Brawls & Bad Decisions

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Johana had survived an entire week since Valentine’s Day, but something was off.

Specifically, her brain kept replaying that damn patient.

The Grinch with the stupidly good jawline, the irritatingly attractive glare, and the tragic clown-related dating history. She hadn’t laughed that hard in years, and now, instead of moving on like a normal person, she was mentally reliving the moment like it was her favorite episode of a TV show.

The worst part?

She had no idea what his name was.

She briefly considered using her totally legal access to the clinic’s records to figure it out, but then her morals (and her intense fear of paperwork) kicked in.

Besides, if the universe wanted them to meet again, it would happen.

…Right?

Well, plot twist! Instead of the universe handing her the Grinch, it handed her a triple date with three of the most insufferable men to ever walk the Earth.

Her two besties had ambushed her with an intervention.

“You need to expand your dating pool!”
“Maybe meet guys who aren’t in the Air Force!”
“What if he has a cool hobby? Like woodworking! Or knife throwing!”

So, against her better judgment, she found herself at a speed dating event and somehow stuck with three guys who thought they were God’s gift to humanity.

Now, she was at O’Rielys, trying not to stab herself in the eye with a fork as they rambled about their luxury cars, stock portfolios, and “exclusive” vacations.

Her besties were eating it up.

Johana?

Johana was plotting her escape.

At least the dancing was fun.

Until one of the guys decided that “no” was just a suggestion.

Her roommate politely turned him down.

He smirked. Ignored her.

Tried again.

Then again.

Johana’s Latina instincts activated immediately.

One second, she was sipping her drink.

The next?

She was in his face, fire blazing in her eyes.

“I know your ears work, so unless you want them rearranged, back the hell off.”

He scoffed. “Relax, sweetheart—”

Wrong move.

Before he could finish, Johana’s knee met his precious jewels with devastating accuracy.

The guy collapsed like a sack of potatoes.

Then, all hell broke loose.

Apparently, his equally insufferable friends thought defending his fragile ego was worth starting a bar brawl.

Within seconds, the entire bar was a war zone.

Beer bottles shattered.
Tables flipped.
Some random guy tackled a chair.

Johana?

She was thriving.

Her tiny but deadly fists flew like she had decades of pent-up rage to unleash. Some dude tried to grab her? She dodged like she was in The Matrix.

At one point, she launched herself onto a guy’s back like a feral raccoon and took him down with sheer determination.

It was beautiful.

Then—just as she was about to suplex someone into oblivion—

The cavalry arrived.

Security Forces stormed in like an action movie SWAT team.

The brawl screeched to a halt.

And that’s when Johana realized…

She was screwed.

Because the officer stepping toward her, arms crossed, trying (and failing) to keep a straight face?

Valentine’s Day Grinch.

Oh. Shit.

He scanned the chaotic scene, then locked eyes with her, amusement glimmering in his gaze.

Johana, still perched on some guy’s back, gave him a sheepish smile.

“Listen,” she said, breathless, “I can explain.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Can you, though?”

She glanced around.

People groaning on the floor.
Tables upside down.
A dude missing his shoe.

“…Okay, maybe not.”

Grinch sighed.

Then, with the tiniest smirk, he muttered, “You really are a menace, aren’t you?”

Johana grinned. “Admit it. You’re impressed.”

He shook his head, but she didn’t miss the small chuckle he tried to hide.

As he pulled out the cuffs, Johana sighed dramatically.

“So, does this count as our second date?”

To be continued…

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