy grey eyes already looking up at me.

“For what?” Really…I don’t know what she’s thanking me for, but her body being pressed against me isn’t making it any easier for me to try to think of what I did to warrant her appreciation.

“For coming with me. For standing up for me. For just being there for me. Thank you.” My hands are on her waist, but my right one slides around her and comes to rest on the small of her back while my left pulls her head to my chest, hugging her to me tightly.

“Anytime, Liv. I’ve got you.” And I fucking mean it too. We dance through two songs, but when the second one ends, I feel someone tap on my shoulder and I swear I want to let my fist fly when I see her ex-prick standing there.

“Can I cut in?” I want to tell him to go fuck himself…or the maid of honor…but instead I look down at Liv who seems unsure, but squares her shoulders and gives me a quick nod.

“One dance.” I’d rather die that watch him touch her, but then shit gets worse when her bitch sister steps in to take Liv’s place. Well, it seems I actually do know how to dance while barely touching after all and, thankfully, so does Liv.

“I find it hard to believe that my sister is dating someone like you. You aren’t her usual…type.” I narrow my eyes at the bitch and then it hits me…she’s just like their mom.

“How so? Because I’d never be willing to fuck her sister?” Thank god, that silenced her, but that just makes it so I can hear what dickface is saying to Liv.

“I know we hurt you, but jumping into bed with a guy like him? That’s not the kind of girl you are, Liv. Hanging on him like that only a month after our engagement ended makes you look desperate.” And that’s my fucking cue bitches.

“She looks desperate? She at least had the decency to not move on before your relationship ended! Also, your engagement didn’t just end, you cheated on her with her sister, impregnated the bitch and then you both announced it in the middle of the damn wedding! God, I’d love to know how the hell Liv turned out so fucking amazing when she was surrounded by such shitty fucking people! Come on, Liv, let’s get the hell out of here.” I grab her hand and thank fucking god she doesn’t fight me on leaving because I would’ve thrown her over my shoulder and carried her out like a damn caveman if she did.

As soon as we’re out the door, I fire off a text to the driver to come get us then turn to Liv and freeze. She has tears streaming down her face and that shit guts me. I pull her into my arms and hold her tight, stroking her hair and kissing the top of her head.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry, Liv. I shouldn’t have done that. Fuck…” She shakes her head and pushes away just enough to look up at me with her face scrunched up, looking so damn cute even with the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“What? Why are you apologizing, Chance?” Is she serious right now?!

“I didn’t mean to do that…well, not like that anyway. I didn’t want to embarrass you, I just…” Her small hand covers my big fucking mouth and she shakes her head at me while giving me an amused smile.

“I’m not crying because you stood up for me, Chance. I’m crying because I was a fucking idiot for wasting time with an asshole like him. I feel so…stupid.” And just like that, all that weight that settled on my chest lifts and I can fucking breathe again. I pull her right back against me and smile when her small arms wrap around my waist, not even making it all the way around me.

“You’re not stupid, Liv. He’s a fucking prick and he never deserved someone as amazing as you…which is perfect because now he’s stuck with someone just as shitty as him.” I hear her giggle into my shirt and sniffle before she backs up.

“Same goes for Mandy. She didn’t deserve you, Chance.” The limo pulls up and I take her small hand in mine and lead her over just as the driver opens the door. We both slide in and she doesn’t pull her hand out of mine, so I don’t pull away either. The drive back to the apartment is made in silence, but with our fingers laced together, it’s strangely quite comfortable, maybe a little too comfortable. After we get back, I help her out of the car and we ride the elevator up together then pause in the hall between our doors.

“All things considered, I had a damn good time with you tonight, Liv.” I finally let go of her hand to fish my keys out and she does the same.

“Me too, Chance. Thanks for everything.” I wait until she enters her apartment before finally unlocking my door and heading into mine. After everything tonight, one thing is abundantly clear…I crossed a line with Liv tonight that I hope like hell I can uncross because I really don’t want to lose her as a friend and I can’t offer her anything more than that.

Chapter 5

Olivia

After the disaster of a wedding with the reception that, much to my surprise, was pretty damn amazing, all thanks to Chance, something has changed. Chance defended me, like, really defended me in front of the people who’ve made my life hell, but now, a week later, he’s been pretty much MIA. It’s not like we’re a thing, but I feel like we’re definitely friends, so his recent vanishing act has me a little worried. Did something happen to him? Is he just busy with work? Did I do something wrong?

I have this flaw, a few actually, pretty big ones, if I’m being honest here. I’m impatient, stubborn as hell and have a bad habit of over-thinking things. That being said, I’m determined to figure out what the hell’s going on with Chance one way or another. That’s why I’m sitting at the bar he works at, nursing my third glass of whiskey while the lanky blonde bartender looks at me like I’m some kind of feral cat that might attack him if he makes any sudden movements. Let’s face it, it’s a fair assessment. I could just ask him if Chance’s working tonight, but part of me doesn’t feel like I have the right to push people for information about him, even if it’s just his work schedule. Besides, he seems to honestly be avoiding me and that…kind of sucks. Okay, it really sucks.

I’ve just received my fourth whiskey when I hear his voice coming from the entrance, so I glance over my shoulder, easily spotting him talking to a guy near the entrance while some blonde girl hangs off his arm. Is this why he’s been so distant? Because he’s seeing someone? I mean, couldn’t he have just said something? It’s not like I was flirting with him or expecting something from him. I don’t know what it is about that thought, but it pisses me off. I toss back the entire contents of my glass and flag down the lanky blonde bartender, the one whose name I should probably learn eventually since the poor guy has now seen me at my worst…twice.

“Want another?” This is literally only the second time he’s spoken to me and my lips tug up into a small smile that I hope makes me look less like a feral cat.

“Just want to close my tab, please.” He returns my smile and heads to the register to close out my tab. While I’m busy staring at his back, I don’t realize what’s going on behind me until I hear June’s loud as hell voice that has me instantly cringing from her scolding tone.

“Liv! Oh my god, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” I turn on the bar stool, my brow already at my hairline by the time my eyes find her stomping toward me and drawing the attention of every damn person here, including Chance and his blonde friend.

“Uh…hi?” It seems that my response was the wrong one because her hands land on her hips and her stern glare reminds me of a mother preparing to scold her disobedient child. Yep, this should be fun!

“Hi? Really?! I’ve been calling and texting you for two hours and all you have to say is ‘hi’?! I had to use that stupid friend finder app to track your location! For fuck’s sake, Liv! I thought maybe you were kidnapped, or laying in a ditch somewhere! What the…wait, oh god…what’s wrong?” Huh? Wait…why the hell am I crying? Better yet, when did I even start crying?

“Well, that’s a thing. Sorry, I don’t know what the hell’s wrong with me.” I grab a napkin from the bar to dry my eyes, but my impromptu tear fest has gained even more attention, including that of the very jerk I came here to confront, but now is obviously not a good time…for either of us.

“Fuck, Liv, you know I hate to see you cry. Come on, let’s get your tab closed out then we can go back to your place so you can tell me what the hell’s going on.” I nod and turn around to find my card and the receipt on the counter. I leave another generous tip, not $200 though since this is my money, then sign, grab my card and let June lace her fingers with mine and lead me out of the bar.

You know what the best thing about having a best friend is? It’s having someone you can let it all out with, no holding back and absolutely zero judgement when you full on ugly cry while explaining your pathetic reasons for crying at the damn bar. Having someone who will let you dump all the heavy, ugly shit on then and then they’ll help you sort through it with no hesitation.

That’s what June is to me and after nearly two hours of venting, she’s helped me sort through most of this mess I’m feeling, though her thoughts on some of it seem a little farfetched. Now it’s nearly midnight and June has decided we’re going to go out and pick up Chinese food then come back to my place to binge eat while we binge watch our favorite show.

“Damn, sweetheart, at least it just looks like you have a cold instead of looking like you just spent the last hour plus crying your eyes out.” I know it sounds harsh, but don’t worry, that’s actually a compliment when it comes from June.

“Good. Maybe people will stay the fuck away if they think I’m contagious.” She wraps her arm around my shoulder while chuckling softly.

“That’s my girl, way to be positive. Let’s get going!” We’re just walking out my door when, because life loves to kick me when I’m down, I slam into a freaking wall. I stumble back and, luckily, June catches me, but I see the two large feet that turn to face me and I refuse to look up, not after I spent half the night fuming over and then crying over my maybe friendship with some guy I’ve only known for just over a month.

“Sorry.” I pull my arm free from June’s grip and turn to head toward the elevator when an even bigger hand gently grabs my shoulder.

“Liv, can we talk?” Couldn’t he have asked to talk before I became a total wreck?!

“Hey, why don’t you two talk and I’ll go get our dinner. Beast boy, you have roughly thirty minutes, so make it count.” June scolds Chance and normally I’d laugh about it, but…I just can’t. I silently follow his lead as he guides me to his apartment, but I stop once I’m standing just inside.

“Why don’t we sit down…” He heads into his living room and I follow, but when he sits down on the couch, I take a seat at the end of the overstuffed chaise lounge chair across from him.

“Liv, are you okay?” I would normally be thrilled at the concern in his tone because I do love knowing I have someone other than June in this world who actually gives a shit, but it’s hard to enjoy it when he’s spent a whole fucking week avoiding me for no damn reason!

“I’m fine. What did you want to talk about?” Okay, so my tone might be a little frosty, but I blame him for that shit!

“I call bullshit, but fine. I wanted to say I’m sorry. I’ve been keeping my distance since the wedding and it wasn’t fair to you for me to do that when you didn’t even know why. You didn’t do anything wrong but I…I needed to take a step back. I felt like we were getting a little too close and, well, I can’t exactly offer anything more than friendship. I didn’t want to give you the wrong idea.” Is he serious right now?!

“Wait, so…let me see if I’m understanding this shit right. You completely avoided me because we were becoming too close? You do realize that friends, like real friends tend to do that right? They talk to each other, comfort each other and support each other. Tell me where the fuck this invisible line of yours is that we’ve apparently crossed. Was it when you invited yourself to be my date for the wedding? Was it when you chose to stand up for me? Was it when you comforted me? Tell me, where the fuck did you draw the line because I really don’t get it.” I have no doubt my voice was louder than it needs to be, but what…the…hell?!

“No, none of that…it…things just started to feel…too intimate. It wasn’t anything you did, it’s how I react to you and it’s like I can’t even fucking stop myself! I feel like my brain fogs up whenever you’re around and I end up letting my guard down and I don’t want to do that. I don’t ever want to let myself risk myself that way again, but I feel like I can’t even help myself when I’m around you!” Well then…wait, hold the phone…how the hell is this my fault? He avoided me, so surely I had to have done something to deserve it because if not, that just means he’s an asshole.

