Hook Me Read Online Free Page B

that I’m helping him train for.” Rob flexed and punched the air.
    “Is that all he does?” Fighter – code word for unemployed and a workout junkie.
    Rob shook his head and laughed, “Nah, he’s part owner in a tattoo shop. He’s a piercer there.”
    A busty blond walked by and started to set up camp at a treadmill nearby. Rob’s eyes wandered in her direction as he licked his lips.
    “Thanks. You can go now,” I said, wanting to be alone with my thoughts.
    He put his hands over his heart and stammered backward as though he were in pain. “You just dismissed me like that? I’m wounded, Mia.”
    “Maybe the girl over there,” I moved my head in her direction, “will have the remedy.”
    “You may be right, beautiful. I’m off to find out.” Winking, he tapped my treadmill with his palm before whistling as he walked away.
    CNN played on the tiny screen in front of me but I couldn’t focus as my thoughts drifted back to Mike. The powerhouse that literally rocked my world this morning was a body mutilator. He pierced and punched his way through life while I patched up the damage caused by fists and dirty needles.
    I grabbed my phone from the cup holder as it began to chirp.
    Lori: Girls night out. Game?
    I needed a night with my friends. I needed to laugh and hear the latest gossip. I had two days off and an evening to let loose sounded like heaven and a great way to get my mind off work.
    Me: I’m in. When and where?
    I didn’t give a shit if I had to drive to Orlando, I’d be there.  My restless night would require a nap to keep up with the ladies or I would do a face plant on the table after the first drink.
    Lori: Ybor City. Be ready to party your ass off. I’ll pick you up at 9.
    Me: I can drive.
    Lori: Fuck no, your ass is getting drunk. I got it all worked out.
    She knew me so well. Lori and the girls went out all the time. They lived without their work to weigh them down emotionally. Unlike me, they didn’t have to hold someone’s heart in their hand and try to get it to beat again. Their pressures were different but I could never stumble into work nursing a hangover.
    Lori was a lawyer, Sarah a receptionist at an advertising agency, and Jamie was a bored housewife.
    I wanted to buy a new outfit for tonight. I had a closet full of clothes, but screw it, I deserved something special. I worked my ass off and didn’t feel ashamed to splurge on myself every once in a while. International Plaza called my name.

    I straightened my hair; the humidity in Florida wreaked havoc on my long brown locks, before starting my makeup. I didn’t wear much to work; the long hours typically had me questioning their claim that make-up was twenty-four hour wear. It never stayed put and caused my eyes to look more tired than they did naturally.
    I took my time, gave my lids a smoky treatment to bring out their color before applying an obscene amount of Barely There mascara. It made my eyes look bright and my eyelashes long and lush. Lori texted me that she was almost at my house as I spritzed my body with Gucci Guilty and stared in the mirror, giving myself a once over.
    The short, tight black tube top showed off my stomach and hourglass figure perfectly. My tits didn’t stick out too much but would be noticed without flashing a sign that read ‘lookie’ here. My form-fitting denim capris made my ass look perky. The leopard print stiletto heels caused my calves to tighten and pulled the entire outfit together.
    I sat on the front step as I waited for Lori to pick me up. The neighborhood was bustling. People waved as they walked past with their dogs and sat on their front porches enjoying the warmth of the Florida air. Summer would soon be arriving in full force and people would be scarce at this time of day. The summer sun felt like a flame against my skin and even the mornings were stifling from the humidity.
    Closing my eyes, Lori’s headlight blinded momentarily, as she pulled in. The car shook from the loud