Page 8 of Wrecked

Liam McIntyre and I are circling each other on the mat, both of us looking for an opportunity. This guy is freakishly good at martial arts, but then that’s not surprising as he’s a world champion in Krav Maga. He has the focus and drive rarely seen at any level.

He’s taking it easy on me—I’m not stupid. He could wipe the floor with my face if he wanted to. Shane can’t possibly expect me tobeatLiam. He just wants to know that I can hold my own in a typical hand-to-hand combat situation. I can.

Liam comes at me again, and as I duck, I sweep my right leg, catching him off balance. He hits the mat and rolls to his feet, coming at me again without missing a beat. He manages to getme in a choke hold, and I turn the tables on him and toss him over my shoulder. When he jumps up on his feet, he winks at me.

Yeah, he let me get away with that.

I ignore the pain I’m feeling in my legs and keep soldiering on. That’s part of the test, I’m sure. They’re testing my persistence and resilience.

I have both, or I wouldn’t be standing here today.

Finally, Liam calls it. He steps forward and offers me his hand. “Good job, Sam.”

“Did I pass?”

Liam nods. “Yes, you passed. Now, go get changed.”

I head to the locker room, which is currently empty, and grab a quick shower. That was a strenuous workout, and I’m soaked through. As I leave the locker room, I don’t see Liam or Shane anywhere, but Cooper is standing beside the mat.

My heart slams into my ribs at the sight of him.

He nods toward the door, not quite meeting my eyes. “Shane asked me to give you a ride back to your hotel. He said he’ll contact you about the job later this afternoon.”

I don’t know what I did to make this guy throw up a wall between us. His easy-going manner has transformed completely, and now he’s all business. Cold, even.

“That’s all right,” I say as I sling my duffle over my shoulder. His sudden change in demeanor stings. “I’ll walk.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Cooper says, his voice even rougher. “You just had a grueling workout, and I saw how you were limping when you walked out of the locker room. It’s a mile to the hotel. Let me drive you.”

I finally force myself to make eye contact with him, and this time he doesn’t look away. It quickly becomes a staring contest. “Okay, fine. Did you finish your business here?”

Cooper nods. “Yeah, I did. Let’s go.”

I follow Cooper out of the martial arts studio. We step into an elevator and stand side by side as it descends, both of us facing forward.

And neither one of us says a word.

The tension is back again, and I don’t understand why. It’s like he’s mad at me.

It’s a quick trip down to the parking garage. When the elevator doors open, I follow him to the Escalade.

We climb inside.

“Hyatt Regency, right?” he asks. “On Upper Whacker?”

“That’s the one.”

And that’s the last time either one of us says a word until Cooper pulls up to the hotel entrance.

I open my door. “Thanks for the ride.” I stare straight ahead, not even bothering to look at him.

He’s doing the same.

“No problem, kid.”

Kid?Okay then.

As I start to step out of the vehicle, he says, “You did good today. Shane’s impressed.”