“So, you make me trust you and feel comfortable around you just to pull some vanishing act because, what, you feel yourself getting comfortable enough around me to be yourself? Again, that’s what friends are fucking for!” Does he really not get that?! Is this really such a hard concept to grasp?!

“It felt like we were getting a little closer than just being friends, Liv.” His voice is so soft and it hits me. He felt like he was getting attached in a romantic way. Well…shit. Did I feel it too? I mean, maybe we were more than a little comfortable around each other, but clearly my relationship before wasn’t a healthy one, so I honestly thought him being so kind and showing me comfort was just him being my friend. Shit…was June right when she said I was so bothered by this because I was developing stronger feelings than I realized? Shit, even if she was, I’m absolutely not telling her!

“Maybe…I don’t know, Chance. My last relationship was sterile, cold and, obviously, completely fucked. I didn’t see us crossing any lines, but if you did, then I guess I’ll respect that and give you whatever space you want or need. I should get going. June should be back soon with dinner.” I get up and head to the door, part of me wishing he would stop me and reassure me that our friendship is still intact, but I guess I’m not entirely surprised when he doesn’t.

Chapter 6

Two weeks…that’s how long it’s been since that talk with Chance and I think it’s safe to say that whatever friendship we had is gone. We’ve run into each other in the hall a few times, but aside from an awkward wave and a mumbled ‘hi’, we don’t talk. Thanks to June and her budding friendship with Mick, I know what days Chance is usually at the bar, so I make sure to only go on the days he’s not supposed to be there. I know, it’s childish, but I did tell him I’d give him space and I meant it.

Today was one of those days with the awkward wave and mumbled ‘hi’ as he was leaving his apartment just as I was heading back to mine. I’m not even about to lie to myself…I fucking hate it. I’m in the middle of working on the design for a new company’s website when I hear a loud bang in the hallway followed by some mumbled curse words. One glance at the bottom of my screen shows it’s almost one in the morning, so I head to my door and peek out the peephole only to find Chance leaning against the wall by his door, looking like he just got hit by a damn truck.

I know, we’re ‘giving each other space’ and all that but I don’t even give myself time to think about that ‘space’ before ripping my door open to get to him. His face is bruised, bloody and one of his eyes is already almost swollen shut while his knuckles are split, swollen and bruised too.

“My god, what the hell, Chance?! Get your ass over here and let me get you cleaned up!” I don’t wait to get a response before forcing myself under his arm in a pathetic attempt to help support his weight as I guide him into my apartment. I head straight to my bedroom with him since the first aid kit is in my ensuite and I get him settled on the closed toilet seat. I set the first aid kit on the counter then get a clean washcloth from the drawer, wet it with warm water then get to work cleaning the blood from his face.

Silence reigns supreme as I clean his injuries and do my best to doctor them up, but even without letting my eyes lock onto his, I can feel him watching my every movement. He doesn’t resist my help, not even when I help him remove his t-shirt which reveals a wide array of bruises in varying shades of blue and purple. I retrieve the arnica gel from the first aid kit and apply it to the worst of them, trying hard to bite back my tears as I think about how much he must be hurting. When I finish, I rush to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water then some ibuprofen and return to the bathroom with them.

“Here. Take these. It should help with the pain and reduce some of the swelling.” I never expected that to be the first kind, non-scolding thing I would say to him after the whole mess between us, but here we are!

“Thanks.” His voice is raspy and when he tries to stand, I catch his wince and that shit almost breaks me.

“Come on, you’re staying here tonight so I can keep an eye on you. With all those bruises on your face, you could have a concussion.” I grab his thick wrist then guide him into my room and pretty much force him to sit on my bed.

“No, I should go.” I place my hands on his shoulders to force him back down when he tries to stand up and he lets me, even though we both know he could easily overpower me, even in his current condition.

“Tough shit, you’re staying. You can take my bed and I’ll be in the living room. I have work to finish up anyway. Now, get some rest.” I pull the blanket down and after a little moment of hesitation, he kicks off his shoes and slowly shifts his body enough to pull his legs onto the bed and lay down. I draw the blanket up over him then leave the room so I can be alone for a few minutes while I try to wrap my head around what just happened.

I must’ve dozed off because I am jolted back to consciousness by a loud knock on my door. I scramble off the couch, tripping over my own damn feet in my rush to get to the door before they disturb Chance, but I really wasn’t expecting to open it and see Mick standing there.

“Uh, hi?” Mick chuckles, but his smile isn’t as bright as it usually is and I can see the shadows under his eyes that make it clear the poor guy is exhausted.

“Hey, I know it’s a long shot, but have you seen or heard from Chance? I’ve been trying to reach him since he left the gym last night, but he’s not answering my calls or texts. Shit, I’m about to resort to sending a fucking carrier pigeon for fuck’s sake.” I step aside and wave him in as I laugh softly at him.

“He’s in my room down the hall, last door on the left, but I think he’s still sleeping.” His brow raises and it’s no secret where his mind has gone, so I quickly dispel any delusions he might have about why Chance’s here, in my bed.

“I found him in the hall beaten and bloody, so I made him come in so I could clean him up. I was worried he might have a concussion, so I made him stay here where I could keep an eye on him. Lucky for him, I had a shit ton of work to get done, so I spent the night curled up on the couch with my laptop.” He nods and, thankfully, doesn’t seem to doubt me. After everything, the last thing I need is people thinking something’s happening when it’s not. Chance made his ‘line’ pretty damn clear.

Mick disappears down the hall and into my room while I head in to start a pot of coffee, trying really hard to ignore the raised voices that quickly begin filtering out of my room. As soon as I’ve prepared my cup, I head back to the living room and set it on the end table only to have another damn knock stop me from sitting down. I shuffle over to the door, not tripping over myself this time, and fling the door open only to find myself wishing I hadn’t.

“Liv, please hear me out! I just want to talk. Please…can we…can we just sit down and talk for a minute.” I swear, the universe must really fucking hate me!

“Ethan, no. There’s literally not a damn thing left for us to talk about. I have nothing to say to you and, if I’m being honest, nothing you could say will make me hate you any less.” You don’t think the universe hates me yet? Oh, well it’s not done, apparently, and that’s made evident by the stunning red head walking toward us that stops to knock on Chance’s door.

“He’s not there.” I don’t know why I said anything to this stranger, maybe I just couldn’t handle the sound of more knocking right now.

“Oh…do you know where he is? I’ve tried calling him, but he’s not answering his phone.” I open my mouth to speak, but Ethan’s dumb ass cuts me off.

“Anna’s baby isn’t mine!” My eyes widen, but it’s not out of surprise, no, it’s from sheer fucking amusement!

“Now that’s hilarious!” He narrows his eyes at me just as the red head opens her prefect fucking mouth again.

“If you see him, can you let him know that Mandy stopped by?” Okay, so she now has my full attention.

“Mandy…as in his ex?” She nods, but her expression isn’t that of a woman who regrets her past choices…it’s almost…smug. Yep, she’s a bitch!

“You know what? Here’s an idea! Lying, cheating, thieving bitch, meet heartless, soulless, lying, cheating asshole. Looks like a fucking match made in heaven to me. Now, both of you can get the fuck out of my hallway. Thanks, bubye!” I don’t wait for a response, though judging by their expressions, they didn’t really have one to give. I slam the door and lock it only to see Mick and Chance standing at the end of the hall. Mick is smiling like a damn cheshire cat while Chance has some unreadable expression on his face, though that might be a result of the bruises and swelling…kind of hard to tell.

“So…your ex I presume?” I nod at Mick’s question, but my eyes are locked on Chance who’s looking at the door, not me.

“Yeah, his too.” I tilt my head toward Chance who still doesn’t look at me.

“I heard. You okay?” I shift my gaze to meet Mick’s and shake my head.

“Not fucking really, but what else is new, right? My life is nothing but one train wreck after another. You should get him home once the coast is clear. I need to get my work shit done before June gets here and distracts me.” I don’t know when it happened, but Chance is looking at me now and I don’t know how I feel about it. He wants space, he avoided me and then for whatever stupid reason I forced him to let me take care of him when he was hurt. Hell, he probably thinks I’m being some clingy psycho now, but that’s what he gets for showing up looking like he got hit by a Mack truck!

“Anything I can do to help?” I give Mick the most genuine smile I can push forward, but it probably isn’t very convincing.

“Nah, I’m used to handling this shit on my own. It’s kind of my thing it seems.” I know Chance said I wouldn’t have to go through this alone, but I don’t know if that applied only to the wedding mess, or if he meant the whole ordeal in general with Ethan. Either way, I think that’s another thing I need to accept as being on the wrong side of that stupid fucking line of his.

“We’ll get going then, but if you ever need anything, just give me a call or come by the gym.” He pulls a business card out of his pocket because, of course, the guy would carry them around with him. He hands it to me with a kind smile then leads Chance to the front door. The minute my door closes behind them, I let out a shaky breath then toss the card onto the counter before heading back to my couch to get back to work.

Chapter 7

Chance

I never wanted Liv to see me the way she did, a bruised, broken shell of a man. I honestly would’ve thought the sight would bother her, maybe make her fear me or at least make her want to keep her distance from me. Neither of those things happened though.

She saw me struggling to get my keys out of my pocket in the hall and, even though she’s been giving me the space I so stupidly asked for, she took me into her apartment, cleaned me up then insisted I stay. She still gave me my space though, staying in the living room while I slept in her bed. She checked on me a lot, at least once an hour, but I let her think I was still sleeping every time.

“So…you slept at her apartment…in her bed…” After Mick showed up and yelled at me about the fight last night, his attention quickly shifted to the situation of him finding me in Liv’s apartment.

“Nothing happened.” He rolls his eyes and throws his hands up in frustration.

“Of fucking course nothing happened! You’re too much of a fucking coward to let anything happen!” I send a fiery glare in his direction, but he’s not done yet.

“You say you don’t care and that you needed a break from being around her, but last night…you were letting that guy beat your ass! You were doing it to punish yourself and don’t bother telling me I’m wrong because I know you too well for that. I get it, Chance, I really do. Mandy burned you pretty fucking bad and then having Danny be a part of it…I know it must feel damn near impossible to trust anyone.

“The thing is, you did trust Liv. You told her about Mandy and Danny and you don’t tell anybody about that shit. You defended the girl to her family at a fucking wedding! Clearly there’s something there and, just like you, she’s been screwed over by everyone close to her. Imagine how she must feel knowing that you turned your back on her too.

