Tear Down These Walls (40 page)

“Sure,” the bartender chirps.

“The rest is yours,” Kellen tells the bartender.

His eyebrows rise, “Um, thanks, man.”

“That’s easy to do when you are loaded,” Justin mumbles.

“Excuse me?” Kellen scoffs. “I have earned every dime. I fought for it
and own my own company. I did the work. Nothing was ever handed to me.”

“Of course not,” Teagan counters, patting him on the chest. “No one is
saying otherwise.”

“So, how many fights have you actually lost?” one of the guys asks.

Kellen looks up and thinks about it. “Actual fights before the UFC,
probably six….I think, roughly around six.”

“That isn’t many,” the guy replies.

“It didn’t take me long to get into the UFC,” Kellen counters. “I learned
quickly what
not
to do and what
to
do.”

“Dude,” the guy chuckles. “I would date you and I’m straight as an arrow.”

Teagan laughs. “Sorry, I am not sharing.”

 “No doubt,” the guy snorts.

“Let’s go find your parents,” Kellen suggests. “They wanted to see you.”

“Okay,” Teagan replies. She looks at the guys. “Have fun.”

“You too.”

Taking her hand, Kellen leads her away. “Where are my parents?” Teagan
asks.

“They actually didn’t say anything about seeing you,” Kellen sighs, as he
pulls Teagan in front of him. “Justin was seriously starting to piss me off.”

“It wasn’t just me?” Teagan laughs. “I want the dancing to start.”

He gives her a look, “Who says I am dancing with you?”

“Ohhhh,” Teagan says. “I guess I will go ask one of those guys. 
Excuse me.”

Teagan starts to walk past him, and Kellen grabs her. “Ha, ha, funny.”

She puts her hand on her chest. “I know for a fact that I look very good
today, and I don’t doubt that I could get a dance partner for the evening, if
not a few dance partners.”

“Oh stop,” Kellen chuckles. “I’m all yours tonight.”

“Teagan!” 

They both turn to see Georgia walking up to them. “Hey, you can go change
into your other dress.  We’re going to do the grand march soon.”

“We don’t need to wear these?” Teagan asks, gesturing to her dress.

“No,” Georgia replies. “The guys have to stay in their tuxes, though.”

“Good,” Teagan laughs.

“Okay, go change and be back in fifteen,” Georgia instructs. She thrusts
an envelope forward. “These are your room keys.”

“Oh, thanks,” Teagan replies, taking them from her.

Georgia winks at them. “Remember, you have to be back down here soon.”

“Yeah, fifteen minutes…not long enough,” Kellen states mischievously.

“Okay, go, go,” Georgia instructs, gesturing with her hands.

Laughing, Teagan says, “We are going, geesh!” Georgia smiles and walks
away.  Teagan looks at the envelope. “We are in room 610.”

“Here, give me a key; I will get our stuff and bring it up,” Kellen tells
Teagan.

She nods, “Okay, here.” Teagan gives him a key. “I will meet you up
there.”

“Okay, see you in a few.” He bends over and kisses her cheek.

Teagan is about to leave the room, when she hears, “Teagan!” Her mom
comes walking up to her. “We’re going home.”

“Oh?” Teagan is shocked. “Why?”

“We are old,” her mom laughs. “And your dad isn’t one for dancing.”

“Okay, love you guys,” Teagan says, reaching over to hug her mom. “Say
good night to Jerry.”

“I will. We will see you tomorrow, right?” her mom inquires hopefully.

“Yeah, we’ll stop by in the morning and get the rest of our stuff,”
Teagan replies.  “The gift opening isn’t until one.”

Her mom smiles, “Sounds great, Sweetie.”

“Well, I have to go change for the grand march,” Teagan states, gesturing
to the doorway.

“Okay, and by the way, you look beautiful tonight!”

“Thank, Mom,” Teagan sighs. “I love you guys and will see you tomorrow.”

“Perfect, have fun tonight!”

“I will; bye!” Teagan waves, and her mom waves back. She turns and walks
through the doorway. The elevator bank is across the hotel lobby. She walks
over towards it, her heels clicking as she goes. “Ugh,” she reaches down and
takes them off. Sighing, Teagan exhales, “Ahhhhh, much better.”

