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Chasseybaby
Moon
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Location
- Music City
Evy Grey: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/fb/67/8cfb67b288f05862301fe2ab850a1a82.jpg
Mary Grant: http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/lesmiserables/images/d/df/Lucky-Magazine-amanda-seyfried-5755401-1200-1598.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131206103529
Evy's Apartment: http://www.blogto.com/upload/2007/10/apartment590.jpg
"Oh... I see. No, thank you for your time. good bye." Evy Grey hung up her cell phone and dropped he head onto the morning newspaper where several help wanted ad were circled and crossed out in red. She groaned and sat up blowing a red curl out of her face, "Great, guess Ill be eating ramen and crackers again till I find another job..."Her stomach protested as she searched the paper again for any job that would pay decent. She was still seething after being let go from the bar after a married man had the balls to slap her ass. Granted banging her metal serving tray upside his head was a bit overkill and kicking him in the groin...twice. Evey moaned and covered her face in shame. Why coudlnt she control her temper? It wasnt so hard, was it? She sat up straighter and took a few deep breath, something her best ,and meddling, friend Mary said to do that would calm her. Some yoga thing that helped you find your center or something. It made her feel a bit better, but her stomach still growled.
A knock sounded at her door and she jumped to answer it. She slid to a stop at the door and checked the peephole to see who it was. Mary waved a brown paper bag and two cups of coffee in front of the hole. "I could hear your stomach two blocks down..." Evy wasted no time throwing the deadbolt back and the other forty locks below. She opened the door with a big smile as Mary hugged her and waltz in as if she lived there too. "Whats with the visit? And why arent you at work?" Mary smiled and sat down in her seat looking at the paper with a frown. "Half day, have to do reach for my bosses client. No luck with the job hunt?" Shaking her head, Evy took a seat and pulled her leg up to rest her chin on. "Nope, that fancy restaurant downtown turned me down too. Said I had a long track record of terminations for them to hire me. I guess their right, I mean seven jobs in one year is a lot. I was lucky to even get that bar job." Mary shook her blonde head back and forth. "That place was a dump and you were barely scrapping by. Freaking city doesnt know how to tip..." Mary pushed a Carmel latte her way as well as the brown bag. Evy nodded and took a bite from her warm bear claw and watched her friend. Mary was so different then her. She had her life together, a good job, a nice apartment, on the good side of town, and I dotting fiance who loved her. Evy on the other hand was a mess. No job, a shitty apartment in the backwaters of the city, and no man wanted her unless it was to freeload off her. And yet Mary still considered Evy her best friend. Granted they had been together since they were in elementary school. She was there when Evy lost her parents and was still helping pick up the pieces of her life. Mary put down her cup and gave her a pointed look. "Dont look at me like that?!" Evy smiled, "Like what?" "Like Im some movie star and your my stalker, it creepy...." Evy laughed, "You got a little something on your face Mary." Mary glared at her but patted her face anyways. "That's right touch yourself, now say my name..." Evy laughed but started to laugh harder as her friend started whacking her with her new coach bag. "I swear to God there is something wrong with you, Evy Grey!" her friend laughed as she continued to beat her friend.
Once they were settled again and the giggling had died down Mary leaned in with a smile, "So my boss asked me to find a maid for one of his clients." Evy's eye perked but continued to eat her pastry, "Why not hire a maid service?" Mary shook her head and chewed on her lower lip, "This client is a bit testy and a bit bullheaded to let anyone in to clean and cook for him." "Pshhh... thats a first..." Evy counter licking her sugary fingers. Mary etched her fingers over the worn wood of the table, "I was thinking maybe you would want the job..." Evy narrowed her eyes, "Mary.... what did you do?" Mary took to the defense and batted her baby blues, "Evy its a really good job, twelve hour shifts, off on the weekends, $3,000 a week plus benefits and vacation pay. I mean its a cleaning job but the money will help you on your feet and back to what you do best." Evy glanced at her empty canvas, it had been years since she last painted, ever since her parents died. Mary touched her hand with a gently smile. "You deserve this. Its been almost ten years now you need to move on. Please take the job. Not just for the money but the man who your working for needs someone like you to get his shit together, and I think you'd be just the kinda person to do it." Evy shook her head, "I dont know Mary, I mean I dont even know this person. And Im going to go into his personal space and..." Mary smiled and held back a giggle. "What?" Evy frowned. "Oh nothing just that you do know this person... very well..." Evy's eyebrows screwed together in confusion, "Huh?" Mary smiled and leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms to enjoy the reaction of her friend when she found out exactly who she would be working for, "Gideon Hall."
The Next Day
Gideon's House: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzunOLtReKg/UVMQOGdfw_I/AAAAAAAAAnA/Kh7cZuLJk-U/s1600/River+house.jpg
Evy turned off the engine and stared at the cozy little house that laid before her. She still was reeling by the fact she would be up close and cleaning the Giantslayer's toilets. Mary nearly pissed herself with laughter when Evy fell out of her seat and stuttered at her in shock. She wasnt a big fan of MMA, but Gideon Hall was her celebrity crush for many years. Working at bars for most of career she was exposed to it a lot of his fights and always cheer for him. She still remembered the first fight she saw of him. It was suppose to be a date but her boyfriend at the time wasnt the brightest when it came to women and romance. He had gotten 'good' seats, right up front where the most rowdiest of fans were to elbow her in the face. She was pissed the whole time and had a mind to leave him and take a cab home. But once Gideon walked out she was hooked to him like a moth to a flame. She had herd his name on the tv and by most of her customers, but never really paid attention, till now. It was a long fight and violent. But Evy was transfixed. After that she never missed a game and looked him up on google and MMA websites. When he injured his leg she was devastated that it had happened to such a man as him who was a renown champion. She tried to find any hint of him in the new wasnt never mentioned or only gave vague details. Now she was going to be his maid. She had signed all the paperwork the day before and given a list of her duties of what to do in the house, a spare key and rules to follow while working. Non disclosure crap, as if she would blab any ones secrets to strangers. Who would believe her anyways... Besides Mary of course.
She checked the review mirror make sure she looked alright and realized what she was doing, "Yeah as if he'd fall for the housekeeper. Probably got one of those playboy bunnies up in his bed..." She looked down at her black bar shirt faded jeans and boots, 'yeah, definitely not what his looking for in a woman.' She thought as she opened the car door and locked the little black Mercury. Mary had let her borrow the car to make it out here and back home safely. It broke her heart when she had sold her dads Camaro awhile back. Money was tight and bills were racking up. Afterwards she had always used the bus or cab to get around in the city but now that she had this kinda money coming in finding a little junker to get her too and from work wouldnt be a problem. Mary was happy to have her man drive her around till Evy sorted things out. She took a deep breath and slowly made her way toward the house. With every step she took the house grew in magnificent. What she wouldnt give to live in a house like this. She finally made it to the door and took one last deep breath. "Here goes nothing..." She pressed the doorbell and stepped back to face off the Giantslayer.
