* * *
Dinner with Ripp was perfect. It was somber, but it felt like nothing had changed. We bantered back and forth, and he made me laugh. I didn’t realize how much I needed my friends. I’d been a loner my whole life, and I wouldn’t go back to that. It felt good to care about people and have them care about me.
The sun started disappearing, casting the sky in a beautiful twilight glow. I wanted to get in the hot tub, but the cushiony lounge chair was too comfortable to get out of.
Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes and smiled.
“With that grin on your face, I hope it means you’re thinking about me.”
My eyes shot open and I gasped, almost falling out of the chair as I tried to get up. It was Seth, dressed in jeans and a simple green T-shirt, with his blond hair unkempt as if he’d run his hands through it. My heart soared at the sight of him. I ran over and jumped in his arms, his lips demanding as they crushed into mine.
“You’re here. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I demanded.
Seth chuckled and his hazel eyes twinkled with mischief. “I wanted to surprise you.”
He kissed me again and I melted in his arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”
His breath was warm against my neck. “I missed you, too.”
I pulled away from him so I could look at his face. There was something different about him. It was almost like he was at peace.
“How long are you here for?” I asked.
He smirked. “For as long as you want me.”
The second he said that my pulse quickened with excitement. Seth brushed the hair off my face, his fingers sliding down my cheeks.
“I handled everything in New York for the time being. I thought it’d be fun to stay and watch you train with your coach.” He leaned down and kissed me again. “I want to support you in every way I can. There’s just one problem.”
My brows furrowed and I searched his face for any clue on what that problem could be. “What is it?”
He blew out an exasperated sigh and smiled. “I have nowhere to live.”
Rolling my eyes, I smacked his arm. “Stop being ridiculous.”
Seth shrugged. “I can buy a place if you want me to, but I know you like living next to Ripp.”
Sliding my hands up his chest, I pressed my body to his. “We might be able to work something out. But it turns out thatIhave a problem as well.”
Seth tilted his head to the side. “Oh yeah? Care to tell me?”
I bit my lip, knowing he could see the need in my eyes. “It’s been a long week without you.”
“Yes, it has,” he replied, pressing his cock into me. “I hope you’re not too tired because we’re going to have one hell of a busy night.”
Iwastired before, but not anymore. I’d happily give up another night of sleep to be with him.
CHAPTER34
WREN
OCTOBER
“Remember what I told you,” Gabriella said, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Go with your gut and never take your eyes off your opponent. You have a natural talent for fighting. There’s nothing I can tell you that you don’t already know.”
Her words made me smile. “Thanks, Coach. I won’t let you down.”
Gabriella beamed and her eyes watered. “You could never let me down.” She glanced over at Seth and then back to me. “There are some people outside I want to catch up with. I’ll knock when it’s time.”