The elevator is empty and Teagan takes it up to the sixth floor. When she
finds her room, she uses the card to open the door. It is huge inside. There is
a king size bed on one wall and a big screen TV on the opposite wall. Further
into the room, there are a few steps down leading to a living room area. Teagan
walks over and then looks to the left. A large Jacuzzi sits in the
corner. 

“Wow,” she exhales. “This is a little over the top.”

Dropping her shoes on the floor, Teagan heads into the bathroom. While
she is in there, the door opens and closes. “Teagan?”

“Be right out,” she calls. When she gets out there, Kellen is hanging up
the garment bag. “Thank you for getting that.”

“No problem,” Kellen replies. He unzips the bag and takes out the red
dress. “Here you go, Babe.”

“Thanks, I’m going to change in the bathroom,” Teagan says as she walks
to the bathroom door.

Kellen turns to her. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Teagan replies bashfully. “I am going to change.”

“All right,” Kellen chuckles.

Teagan sneaks into the bathroom and quickly changes, trying not to mess
up her hair. Taking a deep breath, Teagan checks herself out in the mirror. She
looks great, and she knows it. Opening the door, she states, “I need to get my
shoes on.”

He turns and looks at her. “Wow….” Kellen starts. “You look beautiful.
That dress is….absolutely stunning on you.”

“Thanks.” Teagan blushes a little. She goes over to the suitcase and
takes out her shoes. Sliding them on, Teagan buckles the ankle strap.  “I
really don’t want to dance with him.”

“If his hands stray at all, knee him in the balls,” Kellen instructs with
a smile.

“There is only one person’s hands that I want to stray anywhere,” Teagan
states.

Stepping towards her, Kellen says, “Oh really?”

“Yeah,” Teagan replies. “This guy I met a week ago.”

Kellen starts laughing. “Oh really, some random guy?”

“Yeah,” Teagan teases. “Who else did you think I was talking about?”

“This really hot guy that came here with you.”

She looks to the side and thinks, “Well, I guess. I mean, you are pretty
to look at.”

“Is that all I am?” Kellen laughs. “A good body?”

“A tantalizing physique,” Teagan murmurs, tracing her finger down his chest.
“But no, that’s not the reason I care about you.” She points her finger at his
heart. “I think this is my favorite part.”

Gently taking her hand, Kellen kisses it. “I’m happy that’s what attracts
you to me.”

Teagan takes her other hand and places it on his stomach. “The rock hard
abs do help though.” Kellen laughs and bends down to kiss her. She eagerly
meets him. They stand there for a while kissing each other slowly. Everything
in Teagan starts to clench, and she has the urge to rip all of Kellen’s clothes
off. Finally, she pulls away. “Okay, we need to go downstairs.”

“Mmmmm,” he hums back. “I think kissing you is a much better idea.”

“Later,” Teagan says mischievously. “Come on, let’s go.” She grabs his
hand and starts to pull him towards the door.

“Later, huh?” Kellen teases. “That makes a man happy.”

She shakes her head, and they walk out the door.

Downstairs in the banquet hall, Teagan finds Georgia. Georgia smiles.
“Wow, you look great.”

“Thanks,” Teagan replies. “Are we almost ready?”

“Yup, everyone is meeting us at the other doorway,” Georgia states. “Come
on.”

Turning around, Teagan says, “See you in a little bit,” to Kellen.

“I can’t wait,” Kellen murmurs. He bends over and kisses her.

Teagan smiles. Turning, she follows Georgia down the hallway. Everyone’s
standing there, paired up. Teagan takes in a deep breath and walks over to
Justin. He turns and looks at her.  Instantly, his jaw drops.
“Teagan….wow….you look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Teagan says, blowing off his compliment. She turns away from
him and tries her hardest to ignore him.

“Teagan, come on,” Justin whispers. “Give me five seconds.”

Teagan turns him. “Fine, five seconds.”

“I’m sorry, okay,” Justin sighs. “I know how much damage I caused.”

