Black and Blue by Paige Notaro

asked.
    “Heck yeah,” I said, feeling ashamed I couldn’t say anything stronger.
    His chuckle was lost in the noise, but he came back in and pecked me on the nose. “Guess that means you’re willing to see me again.”
    I nodded. “I am. I’m sorry.”
    Something hardened on his face. “I know just how you can make it up to me.”
    “I think I know, too,” I said. This fight might be over, but I was more than ready to be his next match.
    He reached across the low metal fences and plucked me over to his side as easily as a flower.
    Tucked into his raw muscle, I went out into the night with my champion.

CHAPTER TWELVE
    Sean
    I checked myself in the mirror again and adjusted my collar. Over my usual gym tees, I now sported a checkered button down. I wore it furled back at the wrists and buttoned all the way down to where it met my khakis just like I’d seen on a male fashion site. Everything bulged at the seams, even though my muscles ran lean. Apparently this shit was built for hipsters.
    It was my first real night out with Gabi. I was like a damn high school kid going to the prom. Only difference was that I’d already fucked my date many times over. This was just the first time I’d be with her aiming to do more than get into her, but that had me on edge more than before any fight.
    I was my body. I’d built it up well and it served me now in business and pleasure. Take it away, and what did I have left to offer?
    Well, my body was still there at least, and it still had some power over her. For now.
    I checked out of my apartment and rolled downtown towards the Motown Lounge. It was the classiest place that my boys and I had ventured. I wanted to be on home turf, so I’d told her to meet me there. She’d turned down my offer to pick her up from her place, which wasn’t a great start, but I could deal.
    The place tinkled with elevator music as I walked through the doors. Rather than the damp darkness of the pubs I usually frequented, this place was open and bright. It was almost like a giant fight ring with tables and softer light.
    The bouncer checked my ID cautiously, then pointed me inwards. I found an empty table and had barely sat before a slim blonde in trim black uniform came up to me with a menu.
    She beamed as she handed over the menu and went over some fruity specials. Her eyes never left mine, and even after I ordered a pint of porter, they lingered a couple seconds longer.
    She had an hourglass body. All I would have to do to get her into my lap was reach out. I didn’t though, and she walked away.
    Didn’t know why the thought crossed my mind. It almost felt like I needed to prove to myself that I still had some worth. Gabi was screwing with my head, even out of sight.
    She didn’t stay that way for long. The next time the door blew open, Gabi breezed in. She had on a yellow number that was somewhere in tightness between a summer dress and a club dress. Her long legs and arms spilled out like smooth milk chocolate. It looked amazing and classy as hell.
    Her smile beamed down on me as she came over and sat across. The waitress interrupted our introduction when she came back with my porter. Her grin had ground down to business-only at the sight of my guest.
    Gabi ordered a cocktail without even looking at her.
    “Waiting long?” she asked.
    “Feels like forever.”
    She cupped my hand on the table with her slim one. “Well, I guess you must have a lot on your mind then.”
    I chewed my lips thoughtfully. There was just about one thing on my mind. The question that was making my leg jitter under the table, and getting my hands damp with just a brush of her skin. It could tank this thing from the start. I decided it’d be better to get it out of the way.
    “You think we got a shot at something real here?” I asked.
    She didn’t answer straight away, just leaned back and studied me, like I was a fancy painting or something. In fights, I could almost see what gears turned in the other guy’s