Celia

About an hour later, after Amy and I had changed clothes and fussed with our hair, I took one last look in the bathroom mirror.

"You still have that bruise," she said, pointing to the bluish mark on my cheek from Spencer's hand. "Here. Cover it up with some of this." She handed me a tube of concealer.

"It's tender," I said as I applied the make-up. "Does it still show?"

She made a face. "It'll be dark in the gym. No one will see it."

"Okay," I said and tucked the tube back into my bag.

We left the dorm and took her car to Boston, arriving at Saint Brothers Gym in about half an hour. After we found a parking spot, we walked the rest of the way to the gym. It had been years since I was there, but it looked almost exactly the same. The gym had been in the family for decades and had that old-school feel to it. It had been a local hangout for kids from South Boston for years, and hopeful young boxers and fighters went there to learn how to fight.

There were other, newer gyms with boxing rings and stands for the weekly audience who came to watch practice bouts, but there was nothing quite like Saint’s Gym anywhere else.

Amy and I were both excited to enter the gym, and when we arrived at around nine, there was already a decent-sized crowd gathered to watch the fights. I checked around to see if I could find Graham and Hunter, but didn’t see anyone at first. Then, just when I thought Graham must have changed his mind, I saw him standing ringside, his arms on the railing surrounding the ring. He was alone.

I went over, Amy in tow.

"There you are," I said and threw my arm around his shoulder for a hug. "Where's Hunter?"

I glanced around, but then Graham smiled and gestured to the ring with his chin. "There."

I turned to look at the ring and there he was.

He was fighting.

"Why is Hunter fighting?"

"Conor's sick. People came to watch a fight, so Hunter stepped in. He's getting pummeled."

I glanced up and saw Hunter. He was bare from the waist up, had his hands wrapped in green tape, and was wearing a mouth guard, but it was him.

"What are they doing? Where are their gloves?"

Graham shook his head. "It's MMA, not boxing. If you don't like to see a man get hurt, you should look away now. Hunter's out-matched despite all his training."

I turned to Amy. "There he is," I said, making a face at her. "He's fighting because his brother's sick."

"So that's the infamous Hunter?" she said, frowning. When Hunter turned, we got to see him face-on. He looked fierce, his wrapped hands held up to protect his face. His skin glistened with sweat. He was bouncing around, staying just out of range of his opponent.

I stepped closer to the ring, alarmed that Hunter was losing. He looked fantastic, but what did I know about MMA? His opponent seemed beefier than Hunter, who, while buff, wasn't a heavyweight. All the years of training wasn't enough to give him the edge.

It was then I saw the amazing tribal tattoo on his shoulder and down his bicep. Green and dark blue, it was fantastic. I could only imagine running my hands over it, and then over the rest of his body.

When he caught my eye, he seemed to hesitate for a moment, and that was enough to give his opponent an advantage. In front of our very eyes, the other fighter clocked Hunter a good one, knocking him hard on the cheek. Hunter fell against the ropes on the other side of the ring, then flopped to the floor.

"Oh, my God!" I covered my mouth to keep from screaming out loud. "He's knocked out."

"Jesus," Graham said and jumped into the ring, going over to where Hunter lay. The referee went over to Hunter and checked him, but he was out cold. As Amy and I watched, Graham lifted Hunter and, finally, Hunter's eyes blinked open. He tried to get up but couldn't. The official called the fight for Hunter's opponent.

"He was looking at you," Amy whispered to me, making a face. "He got knocked out because of you, Celia."

"Oh my God," I said, a sinking feeling in my gut. "I think you're right. I distracted him and that was enough."

Graham and some other man lifted Hunter up and helped him out of the ring. I followed them into the back of the gym, worried about how badly Hunter was hurt.

"Hey, who are you?" one of the beefy guys who worked at the gym asked when I went into the changing room. "No girls allowed."

"It's Celia," Hunter said from inside. "Let her in."

The man stepped aside, so Amy and I went into the changing room and over to where Hunter sat on a bench. Some chunky guy in a shirt with the gym's logo on it was attending to his face. He wore a white cap and looked every inch the boxing promoter. I wondered if it was Hunter's uncle.

