by Dover, L. P.
Cole snorted and threw his hands in the air. “And why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Because,” she explained, smiling wickedly up at him, “I had to make you work for it.” Laughing, she kissed him on the cheek and then turned back to me, her smile waning. “I just know she’ll want to see you fight, Tyler. But I understand that we need to leave her alone.”
“She’ll get plenty of chances to see him fight, Bree,” Cole replied, putting his arm around her shoulders. “You, however, are going to get to see me kick Pax’s ass tonight.” By the excited gleam in his eyes, he was ready for his fight against Paxton Emerson, one of Kyle’s friends.
“Let’s hope so,” Bree agreed. “I’m tired of seeing your ass get handed to you by Tyler every day.”
“Have you seen this guy?” Cole asked, pointing at me, laughing. “He’s fucking huge, just like his father. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever beat him.” He turned his gaze toward me. “Speaking of which, is he coming tonight?”
“Yeah, he’s in town. He called about thirty minutes ago to tell me he was on his way to the arena. My agent’s going to meet us there too.”
Both had just landed at the airport and they were going to ride over together. Instead of staying overnight, my father decided to get a flight home directly after the fight so he could get back to my mother.
“Why don’t you guys head on and I’ll see you at the arena in a few minutes. I need to do something first,” I told them.
“All right, man,” Cole replied, slapping me on the shoulder. “We’ll see you there. Don’t be too late because you know how your dad gets.”
I knew all too well that my father wasn’t a patient man. Regrettably, neither was I. “I won’t be late,” I promised.
Putting his hand on the small of Bree’s back, Cole nodded and winked before opening the door, and shutting it silently behind them. Everything was quiet when I waltzed over to open the door to the bedroom. Kacey was buried underneath the covers and had a hand tucked underneath her cheek as she laid on her side.
Knowing she needed to eat when she woke up, I called room service and ordered an assortment of fruits and crackers with various cheeses. I even added in a special request; something I knew she would like.
Grabbing a small pad of paper and a pen, I sat down on one of the bar stools to write a note. I quietly left it on the pillow beside Kacey. This way, when she woke up she’d see it. Slowly, I bent down to kiss her cheek. Her skin felt warm as I trailed my fingers down the side of her face, hoping she’d wake up. No such luck.
Her food arrived just as I was ready to leave, so I tipped the young lady and put the tray in the refrigerator to keep it cool. Hopefully, the special request I ordered would soften her up from being angry at me for leaving her. Now all I had to do was handle another situation. Reaching for the phone in my pocket, I pulled it out and dialed the number I needed.
“Hey, Tyler.”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and replied, “We need to talk.”
The line went quiet for a few seconds. “Okay, when?”
“Tonight after my fight. Come to my room.”
“I’ll be there.”
I HAD FELT his hands on my face, and wanted to wake up, but my body didn’t let me. It wanted more time to rest, to rejuvenate for the past couple of years of no sleep and constant working. There always came a breaking point and I think I’d hit mine. However, now I had never felt so refreshed in my life, but I was starving, my stomach growling and cramping from lack of food.
“Tyler,” I called, rubbing my eyes and feeling my mascara crumble beneath my fingertips. As I sat up in bed and pulled off the covers, I looked down to see that I was still in my white skirt and blue shirt from yesterday. What the hell? There was a note on Tyler’s pillow so I snatched it up and got out of bed.
“Tyler,” I called out again. Opening the letter, I sat down on the edge of the bed and read it.
Kacey,
I’m sorry to leave you like this, but I didn’t want to wake you when I knew you needed the rest. You can be pissed at me all you want. As long as you’re better, that’s all I care about. I ordered you some food to eat because you’re going to want it when you wake up. It’ll be in the refrigerator. Rest up and I’ll see you tonight when I get back. I love you, beautiful.
Tyler
“You have got to be kidding me,” I growled, looking over at the clock on the nightstand. It was closing in on seven o’clock. “Holy shit, I’m going to miss his fight!”