“No,” Teagan interrupts him. “You can’t possibly know the damage you
caused.” She stands up straighter. “But, I am fine now  I have a wonderful
MAN, and your five seconds are up.”

“Teagan….”

“Enough,” she snaps back quietly. “This is their wedding.”

Justin exhales heavily.

“Jackass,” Teagan mumbles under her breath.

“Okay, everyone take their partner. We are going in,” Georgia declares.

Sticking out his arm, Justin says, “Come on.” Teagan glares at him but
takes his arm anyway. They hear the DJ start to announce the wedding party, and
they walk in as their names are called. Teagan smiles and tries to look like
she is happy, when she really wants to punch Justin. She knows the anger isn’t
healthy, but she has spent too much time being scared. The wedding party stands
to the side, while the bride and groom do their first dance. 

It makes Teagan tear up. She is so happy for Dwayne and Georgia. She
catches Kellen looking at her. Teagan gives him a big smile and blows a kiss at
him. He grins back at her.  Glancing back at Justin, Teagan finds him
staring at her. “What?”

He gives her a thoughtful look and says, “I was just going to say how
gorgeous you are. Kellen is a very lucky guy.”

Taken a little aback, Teagan says, “Thanks.”

“You did love me once,” Justin murmurs, as he watches Dwayne and Georgia.
“I wasn’t always a bastard. We had a lot of good times.”

Teagan stares at him, studying his face. “No, you weren’t always a
bastard, but the bastard is what overshadows everything else. I will never get
past that Justin. You have no idea what you did.”

“No, I do,” Justin sighs, finally turning to look at her. “I would do
anything to make it right.”

“There isn’t anything you can ever do to make
that
right,” Teagan
states. “You messed me up for years.”

Justin grabs the bridge of his nose and takes in a deep breath. When he
lets go, he looks at her, “But you are getting better?”

“I am better,” Teagan declares. “Kellen has healed me in ways I didn’t
know I was broken.”

“Do you love him?” Justin inquires quietly.

Teagan looks away and answers, “I think I am still a little too scared to
love.”

“But, you are okay to have sex?”

“Is that any of your business?” Teagan retorts harshly. “My first
experience scarred me. I wouldn’t even let a guy touch me up until Kellen.”

“Dear lord, Teagan,” Justin groans.  “I’m so sorry.”

“So am I,” Teagan counters. “I’m very thankful for Kellen.”

“Me too, if he helps you heal,” Justin exhales.

The DJ suddenly announces that it’s time for the wedding party to dance.
Justin takes Teagan’s hand and leads her onto the dance floor. She wants to
yank her hand away, but doesn’t. He spins her out and then draws her to him.
Teagan puts her hand on him, but keeps away as much as possible. They slowly
dance around the floor. “Why?” Teagan whispers.

“Why what?”

“Why did you do it?” Teagan asks. “What could make you do something like
that?”

“Honestly, I was doing coke all the time, every day. I was so angry all
the time and out of my head. It was like watching someone else in my body.”

“The drug was more important than me,” Teagan hisses angrily. “You slept
with my friends.  I wasn’t giving it to you, so you went to my friends.”

Looking defeated, Justin looks down. “I know.  I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want to hear it,” Teagan declares in a harsh tone.

“Well, I am sorry,” Justin repeats. “I’m still on probation if that makes
you feel any better, and being on probation sucks.”

“You should have gotten jail time,” Teagan mutters.

“Thanks,” Justin groans.

She looks up at him, “You deserved to be punished. You humiliated me!”

“Teagan, keep your voice down,” Justin snaps.

“Screw you,” she retorts. Letting go of him, Teagan walks off the dance
floor. 

“Teagan!” Justin calls out.

Teagan keeps walking. She decides to head straight to the bar. When she
gets there, she says, “A shot of tequila, please.”

“Make it Patron,” a deep voice says behind her.

Turning around, she throws herself in Kellen’s arms. “He’s such an
asshole.”

“What did he say?” Kellen inquires hotly.

“Nothing in particular,” Teagan mumbles into his chest. “It’s too many
memories, too many old wounds.”