“You two are so much alike, but one thing she has that you clearly lack is a fucking back bone. The world shit on her and beat her down at every turn, but she keeps going anyway. Hell, she just chased off your psycho ex! Even if you don’t want something romantic with the woman, which I think is absolutely fucking insane, you can’t afford to lose a friend like her.” I really hate him sometimes.

“She deserves friends who aren’t so fucked up. She deserves someone better than me.” Mick stands up and shakes his head at me before leveling me with a cold glare.

“You aren’t wrong there. She deserves a friend who would consider what she wants, not someone who’s too selfish to even care. As much as she deserves better, she accepted you, Chance. Right now, the only thing fucking that up…is you. She’s not Mandy and she damn sure doesn’t deserve to be punished because of that shallow, selfish bitch’s fucking choices. I need to go. See you at the bar tomorrow night.” I let him leave without another word because, honestly, there really isn’t anything to say. Mick’s right…I’m a fucking coward.

I head to the bar to start my shift, hoping it’ll help clear my damn head and keep me distracted enough to not think too much about everything Mick said last night. It works for the first few hours, but then things slow down a bit twenty minutes after Mick arrives and I notice that Liv and June snuck in at some point and are playing pool in the far corner. I don’t know whether they realize it or not, but they’ve drawn a fair amount of attention from the men here.

“It’s a slow night.” Mick’s comment is made in a flat tone, but it’s the most he’s said to me since arriving.

“Yeah, it was busy as hell before you got here, but I guess everyone decided to go home.” He nods his head and finishes the whiskey in his glass.

“Probably for the best. Shit’s about to get interesting.” I look at him with my brow furrowed until he tilts his head toward the door. I look over and every damn muscle in my body tightens when I see Liv’s ex, Ethan, walk in and head straight over to her.

“That little mother fu…” Mick snaps his fingers in front of my face, cutting me off as my angry glare shifts to meet his gaze.

“She agreed to meet him here, so back the fuck off. It’s not like it matters to you anyway, right?” I don’t even answer, instead shifting my attention back to the prick who makes an attempt to hug Liv, but she pushes him back and points to a chair at the table where her drink is sitting.

“Why would she agree to meet with him at all?” Mick rolls his eyes at me before we both go back to watching them.

“If you weren’t a fucking coward, you’d know the answer. He’s been calling her and texting her non-stop, so she decided to meet him and put a stop to it. I suggested meeting him here so me and June could be here for her.” As if on cue, June strolls over with her arms folded over her chest and a scowl on her face.

“That fucking worthless, dickless, son of a bitch.” With that, she plops down on the chair beside Mick.

“I assume he’s spouting lies?” She looks at Mick and rolls her eyes.

“I love you, I screwed up, I’ll do anything to show you I’ve changed, please forgive me!” She says it all in a whiny voice that I assume is meant to mock him, but it just pisses me off more to think he’s saying this shit to her after the hell he’s put her through.

“Oh shit, she looks pissed…” Our attention immediately shifts back to the table where Liv is sitting with the prick and Mick’s right, her fists are clenched and her leg is bouncing. I can’t tell what he’s saying, but suddenly she stands up leans across the table and says something that seems to upset him before she storms off to the restrooms. After a few seconds, he stands up and heads out the door.

“I’m going to go check on her.” June slides off her stool and hurries to the restroom while Mick turns to face me.

“Shit, I was hoping she would’ve at least hit the little bitch.” I smirk and nod in agreement.

“I’d pay to see that shit. How did you know that fucker was calling and texting her?” I know I sound like a jealous prick, but I sure the hell don’t want to try to understand why.

“She reached out to me earlier, asked if she could come down to the gym and work out her frustration. Turns out she needed someone to listen to her more than she needed to punch the bag, but both seemed to help her out in their own way.” It shouldn’t bother me that she went to Mick for help, but for some damn reason, it really does. I work through getting drinks for the few customers who need them and ten minutes later, Liv and June walk back out, go to the table to grab their things and then leave.

I’m thankful that tonight I have Will coming in to relieve me because after the incident with Liv and her ex earlier, I’ve been more than a little irritable. It’s almost ten when I head home, but the second the elevator doors open, I’m met with the sound of a shouting woman who sounds vaguely familiar…but then I hear her voice, Liv.

“I fail to see how this is my damn fault. I think you need to leave before the neighbors call the fucking cops.” Her voice is cold, but firm.

“You just couldn’t stand that I was happy! You want to get back with him just to hurt me!” I make my way closer and just inside Liv’s doorway is her sister.

“God, you truly are a delusional, pathetic bitch. I’m going to tell you the same thing I told him tonight after he literally begged me to hear him out after he showed up here then blew my phone up for days after I sent his ass packing. I want nothing to do with him…with either of you, actually. All I want is for you to both to kindly fuck off and stay out of my life. In case you forgot, you were the one who was fucking him while I was engaged to the prick…hell, apparently you were fucking multiple people considering the kid isn’t even his. The hell you’re finding yourself in is one of your own making and I neither have nor want to have anything to do with it. You landed yourself in this mess, so it’s high time you figure out how to clean it up.” God, I’m so damn proud of her!

“Just…stay the hell away from him! It’s not my fault you can’t keep a man to save your life! Hell, you obviously screwed things up with the freakishly large beast of a man already. I guess even the big dumb ones are still smart enough to see how fucking worthless you are.” I stop only a few feet from the door, remaining out of sight, but well within earshot.

“Don’t you fucking talk about Chance! Shit between us is none of your god damned business, but maybe if you spent as much time focusing on keeping your legs closed as you spend butting into my personal life, you might not be standing here, knocked up and stuck wondering which pathetic loser is your baby daddy.” The sound of an open palm connecting with skin echoes through the hall just before Anna storms into the hall and nearly walks right into me. She veers around me without looking up, heading straight to the elevator. I reach the doorway in a single, large stride and find Liv leaning against the wall near the door, her cheek red with the handprint already forming on it.

“Hey, you alright?” Her head hangs down as she nods almost absentmindedly, but when her hand reaches up to brush her hair behind her ear, I notice the bruising on her knuckles.

“Come on, let’s get some ice on that.” I gesture to her hand and much to my relief, she turns and heads to the kitchen with me trailing behind her. When I fail to find an ice pack, I grab the kitchen towel off the counter, pile some ice in the center then fold the towel over it before taking her hand and gently holding it to her bruised knuckles.

“Thanks.” Her voice is so soft that I almost miss it.

“No need to thank me, Liv. The way I see it, I owe you one.” As with damn near everything that comes out of my mouth when I talk to her since I screwed things up, that was clearly the wrong thing to say. Her free hand quickly slides over the kitchen towel before she pulls her hand away from me, practically shrinking against the counter.

“I’ve got it from here. You don’t have to hang around, Chance.” I can’t even help the aggravated sigh I let out as I rake my fingers through my hair in frustration.

“I fucking hate this, Liv. This fucking distance, the giant gaping chasm between us. I like hanging out with you. I want to be able to be there for you when you need someone to talk to, or even someone to tend to your bruised fucking knuckles. I know I’ve been an asshole and I know this shit was unfair to you, but I just…I felt like we…like I was getting too close. We hardly know each other and yet I felt like that fucking line I drew in the sand was getting too damn blurry.” She nods her head, staring the hell off into space and making me wonder if she actually heard a damn word I said, or if anything I’m saying is even making any damn sense, but then…

“That distance, the fucking chasm between us is all you, Chance. I didn’t do that shit, you did. I don’t know how to be half a friend. When I care about people, it’s all or nothing for me. I can’t do this back and forth shit. I swear, you’re giving me whiplash. It sounds to me like you need to take some time and sort your shit out because if you want to hang out and be there for me, then you have to expect that I’ll be there for you and if that’s crossing some fucking line, then you need to just stop now.

“I…I can’t keep worrying about where the hell I stand with you. So, go…take your time, your space, to figure out what the hell you want from me because I’m done trying to figure it out. When you get your shit together, you know where to find me.” I know she’s right and as much as I don’t want to leave her here like this…I do.

Chapter 8

It’s been a week since Liv told me to go and I haven’t even seen her since. I did see June leaving Liv’s apartment yesterday, but she looked pretty upset and now I’m watching through the peephole like a damn creep as she knocks on Liv’s door. She has to knock three times before the door opens, but the only view I get of Liv is her back as she heads back into her living room before June steps inside and closes the door. I have to be at the gym for a training session in forty minutes, so I focus on that while I hurry up and get ready.

I’m twenty minutes into my session with one of the newer fighters, Ricky, when I hear Mick’s loud laughter as he walks into the main gym with June who looks like she’s dressed for a workout. I try to focus on Ricky for the rest of our session, but I do find my eyes wandering over to where Mick is teaching June proper technique on one of the punching bags. Once I finish with our session, I lead Ricky to the cardio room to cooldown with a two mile run on one of the treadmills. I wasn’t expecting to have the damn breath knocked out of me, but I damn well do when I see the auburn haired beauty on the treadmill closest to the wall on the far side of the room.

“Alright, you know the drill. One mile run then half mile jog and half mile walk.” Ricky nods and hops on one of the treadmills to get his cooldown done. I don’t even bother trying to hide the way I watch her, but if I had, I might’ve picked up on the unwanted visitor watching me from the doorway. God how I wish I had noticed her.

“Hey, Chance. You’re a hard guy to get ahold of.” You know those random noises that are a frequency and pitch that just set your nerves on fire and make you want to hurl? Well, that’s Mandy in a nutshell. After what she put me through, there’s not a damn thing about her that doesn’t get on my damn nerves, but her voice is definitely the worst. I can’t help wondering if it was always this annoying.

“Ever think it’s because I didn’t want you to get ahold of me?” So, something you should know about this demented bitch, she doesn’t take hints very well, but considering my last words to her were ‘Don’t call me, don’t text, don’t show up. Lose my number, hell, lose my name.’ and yet, here she is…that has to tell you something.

“Yeah, I guess that I deserve that, but I really wanted to talk to you. I thought maybe we could go get coffee, or maybe a drink?” I still haven’t looked at her and, truth be told, I really don’t want to. Pouring bleach in my eyes sounds more appealing, or maybe stitching my eyes shut with a dull needle.

“Funny…I don’t want to listen to you.” It’s no surprise that she picks up on where my attention is, but then again, I haven’t taken my eyes off of her since I walked in here and it doesn’t take her long to make me regret it.

“Why? Is it because of that pathetic bitch?! Really?! She’s, what, ten years younger than you?” When I see her finger pointing at Liv, I snap. I go from sitting to standing in the blink of an eye, using my large frame to block her view of Liv completely, as if I can shield her from this bitches vile, hate filled shit.