I had slept for almost a whole day and didn’t realize it. Tyler had a lot to make up for once all of this was over. Quickly, I rushed into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to find a tray of fresh fruits and cheeses, along with a box wrapped in silver ribbon with Godiva written on top.
Pulling it all out, I set the tray down on the counter beside the MMA Pride T-shirt I assumed was mine. I ate a few blocks of cheese with wheat crackers, along with some fresh ripened strawberries. Afterward, I opened the box of chocolates and ate one of my favorite truffles filled with caramel, and then another one for good measure.
“You’re a smart one, Tyler Rushing. But chocolate can’t get you out of everything.” Once I swallowed the chocolaty goodness, I closed my eyes and moaned. “Well, maybe it can.”
After eating a few more strawberries and grapes—and of course, a couple chocolates—I rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower. Knowing I didn’t have much time, I put on the black MMA Pride T-shirt with its bright green logo, a pair of jeans, and black flip flops. Sadly, there wasn’t much I could do with my hair so I threw it up into a high ponytail and brushed some mineral powder on my face along with some lip gloss on my lips.
I was ready to go.
I tried to call Tyler, but got his voicemail. I also tried to call Bree and got the same result. The chance of them hearing their phones in the loud arena were slim to none. With my phone in my hand, I grabbed some money out of my purse and the hotel room key before rushing down to the front desk so they could call me a cab.
It didn’t take long for the taxi to show up. It was a yellow, Chevrolet HHR with a bald man in the front seat. “Where you off to?” he asked as I got in.
“The U.S. Airways Center,” I told him. “I’m going to watch the UFC fights tonight.”
“Ah, yes, I love watching those on television when I get the chance. At least you’ll make it in time for the last couple of fights.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. I have some friends fighting tonight. I don’t want to miss them.” Usually, the Heavyweight fights were toward the end so hopefully I’d make it in time.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll get you there in no time. It’s just a couple of minutes. If you need a ride back to the hotel, call this number.” He passed back his business card with the name of the cab company and his number.
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” I said, taking the card. About five minutes later, he pulled up as far as he could to the front and I slipped him some money for the ride and put his card in my back pocket.
“Have fun,” he called as I shut the door.
I rushed up to the top of the stairs and waited in line at the ticket counter. Hopefully, I could give them my name and be let in.
When I got up to the counter, the young employee gave me her best forced smile. She had bright blonde hair just like me, but her dark roots were grown out about an inch and she was wearing way too much makeup. “Just one admission?” she asked.
“Actually, I’m wondering if my name is on a list somewhere. I’m with Tyler Rushing—he’s one of the fighters. I was supposed to come with him earlier, but due to circumstances out of my control, I couldn’t make it.”
The girl lifted her eyebrows and then burst out laughing. “I swear you women need to come up with better lines. Do you have any idea how many people say the exact same thing?”
Mouth wide open, I stared at her in shock. First, I couldn’t believe that people actually said
that, and second, I was being serious and I didn’t like being laughed at. “I’m being serious,” I said, clenching my teeth. “I’m with Tyler.”
She stared at me for a moment before looking pityingly at me. “Look, lady, I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. Usually, the fighter’s guests go in with them. There’s no way I can track down your seat.”
The group of people behind me in line snickered and I knew they were laughing at me, at how pathetic I must look trying to say I was dating one of the most highly sought after MMA fighters.
Knowing Tyler wouldn’t have his phone with him, I had no choice but to suck it up and buy a ticket. I didn’t care if they thought I was a liar, just as long as I got into the arena.
“Fine, I’ll just buy one then,” I grumbled impatiently.
Quickly, I gave her the money and got my ticket, only to find my seat was in the damn nosebleed section. Great, they would look like pissed off ants from this vantage point. I would see him on the monitors, but surely at the end, I’d be able to find him and the others.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer began, his voice echoing throughout the arena. “The next fight of the evening is in the Light Heavyweight division. The winner of tonight’s match will fight for the title next weekend in Las Vegas.”