-
The Week Before
"You want to do what now?" Gideon asked giving his friend an incredulous look. Martin had said a lot of strange things over the ten years they'd known each other. Weird PR stunts, trying to convince him to appear on a number of tv shows, and even one drunken suggestion to marry a particularly friendly stripper at a Vegas after party - all strange but based around a desire to "grow his brand" as the managers say. Except for the stripper. That was just the absinthe talking. This seemed like a bad joke.
"I want to hire a maid. Someone to pick up, do a little cleaning, maybe cook a meal or two for you," Martin said leaning back in the leather back English styled chair. "Whatever it is maids do in this country besides fulfill low rent bdsm fantasies."
"Let me get this straight," the fighter leaning forward over the table between them. "You want to make some poor girl clean up after me? Like I can't-"
"Gideon," Martin said softly but cutting off the inevitable tirade. His normal smile was gone and his eyes were focused on his friend. "We've been through a lot together. Good and bad. And thanks to a lot of hard work and sweat and pain... neither of us has to work ever again. Maybe we thought it'd be another decade or two before you got here but here you are and it sucks. But look around you."
Reluctantly Gideon did as he asked and what he saw drew his lips into a tight line. The house wasn't dirty per se but cluttered. Things left where he'd finished with them. Glasses left on tables, a few bits of clothing here and there, an empty 2 liter of Dr. Pepper sitting next to a recliner, and more. He didn't need to see the rest of the house to know it looked the same. Wet towels piled next to the hot tub. All his clothes clean and dirty mixed together in a hamper next to his bed. It was no way for a man to live.
"Alright," the broad shouldered man said wearily. "You find someone and I'll give them a shot."
"That's all I can ask," Martin said flashing a lightbulb smile.
The Day
The buzzer sounded loud and foreign. An intruder into the little world Gideon had built for himself. It'd been months since he'd heard it and it was a harsh counterpoint to the staccato clack of his cane upon the tile. Today, like most days anymore, he looked little like the champion he'd once been. His hair was a shaggy wolf's mane of dark brown surrounding a young, haggard face. Deep bags fell beneath guarded green eyes. Lips twitching in a tight grimace with each step. Underneath the overly large t-shirt and shorts he still showed signs of being in good shape but it was hard to tell.
Leaning on his cane he pulled open the door started to speak and paused, "You must..." He hadn't known what to expect from the maid. Maids weren't really a thing where he came from. Maybe he'd half expected some Latina woman who'd complain about prices or some British nanny type. What he wasn't expecting was a gorgeous redhead who had apparently escaped from his fantasies. Shaking away his hesitance he gave a tight smile and continued, "You must be the maid Martin hired. I'm Gideon."
-
Evy counted her heartbeats and tried to contain her excitement as she waited for the door to open. Martin and Mary had warned her that Gideon wasnt as he use to be, he had a bit of a bullheaded temper and not to give in to him. Evy had to smile at that, Gideon Hall was a champ he couldnt have possibly be any different that what he use to be. She could see his injury as a set back, but he had a golden will to bounce back after every fight. This was just an obstacle that he couldnt do alone, and she was happy to help. She herd footsteps on the other side of the door and held her breath as the wooden door slid open and there he stood. Her eyes raked him in. He looked... different, weathered and tired but she could still see his determination and spirit fighting to shine through. He looked to still be in good shape, his hair had grown but gave him a rougher edge. But his face was a different story, he looked to be in pain and it sent a ache to her heart. He was taking her in and seemed very surprised to see her, didnt Martin tell him she was coming? He seemed to hesitate with his greeting and Evy tilted her head to the side confused but smiled as he introduced himself. She held out her hand to shake his, "Hello Mr. Hall, I'm Evelyn Grey, But I go by Evy." She pulled her hand back and clamped it in front of her to keep from looking a fool in front of her new boss. Her mind was ecstatic that she had just shook his hand and that she had met him in person. She cleared her throat and gave him a bright smile, "You have lovely home, Ill enjoy working here very much." She tried to keep herself from fidgeting in front of him and keep a more professional out look. "May I come in and you can instruct me on what to do today?" She asked hoping he wouldnt have second thoughts and turn her down on her first day.
-
"Evy - you can just call me Gideon. Mister doesn't suit me," he said flashing a quick boyish grin before a shift in posture sent a thrill of pain through him tightening his lips. For a moment he'd almost forgotten the pain. Lost in a bright smile and a soft skinned hand. Acting like a damned teenager seeing a pretty girl. It actually took a second for her question to register.
"Yeah - yeah. Come on in," Gideon said shuffling to the side to let her in but not really seeming to know what to do from there. After a moment and just shook his head laughing. Thought at what was hard to say. When he spoke again his voice was dripping with self deprecation. "I am the world's most inept maid employer, I think. I don't have a clue what I should have you do. Clean I guess but that feels weird to say. Never had anyone clean up after me before. Not even mother did that. Cook? I really don't know how this works. Kinda feeling like an idiot right now."
Talking too much... the sure sign that he wasn't comfortable or didn't know what else to do. And it didn't escape him. Told him he'd been holed up too long. Cut himself off a little too completely. As he was thinking this he rubbed absently at his forehead like it was headache he could just massage away.
-
"Thank you, Gideon." Evy noticed right away that she liked Gideon's shy, boyish smile, it suited him. She also liked how sexy he made her name sound, it made her cheeks redden, which she hoped went unnoticed. But she frowned at the slightest movement of his leg caused that grin to turn sour. Her eyes dropped to his leg and how much he was trying to hide by not leaning on it with his full weight. Her hands unfolded automatically and she had to stop herself from reaching out to offer him help. He didnt need her help unless he asks for it. She chewed on her lower lip out of worry and waited for his reply. She nodded and gave a curt nod as she enter his home make sure not to jar him and cause any further injury.
Evy's first thought as she entered that house was.... "Shit..." she said under her breathe. The place was huge, massive even. Her apartment could fit three times in his house and still have closet space. The wood work and detail that went into the design to build this house was phenomenal. Big full windows that over looked the wild woods and peaceful river just outside his porch, was breath taking to her. Second was the mess that littered the home. Oh boy, she had her work cut out for her. It wasnt as bad as it could have been, but she could tell he hadnt been keeping up with what was piling up around him. Old pizza boxes, cans of different beverages, clothes, and other things out of place. She removed her jacket and purse from over her shoulder and turned when she herd him laughing. She had a puzzled look as she tiled her head to what he found so funny.
