Page 27 of Strike Zone

“Dashing? Sexy? More than any one woman could handle?”

“One hell of a one-night stand, but once is enough.” A wry grin creeps at the corner of my lips, hidden in the shadows of the room. She’ll be in touch. A woman doesn’t orgasm like she just did and pass on the offer of a rematch.

“I’ll see you around, Diana.”

“No, you won’t.” She calls after me as I start the walk of shame back to my room. The only problem with that is I have no shame. There’s no way this is a one-time thing because I haven’t gotten near enough my fill of Diana Lexington.

Chapter Seven

DIANA

He haunts my dreams. Linc and his giant cock have ruined sleep for me, not to mention my self-inflicted pleasure. Ugh. Ever since I got back from Vegas, I’ve been jonesing for his disco stick, and it’s driving me nuts. He has to be the most arrogant, alpha-douche, and skilled lover of any man I’ve ever slept with. It’s infuriating that all his bluster when it comes to sex is completely founded.

It's been three weeks since the fight of my career was postponed, and all I can think of is that night with Linc. He’s like a leech I can’t shake off, sucking my pleasure and hoarding it for himself. I’ve typed a handful of messages for a second round of rough and tumble, but the thought of his smug face is enough to stop me in my tracks. I can’t give him the upper hand.

I’m meeting with Gray to discuss a new date for the fight. I’ve been putting it off, not because I’m concerned about winning but simply to inconvenience Kayla. She screwed up big time, and I want her to feel the weight of pressure that’s squarely on her shoulders. I went into the last event as the reigning champion—that’s already a huge boon for me—but next time, the crowd will be out for her blood.

When I arrive at the gym, Gray’s face lights up as if I just walked in holding the winning lottery ticket. “You’re here. Great timing. I’m just off the phone with the MGM Grand, and we have a few prospective dates to choose from. Kayla’s management got in touch yesterday about setting a new date.”

“Why are we letting them dictate any part of the reschedule? She’s the one who fell short last time. I want her to sweat it out a while before agreeing to anything.”

I can see the idea percolating. “Good point. We should be using this to our advantage.”

“I don’t need an advantage to kick her ass, but I certainly don’t feel the need to be helpful in any way.”

“Semantics. Replace the word advantage with being a royal pain in the ass. It comes easily enough to you, Dee.”

“Unless you want to be my sparring partner today, I suggest you keep your jibes to yourself.”

“Get out of bed on the wrong side this morning? Or is it that you got out of it alone?”

“Says the only man I know whose virginity has grown back. When was the last time you caught some action, old man?”

“Old man? I’m only ten years older than you.”

“That’s the part you’re focusing on.” A chuckle bubbles to the surface. “Damn, Gray, how long has it been?”

“Let’s just get down to business.”

“Is that your pickup line? It could use some work.”

“God, I don’t know what’s worse. You in a bad mood, or you being playful. Both are equally terrifying.”

“Don’t poke the bear.”

“Your pickup line needs work, Dee. It’s supposed to be, ‘please poke my…’”

“Finish that sentence, and I’ll break your arm.” Gray and I have always had a fun working relationship, but I draw the line at this discussion, mostly because it makes me want to call Linc. I shouldn’t be counting the days since he rocked my world, but damn him, it was that freaking good.

Twenty-one. It’s been twenty-one days.

“Get in the ring, work off your frustration, and stop questioning mine.”

He’s right. All I need to do is focus my energy on training. If I tire myself out, there won’t be time or the inclination to replay my night with Linc over and over on a loop. It makes me dislike him even more.

I throw myself into my workout, hitting longer, harder, and faster than usual. I want to be so exhausted I don’t dream tonight. It’s the only way to get Linc out of my traitorous brain. Then it dawns on me—maybe I need to find someone else to scratch the itch.

When I’m done for the day, I pull up Brooke’s number.

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