Fighter

Eight

Scarlett Johansson POV

It seemed like a great idea at the time, but as I climb the stairs to the apartment above the gym, I wonder if maybe it wasn't a mistake to invite Y/N to stay here. Colin will probably will get mad and being around Y/N won't be good for me. It's a subtle reminder of why I ended up breaking up with Colin in the first place.

Y/N messes with me. And that's something Colin doesn't do anymore- or maybe he never did. There's definitely something right about not getting involved with anyone right after losing someone you love. But as usual, I didn't hear anyone. Desperate for something to ease the sudden pain of my father's loss, it turned out that Colin was there to fill the void. I was torn apart and he came to pick up my pieces. And I let him do it without weighing the consequences of having to separate personal conflicts from my business when we were done. Now I can't just close the door and walk away from his persistent, possessive behavior. I've tried politely, but with him working at the gym besides being Robert's nephew, every time I close the door he opens it with the damn key. On top of that there are also my feelings of guilt for allowing him to help me through such a deeply difficult time and then dismissing him when I was ready to get back on my feet. I never meant to hurt him. I can't go back but I can learn from my mistakes.

I put the key in the lock and try to open it but it gets stuck. I try to shake it but she doesn't move.

- Let me try.- Y/N's voice is low. She's one or two steps down from mine, but she climbs the last one so I'm pressed against her as she stretches her arms around me - one on the key and the other gripping the handle - trapping me between the door and her. Her hot body. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on as I saw the divine body standing so close to me. This was definitely not a good idea.

All too quickly the lock gives way and the door swings open, causing me to step inside, though I'd rather spend a little more time pressed between the door and Y/N behind me.

Turning on the light the dark room comes into focus. The place is simple but clean and tidy.

- It's not much, but at least you won't be bothered getting in and out.

Y/N looks around and smiles.

- It's perfect.

- Do you want me to go get some of your things at the hotel?

Y/N looks reluctant almost like she wants me to go but doesn't want to ask.

- I don't really care.- I encourage her.

- Ok, but you'll have to let me buy you dinner.

- Will I?- I provoke.

- Yeah, or I won't let you do anything nice for me anymore.

- and that would be a tragedy.- I put my hands on my heart, feigning disappointment.

- Smartass.- Y/N responds smiling.

- You better be nice to me Y/L/N or I'll show the paparazzi the way up here.

- Y/L/N is it? I thought it was Y/N/N since we're friends and all.

- It seems that Y/L/N just escapes my lips when I have to put you in your shoes.

Y/N lets out a laugh, a real, natural laugh the kind you can't fake. This sound makes me smile.

- I'll call my driver and ask him to pick you up and take you to my hotel. He can buy something at some restaurant while you get my stuff.

- Your driver? I thought you were no one important.

Y/N opens her wallet, pulls out a glossy black hotel card and hands it to me.

- I'm not. Which does not mean that I always have to walk.