Evy smiled and let out a small laugh herself, "Im new to this too, so dont feel completely bad. Just think of me as one of your staff. You know when you got ready for a match. Ill get you what you need and make sure your gears in order before your fight. If I make a mistake or anything its in your right to tell me." She laid her jacket and purse down in an empty chair. She then anchored her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. She was quiet a few seconds before turning with a smile. He looked tired and possibly having a headache by how hard he was rubbing his forehead. She cleared her throat politely, "How about you go rest in the living room and I fix you something to eat while I start on organizing and tiding up in there. You can get to know me a bit better so Im not a complete stranger in your home. After that Ill stay out of you way till dinner, unless you need me." she asked. He seemed a bit stressed and she hoped her being there wasnt too much of a hazard on his health. But this was Gideon Hall, he was a champ he could beat this. Maybe it was her she was new, foreign and he wasnt use to her being there yet. She hoped to change that soon as she had to again fight to not fidget and chew on her lip.
-
"Fight staff..." Gideon said softly as if tasting the words. It was a good analogy really. One that worked for him. One that was comfortable for him. And one that said she knew who he was. Or at least who he had been. "Yeah... I can do that."
Though I don't know what fight I'm getting prepared for, he thought.
"Food and getting to know each other sounds more like a date than fight prep though," he said shaking away his thoughts and giving her another quick, boyish grin to take any sting out of the joke. "Not that I do much of either these days. So - yeah - that sounds good. Just as a warning my kitchen is full of protein, natural sugars and vitamins, whatever the hell makes Pop-Tarts so tasty, and enough caffeine to make the heart of a bull pop like a zit - and that's about it. Just about any combination of these things makes me happy."
He started towards a chair before turning, flashing another grin, and pointing down the hall before saying, "And the kitchen's that way. That is probably useful information. After breakfast I'll give you the grand tour."
Once Gideon was settled in his chair he turned on the tv but he wasn't watching it. Not with the image of Evy blushing playing in his head or the light sound of her laughter still ringing in his ears. She looked like a model. Shit... better honestly. There hadn't been women that looked like her hanging around when he was champion. And now she was here in faded jeans and boots playing maid? If she wasn't being paid to smile for a camera or walk a runway it was a cruel joke on the world's part.
-
Evy had to pinch herself when he talked to her, it was almost as if she were in one of her fantasies though in her dreams he was a bit more cleaned up, but she knew it was just a off day for him that or it was early for him to be dressed and ready for the day. She could see the wheels in his head turning as he processed what she had said. Her eyebrows lifted in worry that she had offend him and sucked in a breath to apologize but let it out as he agreed with her.
Evy's face flushed red when he referred to her cooking for him as a date. 'Oh, if only Gideon,' she thought to herself, 'You wouldnt have to step out the house to give me a good time....' She shook her head to dislodge her dirty thoughts and plastered on a bright smile. God his smile was doing something to her that wasnt very business professional on her part. Maybe she had better jump in the ice cold river to cool her heated blood before she jumped the poor man. He was talking and her ear immediately picked up on every word. Her smile slipped and she wondered why anyone would not want to date the famous Gideon Hall? He was good looking and polite, no matter what the tabloids said, and could only dream of what he was like in the bedroom. Oh no, was he one of those Christian Grey type guys? Was she going to find a playroom full of whip and chains that he used on women. Strangely that turned her on even more. 'Damn it Mary for making me read those damn 5o Shades books' she though and planed to straggle her best friend later but for now she had to get her boss brunch and started on the house or she would be out of a job, again. She gave a short laugh to his comment and nodded, "Its probably better then my kitchen but Ill see what I can whip up for you."
Evy watched him move towards the living room and turned to what she though would be the kitchen area but stopped short when he pointed the other way down a hall. She gave a sheepish grin and turned herself in the right direction. She enter the kitchen and stopped in her tracks with a sigh, yep sure was a guys house. Dishes and empty pizza boxes littered the counter space. She had her work cut out for her. She checked the fridge and found it well stocked expect for a few things but was glad Mary had given her a number to call for Gideon's groceries as well as a credit card for any expenses.
With a heavy sigh she pulled her red mop of hair up into a messy bun, tied a black apron around her waist and set out to work. She could hear the hum of the tv in the next room and had to smile again at where she was and who she worked for. She sighed looking at the doorway and pulled out her phone setting the volume on low as she opened her Pandora to her Halestorm station. She smiled as one of her favorite songs started up and she dived into the stack of dirty dishes. "I've tried but I just can't take it, I'd rather fight than just fake it ,cause I like it Rough," she sang along shaking her body to the music like a giddy teenager. Once she had most of the trash gathered and the dishes clean, she started on fixing food. She saw bacon and bread an figured a BLT with homemade fires would be good start for him.
Evy lost herself in her task, Pandora jamming away song after song that she hummed or sand too, aware to keep her voice down to not disturb Gideon in the next room. Food was smelling delicious as she pinched a hot fry from the fryer and munched away licking the salt of her fingertips. Her bowl of frosted flasks paled to the food in front of her. She loved to cook, had been cooking for herself since she was small with her mother. The thought of her cooking Gideon her mothers recipes made her smile as if she were honoring her memory. She mixed a special family sauce for his fries and plated his food with more care then she should have. Pouring him a cold glass of Dr. Pepper she found in the fridge and placed everything on a tray for him.
Evy stopped short of entering and wondered how she should enter a room with him in it. All those old shows where the maid addressed the master of the mansion as sir came to mind but they were the only two in the house would it really matter? Maybe being herself would suit him better. She steeled herself and walked in smiling when he noticed her, "I hope you like bacon. I didn't want to outshine myself on the first day," she teased as she set the tray down on the coffee table close to him. She took a look at the room and began to pick up random clothing and garbage. "You have an amazing kitchen by the way, you may find your stove missing one of these days..." Evy bit her lip and scrunched her eyes closed at her slip up of talking about stealing in front of her boss. "I mean..." her brain scrambled to come up with a come back that would save her from this mistake but faltered as she turned to Gideon.
-
She tried to keep it down but he could hear the radio and her singing along with it. Gideon smiled fully. Unfettered by pain for a brief moment as the heating pad worked it's magic on the scarred mass of his leg. Halestorm. Probably the same station on Pandora that he listened to. And if her singing was any indication she was enjoying listening to it more than he had for a long while. It was enough that his mood barely flickered as he took his handful anti-inflammatories.