“No, it’s because you’re a lying, thieving, cheating bitch who isn’t worth my time. You’ve always been so quick to blame everyone for the messes you’ve landed yourself in, but you’re the one who made the fucking messes to start with! You cheated on me with my closest friend, stole from me and now you’re trying to play the victim? The way I see it, you’re the only pathetic one around here. You need to leave, Mandy, and this time, don’t come back.” I see her lip quiver and the tears building in her eyes and there once was a time where this would be enough to make me crack, but now I see it for what it is…it’s all a fucking act.

“You loved me once…” Oh…hell…no…nope, not fucking happening.

“Yeah, and look how that turned out. I’m not about to repeat that fucking mistake a second time. I really think you should leave, Mandy.” I see Mick walking up behind her with June, but I give him a subtle look to let him know I’ve got this and he nods in response.

“Fine, I’ll just come out with it. My daughter, Ivy, she’s been really sick. Danny has been MIA for a few months and I…I don’t know who else to turn to.” I won’t lie, the idea of her kid suffering because Danny’s a prick gets to me a little, but then the sweetest voice cuts into our conversation, chasing away any sympathy I might’ve had for this evil bitch.

“Danny’s MIA? Really? That’s really strange since you were with him this morning at the coffee shop on Fifth Avenue. I’m sure you didn’t notice, but he introduced himself after asking if I would be interested in getting a drink with him later. Good thing I have standards, unlike you, because that prick’s a real douchebag. I’d say you could do so much better, but I don’t want to lie to you.

“By the way, your little girl is absolutely adorable and looked perfectly healthy this morning, though after drinking that twelve ounce hot chocolate with extra whip, she might have a nasty stomach ache.” While Liv walks past us with a flat expression and heads to the locker rooms, Mandy looks like she’s out for blood.

“Wow, using your kid to try to con me out of more money after all that you already stole from me? You’re fucking pathetic, Mandy. Ricky, you good to finish up without me, man?” He shoots me an amused grin and nods before I get the fuck out of there. I head my ass to Mick’s office to log Ricky’s training for the day and it’s not really surprising when Mick follows me in.

“Well, that was exciting. I’m proud of you, Chance. You didn’t let her get to you and you kept your cool.” I see the takeaway coffee cup on his desk and quickly turn to face him.

“She really ran into them at the coffee shop?” Mick nods then leans against the closed door with his arms folded over his chest.

“She did and Danny really did try to hit on her. She embarrassed the shit out of him while Mandy and her little girl sat at one of the tables outside, completely clueless about the shit her man pulled right behind her back.” He chuckles at the thought of it and I can’t even help but smile.

“How’s she been?” The bastard shrugs, but his eyes are telling a whole other story and it has me instantly feeling on edge.

“She’s been struggling with some shit. Her sister lost the baby and her mom called and screamed at her, telling her it was her fault because she stressed her sister out so much by trying to come between her and her ex.” Is he fucking serious right now?! What they hell is with Liv’s fucking family?!

“What the fuck?! How the hell is any of that shit her fault?! Man, her family really sucks.” Mick nods in agreement, but our little gossip session is interrupted by a knock on his door. He pulls it open only a crack, but I can hear June’s voice from the other side.

“Hey, I’m going to take her home to pack. We’re leaving here to drop her off around one and the drive should take about two hours, so I should be back no later than seven. You want to get dinner when I get back?” Wait, Liv’s leaving? Where the hell is she going?!

“Yeah, make sure you stop and get her some groceries before you drop her off. The only things the cabin has stocked right now is bottled water, wine and whiskey. I have no doubt she’d be fine living off the liquor right now, but I think some actual sustenance will be necessary at some point.” Mick leans down and kisses her before closing the door.

“She’s going to your cabin?” He nods and resumes his position against the door, but I damn well know he caught the way his answer made my muscles relax.

“Yeah, June and I thought she could use a break, time away from her family shit where they can’t find her.” I quickly write in Ricky’s session on the log, trying not to let my mind take me places it shouldn’t go.

“I should head home.” He moves aside and opens the door for me, letting me walk out without another word and a head full of shit as a plan starts to takes form.

Chapter 9

Olivia

I fought Mick and June when they suggested I spend at least a week at Mick’s cabin by the lake, but as I stand on the back deck, looking out over the crystal waters, I’m really glad I came. June dropped me off and helped bring everything in, but then took off so she could get back in time to have dinner with Mick. I’m glad she left when she did because after that whole mess at the gym, my mind has been firmly stuck on Chance ever since. I doubt my overthinking, self-pity situation would make me good company anyway. I really thought I had a handle on my feeling over the whole thing with Chance, but maybe my mind was just too busy with other things to let myself think about it.

In the quiet and peace surrounding me, I realize one thing that I hadn’t quite considered. Without the noise and chaos of the city, there’s nothing at all to stop my mind from free falling. I’ve been struggling through family drama, trying to come to terms with everything with Chance and more recently, not having June around as often because she spends most of her time with Mick. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her, but it’s just a change in my life that I wasn’t expecting and it just so happened when the rest of my life was sent into a tailspin.

I finally head inside and start putting the rest of the groceries away, everything that didn’t already get put in the fridge or freezer, then pour myself a glass of wine, change into my black sleep shorts and a black satin spaghetti strap crop top then settle in on the plush couch to read. I manage to get five chapters in before I succumb to my exhaustion.

I wake to the sound of someone pounding on the door because, you know, that’s exactly what you would expect in a remote cabin in the woods, right? Nothing scary about that at all…nope…not even a little. The fact that I approach the door with the iron fire poker from beside the fireplace, poised to swing, has nothing to do with the fact that this has ‘horror movie’ written all over it. I reach for the door handle just as I hear a sound coming from the back followed by heavy footsteps approaching me. This…is how I die. Okay, so I don’t die, but I scream…really loud.

“Fucking Christ, Liv!” Okay, so I also swung that fucking fire poker too…but that voice…

“Chance?! What the fuck?! Holy shit, what the hell?!” I drop the fire poker and press both my hands to my chest, like that might somehow stop my heart from trying to explode out of my chest!

“I wasn’t trying to scare you, but when you didn’t answer, I thought something might be wrong!” Why the hell are we both still yelling?!

“Why are you here?” I bend down and pick up the damn poker then head back to the fireplace to put it back before I decide to use it on him for not only scaring the ever loving hell out of me, but also for screwing up my head for the umpteenth time in the short time I’ve known him.

“I needed to see you.” Oh…yeah…I don’t know if I can do this…

“Chance, I can’t handle this back and forth shit right now. I have so much shit on my plate and…I just can’t handle any more.” God, I can’t even look at him.

“Liv, please, you don’t have to say anything, but just…listen. I’m an asshole. I was so fucking worried about letting my guard down and having someone rip my heart out again, but then I hurt you instead and now I realize that hurting you was so much fucking worse. It was fucked up and unfair and I fucking regret it, I swear to you I do. You’re so damn amazing and everyday I’ve been away from you has been pure fucking hell. Even after how I treated you, you still took care of me and you still had my back with Mandy. I don’t deserve you, Liv, but, god, do I want to. As much as I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I’m going to be selfish right now because I’m asking for it, or at least for a chance to earn it.” My mind is screaming no, but my heart…that treacherous damn organ, it misses our connection so damn much.

“Where’s the line?” I shouldn’t be asking, I shouldn’t be considering opening myself up to this, but damn it, I am.

“Fuck the lines. No more lines, Liv.” Ugh, does he have to say the right thing right now? Is that even the right thing? I mean…it sounds like the right thing, doesn’t it? It’s a bad decision, god knows it is, but I turn and look into his green eyes and…shit…I shouldn’t have looked at him.

“Then…where do we stand, Chance?” I guess that was taken as some invitation for him to walk his giant ass right up to me. It’s a little hard to take this situation seriously when I’m stuck craning my neck just to look at the big ape.

“Together, always together. I’m so fucking sorry, Liv.” And now he’s hugging me…and I don’t hate it…not at all.

“God, you make it really hard to stay mad at you. You know that?” Feeling the vibrations as his chest shakes with laughter is so damn soothing.

“I’m really happy to hear that. Now, let’s sit down, have a drink and then I want you to tell me all the shit I’ve missed.” So…I do. I tell him about Anna accusing me of trying to steal Ethan from her, about Ethan trying to get me to give him another chance, about them finding out the baby isn’t Ethan’s, about Anna losing the baby, my mom blaming me for it, about my run in with his ex and her baby daddy…I tell him everything.

“So, that’s my shit show in a nutshell. What’s new with you?” Sitting beside him on the couch, like we had done so many times back at my apartment, it feels good, but I can’t help but worry it’s going to end. It’s like I’m sitting here waiting for him to put his damn guard back up and push me away again and that is a shitty feeling.

“Nothing new really. I’ve spent most of my time trying to distract myself from how big of a dick I was. You know about the shit with Mandy and then my sister came down to visit, she was with me at the bar that night when I ran into you and June in the hall, the night I completely fucked everything up. I know it doesn’t make anything better, but she reamed my ass for everything. She was so pissed after I told her how I acted then the morning after, I had breakfast with her before she left and I’m pretty sure she was ready to beat my ass.” Man, I think I like his sister already!

“She was the blonde you were with?” He nods, but the look on his face confuses me.

“Who did you think the blonde was?” Wow, okay, so we’re going there, huh? Well, I have no damn shame, so might as well be honest here.

“I figured maybe she was someone you were seeing and that’s why you pulled away like you did. I was pissed because I knew that if you had just told me, I would’ve been okay, at least I would’ve known what the hell was going on. Hell, I spent that whole time thinking I did something wrong.” When I feel his hand grab onto mine, I can see the regret in his eyes and I won’t lie, I’m a little happy knowing he seems to genuinely regret being a dick.

“It was never you, Liv. It was always my shit getting in my way. Before I met you, I didn’t let anyone get close. There was something about seeing you at the bar in a wedding dress, drinking and paying for your tab with your ex’s card. You were too damn interesting and I knew I had to get to know you. I regret how I’ve treated you, but I’ll never regret my time with you. You’re funny as hell, strong, loyal to a fault and beautiful. You’re certainly more than someone like me deserves.” Yep, I’m a goner. How the hell can I stay mad?

“Aren’t you too big to be so sappy?” The big bastard shrugs and gives me a cheeky smile, but I haven’t failed to notice that he’s still holding onto my hand.

“It’s not sappy if it’s true.” And like the brilliant woman I am, I’ve suddenly realized something…this is a one bedroom cabin and it’s almost ten pm!

“So, how long are you going to be staying out here?” He quirks that damn brow and gives me an amused smirk, because, you know, why the hell not.

“I didn’t really think through how long I’d stay. I was more focused on getting you to not hate me.” Damn this beastly bastard!