Hunter's nose was bleeding and he held a cloth to it to stem the flow.

"Looks like you might have finally broken that pretty-boy nose of yours, Hunter," the man said with a gruff laugh. "You're going to have to go to the hospital and get that fixed."

I stepped closer. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said with a nod. "I'll have to make it through worse at boot camp and there'll be worse in the future, so I better toughen up if I want to be a Marine."

"You are tough," I said firmly. "I'm so sorry." I knew he’d gotten hit because he saw me.

"It's okay," Hunter said, a grin on his lips. "It's nice to see you again. I didn't think I'd see you before I left for Parris Island. Big brother gave me such a hard time and all." Hunter gave Graham a look and the two smiled at each other.

"Just looking after my little sister," Graham said. Then he turned to me. "I'm taking Hunter to the ER so you two should leave. Say goodbye. You won't be seeing him again for a while."

"Goodbye," I said, and smiled sadly. "I hope you do okay in the Marines."

Graham pushed me and Amy out of the changing room, and I caught Hunter's eye before the door closed. He smiled and nodded at me, then turned back, bloody cloth still held to his nose.

"Go back to the dorm," Graham said to me, before he closed the door. "I’ll call you and tell you what the doctor said. He'll be fine. Now, scoot."

"Okay," I said, and Amy and I left the gym, now that the fight was over and Hunter was going to the hospital.

"He's seriously hot," Amy said when we got back into her car for the drive back to the dorm. "Even with the bloody nose. I like his tattoo. And everything else. He reminds me of Heathcliff or something with that dark hair and fair skin, blue eyes. To think he took the fall because he was mesmerized by seeing you…"

"Oh, you," I said, although I completely agreed with her. "You are such a romantic."

I smiled inwardly at the fact that he had indeed taken a hit because he saw me. Part of me felt bad for Hunter, but a secret part of me felt elated. He saw me and couldn’t focus on the fight.

That meant something, right?

We drove back to the dorm and went to our respective rooms, texting each other that we'd meet for coffee the next morning before our first classes.

I took off my clothes and got into my pajamas, then crawled into my tiny bed, picking up my Kindle so I could read the latest novel I'd downloaded. It was just after midnight when my cell dinged.

I pulled it out of my bag and checked my messages.

Hunter: Hey, Celia. Are you still up?

I almost dropped my phone when I realized Hunter had texted me.

Celia: Yes, I was just reading. How are you? Is your nose broken? I feel so bad that happened to you.

Hunter: That's what I get for paying too much attention to beautiful women.

Celia: I'm so sorry I distracted you. I feel responsible.

Hunter: Don't worry about it. It had to happen sooner or later. They won't be able to call me Pretty Boy Saint anymore, I guess…

Celia: Oh, no! Is it really badly broken? Are you in pain?

Hunter: No, it's not bad. The ER doc said it would be fine. Not broken. They gave me some nice pain meds so I'm good. In fact, maybe a bit too good, which is probably why I broke down and texted you when I know I shouldn't.

Celia: Oh, no, you should text me! I wanted to know how you are, so now I can relax and know you're okay. Will this prevent you from starting boot camp?

Hunter: No. I'm lucky it's not broken. If it was, they might have disqualified me at intake. The Marines have the highest number of broken bones in the service during boot camp so you should be in top shape to go.

Celia: I'm glad you're okay. I'll miss you when you go.

Hunter: I'll miss you, too. I'll miss Graham and Boston…

I didn't know what to write and there was silence for a moment.

Finally, I texted him back.

Celia: Well, I hope everything works out for you, Hunter. Take care.

Hunter: You too, Celia.

I sighed and lay back in bed, remembering our kiss, wishing there had been so much more. I doubted I'd find another guy like Hunter. He was just everything I could want in a man. Hot. Sweet. Funny. Smart.

I tossed and turned in my tiny bed, wishing that he wasn't going away and that we'd get together, but I realized it was just another silly girl fantasy.

The next day was a blur for me as I ran from one class to another, with barely enough time to breathe. I didn't mind, because I got to return to my dorm room and to the peace and quiet – and most of all, the freedom from Spencer – that I felt there.

