by Nana Prah
By the time the third five-minute round of the non-title fight ended, she had no voice left and her muscles were so weak that she collapsed into her seat. Gia dug up enough energy to clap and whistle with pride as Lamar’s coach tugged a shirt over his head to show off their sponsor.
Her knee bounced triple-time as they waited for the announcement of the winner. They’d both fought hard and had ended the fight standing. The judges would decide the winner.
In gloved hands, the referee stood holding the wrists of the fighters as the announcer spoke in his bone-shaking baritone voice. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen. After three rounds we have a unanimous decision in favor of the red corner, Lamar ‘Phantom’ Pearce.”
That’s when Gia went berserk.
Friends and supporters had thrown him a celebratory party after his victory. Gia had stayed by his side all night. Her belief in him while he’d trained had amped him up.
Lamar hugged Gia’s naked body closer. Need stirred even though the rest of him was feeling the hits he’d received. He could never get enough of her.
“You’re supposed to be sleeping.”
That sexy, raspy voice made him harder. “I can’t.”
Her lips against his chest heated his skin before she propped herself up until she looked into the one eye which wasn’t swollen shut. “I don’t blame you. You look like hell now, but you were magnificent tonight. Are you thinking about your next fight?”
“Not at all. I was thinking about you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. About how much I love you.” Why had it taken him so long to say the words that sounded so natural?
Her smile covered the lower half of her face as tears glimmered in her eyes. She cleared her throat and rested soft fingers against his cheek. “I love you, too, Lamar.”
Nothing had ever sounded sweeter. He flipped her onto her back and kissed her. Lingering. Savoring. Enjoying every moment of being together. Loving her.
Gia collapsed onto the bed, satiated after riding him until they’d both climaxed. He turned his head to find her eyes closed and a grin on her face.
He skimmed his fingers along the soft skin of her arm.
“There’s something you should know.”
“Mmm.”
“Tonight was my last match.”
She flung her eyes open. “What?”
“I’m retiring from the UFC. I hated that the choice to fight had been stolen from me, and I wanted to reclaim it. To prove myself, because I knew that I could. Now that I have. I’m done.”
She jumped onto her knees, not caring about the sheet slipping off and exposing every inch of her. Damn, he loved how free she was with him.
“Yes, yes, yes, yes.” She showered gentle kisses all over his face. “Are you sure?” she asked.
“I’m sure. Now that the government, along with other foundations have granted us the money for the community center, my focus can be on getting it built and running. And of course, training my guys to be the next generation of UFC champions.”
Lamar groaned at the settling stiffness as he climbed out of bed, limped to the closet and dug through his bag. Fingers wrapped around the box he’d hidden there, he pulled it out. His heart raced.
They had known each other for just over three and a half months, but he knew without a doubt that Gia was the one. When he’d talked to his mother about proposing, for the first time, she gave her blessing.
He hadn’t meant to do it like this, but his instincts kicked in and there was no better time.
Settling on the edge of the bed closest to Gia, he got lost in her eyes.
“And you. I want to focus on you. Time ceased to exist the moment we met. Giana Rose Baxter, you’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman. My cheerleader, my support, my strength, my rock.” He opened the box to expose a miniature UFC belt with her name in the center. When she lifted it, a key dangled from the end.
Wide eyes rose to meet his.
Not an engagement ring, but with his history of divorce, he figured he’d take things slower. Start them off on a more lasting track.
“I love you and want to spend every night holding you and every morning waking up next to you. Will you move in with me?”
She stared at the gold plating of the specialized keychain.
His overexerted muscles ached with the clenching and his gut knotted. He hadn’t even been this nervous before his match.
Gia raised shimmering eyes to meet his gaze. “Lamar, I love you. You’ve given me so much. Even with your hectic schedule and your need to reach your goals, with you I feel like a priority. I can’t imagine how much higher you’ll make me soar, but I’m looking forward to finding out.”
“Was that a yes?” His voice cracked with uncertainty. Not something he was accustomed to.
She jangled the key and her smile snatched his breath.
“Yes, Lamar, I’ll move in with you.”
Acknowledgments
A huge thanks to Perry, my MMA fighting personal trainer, who encouraged me to put forth my best and push myself physically and mentally all while having fun.
I’m sending bouquets of virtual roses in gratitude to Empi, Debbie, Cathy, and Maame Aba.
Thanks Rose Gold Press for taking a chance on this story. To my awesome editor Rhonda Merwarth for making me laugh with her comments as she had me digging deep. Thanks, Pauline for making the story better.
My biggest thanks goes to my readers. You are why I write.
About the Author
Nana Prah first discovered romance in a book from her eighth grade summer reading list and has been obsessed with it ever since. Her fascination with love inspired her to write in her favorite genre where happily-ever-after is the rule.
She is a published author of contemporary, multicultural romances. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, over-indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.
Nana loves to connect with her readers on Instagram @nanaprahauthor, Twitter @Nana Prah and Facebook at Nana Prah, author.
Also by Nana Prah
A Perfect Caress
Path to Passion
Ambitious Seduction
Midwife to Destiny
Destiny Mine
Entwined Destiny
Destiny Awakened
Healing His Medic
Love and Hiplife
His Defiant Princess
Ours Is A Story That Needs To Be Told
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