Boxer Beast Read Online Free Page A

just as we reach my house. Jason hands me the rest of my books along with a doubtful look. “You sure you can take care of those by yourself?” he wants to know.
    “Yeah.” I smile, feeling another flush coming on. Except this time, it isn’t unpleasant. In fact, it feels quite nice, creeping down my cheeks to my neck… right along with Jason’s gaze. “I’ll see you in the evening?”
    “Yes.” Jason snaps out of it and looks back up. “Say hi to your dad for me, Faith.”
    He waves and walks off with his hands in his pockets. I’m left standing on the curb in front of our house, feeling as nervous as I am ecstatic. My first real date! And with Jason, of all people… Sabrina will be so happy for me, right after she bites my head off.
    I just hope River won’t mind…

River
    F inally , I got her to say yes.
    I’ve been trying to reconnect with Faith for months now, and all she’s done is push me away. I get it, somehow. Things have changed, but that doesn’t mean our relationship has to.
    She’s been my best friend since we were toddlers, and I don’t want to lose that. Actually, it’s been about a year since I realized I want something more. Suddenly, Faith wasn’t just the geeky girl next door. It’s not that she had some kind of crazy makeover or anything like that. I guess I just grew up.
    And then her glasses weren’t dorky anymore.
    And her hair wasn’t something I pulled on jokingly.
    Her boobs weren’t the butt of jokes anymore.
    And her face… Her face was a permanent fixture in my dreams every single time I closed my eyes.
    Except that she wouldn’t have me. Hell, she wouldn’t even talk to me lately, she avoided me like the plague. And I wasn’t having any of it, I wanted my Faith back.
    It’s a small miracle she talked to me today in front of the school, and all day, I’m pent up with excitement, knowing I’ll pick her up tonight. I take extra care in my appearance, and even though my dad nearly bursts a coronary, I even skip boxing practice in the afternoon. He knows something is going on, but he’s still pissed.
    “I’m heading out now,” I shout towards the kitchen, where mom is feeding the twins. My baby brothers were born when I was sixteen – a surprise for everyone in the family. Lately it seems like our life is all about changing diapers and babysitting. And boxing practice, of course. Never forget that.
    “River!” My father storms down the stairs and gives me a stern look. I’m prepared for another lecture about skipping practice when he walks over to me, but instead he surprises me with his next words. “Are you really taking out Faith tonight?”
    “Yeah, we’re going to a party.” I’m trying to keep my tone cool, even though my heart is going crazy in my chest. “Why?”
    Dad grins and pushes a hundred dollar bill in my hands. Money’s been tight since the twins made an appearance, and I shoot him a surprised look. “What’s this for?”
    “Make it a night to remember,” dad says awkwardly. And in the next second, the stern expression is back on his face and he’s scowling at me. “Treat Faith nicely, son. And tomorrow, it’s right back to practice. No more skipping, y’hear?”
    “Yes, sir,” I say with a wide grin. I wave and I’m out in the next second. I can’t believe it. The old man’s gone soft.
    I head for my bike in the garage, my baby. It was something I’d been saving up for, and when I got the chance to get a used bike last summer, I jumped on it. I’ve been working on fixing her up for months now, and I can finally say she’s ready.
    Tonight’s the first night I’m taking her out. It only seems appropriate, being such a special night and all.
    I rev the engine and can’t stop smiling as I take the bike for a spin. This is incredibly stupid, because Faith lives next door, but I still pull up on their driveway a moment later. I readjust my leather jacket, smooth down my mess of a hairdo, and ring the doorbell.
    My heart’s