“No, it’s not, but I don’t want us to keep things from each other. We’ve already had one issue because of that, and I don’t want more while we’re apart,” she says sincerely.
“You’re right, baby. I just didn’t want to ruin your first Christmas with a big family.” I try to soothe her.
Her facial features soften and she leans in to kiss me. “Thank you for thinking of me,” she says between kisses. “But don’t ever do that again.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I agree. “Shane’s going at the same time instead of waiting until later. It only makes sense since he has the pre-title bout out there in a few months. Extra conditioning and coaching will help ensure he wins.”
“I wonder if Katie knows that yet,” she muses.
Shane and Katie apparently have something going on, but neither has been very forthcoming with the details of their relationship. Andi thinks Katie wants more than Shane is willing to give right now, but she won’t completely break it off with him. I’ve told Andi a million times that I prefer not to think about what those two are—or are not—doing. I’d rather we stay out of the middle of that train wreck before it’s too late.
“I don’t know, babe. And tonight, I don’t care about them. I care about you. Did you have a good Christmas?” I ask.
Her beautiful smile lights up her face and her eyes. “Yes, this has been the best Christmas ever. You’re the best man, Luke.”
“No, I’m not,” I say seriously. Her face drops when she hears my tone. “I’m the groom.” I burst out laughing, and she smacks me repeatedly with the couch pillow.
* * *
The past sixdays have escaped from us like grains of sand through our fingers. Andi had the week off from rehearsal since the various band members scattered to different states for holidays with their families. We’ve spent every minute of every day and night together. Even the dreaded day-after-Christmas shopping that I may never recover from. I thought that this time alone with her would give me my fill, hold me over until I can see her again, but the opposite effect has happened.
I don’t want to go without her. I don’t want to leave her.
“So, Mack called today,” I start and see her cringe.
“And?” she asks tentatively.
“Shane and I have been assigned a public relations person from the association. Since Shane is coming up for a pre-title bout, they want a lot of press coverage on him to build the hype for the fight. With Mack having two fighters, they’re also spotlighting me. It’s exciting in a way, and it freaks me out in another way.”
“That’s amazing, Luke! You’re already a great fighter, but the extra press will really get your name out there to other managers. You’ll be a household name, and the draw will bring bigger fights to you,” she says animatedly. “I’m so excited for you.”
“I just hope I don’t make a fool out of myself,” I admit my fear.
“You won’t. At all. You’ll do great, and your PR person will coach you on what to say and what not to say to the cameras. Who is it?” she asks.
“Her name is Syndi Roberson. She’s with InMotion PR. Heard of them?”
“Yeah, the name sounds familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve seen it before,” she says thoughtfully.
“Maybe she can help make me look cool,” I say jokingly, turning my head to show her my best side in vogue style.
“I hate to be the one to break it to you, babe, but you’re not giving her much to work with right now.”
She tries to hide her smile, miserably, but it’s the insult that counts.
“Yeah. Andi?” I move slowly, but she’s already watching me closely.
“Yes?”
“You need to run.”
She shrieks, jumps up from the couch, and runs as fast as her laughter will allow her. As she rounds the loveseat, I jump over it and catch her in my arms. “Silly girl. Did you really think you’d get away with that?”
In my usual fashion, I throw her over my shoulder and trot up the stairs with her laughter echoing off the walls. When I reach the bed, the realization that this is our last full night together for a very long time hits me full force. Right in the chest. It feels like a vise is squeezing the breath out of me just thinking about leaving her tomorrow morning. As I put her down, I gently stroke her face with my knuckles, drinking in every detail of her face like it’s the last time I’ll see her.
She feels the change in the air and joins me in a more serious, somber manner. Her hands reach up to cradle my face. Her touch is soft and loving as she gently rubs my cheeks and runs her fingers through my hair. My eyes involuntarily close for a moment as I commit the feeling of her touch and scent to my memory. Her plump, soft lips lightly touch mine in the most erotic way before I feel her tongue lightly flick against the part in my lips.
Opening up to consume every bit she’s giving me, I thread my fingers through her hair, tilt her head for better access, and thoroughly kiss her. Our tongues sway in their own erotic dance, rubbing, stroking, and massaging. Moving from her mouth, I trail kisses along her jaw to her ear, and then down her neck to the indentation at her collarbone. The taste of her skin, the silky feel of her neck, and the chill bumps that reveal her desire are my aphrodisiacs.