Steroids were something he'd avoided like the plague while competing. Used the word like a curse. Now it was one of few things that could give him any relief. That bothered him for the first year. Set anger wolves to howling in his brain. Now it was a momentary thought and sense of relief.
When Evy brought him his food the awkwardness returned briefly till the smell hit him and his stomach took over. The plate was barely on the table before a piping hot fry was slipped into his mouth. It was good. Heavenly after the months of what passed for cooking from him. It was also ridiculously fucking hot and a quick not quite panicked but not quite casual drink of his pop was necessary. After his mouth cooled he gave her a smile.
"Maybe it's all the bachelor chow I've been feeding myself lately but that tastes amazing," Gideon said looking more relaxed than he had since she'd met him. "I'm not gonna lie. Getting to eat real food again? Kinda fucking nice. And, apparently, you would get more use out of that stove than I do. The abominations I have created in and upon that poor thing..." The exaggerated shake of his head and the long suffering penitent look upon his face had nothing to do with anything serious. A brief flicker of the man who used to talk shit with the best of them peeking out.
But then the tv had to go and ruin it.
"Up next we are talking to UFC welterweight champion Roan Carceres. A man who many claim may be the best pound for pound best fighter on the planet at 22-2 and with 4 title defenses under his belt. And a man without a challenge waiting for him in the once stacked division many also say -"
The reporter's commentary was abruptly cut off by the tv turning off. Gideon dropped the remote onto the table contemptuously. His face had gone flat. Hard. And an ocean of rage roiled behind his eyes as he stared at the black screen. The source of his sudden anger was easy enough to guess. Roan Carceres. A man who'd challenged him for his belt twice and been finished in the cage twice. A man who'd been given the belt after Gideon's injury and acted like he deserved it.
-
Evy smiled as Gideon dove right into his meal with gusto and was happy to at lest to feed the man a meal that didnt come from a box or with freezer burn. He even brushed off her joke as what it was and lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. She laughed as he took a drink when the fry he had grab was too hot for his mouth, knowing she would have to make sure they had cooled next time she cooked. She snagged a fry off his plate and continued picking up and watching her boss eat, glad to have been of some use today. She listened to him talk and had to giggle at him talking to her like a normal person. He seemed relaxed and happy even as he was just shooting the breeze with her. "Well thank you, Gideon. It does help to have such an advanced kitchen to work in. If your lucky I may even be able to bake some things as well if I have enough time." She stopped what she was doing and turned to him placing a hand on her chest. "You havent lived till you have had my brownies, Gideon. Mary, my best friend, swears I put ambrosia in them they are so heavenly." She laughed and folded shirt she had found and placing them in a hamper she found. "But then again shes a chocoholic so Im not so sure I can trust her judgement." There was a slight pause then Evy remembered what she ment to ask him while she was cooking, "That reminds me what kinda foods do you like?"
Evy turned to face him but found his attention directed at the tv and none to happy to hear what was being said. She glanced at the screen and the name Roan Carceres rang a bell. But she couldnt place his face with the name. The reporter had started to explain he was the best fighter on the planet 'Pshh as if...' but she lost most of it when the tv was cut off and Gideon slapped the remote down. Evy went still as she watched his emotions play over his face. At first she feared for her safety the man had hundred plus pounds on her and could snap her neck like a pencil. But then the face came to her and everything made sense. She let out a pent up breath and set the last towel down on the pile as she made her way over to her employer. She remembered the last fight he fought, had cried in outrage when Ron won and Gideon was left broken on the mat. She swore if the bugger crossed paths with her she would knee him in the balls to see him suffer in shame on the floor for once. The man had no pride in sportsmanship and even commented that Gideon 'got what was coming to him.' The memory of his words made her hands clench. But the look on Gideons rage made her think how much worst it had to be for him, even now that the bastard was winning every fight and climbing up the ladder of fame.
Standing next to Gideon she reached out and placed a warm hand on his shoulder, "Gideon? Is there something I can do?" Her voice was soft and gentle, soothing even as she searched his face for an answer to his troubles. She sat next to him and turned her body towards him, never letting her hand left his bicep her eyes pleading to let her know what she could do to buffer the hurt and pain of loosing his fighting career and championship.
-
"Not unless you can heal me or make him very, very fucking dead," Gideon said through a tight, violent smile that had more in common with a grimace. He let loose a hot explosive breath and leaned his head back. Eyes closed he just concentrated on breathing. And on not breaking things or screaming himself hoarse. On not looking like a lunatic in front of the sweet woman who had just made him breakfast.
The former champion opened his eyes, let loose a much softer breath, and looked at Evy. When he talked he sounded tired. Weary. As if his anger had wrung him dry but he said, "Sorry. There are better sights to see on your first day than me about to lose it. Shouldn't be angry. Not really. He's just talking shit. It's how you get people to tune into your fights. Nothing more. At least it shouldn't be anyway."
Gideon was silent a minute longer but then he placed a surprisingly soft hand on hers. He did his best not to think about good her skin felt against his - and failing miserably - as he gave her a small tired smile and said, "Thanks. How about we just put the tv idea behind us and I give you a real tour of the house? My taste for tv has soured."
-
Evy tried not to show how much she wished she had a healing touch and magically fix the leg that pained him so much. Though she did hope she had the chance to off the so called new champ Roan Carceres in a dark ally. Either way she could see that the man had caused a rather big rift in Gideon's life and she had her work cut out for her. She applauded him for holding back his temper as he sat there either counting down from ten or just too full to trash about like a mad man. "If I had a healing touch, I wouldnt be in this line of work. But sadly these hands are destined to wash dishes or fold laundry for the rest of my life," she joked to try and lighten the mood.
When he finally opened his eyes, her heart split in two at how tired and worn he looked. She wanted to curl up next to him and kiss away all his troubles, sooth away all his anger, and protect him from the world's harsh tracts to bring him down further. As he spoke she shook her head softly, "Dont be sorry, I understand you'd be upset, I mean I am myself, but only because his a coward who is baiting you and your former title."
Evy waited till he was a bit himself again and was about to remove her hand when his engulfed her's in a warm embrace. She held her breath at how big his was to her one hand, how smooth and rough they felt all at once. She was suddenly in her own little daydream of them being a couple and her comforting him as any good girlfriend would do. She would play with his hair and kiss his ear telling him that no matter what she would always be there. That Carceres could take anything he wanted from him but she would always be by his side. A warm fuzzy feeling grew inside her, but soon popped as his words caught up with them. "Oh... Sure! Then maybe I wont walk into a trap door or something...." she teased reluctantly pulling her hand from his, already missing the feeling of his powerful touch.