Kellen hugs her close  “Do you want me to take him outside and kick
his ass?”

“No, I just need to let it go for now,” Teagan sighs. 

The bartender comes back with a shot glass and the Patron. “Make that
two,” Kellen says. The bartender nods and grabs another glass. After it’s
poured, Kellen hands Teagan hers and takes his. “To forgetting that shit head
and having a wonderful rest of the evening.”

“Cheers to that!” Teagan exclaims. They do the shot, and Teagan
grimaces.  “Yup, that stuff is still awful.”

“We can do something other than tequila,” Kellen laughs.

“No,” Teagan giggles back. “It’s kind of our thing.”

“I usually end up carrying you to bed after a night of tequila,” Kellen
chuckles.

She looks up at him and grins, “But this time you get to come into bed
with me.”

“Mmmmm,” Kellen hums deeply. “That does change things doesn’t it?” He
wiggles his eyebrows suggestively and whispers, “Want another shot?”

“Sure,” Teagan murmurs back, not breaking her gaze from him.

Putting his fingers up, Kellen says, “Another two shots please.”

“Of course,” the bartender chimes.

A few seconds later, they take the shots. Teagan wipes her mouth and
says, “I think I can get used to that taste.”

“Come on,” Kellen replies, taking her hand. “Let’s go dance.”

He pulls her over to the dance floor. Kellen draws her into his arms.
Teagan puts her hands on the back of his neck, and they start to dance to the
slow song filling the hall. They sashay their way around the dance floor. People
fill the dance floor, and eventually, they are unable to move beyond a few
inches. Teagan takes her finger and plays with Kellen’s hair. He smiles and
bends over to nuzzle his nose against hers. The gentle touch makes Teagan smile
dreamily. When Kellen brushes his lips against hers, Teagan’s breath hitches,
and she pulls him close. They press against each other as they slowly dance
around.

They stay that way until the music changes. When the beat starts to pick
up, Kellen pulls away from her. Teagan smiles and so does Kellen. He takes her
and spins her around.  Teagan giggles. He pulls her back, and they start
to dance. Teagan’s head starts to get foggy, and she can’t help but feel
euphoric. She knows that she has missed this. She has missed having someone in
her life. They dance with each other for the next hour. Finally, Teagan gasps,
“I need to sit down. I have been standing in heels all day.”

“Come, let’s get you some water and have you rest your feet,” Kellen suggests.
He takes her hand and leads her to the bar. Teagan hops onto a stool and slowly
takes her shoes off. “Ow,” she giggles.

“Here,” Kellen says, pouring her some water. “Drink this.” Teagan eagerly
takes it and chugs it down. “Thirsty?” Kellen chuckles.

She finishes the water. “I guess so.”

“More?” Kellen chimes. Teagan nods. He pours her another glass. While she
is drinking that, Kellen murmurs, “You know what would help ease the pain in
your feet?”

“A massage,” Teagan quips.

“That and soaking them in the hot tub,” Kellen whispers suggestively.

Teagan grins. “Oh really?”

“Mmmhmmmm.”

“And where would you be while I am soaking in the hot tub?” Teagan asks.

“Wherever you want me to be,” Kellen replies. A heat is very apparent in
his eyes.  Teagan gulps. He reaches over and traces his finger down her
jaw line. “I have many thoughts going through my head right now.”

Teagan sits there, as still as can be. “I need more liquor.”

“Why?” Kellen inquires mischievously.

“It will give me the courage I need,” Teagan quips. She waves down the
bartender.  “Can I get whatever beer you have on tap?” The bartender nods.

“Liquor before beer, you are in the clear,” Kellen chuckles.

“Beer before liquor, you’ve never been sicker,” Teagan giggles back.

The bartender comes back a few seconds later and puts down the beer.
Kellen looks at him, “Jack and coke, please.” He takes out some money and puts
it on the bar.

“Hard liquor still?” Teagan quips with a grin. “Trying to get drunk?”

“It takes a lot,” Kellen laughs. “Like, a lot.”

“Drink up; I want to see you tipsy,” Teagan instructs humorously.

