Page 12 of Fight for You

“That’s beautiful, and I feel the same way.” He bumped my shoulder with his. “You’ll be a great dad one day.”

“So will you.” Troy had the confidence, strength, and compassion that any child would be lucky to have on their side. “Come on, let’s jump!” Plus, he liked to visit trampoline parks.

He moved to the trampoline next to me, worried that if he jumped on the same one, he’d send me flying into next week. It took a minute for me to get used to the sensation, but soon, I was bouncing like a pro.

It wasn’t long before we were trying to impress one another with tricks. I touched my toes mid-air, and then Troy executed a perfect front flip. I tried to do the same, and while I made the flip itself, I landed on my ass instead of my feet. He said it still looked good, though.

It didn’t take much time to realize what he was saying about increasing my endurance. My lungs and thighs burned, and my heart was racing. But, this was more fun than it was work, so it pushed me to keep going and enjoy myself.

Troy told me to count the lengths of my breaths to make them three seconds in through my nose, and the same out through my mouth. Focusing and counting helped keep my breathing pattern from going erratic. I would remember to apply the technique during my fighting lessons. He was one smart cookie.

After making sure there weren’t any small children on the trampolines ahead of us, Troy and I raced across them, jumping over the barriers between each bounce pad. He won each time, given the length and power of his legs.

“I can’t believe you didn’t let me win a single race,” I whined when we reached the end of the line for the last time.

“I'm sorry,” he told me with a fake pout. “Would a kiss make you feel better?”

“Definitely.”

He puckered for a moment, but when his lips morphed into a smirk, I knew I was in trouble. Troy leapt from his owntrampoline and landed right next to me. I launched backward, squealing and flailing my arms, scared for my life until I made a soft landing in a pit full of foam squares. I sank quickly as they devoured me, and just as I began to fear again, a strong hand grabbed mine and pulled me free from their clutches. Troy laughed as he placed me on the mat next to the pit.

I tried to keep a fake angry face as I told him, “You're such an asshole,” but it didn't last long, and I dissolved into laughter as well.

“What's that? You want my asshole? Come get it, baby.” When I didn't laugh, Troy's smile disappeared. “I'm sorry, I was just kidding around. You know I'd never push or-”

“I know,” I cut him off. “I'm not upset. It's just…I've been thinking about it…alot,actually, and…I think I'm ready; physically, at least.”

“Thank you for telling me, and I'm glad you're feeling comfortable with me. But I want you to be emotionally ready as well.”

He truly was the best. “I'm actually waiting untilyou'reemotionally ready.” When he furrowed his brow, I explained, “I want to wait until you love me.”

“I respect that,” he replied with a nod, “But who says I don't love you?” My heart raced when he added, “Avery, I've been drawn to you from the moment we met. And as I've learned how sweet, smart, and strong you are, I've only fallen for you more. It's been hard to keep it to myself, but I didn't want you to feel pressured. But yes, Avery, I love you.”

“I love you too,” I answered quietly. Troy kissed my lips, not caring who saw. It, paired with his words, lit a fire in my belly. There was no longer a doubt in my mind that I was ready for the next step with him. “Maybe we should go to my place.”

Troy gave me a wicked smile. “We can do that, but first, I'm going to get you something to eat. You burned off a lot of sugar and calories and I want to make sure you're okay.” He always put my needs above his own. Oh yes, I loved this man.

I nodded my agreement and he helped me onto my feet. We stopped back at the shelves to put our shoes back on. “There's a cafe next door in this strip mall,” Troy said as he took my hand. “Want to eat there?” I nodded again. Whatever got us home sooner. He led me out to the sidewalk, but stopped and patted his pocket. “Shoot, I forgot my phone. I'll be right back.”

He hustled back into the building, and I looked at the yellow and white striped awning over the cafe next door, reading Blissful Bites. The place looked cute and cozy; through the window, I could see several round tables with white tablecloths.

“It figures your fruity ass would eat at a place like this,” a familiar but unwelcome voice said from behind me. I rolled my eyes and turned around to find Brant approaching, with Riley on his heels.

“Nah,” Riley chimed in with a chuckle. “He doesn't eat food; he just swallows cum all day. He's here searching for a dick to suck.”

“How charming,” I replied sarcastically. Their words didn't bother me; I'd lived through so much worse, so insults just rolled off my back.

“Are you trying to hit on me?” Riley asked with a disgusted look. “I'm not a cock gobbling fag like you.”

“How fucking stupid are you?” I snapped back. Okay,mostof the time words rolled off my back. But these guys were too much. I was just minding my own business, and here they showed up trying to start trouble, disrespecting me and alsoinsinuating I would ever try to make a pass at one of these shit goblins.

“What the fuck did you just say?” Brant spat, his face screwed up in anger. “I guess we need to teach you to watch your mouth.” They both stomped towards me, and I instinctively dropped into the defensive stance Troy taught me while Riley laughed.

“Are you serious? We’re gonna snap you like a twig.”

He and his crony flinched when from beside us boomed, “Get away from him.”Thisvoice soothed my nerves and let me know everything was going to be okay. Troy wedged his body between me and my aggressors, who both did a double take at the sight of him. “I said step away.”

Riley puffed out his chest and drew himself to full height, which was still several inches shorter than Troy. “This has nothing to do with you, soyoucan step away.”

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