Mary Grant: http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/lesmiserables/images/d/df/Lucky-Magazine-amanda-seyfried-5755401-1200-1598.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20131206103529
Evy's Apartment: http://www.blogto.com/upload/2007/10/apartment590.jpg
"Oh... I see. No, thank you for your time. good bye." Evy Grey hung up her cell phone and dropped he head onto the morning newspaper where several help wanted ad were circled and crossed out in red. She groaned and sat up blowing a red curl out of her face, "Great, guess Ill be eating ramen and crackers again till I find another job..."Her stomach protested as she searched the paper again for any job that would pay decent. She was still seething after being let go from the bar after a married man had the balls to slap her ass. Granted banging her metal serving tray upside his head was a bit overkill and kicking him in the groin...twice. Evey moaned and covered her face in shame. Why coudlnt she control her temper? It wasnt so hard, was it? She sat up straighter and took a few deep breath, something her best ,and meddling, friend Mary said to do that would calm her. Some yoga thing that helped you find your center or something. It made her feel a bit better, but her stomach still growled.
A knock sounded at her door and she jumped to answer it. She slid to a stop at the door and checked the peephole to see who it was. Mary waved a brown paper bag and two cups of coffee in front of the hole. "I could hear your stomach two blocks down..." Evy wasted no time throwing the deadbolt back and the other forty locks below. She opened the door with a big smile as Mary hugged her and waltz in as if she lived there too. "Whats with the visit? And why arent you at work?" Mary smiled and sat down in her seat looking at the paper with a frown. "Half day, have to do reach for my bosses client. No luck with the job hunt?" Shaking her head, Evy took a seat and pulled her leg up to rest her chin on. "Nope, that fancy restaurant downtown turned me down too. Said I had a long track record of terminations for them to hire me. I guess their right, I mean seven jobs in one year is a lot. I was lucky to even get that bar job." Mary shook her blonde head back and forth. "That place was a dump and you were barely scrapping by. Freaking city doesnt know how to tip..." Mary pushed a Carmel latte her way as well as the brown bag. Evy nodded and took a bite from her warm bear claw and watched her friend. Mary was so different then her. She had her life together, a good job, a nice apartment, on the good side of town, and I dotting fiance who loved her. Evy on the other hand was a mess. No job, a shitty apartment in the backwaters of the city, and no man wanted her unless it was to freeload off her. And yet Mary still considered Evy her best friend. Granted they had been together since they were in elementary school. She was there when Evy lost her parents and was still helping pick up the pieces of her life. Mary put down her cup and gave her a pointed look. "Dont look at me like that?!" Evy smiled, "Like what?" "Like Im some movie star and your my stalker, it creepy...." Evy laughed, "You got a little something on your face Mary." Mary glared at her but patted her face anyways. "That's right touch yourself, now say my name..." Evy laughed but started to laugh harder as her friend started whacking her with her new coach bag. "I swear to God there is something wrong with you, Evy Grey!" her friend laughed as she continued to beat her friend.
Once they were settled again and the giggling had died down Mary leaned in with a smile, "So my boss asked me to find a maid for one of his clients." Evy's eye perked but continued to eat her pastry, "Why not hire a maid service?" Mary shook her head and chewed on her lower lip, "This client is a bit testy and a bit bullheaded to let anyone in to clean and cook for him." "Pshhh... thats a first..." Evy counter licking her sugary fingers. Mary etched her fingers over the worn wood of the table, "I was thinking maybe you would want the job..." Evy narrowed her eyes, "Mary.... what did you do?" Mary took to the defense and batted her baby blues, "Evy its a really good job, twelve hour shifts, off on the weekends, $3,000 a week plus benefits and vacation pay. I mean its a cleaning job but the money will help you on your feet and back to what you do best." Evy glanced at her empty canvas, it had been years since she last painted, ever since her parents died. Mary touched her hand with a gently smile. "You deserve this. Its been almost ten years now you need to move on. Please take the job. Not just for the money but the man who your working for needs someone like you to get his shit together, and I think you'd be just the kinda person to do it." Evy shook her head, "I dont know Mary, I mean I dont even know this person. And Im going to go into his personal space and..." Mary smiled and held back a giggle. "What?" Evy frowned. "Oh nothing just that you do know this person... very well..." Evy's eyebrows screwed together in confusion, "Huh?" Mary smiled and leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms to enjoy the reaction of her friend when she found out exactly who she would be working for, "Gideon Hall."
The Next Day
Gideon's House: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzunOLtReKg/UVMQOGdfw_I/AAAAAAAAAnA/Kh7cZuLJk-U/s1600/River+house.jpg
Evy turned off the engine and stared at the cozy little house that laid before her. She still was reeling by the fact she would be up close and cleaning the Giantslayer's toilets. Mary nearly pissed herself with laughter when Evy fell out of her seat and stuttered at her in shock. She wasnt a big fan of MMA, but Gideon Hall was her celebrity crush for many years. Working at bars for most of career she was exposed to it a lot of his fights and always cheer for him. She still remembered the first fight she saw of him. It was suppose to be a date but her boyfriend at the time wasnt the brightest when it came to women and romance. He had gotten 'good' seats, right up front where the most rowdiest of fans were to elbow her in the face. She was pissed the whole time and had a mind to leave him and take a cab home. But once Gideon walked out she was hooked to him like a moth to a flame. She had herd his name on the tv and by most of her customers, but never really paid attention, till now. It was a long fight and violent. But Evy was transfixed. After that she never missed a game and looked him up on google and MMA websites. When he injured his leg she was devastated that it had happened to such a man as him who was a renown champion. She tried to find any hint of him in the new wasnt never mentioned or only gave vague details. Now she was going to be his maid. She had signed all the paperwork the day before and given a list of her duties of what to do in the house, a spare key and rules to follow while working. Non disclosure crap, as if she would blab any ones secrets to strangers. Who would believe her anyways... Besides Mary of course.
She checked the review mirror make sure she looked alright and realized what she was doing, "Yeah as if he'd fall for the housekeeper. Probably got one of those playboy bunnies up in his bed..." She looked down at her black bar shirt faded jeans and boots, 'yeah, definitely not what his looking for in a woman.' She thought as she opened the car door and locked the little black Mercury. Mary had let her borrow the car to make it out here and back home safely. It broke her heart when she had sold her dads Camaro awhile back. Money was tight and bills were racking up. Afterwards she had always used the bus or cab to get around in the city but now that she had this kinda money coming in finding a little junker to get her too and from work wouldnt be a problem. Mary was happy to have her man drive her around till Evy sorted things out. She took a deep breath and slowly made her way toward the house. With every step she took the house grew in magnificent. What she wouldnt give to live in a house like this. She finally made it to the door and took one last deep breath. "Here goes nothing..." She pressed the doorbell and stepped back to face off the Giantslayer.
