Page 28 of Fated Shot

Despite their best attempts, I made it clear I’m not celebrating tonight. I’m relieved at the win, sure, but I’m feeling more battered than usual and can recognize that I need rest. Not to mention how foul I’m feeling from seeing Mia with Sebastian. I say my goodbyes, and I’m home an hour later. Turning on the shower, I look down at the texts coming through my phone.

Brooks Bros

Reid:tough hits tonight, how you holding up?

Penn:trainer said he’s fine, but he won’t come out with us

Me:I’m indestructible

Reid:alright tough guy, rest and ice bath tomorrow, got it?

Me:yes, coach

Reid:Nance was heated, she actually swore at the screen during the fight

Me:Give her a hug for me.

Reid:will do.

Penn:seriously Reid, tell him to come out with us. A drink will cure him

Reid:leave him alone, Penn

Closing my phone, I jump in the shower letting the warm water provide a nice relief to my stiff muscles. When I step out, I catch a glimpse of the deep purple bruise spreading across my ribs. I lift my arm, wincing slightly as I examine the damage. Could be worse, I tell myself. Wrapping a towel aroundmy waist, I grab my toothbrush, but just as I start brushing, a rapid knock echoes through the door.

Ugh,Penn.Marching over, I shout, “Get lost, Penn, I’m not going out tonight.” Irritation grows as I swing it wide open.

Mia.

In an instant, her expression shifts from disheveled to mortified as her eyes scan my body. She’s absolutely frozen, and I glance down, realizing I’m standing there with nothing but a towel around my waist and a toothbrush dangling from my mouth. Her hair is pulled back today in a high bun, exposing ears that are as pink as her flushed cheeks, and her eyes are wide with a startled look.

Her gaze darts from my abs to the towel, then back to my face, as she stammers, “I-I…”

Chapter 13

Mia

I’m standing at Jack Brody’s door, and he’s naked.

Well, not technically naked—he has a small white towel tucked around his waist—but I can see every inch of his ripped body. The tattoo on his right arm, it turns out, extends into an intricate black-ink chest piece that spans across his right pec. I swear he’s actually glistening, and it’s not just my imagination. Either way, I can’t formulate words over the sound of blood pounding in my ears.

“I-I…” is all I can manage to let out as I physically take a step back. I don’t know where to look. I keep glancing between the floor, the towel, his abs, his chest—and wait, is that a toothbrush? My eyes finally land on his, soft and brilliant blue as always, and I force myself to take a breath.

“I-I shouldn’t have come. I just was at the game and wanted to make sure you were okay and—I’ll go.” It comes out like panicked word vomit, but that’s exactly how I felt the moment everything went down.

As soon as he fell to the ice, I felt,panicked. I take an extra step back, turning to leave as his hand softly grabs my arm.

“Wait,” his low voice beckons. I stop, turning back to face him directly.

“I’m so sorry about the other night,” he says, sincerity ringing in his voice, his face one of genuine regret. “I wasn’t thinkingstraight. I just didn’t want it to be over, but I shouldn’t have come in. I’m really sorry I made you uncomfortable.”

He thinks this is his fault?Oh my god, Mia, now you’ve done it.All I can do is shake my head. “No.”

He looks at me with some confusion but at full attention, waiting for me to continue. “I wasn’t sure what—” I close my mouth before restarting. “I just couldn’t—”

You’re truly doing wonderfully, Mia.Those are definitely full sentences. GET. IT. TOGETHER.

His look of understanding prevails as I continue to mumble, “I was just in my head and—”

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