“I have actually drunk quite a bit already,” Kellen states, giving her a
heated stare.  “We are getting there.”

“And what happens when you are tipsy?” Teagan asks.

“I get very frisky,” Kellen answers. “This will be for your benefit
later.”

Teagan blushes. “Just my benefit?”

Stepping towards her, Kellen bends down to her ear, “I want to show you
what real pleasure is.”

 She gulps, “Now?”

“Don’t you want to dance some more?” Kellen asks.

She looks up at him. “I could give a damn about dancing right now.”

Kellen arches his eyebrow. He is about to say something when a guy falls
into them.  “What in the hell…” Kellen snaps.

The guy stands up and takes a swing at another guy. “Holy crap!” Teagan yells.

A full out brawl between the two guys starts next to the bar. The din in
the room is overcome with yelling. One of the groomsmen tries to grab one of
the guys. That guy turns around and punches the groomsman in the face.

A girl yells, “Someone do something!”

“Jesus,” Kellen growls. He steps over to the guy who started the fight.
He grabs out, and in two moves, flips him over onto the ground. “Stay,” Kellen
snaps. The other guy steps back to kick the guy on the ground. Kellen swings
his leg out and sweeps the angry guy’s legs out from underneath him. That guy
lands hard on the ground and groans. The first guy quickly starts to crawl over
to the second guy. “Don’t think so!” Kellen yells. He grabs the guy by the back
of his collar and lifts him up. The guy turns around and tries to swing at
Kellen. Kellen ducks out of the way and spins the guy around. He puts him in a
headlock. The guy squirms as much as he can, but Kellen doesn’t let go. “Come
on,” Kellen growls, dragging the guy out to the hall. Teagan quickly jumps down
and follows him. “Teagan, stay there!” Kellen shouts.

The other guy is suddenly running at them. Teagan turns into him and
knees him right in the balls. He instantly drops to the ground. Everyone stops
dead, and Kellen stares at her. Teagan takes a few steps back, just as
surprised at what she just did. “That hurt!” The guy shouts.

“Good!” Teagan snaps back. “This is a wedding, not a bar!”

“You stupid bitch,” the guy growls, as he grabs at her feet. Suddenly,
someone is stomping down on his hand, and a foot kicks him in the ribs. “Fuck!”

Justin pushes Teagan further behind him. “You won’t lay a hand on her.”

“Get his ass out of here!” Dwayne calls out, running over.

Bending over, Justin grabs him by the back of his jacket. He turns and drags
the guy across the floor. The rest of the groomsmen follow him. Finally, in the
hallway, they get both guys restrained.

Georgia is suddenly out there, screaming, “This is why I didn’t want to
invite my extended family!” She goes over to one of the guys and slaps him.
“This is my wedding, you stupid shit!”

“Honey,” Dwayne says, stepping over to her. “We will take care of them.
Go in there and deal with our guests. I will follow in a few seconds.”

“Fine!” Georgia snaps. “You are never invited to anything again. Either
of you!”  Turning to Teagan, Georgia declares, “This is why I hate family
gatherings. They are a bunch of Neanderthals.”

“Come on,” Teagan laughs. “Let’s go have a
drink.”         

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Georgia chimes back. She takes
Teagan’s hand and drags her back to the bar.

“Sit down here,” Teagan suggests, pointing to the stool she was sitting
on. In a huff, Georgia plops down. “What do you want to drink?”

Exhaling loudly, Georgia says, “Something strong.”

“Two shots of liquid cocaine,” Teagan says to the bartender.

Georgia laughs. “Wow, Teagan.”

“You said something strong,” Teagan giggles back.

“I did, didn’t I?”

“The wedding has been wonderful so far; don’t let those two assholes ruin
it,” Teagan states. “They are just losers.”

“All of my extended family is,” Georgia sighs. “They’re ridiculous.”

Teagan replies, “I don’t have much of an extended family, so I don’t
think I have to worry about that.”

“I have six aunts and four uncles,” Georgia groans. “And they are all
trouble.”

“Well, after this, you don’t have to invite them to anything for a long
time,” Teagan declares. “Be happy about that!”