Page 12 of Further To Fall

I bit my lip and nodded again. “I’m not sure I like kick-butt lessons anymore.”

Austin pulled me up to standing and tugged on my long ponytail. “Sorry, but the world isn’t all sunshine and roses.”

I scowled, “I know that. I just don’t like being reminded of it.”

“I just want you to be prepared and remind you to always listen to your gut.”

I pushed at his shoulder. “Okay, okay.”

“Come on, let’s grab your bag and I’ll walk you to your car.”

I popped into the locker room and pulled my bag from my locker. I paused at the mirror long enough to be briefly horrified at the face looking back at me, I was as red as a tomato. Oh well, there was nothing I could do about it now, and it wasn’t as if I hadn’t looked like this for the past hour.Groan.

I pushed open the door and found Austin talking to a graying grizzly of a man. “Ready to go?” Austin asked.

The older man turned to me, and his face gentled. “Now, who is this pretty lady, and what is she doing with your ugly mug?”

“Mel, this is my friend, Carter. Carter, this grumpy bastard is my trainer, Mel.”

I beamed up at Mel and offered him my hand. “Nice to meet you, Mel. Anyone who puts up with training Austin must have the patience of a saint.”

A rumbling laugh erupted from Mel. “Knows you well, huh, Bulldog?”

I looked at Austin. “Bulldog?”

“My fighting name.”

“He’s like a dog with a bone, and bullheaded…Bulldog,” Mel said with a fond smile.

I smiled back. “Makes total sense.”

“Well, since you two have now bonded over my stubborn ass, I need to get Carter to her car so she can get home. She’ll be back next week.”

“I will be?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes, you will be. Every week until I’m convinced you can defend yourself.”

“Until I can take down a grown man with my pinky?” I asked with a hopeful smile.

“I’ll settle for not tripping over the jump rope.”

I threw up my hands. “That was only one time!”

“Uh-huh, sure.” He smirked.

I hit him in the stomach with the back of my hand. “Ow! Why do your muscles have to be so hard?”

Austin just shook his head and grinned.

“Well, little lady, it was great to meet you, and I’ll be happy to see you around here more often. It’s nice to see this fella smiling again.” Mel patted my shoulder in a grandfatherly gesture as he walked away.

“I like him.”

“You would like anyone who gave me shit.”

“This is true,” I said, smiling to myself as we headed towards the front doors.

Austin opened my car door when we reached it. “Drive safe, and text me when you get home so I know you made it okay.”

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