-
The Week Before
"You want to do what now?" Gideon asked giving his friend an incredulous look. Martin had said a lot of strange things over the ten years they'd known each other. Weird PR stunts, trying to convince him to appear on a number of tv shows, and even one drunken suggestion to marry a particularly friendly stripper at a Vegas after party - all strange but based around a desire to "grow his brand" as the managers say. Except for the stripper. That was just the absinthe talking. This seemed like a bad joke.
"I want to hire a maid. Someone to pick up, do a little cleaning, maybe cook a meal or two for you," Martin said leaning back in the leather back English styled chair. "Whatever it is maids do in this country besides fulfill low rent bdsm fantasies."
"Let me get this straight," the fighter leaning forward over the table between them. "You want to make some poor girl clean up after me? Like I can't-"
"Gideon," Martin said softly but cutting off the inevitable tirade. His normal smile was gone and his eyes were focused on his friend. "We've been through a lot together. Good and bad. And thanks to a lot of hard work and sweat and pain... neither of us has to work ever again. Maybe we thought it'd be another decade or two before you got here but here you are and it sucks. But look around you."
Reluctantly Gideon did as he asked and what he saw drew his lips into a tight line. The house wasn't dirty per se but cluttered. Things left where he'd finished with them. Glasses left on tables, a few bits of clothing here and there, an empty 2 liter of Dr. Pepper sitting next to a recliner, and more. He didn't need to see the rest of the house to know it looked the same. Wet towels piled next to the hot tub. All his clothes clean and dirty mixed together in a hamper next to his bed. It was no way for a man to live.
"Alright," the broad shouldered man said wearily. "You find someone and I'll give them a shot."
"That's all I can ask," Martin said flashing a lightbulb smile.
The Day
The buzzer sounded loud and foreign. An intruder into the little world Gideon had built for himself. It'd been months since he'd heard it and it was a harsh counterpoint to the staccato clack of his cane upon the tile. Today, like most days anymore, he looked little like the champion he'd once been. His hair was a shaggy wolf's mane of dark brown surrounding a young, haggard face. Deep bags fell beneath guarded green eyes. Lips twitching in a tight grimace with each step. Underneath the overly large t-shirt and shorts he still showed signs of being in good shape but it was hard to tell.
Leaning on his cane he pulled open the door started to speak and paused, "You must..." He hadn't known what to expect from the maid. Maids weren't really a thing where he came from. Maybe he'd half expected some Latina woman who'd complain about prices or some British nanny type. What he wasn't expecting was a gorgeous redhead who had apparently escaped from his fantasies. Shaking away his hesitance he gave a tight smile and continued, "You must be the maid Martin hired. I'm Gideon."
-
Evy counted her heartbeats and tried to contain her excitement as she waited for the door to open. Martin and Mary had warned her that Gideon wasnt as he use to be, he had a bit of a bullheaded temper and not to give in to him. Evy had to smile at that, Gideon Hall was a champ he couldnt have possibly be any different that what he use to be. She could see his injury as a set back, but he had a golden will to bounce back after every fight. This was just an obstacle that he couldnt do alone, and she was happy to help. She herd footsteps on the other side of the door and held her breath as the wooden door slid open and there he stood. Her eyes raked him in. He looked... different, weathered and tired but she could still see his determination and spirit fighting to shine through. He looked to still be in good shape, his hair had grown but gave him a rougher edge. But his face was a different story, he looked to be in pain and it sent a ache to her heart. He was taking her in and seemed very surprised to see her, didnt Martin tell him she was coming? He seemed to hesitate with his greeting and Evy tilted her head to the side confused but smiled as he introduced himself. She held out her hand to shake his, "Hello Mr. Hall, I'm Evelyn Grey, But I go by Evy." She pulled her hand back and clamped it in front of her to keep from looking a fool in front of her new boss. Her mind was ecstatic that she had just shook his hand and that she had met him in person. She cleared her throat and gave him a bright smile, "You have lovely home, Ill enjoy working here very much." She tried to keep herself from fidgeting in front of him and keep a more professional out look. "May I come in and you can instruct me on what to do today?" She asked hoping he wouldnt have second thoughts and turn her down on her first day.
-
"Evy - you can just call me Gideon. Mister doesn't suit me," he said flashing a quick boyish grin before a shift in posture sent a thrill of pain through him tightening his lips. For a moment he'd almost forgotten the pain. Lost in a bright smile and a soft skinned hand. Acting like a damned teenager seeing a pretty girl. It actually took a second for her question to register.
"Yeah - yeah. Come on in," Gideon said shuffling to the side to let her in but not really seeming to know what to do from there. After a moment and just shook his head laughing. Thought at what was hard to say. When he spoke again his voice was dripping with self deprecation. "I am the world's most inept maid employer, I think. I don't have a clue what I should have you do. Clean I guess but that feels weird to say. Never had anyone clean up after me before. Not even mother did that. Cook? I really don't know how this works. Kinda feeling like an idiot right now."
Talking too much... the sure sign that he wasn't comfortable or didn't know what else to do. And it didn't escape him. Told him he'd been holed up too long. Cut himself off a little too completely. As he was thinking this he rubbed absently at his forehead like it was headache he could just massage away.
-
"Thank you, Gideon." Evy noticed right away that she liked Gideon's shy, boyish smile, it suited him. She also liked how sexy he made her name sound, it made her cheeks redden, which she hoped went unnoticed. But she frowned at the slightest movement of his leg caused that grin to turn sour. Her eyes dropped to his leg and how much he was trying to hide by not leaning on it with his full weight. Her hands unfolded automatically and she had to stop herself from reaching out to offer him help. He didnt need her help unless he asks for it. She chewed on her lower lip out of worry and waited for his reply. She nodded and gave a curt nod as she enter his home make sure not to jar him and cause any further injury.
Evy's first thought as she entered that house was.... "Shit..." she said under her breathe. The place was huge, massive even. Her apartment could fit three times in his house and still have closet space. The wood work and detail that went into the design to build this house was phenomenal. Big full windows that over looked the wild woods and peaceful river just outside his porch, was breath taking to her. Second was the mess that littered the home. Oh boy, she had her work cut out for her. It wasnt as bad as it could have been, but she could tell he hadnt been keeping up with what was piling up around him. Old pizza boxes, cans of different beverages, clothes, and other things out of place. She removed her jacket and purse from over her shoulder and turned when she herd him laughing. She had a puzzled look as she tiled her head to what he found so funny.