The crowd rumbled, hooting and hollering their excitement. Picking up my pace, I rushed through the throngs of people and found my section, stepping on a few feet as I tried to get to my seat. Cole’s fight was next.
The announcer waved at the people to get them calmed down. He was older, probably in his mid-fifties, his light brown hair slicked back. Once the noise leveled off he continued, “Okay, so let’s introduce our next fighter. Coming all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada, Cole . . . The Bruiser . . . Beeennnnnnnneeettt!”
Jumping to my feet, I screamed out Cole’s name and whistled as loud as I could when he walked down the aisle toward the ring, strutting to his fight song, I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin. From what I could tell, he was wearing a pair of blue and yellow shorts and a pair of blue gloves wrapped around his hands. I was hoping to recognize Bree down by the ring, but there were too many people. Once Cole got into the ring and did his rounds, the announcer called out the next fighter. My mouth dropped open when they called out . . . Paxton Emerson.
“Oh my God,” I breathed, sitting down in my seat.
I didn’t know Pax was fighting tonight. I hadn’t seen him in so long, not since I moved away from our hometown. Dressed in his usual black shorts and black gloves, Paxton looked like a dark angel with his black hair and tattoos down both arms. One word came to mind when I looked at him . . . dangerous. Out of all of my brother’s friends, he was the only one I cared about. He had been my friend before he joined up with my brother. Actually, we were more than friends at one time. I never understood why he chose to hang around my brother because he wasn’t evil like Kyle.
My chest tightened, the guilt of my inner thoughts causing my stomach to roll. I wanted Cole to win, but I didn’t want Pax to lose. Once the bell rang, I nervously sat on the edge of my seat as both attacked, jabbing and blocking each other’s blows. Paxton had gotten good over time, much better than a couple of years ago. His body even proved it by how muscular and toned it was.
There were only forty-five seconds left in round one, but when the sound of the final hit echoed throughout the arena, I had a feeling it was all over. Gasping in horror, I watched as Paxton’s fist connected to the side of Cole’s head and he fell limp to the floor, body smacking against the mat.
Half of the crowd roared while the other half kept screaming for Cole to get up. Unfortunately, he was knocked out cold. I held my breath as the medics rushed into the ring. When they gave the thumbs up, I breathed a sigh of relief. Fighting was dangerous and many people have been seriously hurt and even killed in the ring. However, when my brother fights, I honestly don’t think he cares if he accidentally kills someone. In fact, I was pretty sure he’d be proud.
Paxton, on the other hand, was genuinely concerned for Cole’s well-being. Kneeling down on the mat, he waited with the medics while Cole finally became responsive. He even helped Cole to his feet. The crowd clapped and screamed their encouragements as Cole was led out of the ring, licking his wounds. He wasn’t going to be happy he lost.
The announcer congratulated Paxton and lifted his arm. “Ladies and gentleman, I give you tonight’s winner, Paxton . . . The Avenger . . . Emmmeeerrrsssooonnn!”
I clapped and whistled for Paxton as he made his rounds and left the ring, disappearing into the crowd. Out of everyone back home, I missed him the most. When I left, I changed my cell number and basically disappeared. I had to do what I needed to do in order to get away from my family and start fresh.
“All right, are you ready for the final fight of the evening?” the announcer asked, circling around in the ring.
“Yes!” the whole arena replied, everyone’s booming voices made the stands tremble.
“Now that’s what I like to hear. Again, whoever wins this match will go on to Las Vegas next weekend to fight for the Heavyweight title. So first up, let’s hear it for Joshua . . . The Tamer . . . MaaacccEnnntttiiirrreee!”
Joshua walked out in a pair of shimmering gold shorts with his blond hair in cornrows. He used to be the Heavyweight champion, until my brother beat him and took away the title. After that, Matt Reynolds beat my brother and kept the title ever since—until now.
It was Tyler’s turn to win it.
