Page 40 of Purr For Me
Kade shook his head. “I met Pastor Sal. He changed my life.”
Lexi placed a thick gauze pad over Kade’s knuckles and started anchoring it in place. “How did you meet him?”
“I got arrested for underage drinking and got charged with a misdemeanor. I was fined and also had to do community service, which was when I was assigned to help at the mission. Pastor Sal took me under his wing and straightened me out. He convinced me to get my GED and helped me get into community college. Once all my general-ed classes were out of the way, I transferred to UCLA and got my bachelor’s in journalism.”
“I’m glad Pastor Sal got through to you,” Lexie said.
“Pastor Sal tried to help Jason too. I think Jason tried, but as soon as he got on the racing circuit he became a different man.”
Lexie squeezed his hand. “You tried. That’s all you can do. Besides, it would’ve been a shame for the racing community if you hadn’t gotten into journalism.”
Kade tilted his head a little. “Really? Why?”
“Because you get to the heart of the industry. You don’t paint it all as glamor and fame,” Lexie replied. “You tell it like it is.”
“So, you like my stuff, huh?”
The pride in his voice amused Lexie. “Yeah. I’ve read a book or too. I don’t know much about writing, but I think you have a great voice, or whatever they call it.”
“That’s exactly what they call it, and thanks. I’m glad you think so.”
“I do.” She checked her tape job and thought it looked good. “Does that seem okay?”
“It’s great. Awesome job. I appreciate the help.” He flexed his biceps. “Are you ready to watch Lightning and Thunder in action?”
Lexie rolled her eyes, but inside she was brimming with anticipation. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
Standing, Kade said, “As soon as Cal helps me with my gloves, we’ll get this show on the road. Be right back.”
Lexie’s heartbeat thudded as if a rock band drummer was performing inside her chest. Kade had been in the ring for fifteen minutes with a man named BJ. The guy was two inches taller than Kade and his face resembled granite. The size difference didn’t seem to faze Kade, though. He fought with determination and grit, dodging punches and landing blows.
He’d taken his shirt off, and his torso glistened with sweat. Lexi admired the defined muscles of his chest as they rippled with each movement. Hunger washed over Lexie, and she wanted to run her hands over Kade’s slick body. The intensity of her craving startled her, but she didn’t shy away from it. Kade wanted her, he wasn’t hiding his feelings too well, so why should she deny herself pleasure?
Kade landed a hard blow to BJ’s jaw, stunning him. BJ stumbled backwards and shook his head. Lexie let out a little yelp and clapped her hands. Kade flashed her a little smile around his mouth guard but immediately returned his attention to the fight. The bout lasted another fifteen minutes before Calvin declared Kade the winner.
Excited by Kade’s win, Lexie jumped up and down a little and cheered as Kade exited the ring. Calvin congratulated him before Kade walked over to Lexie, who handed him a towel sitting on a nearby stand.
“That was amazing,” she said. “You were great!”
Kade started wiping sweat from his body, and Lexi was jealous of the towel. The urge to touch him almost overpowering.
“Thanks. I do all right.” A cocky look entered Kade’s eyes. He noticed the appreciation in her gaze. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“I did. Thanks for inviting me.”
“No problem.” A provocative smile curved Kade’s lips. “I’m hitting the shower. Care to join me?”
Despite them being in a public place, Lexi was sorely tempted to accept his invitation. “I appreciate the offer,” she glanced around at the other men in the gym, “but I don’t like an audience when I’m naked.”
Kade chuckled. “Okay, but if you change your mind, you know where I’ll be.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
* * *
Kade smiled at her sassy retort before heading to the locker room. He started the shower, and stripped out of his boxing shorts. Stepping under the spray, he let the warm water run over him. It would help prevent his muscles from stiffening up after the heavy exertion.
His thoughts turned to Lexie, and he imagined the way her hands would feel on his wet body. That image sent blood racing to his groin, and he started getting hard.
He wanted Lexie more than he had any other woman, but it wasn’t just a physical craving. Yes, he wanted to get her into bed, but he also wanted to have a real relationship with her.
Jason’s face swam into his head, and he viciously shook it away. This wasn’t about Jason. It was about him and Lexie.
It appeared she was letting her defenses down, but he knew it would take time for her to completely trust him.
To keep an erection at bay, Kade mentally reviewed his sparring match, concentrating on that instead of making love with Lexie. He quickly finished his shower, dressed and rejoined her in the gym.