“Well, there’s one bed. I already gave up my bed for you once, so you can either share the king-sized bed with me, or you get the damn couch…but you and I both know your big ass won’t fit.” I can tell my offer surprises him, but it’s not like I’m a damn monster!

“You aren’t a sleep cuddler are you?” What? Is that really a thing?

“Uh, not that I know of? I’ve only shared a bed with one person before and that’s June. She never complained, but then again, I could’ve physically assaulted her in her sleep and she’d just sleep right through it.” It’s the truth, that girl sleeps like the dead!

“Wait, you never shared a bed with your ex?” And here I thought that June was the only one who found that little detail strange.

“No. He didn’t like sharing a bed because he said I produce too much body heat…though I guess that with everything I know now, it’s probably just because I wasn’t Anna.” That’s really not a thought I wanted in my head before I go to sleep! Way to go Liv! Nothing like a little good old self-sabotage before bed time.

“You’ve never just…cuddled with someone?” I’m honestly starting to think my past relationship was even more screwed up than I realized.

“No. Is that a bad thing?” Wait, why does he almost look sad?

“Alright, come on.” The beastly prick takes my nearly empty glass of wine and sets it on the coffee table along with his beer then pulls me off the couch and down the hall to the bedroom. I watch as he starts pulling his shirt off then kicks off his shoes and once he starts unbuttoning his pants, I finally come to my senses and look away.

“What the hell, Chance?! You seriously brought me in here so you could get naked?!” Great, and now he’s laughing at me.

“No, I still have my boxers on. Come on, get in bed.” I hear the blanket rustling and finally risk turning around, but he’s already laying in bed. I suck it up and climb in on my side, but then he makes me nearly choke on my next breath when he wraps his arms around me and pulls me up against him then manhandles me like the beast he is until I’m facing him and my head is on his chest.

“Relax, just get comfortable, Liv.” I take a moment to assess my position and realize, much to my dismay, that I am comfortable…too comfortable for how intimate this all feels. I want to stay awake, to let my mind process what the hell’s happening right now, but with the warmth of his body pressed against mine, the security of his arm around me and the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear, I feel myself slipping into the darkness.

Chapter 10

Chance

I don’t know how the hell I managed to get lucky enough for Liv to forgive me, but I sure the hell won’t be complaining. I honestly hadn’t considered the fact that the cabin has only one bed when I drove my ass out here, but I don’t mind. I would’ve slept on the damn floor if it meant getting her to forgive me for being an idiot. I definitely didn’t plan for the night to end with me cuddling her in the king sized bed, but I damn well don’t mind that either. I laid there, watching her sleep, for what had to be at least an hour before I couldn’t stay awake any more and now I’m laying here with the morning sun peeking through the crack in the curtains.

Liv is still curled against me with her head on my chest and her small hand resting right over my heart, the same damn heart she managed to sneak her way into and now she holds the ridiculous thing right in that small hand of hers, but I don’t feel worried…I don’t feel fear over what she might do with the damn thing. Hell, I don’t doubt that I’d rip it right out of my own chest and hand it to her with a smile on my damn face if she wanted me to. I don’t know how or even when it happened, but I fell for the drunken bride from the bar and I’m not even mad about it.

“Mmm, you’re a really fucking amazing pillow. Who knew rock hard muscles could be so comfortable?” She lifts her head and those grey eyes lock onto mine as she flashes me the cutest damn smile.

“I’m glad you find me comfortable, sweetheart. Just for the record, you most definitely are a sleep cuddler.” Her cheeks flush a soft pink, but she doesn’t look away. She just shrugs those beautiful, bare shoulders and her smile widens.

“Your hand on my ass tells me you are too, so I guess we’re even. I don’t know about you, but I need coffee, a shower and more coffee…though not necessarily in that order.” I can’t even help but laugh as I wrap my arms around her and give her a soft squeeze before releasing her.

“Alright. You go shower and I’ll go start the coffee.” I don’t even think as I sit up and kiss her forehead, but when I see that pink in her cheeks darken to a light red, I don’t regret it…not even a little. I watch as she jumps up off the bed and hurries into the bathroom, so I get up, slip my jeans back on then head out to the kitchen to make sure there will be coffee the second she gets out of her shower. I…wasn’t prepared. I hear the bedroom door open then she walks out…wearing a pair of light grey lounge pants that are lowcut and sit on her hips with a matching sports bra…no fucking shirt.

“God, that smells amazing. Thanks for making coffee, Chance.” She walks over and, because I love torturing myself, I watch her stretch on her toes to grab a coffee cup out of the cupboard and now I’m stuck praying she doesn’t notice the obvious bulge in my jeans.

“No problem. So, what are your plans for while you’re out here?” She pours her coffee then pauses as she considers my question then offers an answer in a soft voice, one that only adds to the strain I’m feeling below.

“Um…I don’t know? This whole thing, me coming out here, it was all Mick and June’s idea. I was perfectly content to wallow in my misery in the safety of my own apartment, but they weren’t having it.” As she leans up against the counter, her arm brushes mine and I catch her glancing at my bare chest, but then her eyes catch on something that has her brow furrowing as she sets her cup on the counter. She moves to stand in front of me and her small fingers gently graze over one of the many scars on my chest.

I don’t even know when it happened, but my hands are on her waist as I watch her gently trace each scar she sees. As if her touch wasn’t already wrecking me in the most amazing way, she leans forward and presses a soft, sweet kiss to the worst of the scars and that’s all it takes to break me. I place a hand on each side of her neck and my lips crash down on hers. I can tell I caught her by surprise, but it lasts only a few seconds before her arms are snaking around my neck and her fingers are threading into my hair as her lips part for me.

With how small she is, I’m hunched over while she’s stretched on her toes, but the awkward position puts too much space between us, so I grab her ass and lift her, gently setting her on the counter as she smiles against my lips. The little goddess spreads her legs and I don’t hesitate to take my place between them, just like she doesn’t hesitate to try wrapping them around me, though they’re not quite long enough for that, but I love feeling her try. When we finally come up for air, we’re both a panting mess with our foreheads pressed together and our hands still holding each other tightly.

“Holy shit. Now that is one hell of a way to wake up.” Her breathy comment has us both laughing, but I sure the hell agree with her statement.

“We should take a breather before I end up ripping your clothes off and taking you right here.” Hey, I never said I was a romantic guy! Instead of offering me any kind of response, the little goddess leans back, grabs the bottom of her sports bra and pulls the thing right off then tosses it across the kitchen! Yeah, I don’t pass up the opportunity to look at the view she’s providing and it’s one hell of a beautiful sight.

“God, you’re so damn beautiful, Liv.” I lock my eyes with her and seeing the fire in those beautiful grey eyes…there’s no holding back. Everything happens like an explosion…our hands touching, lips kissing, tongues tasting and I…can’t…get…enough! I’m already so painfully hard that my jeans are cutting off blood flow, but then I feel it, her small hands unbuttoning and unzipping my pants as her talented little feet help her push them down until they drop to the floor. As if that isn’t already enough to blow my mind, she slips her small hand into my boxers and takes ahold of my throbbing cock like she owns it and I’ll be damned because she does own it…along with every other unworthy part of me.

“I don’t want a breather, Chance…I want you.” Yep, I’m a fucking goner and I don’t even care! I wrap my arms around her and lift her off the counter then carry her straight back to the room because if I’m going to ravage this goddess for the first time, it sure the fuck won’t be on a kitchen counter. She deserves so much better than that and I’m determined to give it to her, to give her everything.

I lay her on the bed gently then grab the waistband of her lounge pants, pulling them down slowly when she lifts her hips for me. I’m already hard and ready, but then I see something that makes my breath catch and my heart stutter…she’s not wearing anything under her pants and there’s a tattoo that stretches from hip to hip in beautiful script…Tell me every terrible thing you ever did and let me love you anyway.

My fingers trail over the writing as my eyes raise up to meet hers and I slowly crawl my way up her beautiful body, leaving a trail of open mouth kisses on the way to her perfect, full lips. I feel the warmth and slickness of her core as the head of my cock presses against her and it takes every once of self-control I have to not just sink into her. I want to take this slow, to savor this moment with her…but then she rolls her hips beneath me and lets out the softest, sweetest moan. I press my hips forward, just enough to breach her core, but not enough to give her what she clearly wants…just enough to make her gasp from the feeling.

Slowly, inch by aching inch, I push forward, but I can tell the stretch is uncomfortable for her. I doubt that micro-dick bastard ex of hers ever pushed her like this…ever filled her and stretched her like this…and that knowledge is oddly satisfying. She’s only taken half of me so far and is already panting and digging her nails into my shoulders, but then she shocks the hell out of me when her heels dig into my ass and force me forward until I bottom out and she hisses from the sudden force of her walls being stretched to their limits…a fact made evident by the way they’re choking my cock until they finally start to slowly relax, though only a little.

As soon as those gorgeous grey eyes open and lock with mine, I slowly ease out then back in, testing her limits and, apparently, her patience. She begins rocking her hips to meet each thrust and the moan that she rewards me with is not soft or quiet, but it’s enough to break my restraint completely. What started out as a tender, loving moment, quickly turns into a hot, heavy, sweaty tangle of limbs. I feel her walls tightening, her nails digging into my back as they drag their way down while her body arches and my name leaves her lips on a breathy moan while she comes undone beneath me.

The sight of her shattering is so damn beautiful and it only takes a few more thrusts to push me over the edge, my eyes never leaving hers as I release myself inside her…which is the moment I realize one very important thing…we forgot a fucking condom!

“Shit…Liv…I didn’t…god, I didn’t use protection.” I feel like my heart is going to explode out of my chest, but Liv, that fucking goddess, just smiles at me.

“Okay. I’m on the depo shot, so we should be fine.” She leans up and presses her lips to mine, instantly erasing all my worry. I pull out of her and scoop her ass right off the bed then carry her into the bathroom, start the shower then pull her into it with me. Without a word, I gently wash her body, but then she surprises me by returning the favor before we get out and dry off.

“I saw your laptop in the living room. Were you working when I got here?” She gives me a sheepish grin, bites her bottom lip and nods.

“Yeah, but don’t tell Mick and June. I was just finishing the project I was working on for a client.” When we were first getting to know each other, she had told me she was a freelance web designer and that she does computer programing, something her uptight bitch of a mother was apparently not happy about.

“Your secret’s safe with me, Liv. How about I make us some breakfast then we can go down to the lake for a little bit?” It’s such a simple suggestion, yet she reacts with a bright, excited smile.

“I think I can get on board with that.”