Evy smiled and let out a small laugh herself, "Im new to this too, so dont feel completely bad. Just think of me as one of your staff. You know when you got ready for a match. Ill get you what you need and make sure your gears in order before your fight. If I make a mistake or anything its in your right to tell me." She laid her jacket and purse down in an empty chair. She then anchored her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. She was quiet a few seconds before turning with a smile. He looked tired and possibly having a headache by how hard he was rubbing his forehead. She cleared her throat politely, "How about you go rest in the living room and I fix you something to eat while I start on organizing and tiding up in there. You can get to know me a bit better so Im not a complete stranger in your home. After that Ill stay out of you way till dinner, unless you need me." she asked. He seemed a bit stressed and she hoped her being there wasnt too much of a hazard on his health. But this was Gideon Hall, he was a champ he could beat this. Maybe it was her she was new, foreign and he wasnt use to her being there yet. She hoped to change that soon as she had to again fight to not fidget and chew on her lip.
-
"Fight staff..." Gideon said softly as if tasting the words. It was a good analogy really. One that worked for him. One that was comfortable for him. And one that said she knew who he was. Or at least who he had been. "Yeah... I can do that."
Though I don't know what fight I'm getting prepared for, he thought.
"Food and getting to know each other sounds more like a date than fight prep though," he said shaking away his thoughts and giving her another quick, boyish grin to take any sting out of the joke. "Not that I do much of either these days. So - yeah - that sounds good. Just as a warning my kitchen is full of protein, natural sugars and vitamins, whatever the hell makes Pop-Tarts so tasty, and enough caffeine to make the heart of a bull pop like a zit - and that's about it. Just about any combination of these things makes me happy."
He started towards a chair before turning, flashing another grin, and pointing down the hall before saying, "And the kitchen's that way. That is probably useful information. After breakfast I'll give you the grand tour."
Once Gideon was settled in his chair he turned on the tv but he wasn't watching it. Not with the image of Evy blushing playing in his head or the light sound of her laughter still ringing in his ears. She looked like a model. Shit... better honestly. There hadn't been women that looked like her hanging around when he was champion. And now she was here in faded jeans and boots playing maid? If she wasn't being paid to smile for a camera or walk a runway it was a cruel joke on the world's part.
-
Evy had to pinch herself when he talked to her, it was almost as if she were in one of her fantasies though in her dreams he was a bit more cleaned up, but she knew it was just a off day for him that or it was early for him to be dressed and ready for the day. She could see the wheels in his head turning as he processed what she had said. Her eyebrows lifted in worry that she had offend him and sucked in a breath to apologize but let it out as he agreed with her.
Evy's face flushed red when he referred to her cooking for him as a date. 'Oh, if only Gideon,' she thought to herself, 'You wouldnt have to step out the house to give me a good time....' She shook her head to dislodge her dirty thoughts and plastered on a bright smile. God his smile was doing something to her that wasnt very business professional on her part. Maybe she had better jump in the ice cold river to cool her heated blood before she jumped the poor man. He was talking and her ear immediately picked up on every word. Her smile slipped and she wondered why anyone would not want to date the famous Gideon Hall? He was good looking and polite, no matter what the tabloids said, and could only dream of what he was like in the bedroom. Oh no, was he one of those Christian Grey type guys? Was she going to find a playroom full of whip and chains that he used on women. Strangely that turned her on even more. 'Damn it Mary for making me read those damn 5o Shades books' she though and planed to straggle her best friend later but for now she had to get her boss brunch and started on the house or she would be out of a job, again. She gave a short laugh to his comment and nodded, "Its probably better then my kitchen but Ill see what I can whip up for you."
Evy watched him move towards the living room and turned to what she though would be the kitchen area but stopped short when he pointed the other way down a hall. She gave a sheepish grin and turned herself in the right direction. She enter the kitchen and stopped in her tracks with a sigh, yep sure was a guys house. Dishes and empty pizza boxes littered the counter space. She had her work cut out for her. She checked the fridge and found it well stocked expect for a few things but was glad Mary had given her a number to call for Gideon's groceries as well as a credit card for any expenses.
With a heavy sigh she pulled her red mop of hair up into a messy bun, tied a black apron around her waist and set out to work. She could hear the hum of the tv in the next room and had to smile again at where she was and who she worked for. She sighed looking at the doorway and pulled out her phone setting the volume on low as she opened her Pandora to her Halestorm station. She smiled as one of her favorite songs started up and she dived into the stack of dirty dishes. "I've tried but I just can't take it, I'd rather fight than just fake it ,cause I like it Rough," she sang along shaking her body to the music like a giddy teenager. Once she had most of the trash gathered and the dishes clean, she started on fixing food. She saw bacon and bread an figured a BLT with homemade fires would be good start for him.
Evy lost herself in her task, Pandora jamming away song after song that she hummed or sand too, aware to keep her voice down to not disturb Gideon in the next room. Food was smelling delicious as she pinched a hot fry from the fryer and munched away licking the salt of her fingertips. Her bowl of frosted flasks paled to the food in front of her. She loved to cook, had been cooking for herself since she was small with her mother. The thought of her cooking Gideon her mothers recipes made her smile as if she were honoring her memory. She mixed a special family sauce for his fries and plated his food with more care then she should have. Pouring him a cold glass of Dr. Pepper she found in the fridge and placed everything on a tray for him.
Evy stopped short of entering and wondered how she should enter a room with him in it. All those old shows where the maid addressed the master of the mansion as sir came to mind but they were the only two in the house would it really matter? Maybe being herself would suit him better. She steeled herself and walked in smiling when he noticed her, "I hope you like bacon. I didn't want to outshine myself on the first day," she teased as she set the tray down on the coffee table close to him. She took a look at the room and began to pick up random clothing and garbage. "You have an amazing kitchen by the way, you may find your stove missing one of these days..." Evy bit her lip and scrunched her eyes closed at her slip up of talking about stealing in front of her boss. "I mean..." her brain scrambled to come up with a come back that would save her from this mistake but faltered as she turned to Gideon.
-
She tried to keep it down but he could hear the radio and her singing along with it. Gideon smiled fully. Unfettered by pain for a brief moment as the heating pad worked it's magic on the scarred mass of his leg. Halestorm. Probably the same station on Pandora that he listened to. And if her singing was any indication she was enjoying listening to it more than he had for a long while. It was enough that his mood barely flickered as he took his handful anti-inflammatories.