I met Amy for dinner in the cafeteria and then went back to my room to study for the next day. At around ten o'clock, my cell dinged and I got a text.

It was from Hunter.

My heart did a flip-flop when I saw his name.

Hunter: Hey, do you want to meet for coffee? I feel a bit lost.

I hesitated. What did he mean, lost? It was probably that he was still sad about him and Graham not starting a business together, and deciding to join the Marines.

I checked my watch. It was late and I had a class in the morning, but not until eleven. I could go out for an hour at least…

Celia: Sure. Can you come here?

Hunter: To your dorm?

Celia: No, you can't come here. I mean, can you pick me up? There are a few places we can go for coffee… I mean, if you really did mean coffee…

Hunter: LOL yes, I really did mean coffee. I wanted a chance to talk to you before I go away.

Celia: Great. I'll be waiting just outside the dorm.

Hunter: See you in fifteen or so.

Celia: Okay bye.

I rushed around like a crazy person, getting dressed, checking my hair and brushing my teeth once more even though I had brushed them an hour before. I grabbed my bag and then left the room, took the hallway to the exit and stood outside, waiting for Hunter.

When his car drove up, a thrill of excitement raced through me. He got out and opened the passenger door and when I saw him, I felt a stab of pain at the sight of his face. He was starting to get a black eye and his nose was still very red.

"Oh, Hunter," I said and reached up to touch his cheek. "Does it hurt?"

He smiled and then his face changed. "What happened to you?"

I hesitated. He must have seen the bruise on my cheek and my own black eye.

"Oh, this?" I said and touched my cheek. "Spencer wasn't all that happy when Graham told him he found me kissing you."

"What?" Hunter said and bent down, looking more closely at me. He reached up and cupped my cheek, his eyes a mixture of anger and sympathy. He gently stroked my skin where the bruise was. "That bastard hit you?" He shook his head and I could tell he was upset by the tone of his voice. "What a coward. Why does he get away with it? That's assault. He should be charged."

"He's a big man in this town," I said with a sigh. "No one can touch him."

"Someone can," Hunter said. "I'm sure my uncle knows people who could have a little talk with him."

"Hunter," I said, stepping back. "I thought you hated that side of your family."

"Spencer shouldn't lay a hand on you." He took hold of my shoulders and looked in my eyes. "I'm so sorry I got you in trouble. I should have said no."

"No," I said, leaning in closer to him. "I'm glad you kissed me." I smiled at him and his expression softened. "I want you to kiss me again."

He shook his head sadly. "Celia… I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."

"You're going away," I said and put my arms around his neck. "I won't see you for maybe years. Besides, I'm free now. Spencer has no power over me here."

"We'll see each other," he said. "I promise. I have family here. There's Conor and Cam, and Graham. I'll come back every chance I get."

He carefully extricated himself from my arms, and opened the door to his car.

"Shall we go?"

I stood there, upset that he wouldn’t kiss me, but I wanted the night to continue. I hopped in the car and he closed the door, then he got in the driver's seat beside me.

We drove to a nearly coffee shop and sat at a small table by the window. Outside, the streets of Cambridge were almost bare, with light traffic at that time of night. Hunter and I talked and talked, going over all sorts of things from our shared past.

He laughed when he talked about the first time he saw me, when I was nine and had braces.

"I never had a sister," he said, smiling to himself. "I thought Graham was so lucky. While I had brothers, he had you. Girls were always this mystery to me because my mother left us when we were kids. My step-mom is great but she was always focused on the business. I was mothered by my Aunt Carol, and while she was nice, she couldn’t replace my mom."

I squeezed his hand. "My mom's been in a haze for years," I said. "Spencer’s a beast to both Graham and me. Graham had to be my protector and parent."

"He was," Hunter said. "He'd kill me if he knew I was out with you tonight."

"Why?" I said, angry that Spencer and Graham thought they could tell me who I could be with. "Of all his friends, he should be happy I'm with you. You're going to be a Marine. You're honorable. More honorable than Spencer or anyone in his family."