Chapter 11

Olivia

Okay, let’s be honest here. I never thought that coming out here would turn out like this. When I got here, I hadn’t even considered the possibility that Chance might show up and I sure the hell didn’t consider the possibility of us sleeping together. Am I upset? Hell no! Was it the single most amazing sexual experience of my life? Damn right it was! Am I shamelessly ogling him while he stands in front of the stove, making us breakfast? Oh, hell yes I am!

“Mick told me about the shit with your family. How are you holding up with all that shit?” It doesn’t surprise me that Mick told him, not really.

“Well, I’m hiding my ass in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, that’s how I’m holding up.” I can’t help laughing and I know he caught my amused tone the second he flashes me a smile over his shoulder.

“None of the shit with them is your fault. Not the shit with the ex, not the shit with your mom, not even the shit with your sister.” He speaks in a firm tone, like he’s prepared to have to fight me on these facts, but he won’t.

“I know. The only people at fault for the problems they’re facing right now are the three of them. I just needed to get away from their shit, I needed room to breathe.” He grabs the two plates he had set on the counter and plates up cheesy scrambled eggs and bacon for both of us then walks over and sets a plate in front of me, but his green eyes are locked on mine.

“Good. I’m glad you aren’t letting them get in your head. You never should’ve had to shoulder their shit.” He leans in and gives me a toe curling kiss before turning to grab two forks out of the silverware drawer. We eat in a comfortable silence then while he goes out to his truck to get his gym bag with his change of clothes, I quickly get to work cleaning up the kitchen before running into the room to change into my black bikini.

You would think that seeing me naked would make it impossible for me to make his jaw drop, but the second I step out of the bedroom in the black string bikini, the man’s jaw damn near hits the floor. I won’t lie, his reaction is everything I never knew I needed.

“You ready?” He’s wearing a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt, but it looks damn good on him…almost as good as it would look on the floor.

“Damn, sweetheart…I think you made my brain stall out.” He makes his way over to me and pulls me into his arms, his lips crashing into mine and his very noticeable erection pressing into my stomach. I love the fact that I can make him react this way, so intensely and just from looking at me. For the first time in my life, I feel powerful and I fucking love it. We manage to make it down to the lake, barely, and have been sitting on the little dock for almost half an hour, Chance sitting behind me with me between his legs and his arms around me.

“When do you have to go back?” Considering how long I’ve spent being in a relationship with someone who never once prioritized me and how unfamiliar I am with the level of intimacy Chance has shown me, I find myself feeling uneasy with the thought of him leaving.

“I don’t have any appointments until Wednesday, so I’ll have to leave Tuesday night.” He sounds as unhappy with it as I do, which is slightly comforting. I guess part of me is still waiting for the moment where he’ll pull away.

“So, you’re here for the next two days…” His arms tighten around me and I know he heard the sadness in my tone, but I don’t want to hide it from him. If he really wants this, if he really wants me, he needs to want every part of me, including my insecurities.

“Yeah, two days. How long are you staying out here?” I’m glad he can’t see my face because it’s taking a monumental effort not to cry like a damn fool right now. This is ridiculous! It’s not like he’s leaving forever! He’s going back to his apartment that’s right across the hall from mine!

“I don’t know. I was planning for a week when I came out here…” I want to tell him that’s changed…that it changed the minute he held me, but I don’t want to scare him away. I know I should just be open and just seconds ago, I was convinced he needed to meet every side of me, but now I’m freaking out a little with the thought that I might scare him away. God, I’m a mess!

“Hey, what’s going on in that beautiful little head of yours?” Well, guess it’s time to rip off the metaphorical band aid before I can chicken out!

“I don’t know if I want to stay out here alone.” Okay, that’s not what I planned to say, but it’s part of the truth…baby steps!

“O-kay, but weren’t you originally planning to be out here alone before I crashed your vacation?” I try to bite it back, but…yeah, the word vomit situation is real.

“What if you go back and things change? What if I go home and things go back to the way they were before?” I feel his chest rise and fall against my back as he takes a deep breath, but his arms only hold me tighter.

“I promise you, Liv, it won’t change. One thing I learned pretty damn fast is that my life without you is absolute shit. Hell, if you need proof, come back with me, but you better know that if you do, I won’t be going a single damn night without you in my arms.” Yeah, pretty sure I just melted right here on the damn dock!

“Okay.” His hands grab my shoulders and turn me so he can see my face, the face that’s currently sporting what I’m sure is an absolutely ridiculous smile right now.

“Okay?” I nod my head and watch the magic happen as a slow and absolutely heart melting smile lights up his face.

“Yeah, I want to go back with you. I want to be with you, Chance.” And then he kisses me…hard. After I show him just how much I want to be with him by riding him on the dock, we finally make it back to the cabin just after two and decide to have a late lunch slash early dinner then curl up on the couch and fall asleep together.

Tuesday arrived too damn fast, but rather than wait till Tuesday night, we took a shower together after having a few cups of coffee, cleaned up the cabin then loaded everything in his truck and made the drive home. I don’t know how I saw things going once we got back, but Chance held true to his word. As soon as we got everything carried inside, he went to his apartment and grabbed clothes, his toothbrush and his hygiene products then came over and put everything up in my room and bathroom. It surprised me when I saw it all and realized it feels like it all belongs there.

“I let Mick know we’re back and he said he’ll let June know when they meet up for dinner. Speaking of dinner, you want me to have something delivered, or do you want to go out?” Even this, him asking what I want to do for dinner, it all feels so normal!

“Why don’t we order in tonight and I’ll cook something tomorrow. Right now, I just want to sit back and relax…with you.” That little declaration earns me one of his heart melting smiles and in only seconds, I’m in his arms.

“Sounds perfect.”

We’ve had two perfect weeks together without interference from the stresses of the outside world. He’s met with his clients and I’ve completed work for mine and then we spend our free time either locked away together, or with Mick and June at the bar on the nights Chance works…like tonight. I’ve been sitting at the bar with June and Mick while I watch Chance rush back and forth, serving customers and stealing glances at me that leave me wishing his shift would hurry up and end already. My desire for the night to end intensifies tenfold when I hear a soft, nasally, feminine voice I had hoped to never hear again…fucking Mandy.

“I’m just going to wait for you at the bar.” I refuse to turn around, but the second she walks out from behind me, my eyes are tracking her every movement.

“What the fuck is she doing here?” Mick’s voice is growly and low as he watches her movements just as closely as I am.

“That’s his ex?!” June’s wide eyes and parted lips have me feeling a whole new level of insecurities that I don’t want to deal with, but seeing her watch Chance like a lioness stalking her prey, I can’t help feeling uneasy.

“Hey, can I get a vodka cranberry and…if you have a few minutes, I’d like to talk to you.” Ugh, this bitch is getting on my last nerve! Hasn’t she done enough damage?!

“Not happening. Run along, Mandy.” Chance sets her drink on the bar then walks straight toward me, probably seeing the weird mixture of panic, worry and discomfort written clearly on my face.

“Hey, you okay, baby?” I’m about to nod, but then I see the man who takes a seat at the stool beside her and feel my stomach twist into knots as I shake my head no.

“Why are they here? Why are they here together?!” I’m going for a whisper shout, but I’m fairly sure I missed the mark. Either way, it gets his attention and he turns to take in the view of both of our exes sitting together, drinking and acting like this isn’t some twilight zone shit.

“Will should be here in about ten minutes. Make sure you’re ready to get out of here as soon as he shows up. I don’t know why the hell they’re here, but I damn sure don’t intend to find out.” I nod my agreement then watch as he gets back to work serving the customers at the bar. Will shows up almost exactly ten minutes later and quickly takes his place behind the bar while Chance quickly pulls the cases of beer from the cooler for him. I’m watching him walk out from behind the bar when Mandy walks up to him starts talking, but they’re too far away for me to hear what’s being said. I see her hand him a piece of paper that has his eyes widening as he scans over what’s on the page then he walks over and sits down at one of the tables near the pool tables with her following right behind him.

“Looks like your days of playing house with the behemoth are over, Liv. I think we should talk.” Ethan’s voice has my fists clenching as I slowly turn on my barstool so I can let him see how close I am to losing my shit on him.

“I suggest you walk the fuck away, Ethan. We have nothing to talk about.” He flashes me a smirk that has a weight settling over me, like the walls are going to collapse on me at any moment.

“But I think we do. They sure have a lot to discuss…like the fact that little Ivy isn’t Danny’s kid. Truth is, there’s only one other possibility and I think you can guess who it is.” It’s not that I don’t understand what he’s saying, but I’m having a hard time accepting it. She was sleeping with Danny while she was with Chance, so maybe she was sleeping with other people too. Maybe some other poor man is the father to that poor little girl.

“And he’s just supposed to believe that it’s not someone else’s kid? You know what, it doesn’t even matter because whether she’s his kid or not, this whole thing doesn’t concern you! I’ll only say this one more time…leave!” From the corner of my eye, I see June standing up while Ethan’s stupid ass takes a step closer. Without a single thought about the consequences, I pull back my fist and slam that bitch right into his face. Ethan hits the ground with a loud and satisfying thud while June pulls me into her arms. I look over at the table where Chance had sat down and it’s just in time to see them both stand up and Mandy jumps right into his arms with her lips slamming into his. I slip out of June’s arms…and I run.

Chapter 12

I don’t know how long I’ve been walking the streets, but I do know that I’m quite a good distance away from my apartment. I should probably feel something about all this, heartbroken or maybe even angry, but all I feel is numb. He said he didn’t want to hear what Mandy and Ethan had to say, but he went with her anyway. I guess it just doesn’t make sense. Sure, i didn’t stay to see if he kissed her back, but him choosing to give her an opportunity to get that close…I guess it just hurts.

I guess I can’t blame him if it turns out that Ivy is his daughter. Like I said, it’s not like I saw him kiss her back, but if he is her father, wouldn’t I just be in the damn way? Would he want to try working things out with Mandy for Ivy’s sake? And these are the things I’m thinking about when I stumble across the front door to Mick’s gym just as his car pulls up.

“Liv! We’ve been looking everywhere for you! What the hell are you doing walking around alone this late?!” Hell, I don’t even know what time it is, but I know I need to do something…that I need to feel something.

“Can we go in?” I gesture to the door with my head and he doesn’t even hesitate to move past me and unlock the door. I walk straight into the training room where the punching bags are, kick off my shoes and dive right into beating the shit out of that bag. I’m not foolish enough to think he didn’t let June know where we are, or that he probably let Chance know too. I don’t know how we’re going to navigate this new mess, but for now, I just need to let it all out. My right hand, the one I hit Ethan with, it’s throbbing and every damn hit feels like nails are being driven into my hand and wrist, but I don’t stop…not until I feel two large arms wrap around me, pulling me into a firm and familiar chest.

