Hanging On (Jessica Brodie Diaries #2)(69)

Unfortunately, it wouldn't be happening tonight. Someone in the back shouted to get a move on. Someone else shoved us. We weren’t set with balance since William was hugging onto me, so we tipped forward and pushed into Adam. Adam reached out toward Lump, so as not to fall into her, and Lump reacted instinctively. Violently.

She thrust his hands away to the sides, and before he could do anything, punched him soundly in solar plexus and ducked under him as his momentum carried him toward the door. William surged to get to him, but I was in the way. Adam hit the door with one shoulder and staggered out, trying to catch his balance.

We surged out after him, the crowd behind pushing us on like a cork in a champagne bottle. Lump was caught in the doorway between the door and the drunk people trying to get out. There weren't that many people all told, but she didn't look all that comfortable.

William deposited me to the side then struggled his way back into the throng. He stopped traffic with his big frame and sheer strength before corralling her out of the door and off to the side.

Adam was leaning against the wall, holding his chest and his shoulder at the same time. It dawned on Lump what really happened. Her face was one of perfect guilt. I bet she put all her strength behind that punch.

“Adam, man, you alright?" William asked with a smirk.

Adam straightened up and leaned his back against the wall. He looked like he might throw up.

“That woman is sure quick. Didn't see it comin'. She’s got a kick like an angry mule, too. Christ, but she got me good.” His head was leaning back against the wall with his eyes closed. He shook his head with a smile on his face. Apparently he was taking this in good humor.

Lump was struggling with her guilt and her desire to make amends. Being a person that said when she was wrong, she didn't quite know how to admit it within the constraints of their hatred for one another.

“C'mon man.” William chuckled as he tried to help Adam up.

Adam shook him off. “I'm good. Just gotta walk it off.”

Lump stepped up to help. Adam threw both hands in the air, still leaning against the wall.

“Easy there, Miss. Just stand away right quick. You win. You win, I lose. Just let me get my bearings. I can’t handle no more of those punches just yet. I'll be ready for ya in a minute." He laughed again, trying to straighten up further and get his breath.

Her face fell. She looked like she was ready to cry. The boys walked toward the cabs, Adam leaving his hand on his chest where Lump punched him. I fell in with Lump, putting my hand on her shoulder. She shrugged me off and shook her head without looking at me.

"I didn't mean to do that, Jess. I really didn't. I just reacted. I was so riled up that when I saw movement my muscle memory kicked in. I hit him in a painful place near the sternum. I shouldn't have done that. I could have really hurt him."

“But you didn't. He's fine. Or, he will be."

She continued to shake her head. "Most men would’ve hit the deck with that punch. He is tough thank God. But I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have let myself lose control! Thank Willie for me please. He’s also way stronger than he looks—and he looks like he can hold his own. How are these guys bread so damn strong?"

"Ever ride a bull?" I asked with a laugh. I knew she would, given the opportunity. I would make sure she had just such an opportunity, too.

Chapter Fourteen

The next morning I woke up with a slightly smaller headache than the day before. My stomach wasn't as queasy, though, so I was doing well on that route. I convinced William to put on the clothes he was wearing last night instead of wearing the reserves he had at my house. He wouldn't wear the tighter shirt in Gladis's house for reasons unknown, but he wore the fabulous fitting jeans and chose a tank top/upper scale Wife Beater from his drawer.

I couldn't see how that was better in terms of looking nice, but it was sexier, so I didn't say anything. I would get to admire his arms and shoulders all morning now, instead of just when we were in bed.

Gladis had breakfast limited to the kitchen, and we weren't allowed to linger anywhere but. She was directing caterers and event staff for the party and didn’t want us in the way. We met the girls in the kitchen, had a quick bite then all decided it would be best to head to my house.

I stopped in to Gladis to ask if she needed anything. "No dear. I have this all under control. I am an old pro."

I smiled and nodded and turned to leave.

"Jessica," she said. I turned back to her. "I see Willie is here today."

"Yes. He made me an apology I couldn't refuse."

"You should have given it one more day."

I told her how the night unfolded, what I had said, and what he did. She nodded when I told her how I very nearly ended it, and surprise lit up her face when I described what William did and said.

"He really did that?" she asked, shocked.

I nodded.

She thought a moment. "He really loves you, honey. It was necessary what you did, but you were right to accept his apology. That is not something a Davies man will do lightly; lay down pride like that. You have something he needs. Guard it well and he'll guard you well."

I was not sure what I had that he needed, or any clue as to what she was talking about, but I nodded anyway.

"Oh, Gladis?"