He smiled at that. "That means a lot to me."

We drank decaf coffee and shared a piece of cheesecake, talking for an hour about my classes and what would happen at boot camp. He seemed like he could be a real boyfriend, if only he was staying. I hated that he was leaving and I probably wouldn't see him for a long time.

We left and walked down the street to the car and I didn’t want the evening to end. When he drove me back to the dorm, he got out to open my door like a real gentleman. We stood in front of the building and I shivered, not wanting to say goodbye.

I could tell Hunter was torn about being with me. I wanted to kiss him and he seemed to be fighting a similar urge. So, I put my arms around his neck, not caring anymore about what anyone—Spencer or Graham—thought about me being with Hunter.

I pressed my body against his and he groaned.

"Celia," he said with a sigh. "I'm trying to be a gentleman."

"You are, more of one than anyone I know."

Then I kissed him. He kissed me back, but it was hard for him to breathe because of his nose and he had to stop.

"Sorry," he said with a chuckle. "Not much of a kisser tonight."

"I don't care. Take me to your place," I whispered. "I'd take you to my room, but there are no guests allowed overnight."

"Celia…" He sighed. "What would Spencer do if he knew you'd come to my place?"

"To hell with Spencer," I said. Then I leaned up and kissed him again, making my kisses short so he could breathe. "Take me to your place. I'll stay with you tonight. You're leaving soon. I probably won't ever see you again."

"I'll be back on holidays."

"I always wanted you to be the one."

He shook his head. "Graham would kill me if he knew."

"He won't know," I said, and touched his cheek hesitantly. It was swollen, the black already blossoming beneath his eye. "Only you and I will know. Hunter, I want it to be you."

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, clearly fighting with himself. When his eyes opened again, I pressed my body fully against his.

"It's the least I can do, considering you got knocked out because of me." I grinned at him, trying to break the tension.

Finally, he smiled. "It's not a gift," he said softly.

"I don't care what it is. I want you. That's all."

He hesitated. Then he leaned down and kissed me, as if he wanted to test me to see if I meant it.

His kiss was deep and hungry, like he'd been waiting for a chance to really kiss me. It took my breath away, and when he pulled me even more tightly into his arms, my whole body shuddered.

This was what I wanted. I'd wanted it for years.

I kissed him back, my fingers running through his hair, over his back, my whole body pressed against his. When I felt his bulge against my groin, I ground against him, showing him how much I wanted him.

When our kiss ended, he looked in my eyes, held my gaze for a long minute, and then he took my hand and led me to his car.

I could barely think the rest of the drive to his place. He was staying at the apartment above his father's gym, in one of the spare bedrooms. We held hands the entire trip through Cambridge and then through Boston's streets to South Boston, where his father's gym was located.

The music was blaring and there was little conversation. What do you say when you know you're going to have sex with someone in a few moments? All I knew was that Hunter was taking me to his place. I'd spend the night with him. I was finally going to lose my virginity and it would be to the one man I had always wanted from the time I first saw him.

I'd had a crush on him since I was nine. It was right that Hunter was the first. I wished so hard that he wasn't going away and could stay in Boston so I could be with him, but this would have to do.

When we stopped at a light, he turned to me. "You can back out at any time," he said, holding my hand up to his lips. He kissed my knuckles and then turned to watch the road when the light changed.

"I won't change my mind." I had to clear my throat, my mouth was so dry. "I've wanted you forever, Hunter. Ever since I was nine and saw you in the ring."

He smiled. "Ten years?"

"Ten years," I said emphatically. "You're going away and I probably won't see you again. I can't stand the thought of you getting away from me if you want me, too."

"I do want you," he said, his voice throaty. "But I don't want to get you into any trouble."

"Spencer will never know. It's not like I'm going to tell him."

He nodded, just as we finally arrived at the building. After we parked, he opened my door, taking my hand and leading me to the back of the building to the apartment entrance. The back alley was dark except for a lone yellow light at the loading dock of the building next door.

As he opened the door to the building, I felt like fate had brought us both to that point. All my life, I’d known I wanted him to be the one.

I took in a deep breath and crossed the threshold.