“Baby, stop! You’re bleeding!” I look down at my hands and, sure as shit, they’re both covered in blood that’s leaving quite a mess on both the bag and the mat beneath us.

“I’m sorry…” He spins me around and pulls me right back into his chest, clearly not concerned about getting my blood all over his shirt as he lets my apology be muffled by his firm chest and the thin layer of fabric that covers it.

“No, don’t you dare apologize. June told me what that prick said, but he’s wrong, Liv. Yeah, Ivy isn’t Danny’s, but she’s not mine either. She told me she got my toothbrush to have the DNA test done, but she couldn’t tell me when she got it or where she got it from. She’s full of shit and when I told her I’d only believe it if we go down and get a new test run together, she bailed, but that was only after she threw herself at me like a desperate fucking bitch. Baby, even if there’s some small, tiny fucking chance that the little girl is mine, we’ll face it together. No matter what shit happens, I only want to face it with you. I fucking love you, Liv.” Well…shit.

“I love you too…I…I think I broke my hand on that pricks fucking face.” He pulls back and carefully grabs my wrist then winces when he sees the swollen bloody and bruised hand in question, though now my other hand doesn’t look much better.

“Alright, let’s go get this checked out.” He presses a soft kiss to my forehead then steps back as Mick walks up with a towel that he uses to wrap both of my hands. Chance picks me up and carries me out to his truck where I find June opening the door for him to put me inside. It seems they all showed up…they all care enough to show up and support me through this mess, even if it was a mess created by my own mind jumping to unnecessary conclusions. This is what it feels like to be loved and accepted. I have to say…I definitely don’t hate it.

Well, I broke my wrist, not my hand. The left hand is just bruised and has a few cuts, but nothing major. Chance sat with me from start to finish and I couldn’t be more thankful for the man. We had some time to talk and I made sure we covered the possibilities of if Ivy is his and his answers didn’t disappoint.

“Well, if it magically turned out that she’s mine, I’d want to be a part of her life…for both you and me to be a part of it. It’s sure the hell not the way I’d want to become a dad and I sure the hell would never have wanted Mandy to be the mother, but the only one I want by my side if it turns out she’s mine, is you. Hell, the only person I want to be a mother to my kids…it’s you. I know it’s too damn early to be thinking about kids and marriage, but I’m going to lay my cards down, Liv. When I look at my future and the things I want, the only thing that’s clear to me is that you’re in it.”

Yeah, he most certainly said the right things. With my arm in a cast to the middle of my forearm and all my little cuts bandaged, I awkwardly sign my discharge papers with my left hand and we finally leave, though it’s almost five in the damn morning. This experience may not have been ideal, but it’s given me a view of a new side to Chance, the protective, attentive and worried side. I’m pretty sure he memorized every damn thing the doctor said while we were in there, but I don’t mind. I actually kind of love it. He opened the truck door for me, buckled me and, hell, he didn’t let me use my hands for a damn thing, not even when we made it into my apartment.

“How are you feeling? Are you ready for another pain pill?” I know damn well that I’m smiling like a fool, but what can I say, he just brings it out of me.

“I’m actually feeling okay. I think the only thing I need right now is cuddles from a gorgeous man…then sleep…then coffee…then breakfast and in that exact order.” He doesn’t waste any time sliding onto the couch and shifting us so that I’m between his legs then he turns on some tv show that I don’t think either of us manage to finish even one episode of before we fall asleep.

Six weeks…I’ve been a prisoner to this damn cast for six…long…weeks! Today is my next appointment where they’ll hopefully take the damn thing off so I can resume my normal daily activities. Chance and I have had to get creative with our extracurricular activities, especially after I ended up giving him a few bruises when I hit him in the face with my cast. I’ve never been a graceful woman, but I’ve also never had to worry about giving someone a concussion while having sex either. Let’s just say that I would ten out of ten not recommend.

Chance had hoped to go with me today, but he got called in to cover the bar, so June is taking me instead. I’ve felt anxious all day, especially since tonight is also the first time I’ll be going to one of Chance’s fights. When we pull up to the clinic, I can barely get out of the car fast enough and my rush to freedom has June cackling like a maniac behind me. We spend forty minutes waiting, with the doctor being late for my appointment like it’s not a big deal that they waste my time, even though they would cancel my appointment on me and charge me a missed appointment fee if I was late.

“Hello, Olivia. We’re going to get a new set of x-rays and if everything looks good, we can get that cast off!” He says it like he’s the one who’s been waiting for six weeks to have the damn thing removed! We get the x-rays done fairly quickly and before I know it, my hand is cast free! While I’m absolutely thrilled to be rid of the damn thing, I’m not at all prepared for the wave of dizziness that hits me when I stand up and if it wasn’t for June’s lightning fast reflexes, I’m pretty sure I would’ve had an intimate encounter with the tile covered concrete floor.

“Hey, are you okay?” Her voice is filled with concern, but my head is still spinning.

“I…yeah…I just got really dizzy.” I can see Doctor Goodman’s concern too, but seriously, have neither of them ever just stood up too fast?!

“You’re really pale, Olivia. I think we should run some labs just in case. Have you ever been diagnosed with low blood iron, or are you maybe menstruating?” I really hate these questions.

“No and no, doc.” So that’s how I ended up with having my blood drawn almost an hour ago and it’s why the doctor is now standing in front of me with lab results that can’t possibly be right.

“No, there’s been some kind of mistake. I’m on the damn shot, doc. I’m not due for my next one for a little over a month!” Yeah, you guessed it, I popped positive…for being pregnant!

“No, it’s no mistake, Olivia. I saw in your chart that you’re on the shot, but I also see that you were on antibiotics for two weeks Beginning ten weeks ago and finishing about eight weeks ago. One of the warnings with this particular prescription is that it can reduce the effectiveness of birth control and it’s recommended that you use other methods during and for at least a week following use.” What?! He acts like I’m the only person to not read the fine fucking print!

“Oh god, she’s been drinking! I mean, not a lot, but…will that hurt the baby?” Great, thanks to June, I now have yet another thing to stress over!

“I doubt it will pose an issue, but I obviously would recommend against it from here on out. You should set up an appointment with your OBGYN as soon as possible.” He hands me the paper with the lab results, like I need them to remember what he discovered, then sends us on our way after making sure I can stand up without face planting. June is silent the entire way to the parking lot, something I’m more than grateful for, and she doesn’t say anything once we’re in the car…not until we pull up in front of my apartment building.

“You have any ideas for how you’re going to tell him?” If only she could’ve heard my thoughts the whole drive here…then she would know that I’ve thought of a million ways to tell him, but my mind has conjured a million ways that it’ll blow up in my face.

“I don’t know, but I think I need to wait until after his fight tonight. I don’t want to distract him.” Thankfully, she agrees and that eases my nerves just enough for me to get out of the car and head inside.

Chapter 13

Chance was supposed to be at the bar until five, so when I walk into my apartment, the apartment that he pretty much lives in, though we haven’t quite made it official, I wasn’t expecting to see him in the kitchen.

“Hey, baby, I was just making dinner.” Considering I’ve decided to wait to tell him about the unexpected news, you would think I would act normal, but instead, I freeze and he doesn’t miss it. When I don’t respond right away, he’s already walking out of the kitchen and straight toward me with his brow furrowed.

“You got your cast off…so why don’t you look happy? Liv, baby, are you okay?” And now I’m screwed because no way in hell can I or will I lie to him, so I shake my head at the same time I start bawling like a damn baby, right there in the entryway to my damn apartment.

“I…it…I’m sorry!” Yep, that cleared everything up alright!

“Breathe, baby. Whatever it is, we’ve got this. It’s going to be okay.” I get out a few choked sobs before giving up on speaking. I reach into my purse and pull out those damn test results and hand them to him before burying my face in my hands. I can’t bring myself to watch his reaction. What if he assumes I did something like Mandy? That the baby isn’t his? What if he thinks I did this on purpose?

“Liv…this…are you…are we having a baby? Does this say we’re having a baby?!” He sounds…shocked? Excited maybe? I nod my head, but I don’t lower my hands, not until he gently grabs my wrists to pull my hands away and, in case I wasn’t already well aware of the ridiculous height difference, he crouches down to look in my eyes.

“Hey, tell me what’s wrong, baby. Are you upset? Are you not wanting this?” Oh god! Now he thinks I don’t want to have his baby! God, I’m such a dick! What the hell is wrong with me?!

“No! I mean, yes I want this, but…I don’t want you thinking I’m like Mandy or that I’m trying to trap you. I swear to god I’m on the shot, but the doctor said the antibiotics I was on a few months back are known for weakening the affects of birth control which is apparently in the fine print, but nobody reads the fine fucking print! I swear it’s yours and I know we didn’t talk about having a baby right now, but I didn’t know…I didn’t read the fucking fine print and now I’m going to get fat and I’m already a fucking wreck!” I bet you can guess how hard I’m bawling right now, but let me tell you, this is straight ugly crying, yet he’s not running. In fact, he’s smiling!

“Baby, I would never believe you could do the shit that bitch did, so stop worrying about that. As for the fine fucking print, if this is the result of it, never fucking read that shit.” He places his hand on my stomach and mine automatically raises up to rest over his. “As for you getting fat, get out of here with that shit. You’re body is going to change, but you’re growing our baby. I promise you that no matter how much or how little your body changes, I’m going to love you and I damn well know I’ll always think you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m with you, baby, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“How do you always do that? How do you always know the right thing to say?” I’m sure it would sound more flattering if I didn’t deliver it with a loud sniffle, but he gives me that sexy grin anyways.

“I’m glad you think it’s always the right thing, but I’m just speaking the truth, Liv. Now, dinner’s almost done. Are you feeling okay? You feel good enough to eat?” I let out a shaky laugh and nod.

“Yeah, I definitely can eat. Chance…thank you.” He slip his arms around my shoulders and locks those gorgeous green eyes with mine.

“For what?” I wrap my arms around his waist, not that they can reach the whole way, but close enough.

“For loving me…for being you…for taking a chance on a crazy woman in a wedding dress at the bar.” And then he kisses me.

“Baby, you’ll always be worth taking a chance on and I knew it the second I met you…it just took a little bit for my brain to catch up with what my heart already knew. You, Liv, have had my damn heart from the second I saw you.” I may not have realized it right away, but I’m pretty sure he’s had my heart since that first day too. We eat dinner, spaghetti with cheesy garlic bread, then get ready for the fights.

