Page 28 of Forgotten Comeback

“Hey, buddy, can I get?—”

My fist connects with his nose.

He squeals, bringing his hands up to catch the spraying blood.

“That was a love tap, buddy,” I warn him. “Don’t ever fucking touch that woman again.”

Russell comes hustling over, eyeing me and the bleeding man.

“This gentleman got himself a lifetime ban,” I tell Russell before turning my attention back to the asshole. “Don’t show your face around here again.”

“You’re a psycho!” The man cries, but wisely moves toward the exit when I hop over the bar.

Russell sighs. “What’s going on with you, Gavin?”

“Nothing.” I cross my arms.

“And you’re sure everything’s alright? Up here?” He taps his temple.

“Keep your fucking mouth shut about this to the boss, unless you want your nose broken,” I warn him, returning to my position behind the bar.

My coach mutters something as he wanders off.

Taylor cranes her neck to see what all the commotion’s about. We lock eyes for a brief moment before she jerks her head back around.

I finish out the night, closing down quickly and making my way to the alley for my one cigarette. Leaning against the wall, I pack them with my right hand.

Taylor and Kat exit through the back door, with Taylor giving me an eat shit look. Kat eyes my cigarettes; she’s practically salivating.

“You want one?” I offer.

“She just quit. Come on, Kat,” Taylor says, pulling her friend along and leaving me in the dust.

Dropping a cigarette into my hand, I light it and take a long drag, holding the smoke in my lungs. Self-reflection has never been my strong suit, and I’m not about to unpack whatever the hell that was earlier.

I finish my smoke break and return inside, helping Russell pack it up for the evening.

“Let’s pause on training tomorrow; get some rest.”

“Yeah,” I say, because maybe that’s what I need.

Rest.

And definitely not breaking noses over Taylor McKenna’s curvy ass.

Chapter

Twelve

Taylor

Having talked Kat into after-work drinks, we arrive at the Diamond bar, and I wave at Mia.

“I didn’t know you were dropping by.” Mia and I greet each other with a quick peck. “Hey, Kat.”

“Hey, Mia.” Kat smiles politely at my girlfriend.

“We just finished working that party at Ace’s and need to unwind,” I explain. And it hasnothingto do with me needing reassurance after Gavin’s taunting.