Fighting Hard Read Online Free PDF Page B

I just need my laptop. I’m a writer.”
    Nick paused. “Like – books? Or a journalist?”
    “Books.”
    “Wow. That’s amazing.”
    “We seem to be a mutual admiration society,” she said, grinning.
    He laughed. “I guess we are. So, what kind of books?”
    “Well, I really want to write literary fiction novels, but it's hard to make a living at it. So mostly I write books based on my travels to Asia.”
    “Books for tourists?”
    “Oh, no. Not at all. More… sociological studies.”
    He blinked at her. Hmmm. She’s brainy.
    “And what are you working on now?” he asked.
    “Right now? I’m helping a friend of mine with her book. It’s a photo album, kind of, and I’m writing the text.”
    “Photos? Of what?”
    Mia squirmed. “Ummm. Men.”
    Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “Men?”
    “Umm-hmmm.”
    “Are these men wearing any clothes?” he said teasingly.
    “Uh. Kind of.”
    “What?”
    “They’re kind of… half-dressed.” She was blushing now, and Nick thought the burst of color only made her look more stunning.
    “Really? So where does your friend find the men?”
    “All over the place. She’s trying to show men performing all kinds of sports and activities, and she wants to focus on the muscles used for each one. That’s why the men aren’t fully dressed and why the pictures are all in black and white – Katie wants to show the curves of the muscles, really highlight them as the men perform various strenuous sports.”
    “Huh. That’s kind of… cool, actually.”
    “Yeah. And my job is to interview the men and write a bit about each one of them. How they got in to their sport, all that.”
    Nick was surprised at the surge of jealousy that went through him at the thought of Mia sitting and chatting with strapping shirtless swimmers and rock-hard rock-climbers and Olympic-level gymnasts.
    She was looking at him. “Actually… you know what? I know Katie’s still looking for a man who boxes. I don’t know about karate – maybe that too. Can she call you or Adam, and talk to you guys about taking photos of you at your club?”
    “Well, I’m fine with it. I’ll ask Adam, though.”
    “Really? That’s great… she’s a very good photographer and she’s starting to become pretty well-known. Her book was actually commissioned by a publishing house, so it’s going to get real promotion and coverage and stuff. I think there will even be a huge opening at some gallery downtown.”
    “Yeah?”
    “Yeah, just google her. Katie Lloyd. Even though this is her first book, if you check her website, you’ll see about a thousand images she’s shot.”
    Just then, Nick’s cell phone beeped with a text message. He read it and smiled. “Hey, the cops found your purse.”
    “My God. Is anything missing?”
    “Nope. Not a thing. It looks like the asshole just dumped it outside the club. House keys, wallet, credit cards, phone – everything’s still there.”
    “You’re kidding. Well, that’s amazing luck.”
    “Yeah. I’ll have them drop it here, OK?”
    Mia looked up at him, thrilled to be going home, but the thought of leaving Nick wasn’t pleasant. If she were being honest with herself, she’d have to admit that she had loved being held against that strong body. She was sure she’d never get in to bed with such a gorgeous man for the whole rest of her life.
    Nick was also feeling conflicted about Mia going home, but he’d give her his number so Katie could call him about the pictures. At that moment, Nick realized two things: if a well-known photographer took photos of him and Adam, it would be great publicity for the club – basically, free PR. And second, Mia would have to come and interview them… and that meant that he’d see her again.
    He wasn’t totally sure which of these two things he was more pleased about.

Chapter Four
     
    “Jesus Christ, Mia. You said it wasn’t that bad!”
    “It’s not, Katie. Really. It looks way worse than it feels.”
    “I’m very