I don’t know what the hell kind of crazy realm of chaos I was expecting when we got to the gym, but the damn place is packed with people and I have Chance in front of me, June on my right and Mick is bringing up the rear, all of them insisting they need to be on ‘protect the baby’ duty. They get us to the seats reserved for Chance’s team of helpers and June quickly gets me into a seat so no one can accidentally bump into me. I’m kind of glad Chance’s fight is the first fight of the night because the screaming and shouting is quickly getting to me.

“Hey, isn’t that Chance’s bitch ex?” June points to the other corner of the ring where not only is Mandy sitting, but so is Danny. Why the hell are they sitting on the side of Chance’s opponent?! Why are they here at all?! I don’t have time to voice any of my questions because the crowd starts yelling and cheering and next thing I know, Chance is stepping into the ring and his green eyes lock with mine as a bright smile lights up his face.

While I’m thrilled that he sought me out right away, I have a bad feeling about his ex and former best friend being here, so I do my best to get him to turn around…and he does. His muscles tense and his fists clench at his sides before he looks at me over his shoulder and gives me a nod, his silent acknowledgement that he sees them. His opponent for tonight, Nick, is a man that’s almost as beastly as Chance, but is close to two inches shorter and slightly less muscular.

I’m not really surprised when the other prick refuses to tap his fist with Chance’s, but Chance doesn’t seem surprised either. In the midst of all the cheering and screaming, I missed the ref calling the start of the match, so the sound of a fist colliding with flesh startles the hell out of me. I watch, literally from the edge of my seat, as they take turns exchanging hits and kicks, dodging and blocking as they move around the ring. It’s like everything is moving too fast and too slow all at once until I see the overhead lights glint off of something in Nick’s hand just before he takes a swing and hits Chance in the stomach. I feel like time stands still as the first drop of blood hits the mat and if June wasn’t already wrapping her arms around me, I would’ve been fighting my way into the damn ring.

The ref is shouting, the crowd is yelling, cheering and screaming, but Chance…he’s fucking furious! Before anyone can process what’s happening, he lands a solid right, left, right combo followed by a right hook to Nick’s jaw that has the bastard dropping like a brick onto the mat. Mick is already walking into the ring before the ref announces the winner and two of the guards I saw near the stands are walking in and carrying Nick out after having handcuffed him. As soon as Mick has the wound covered with the towel that had been draped over his shoulder, he guides Chance out of the ring while June and I push our way through the crowd to get to him.

“Chance! Oh my god! Did that fucker stab you?! I’ll fucking kill him!” I turn toward where I saw them drag Nick, but a large arm wraps around me and pulls me into my favorite warm chest.

“Calm down, baby. I’m okay. It was a razor blade, so it’s nothing major. I won’t even need stitches, but it’ll probably leave a scar. Don’t worry, the guys will handle that little prick.” He pulls me along to the locker room with him and I stand back and watch as Mick tends to the cut across his stomach while all I want to do is go find the pathetic bastard that did this to him and beat his ass. Mick is almost finished cleaning and bandaging Chance’s injury when the locker room door opens and an older man with white hair and a white goatee walks in, but it’s the two assholes behind him that have my attention…Mandy and Danny.

“Mick, Nick’s manager wanted to apologize for the shit he pulled out there.” I don’t even look at the older man as he speaks and because of that, I catch the matching smirks on both of their faces. The older man walks over to inspect the damage and I don’t even realize my feet are carrying me over to them until June grabs my hand to stop me.

“Liv, they’re not worth it.” Her words are whispered in my ear, but Danny’s wicked grin tells me he heard it…which is why my fist slams into his face.

“No, they’re not…but damn did that feel good!” The hit was enough to have Danny stumbling back into the wall while Mandy’s eyes are wide and her mouth is hanging open.

“Damn! You got him good, babes!” June barely gets the words out through her laughter, but her laughter dies the second Danny takes a step toward me.

“I’ve never hit a woman, but I think I might make an exception for you, you fucking bitch.” I would probably be a little nervous if his nose wasn’t gushing blood like a waterfall. I feel Chance’s arm push me back before I actually realize he’s already standing next to me, pushing me behind him.

“Did you seriously just threaten my girlfriend? My pregnant girlfriend?!” I know Chance is a vicious fighter, but I never realized how fast he is…not until his fist hits Danny’s face, knocking his ass to the ground.

“Chance, you take care of your girl. I’ll handle the trash.” The older man’s voice comes seconds before he steps between Danny and Chance, but then he surprises us by opening the locker room door so two more of the security guards can come in, each one escorting one of the assholes out of the room.

“Are you okay, baby? How’s your hand? How are you feeling?” Truth be told, my hand hurts like a bitch, but not like it did when I broke it.

“Stings a little, but it was so worth it. I feel fine…really good, actually.” His smile…I would punch every person in this place if it means he’ll smile at me like he is now.

“You’re fucking amazing.” I hear the locker room door close and it’s this moment when I realize everyone left us alone in here.

Chapter 14

“Let’s get you dressed so I can take you home, mister.” I turn to go to the open locker that clearly has his things in it, but his large hand wraps around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turn to face him and feel my heart jump right into my throat when I see him drop to one knee.

“Baby, I know this is fast, but when it comes to us, it feels right. I’ve never met anyone like you and all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you so damn much that it scares the shit out of me, but one thing I’m damn sure of is that you’re worth the risk. You’re the most addicting, beautiful, kind and funny person. You make me want to be a better man because you deserve a better man…instead, you get me. For better or worse, I’m yours, liv. Will you let me make an honest woman out of you? Will you marry me?” He pulls a ring box out of his pocket and opens it to reveal a perfect, round emerald, one that’s the same color as his eyes, with a halo of small diamonds around it…and it’s perfect.

“Yeah, I’ll marry you, but only if we can get hitched before this baby shows up.” I know it probably sounds unreasonable, but his wide smile and the fact that he slips that beautiful ring on my finger tells me he doesn’t mind.

“Deal. How about two weeks from now? Mick’s ordained, so he can marry us and I was thinking we could drive up to the cabin, get married in the forest there and maybe spend a few nights there alone.” I shouldn’t be surprised that he remembered what I said I wanted for a wedding, but that seems like a conversation that happened so long ago!

“Sounds perfect. We can get married and then when we come back, we can get my damn name changed before the second baby appointment.” His whole face lights up with the most heart stopping smile before his lips are on mine. As soon as we break our kiss, he rushes through getting dressed and leads me out of the locker room and out to the parking lot where June and Mick are waiting with both of them clearly struggling to contain their excitement. These little bastards knew! Oh, the sneaky little shits!

“Hey, Mick, you think you two can be at the cabin two weeks from today?” I smile when I see Mick’s confused expression, but he nods.

“Yeah, I’m sure we could work that out. Why? What’s happening in two weeks?” Chance wraps his arms around me, pulling my back against his warm, firm chest.

“We need someone to marry us and the only people we want there are you two.” That’s all it takes for June to let out an excited screech while Mick congratulates us with a wide smile on his face. After we say our goodbyes, Chance and I load up in his truck and head home.

We had our first baby appointment last week and our little bean is doing great. Chance was awestruck by the sight of the little alien looking blob with it’s thundering heartbeat. Hell, my big beast of a man even shed a few tears! We barely made it back to the apartment before he was calling Mick and arranging for his things to be moved into my apartment, something that had me over the moon, completely fucking happy! The last two weeks have honestly flown by and I’m so glad we kept things simple for our big day. There was no planning, no dress shopping and no chaos. Chance even offered to wear his suit, but I told him that all I want is for him to show up and to be him.

I had planned to wear my cutest blue skinny jeans and a silky white camisole with a black button up flannel tied in the front, but now the damn pants won’t fit! With June’s help and a lot of digging through my closet, we found one of my sundresses that’ll work perfect. It’s dark blue and is tight around my breasts with the slinky material hanging loose from just below them and it stops at my ankles. The guys are already waiting outside for us, so as soon as I’m dressed, June links her arm with mine and leads me out the back door.

The guys decided to do the short ceremony in the small cluster of trees right by the cabin, so the second I’m out the door, Chance’s eyes are on me and if his expression is anything to go by, he’s pleasantly surprised. June walks me up to Chance then takes her place beside Mick as soon as my giant man takes my hands in his. Mick goes through the vows, sticking with our request to keep it basic, so after only ten minutes, Chance is kissing me and we’re officially married!

“Baby, you look stunning.” We’ve been sitting on the dock, watching the sunset, for almost twenty minutes now and there’s nowhere in this world I’d rather be. Mick and June left after we had an early dinner, so for the next two days, it’s just me and Chance. If you had asked me five months ago if this is where I would find myself, I would’ve thought you lost your damn mind. The truth is, this moment and all the ones that led up to it were unexpected, unplanned and, as a result, they were perfect. Yes, we had our share of obstacles, but in the end, things worked out for us and every damn obstacle made us stronger. I’ve never been the kind of girl to believe in ‘happily ever after’ and the whole perfect ending, but that’s just it…Chance isn’t my ending…he’s the beginning I spent my whole life waiting for.

Epilogue (Olivia)

My life since meeting Chance has been chaotic, but beautifully so. We’ve overcome too damn many challenges, found love and had ourselves a shotgun wedding with only our two closest friends present. It was, in a single word, perfect. We’ve been married for four months now and things have been better than I could’ve hoped for. I did tell my mother and sister about my wedding and the baby, but, as I’m sure you can guess, they weren’t happy…not that we expected them to be.

After hearing my mother’s unfiltered thoughts and my sister’s that pretty much matched, I cut ties with them. I thought it would hurt, but the truth is, I feel lighter! The day after we got back from our little honeymoon at the cabin, Mick came over and told us that Danny and Mandy were both banned from the gym where the fights take place, and so was Nick. I still want to kick the guy’s ass, but the fact that this is the only gym that hosts the fights, I’ll call it a win for now.

I haven’t heard from Ethan since the day I broke my wrist punching him in the face, but June found out he’s currently dating some woman from his dad’s law firm…a married woman. I swear, some people never learn, but I’ve always believed that karma’s a bitch and I have a feeling he’ll be figuring that out first hand pretty damn soon.

Oh, Chance and I had our five month check up a few days ago and while we both agreed that all we care about is having a happy, healthy baby, we were both thrilled to find out we’re having a baby boy! It’s exciting and the first thing we did when we left the doctor’s office was swing by the first baby store we found so we could pick up some things to decorate the baby’s room.

As you can see, the drunken woman in the wedding dress, drinking her weight in whiskey, is no more. I went from broken and lost to being completely and undeniably happy. I have a man who’s far from perfect, but he’s perfect for me. I wake up everyday surrounded by his love and everything he does reminds me daily of how lucky I am to have him by my side. This may not be the direction I saw my life heading a year ago, but sometimes it’s the unexpected journeys and the unplanned roads that help to lead us home.