“And finally, I want to introduce you to our last fighter for the evening. Let’s hear it for Tyler . . . The Terror . . . Ruuussshhhiiinnnggg!”
The room crackled in energy as Bad Company by Five Finger Death Punch, played across the loud speakers. My heart thumped wild in my chest the second he walked out of the curtains and down the aisle. I wanted to be down there with him, to have him look at me and smile when he entered the ring. Alas, he had no idea I was there. His father and his agent took up the rear, and they each took turns speaking to Tyler before he gave them a nod and jumped into the ring.
Tyler and Joshua met in the center and bumped gloves before getting into their fighting stance. As always, the arena went deathly silent as we waited on the bell to ring. When it did, the whole crowd exploded as both guys tensed and started toward each other. Tyler swung first and hit Joshua on the right cheek, and then Joshua countered quickly by connecting with Tyler’s jaw. The sound was deafening and made my body hurt, yet the men didn’t seem fazed by it. I had never been in a fist fight before, but I could imagine how horrible it must hurt to get hit with all of that power. They fought relentlessly and never once stopped.
Ding, ding, ding.
Joshua was tired, but Tyler had paced himself quite nicely, conserving his energy. His father seemed extremely pleased with the outcome. After a quick break and some water, it was time for round two.
“Come on, Tyler, I’ll give you the ride of your life if you win,” a woman shouted behind me.
When I looked back, there were about four women, all around my age, holding up signs for Tyler, giggling. The girl who shouted was actually pretty, but she had too much makeup on her heart-shaped face, and her clothes were way too tight for her curvy body. I wanted to tell her to fuck off, but I reminded myself this was the kind of shit I’d have to deal with, dating a fighter like him. I saw it all of the time with my brother. Women were constantly throwing themselves at him.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Jenny, but he must be seriously dating someone,” one of the girls responded. Immediately, I faced forward and leaned back in my seat so I could listen.
“What do you mean he’s dating someone?”
“Apparently, he’s not letting any more girls into his room after the fights. One of my girlfriends tried to get back there and was told to turn around and leave. The same thing happened to her when she tried to get into Matt Reynolds’ room two years ago . . . and now he’s married.”
“Well, shit. That sucks donkey
balls,” Jenny sulked.
Putting a hand over my mouth, I held in my snicker. It was pathetic how some of these women were. Turning around, I sighed and nodded my head. “Yeah, it sucks a big fat one, but I think it is true,” I began. “I’m staying at the same hotel as him and I saw him with another girl. They looked pretty cozy together.”
“Fuck,” Jenny snarled. “That’s no fun.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I turned back around to watch Tyler, grinning from ear to ear. He was still pumped, pummeling Joshua with everything he had. Once Joshua was on the mat and close to tapping out, the bell rang for the end of round two. He almost had him.
Looking at Joshua on the monitors, he had blood pouring down the left side of his face from a cut above his eyebrow and his left eye was almost swollen shut. Tyler, on the other hand, only had a bruise on his right jawline. His father grinned with pride and nodded in approval, which made Tyler smile in return. Steven Rushing was hard on him, but I knew it was because he loved his son and only wanted the best.
Ding, ding, ding. It was the third and final round.
“Come on, Tyler!” I shouted. If only he could hear me.
Smacking his gloves together, he smiled slyly at Joshua and went for the kill. It was as if all of his energy came out all at one time. Sweeping Joshua’s feet out from under him, he fell to the mat and Tyler pounced, wrapping his arm around his neck, holding tight. About two seconds later, Joshua tapped out . . . it was over. Immediately, Tyler let Joshua go and jumped to his feet, circling around the ring with his arms in the air. The crowd went crazy, yelling and chanting his name over and over.
“Tyler! Tyler! Tyler!”
I even shouted it too; I was so happy for him. Getting to my feet, I whistled as loud as I could when the announcer lifted Tyler’s arm and announced him the victor. His next fight was for the title, with my brother. Sooner or later, I had to tell him the truth. He loves me and I love him—it has to be enough.