Steroids were something he'd avoided like the plague while competing. Used the word like a curse. Now it was one of few things that could give him any relief. That bothered him for the first year. Set anger wolves to howling in his brain. Now it was a momentary thought and sense of relief.
When Evy brought him his food the awkwardness returned briefly till the smell hit him and his stomach took over. The plate was barely on the table before a piping hot fry was slipped into his mouth. It was good. Heavenly after the months of what passed for cooking from him. It was also ridiculously fucking hot and a quick not quite panicked but not quite casual drink of his pop was necessary. After his mouth cooled he gave her a smile.
"Maybe it's all the bachelor chow I've been feeding myself lately but that tastes amazing," Gideon said looking more relaxed than he had since she'd met him. "I'm not gonna lie. Getting to eat real food again? Kinda fucking nice. And, apparently, you would get more use out of that stove than I do. The abominations I have created in and upon that poor thing..." The exaggerated shake of his head and the long suffering penitent look upon his face had nothing to do with anything serious. A brief flicker of the man who used to talk shit with the best of them peeking out.
But then the tv had to go and ruin it.
"Up next we are talking to UFC welterweight champion Roan Carceres. A man who many claim may be the best pound for pound best fighter on the planet at 22-2 and with 4 title defenses under his belt. And a man without a challenge waiting for him in the once stacked division many also say -"
The reporter's commentary was abruptly cut off by the tv turning off. Gideon dropped the remote onto the table contemptuously. His face had gone flat. Hard. And an ocean of rage roiled behind his eyes as he stared at the black screen. The source of his sudden anger was easy enough to guess. Roan Carceres. A man who'd challenged him for his belt twice and been finished in the cage twice. A man who'd been given the belt after Gideon's injury and acted like he deserved it.
-
Evy smiled as Gideon dove right into his meal with gusto and was happy to at lest to feed the man a meal that didnt come from a box or with freezer burn. He even brushed off her joke as what it was and lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. She laughed as he took a drink when the fry he had grab was too hot for his mouth, knowing she would have to make sure they had cooled next time she cooked. She snagged a fry off his plate and continued picking up and watching her boss eat, glad to have been of some use today. She listened to him talk and had to giggle at him talking to her like a normal person. He seemed relaxed and happy even as he was just shooting the breeze with her. "Well thank you, Gideon. It does help to have such an advanced kitchen to work in. If your lucky I may even be able to bake some things as well if I have enough time." She stopped what she was doing and turned to him placing a hand on her chest. "You havent lived till you have had my brownies, Gideon. Mary, my best friend, swears I put ambrosia in them they are so heavenly." She laughed and folded shirt she had found and placing them in a hamper she found. "But then again shes a chocoholic so Im not so sure I can trust her judgement." There was a slight pause then Evy remembered what she ment to ask him while she was cooking, "That reminds me what kinda foods do you like?"
Evy turned to face him but found his attention directed at the tv and none to happy to hear what was being said. She glanced at the screen and the name Roan Carceres rang a bell. But she couldnt place his face with the name. The reporter had started to explain he was the best fighter on the planet 'Pshh as if...' but she lost most of it when the tv was cut off and Gideon slapped the remote down. Evy went still as she watched his emotions play over his face. At first she feared for her safety the man had hundred plus pounds on her and could snap her neck like a pencil. But then the face came to her and everything made sense. She let out a pent up breath and set the last towel down on the pile as she made her way over to her employer. She remembered the last fight he fought, had cried in outrage when Ron won and Gideon was left broken on the mat. She swore if the bugger crossed paths with her she would knee him in the balls to see him suffer in shame on the floor for once. The man had no pride in sportsmanship and even commented that Gideon 'got what was coming to him.' The memory of his words made her hands clench. But the look on Gideons rage made her think how much worst it had to be for him, even now that the bastard was winning every fight and climbing up the ladder of fame.
Standing next to Gideon she reached out and placed a warm hand on his shoulder, "Gideon? Is there something I can do?" Her voice was soft and gentle, soothing even as she searched his face for an answer to his troubles. She sat next to him and turned her body towards him, never letting her hand left his bicep her eyes pleading to let her know what she could do to buffer the hurt and pain of loosing his fighting career and championship.
-
"Not unless you can heal me or make him very, very fucking dead," Gideon said through a tight, violent smile that had more in common with a grimace. He let loose a hot explosive breath and leaned his head back. Eyes closed he just concentrated on breathing. And on not breaking things or screaming himself hoarse. On not looking like a lunatic in front of the sweet woman who had just made him breakfast.
The former champion opened his eyes, let loose a much softer breath, and looked at Evy. When he talked he sounded tired. Weary. As if his anger had wrung him dry but he said, "Sorry. There are better sights to see on your first day than me about to lose it. Shouldn't be angry. Not really. He's just talking shit. It's how you get people to tune into your fights. Nothing more. At least it shouldn't be anyway."
Gideon was silent a minute longer but then he placed a surprisingly soft hand on hers. He did his best not to think about good her skin felt against his - and failing miserably - as he gave her a small tired smile and said, "Thanks. How about we just put the tv idea behind us and I give you a real tour of the house? My taste for tv has soured."
-
Evy tried not to show how much she wished she had a healing touch and magically fix the leg that pained him so much. Though she did hope she had the chance to off the so called new champ Roan Carceres in a dark ally. Either way she could see that the man had caused a rather big rift in Gideon's life and she had her work cut out for her. She applauded him for holding back his temper as he sat there either counting down from ten or just too full to trash about like a mad man. "If I had a healing touch, I wouldnt be in this line of work. But sadly these hands are destined to wash dishes or fold laundry for the rest of my life," she joked to try and lighten the mood.
When he finally opened his eyes, her heart split in two at how tired and worn he looked. She wanted to curl up next to him and kiss away all his troubles, sooth away all his anger, and protect him from the world's harsh tracts to bring him down further. As he spoke she shook her head softly, "Dont be sorry, I understand you'd be upset, I mean I am myself, but only because his a coward who is baiting you and your former title."
Evy waited till he was a bit himself again and was about to remove her hand when his engulfed her's in a warm embrace. She held her breath at how big his was to her one hand, how smooth and rough they felt all at once. She was suddenly in her own little daydream of them being a couple and her comforting him as any good girlfriend would do. She would play with his hair and kiss his ear telling him that no matter what she would always be there. That Carceres could take anything he wanted from him but she would always be by his side. A warm fuzzy feeling grew inside her, but soon popped as his words caught up with them. "Oh... Sure! Then maybe I wont walk into a trap door or something...." she teased reluctantly pulling her hand from his, already missing the feeling of his powerful touch.