Page 55 of Crimson Promises
“Trying to improve this physique.” He held up his arms. “These things may be cannons during beer pong, but the rest of the time, they’re noodles. No chicks want to talk to a guy with scrawny arms.”
“You didn’t seem short of female attention the other night.”
“I make girls laugh. They like me for my personality, not my body. Nobody wants to date the funny guy. They only want me to be their friend.”
“Doesn't that guy on Saturday Night Live date all those famous girls?”
“Yeah, Pete Davidson! He dated Kim Kardashian, Kate Beckinsale, and Phoebe Dynevor.” He waved his hand in front of his face. “All that stuff only happens to celebrities. Not some skinny guy in a fraternity.”
“Boxing won’t help you bulk.” Ugh, I hated that word. “Boxing provides a comprehensive workout for numerous muscle groups. While it may not result in huge muscles, it engages a variety of muscles in your back, arms, and core. I’m unsure if that’s what you’re looking for, though.”
“The first half of the semester, I tried going to the fitness center on campus and lifting traditional weights. My form was wrong, and the entire football team was always there. I didn’t want to look like an idiot asking for help all the time. I ended up giving up, but I needed something. I looked Sully's up online and came in for a tour. When I mentioned that I went to ACU, Sully mentioned another student had started training here recently.” He took a step back and leaned against the ropes. “Lo and behold, he mentioned your name. As soon as I heard it was you, I signed up on the spot. I can appreciate a fine specimen. I will be the Karate Kid to your Mr. Miyaggi.” Hope shone on his face.
“Listen, Connor,” I threaded my fingers together and placed them behind my head. “My schedule is full with all of my classes, and I have to get this project done with Aurora. I’m here at random times, and I’m not qualified to train anyone.”
“Wait, Aurora, Riley’s girl?”
“Pretty sure her and Riley aren’t an official thing.”
Connor nodded emphatically. “They are—at least according to Riley, they are. He’s been blabbering about how he scored the gem of campus. Apparently, things got hot and steamy somewhere in the garden near the frat house during the same party I met you at. He said she already asked him on a second date for coffee.”
My grip on my hands tightened. “How do you know this?”
Connor’s eyebrows furrowed together. “He’s been blathering all over Greek Row.”
“Right.”
“Subtly is not exactly Riley’s strong suit. He has a few moments of depth, but it’s obscured by douchiness. Oddly, he does seem to be interested. He’s used to getting girls all the time. I’m not sure what it is about her. Maybe it’s the chase. Who knows. He knows how to pick them—she is hot.”
I couldn’t listen to this anymore. “Ready to start now?”
“Start what, training?”
I walked to the opposite corner of the ring and picked up a discarded pair of gloves and sparing pads. I don’t even know who these belonged to, but right now, punching the shit out of something that took the edge off the spiral of rage I was headed down sounded like the best plan I could think of, only topped by pounding into the angelfucker's face.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Connor pulled the pads onto his hands.
“Watch my stance and form as I throw each punch.” I set my feet hip-width distance apart. “The energy of the punch will start from your feet and travel up to your legs and hips through the muscles on your back, chest, and shoulders down your arm. And finally, into your fist.”
I tapped my thumb. “Position your thumb on the exterior side of your fist, nestled between the first and second knuckles of your index and middle fingers.” I threw a one-two jab into the pads.
Connor staggered back a step.
“When aiming for your target, ensure that you make contact with the initial two knuckles, avoiding the flat front part of your fist or the smaller knuckles associated with your ring or pinky fingers. Additionally, strive to maintain proper alignment of all the bones from your forearm down to your knuckles.”
“Again,” Connor stated. He locked his form, bending his elbows.
I threw a few combinations, and I didn’t go easy on him. I unloaded my frustration about the angelfucker and the claim he believed he had on Aurora. With each punch, I picture Riley’s face or the way he touched Aurora like she was his.But she’s mine. I doubted she went pliant in Riley’s arms the way she did in mine.
She isn’t yours, a small voice reminded me.
I let out a guttural roar. This time, headed towards Connor in an all-out assault.
He met me blow for blow, blocking each wave of attacks I threw at him. He may have some potential after all.
By the end, we were both sitting in the center of the ring, breathing heavily.
