“Mom.” I pull a face. “Making sure I haven’t forgotten Christina’s wedding and that I won’t disgrace her with my appearance.”
“Ugh, Christina.” He mimics my expression. “Is she the one who invited herself into my apartment that time she stayed with you?”
“Don’t remind me.”
It was years ago, before Gabe could afford this place, and we lived in the same building. Christina and I went over to see him during one of her visits and she took something he said as a come-on and turned up on his bed later in the evening—naked. He kicked her out—sans clothes—and she’s never fully recovered.
Some men might like to be surprised with a bare, willing woman in their bed, but not Gabe. That isn’t his style, and damn if his quick dismissal of her didn’t warm me on the inside. His entire approach to life and relationships lets me know that this thing between us is special and different. I’m not just another girl in his bed.
Heart in my throat, I ask, “Will you come with me?”
He hesitates for half a second, then nods. “Of course. You think I’d miss an opportunity to grope you in front of those hyenas you call cousins?”
Throwing my arms around him, I bury my face in his sweaty chest. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
He wraps his arms around me, cradling me, holding me close. Despite his sweatiness, the embrace is oddly tender. “Anything for you, Syd.”
Guilt pricks at my conscience. I shouldn’t be putting pressure on him to go to social engagements like this wedding when it’s only a few weeks until the Ruby Knuckles finale, but one night should be fine… right? Besides, there’s no reason for my feelings and goals to rank beneath his.
I wish I were more certain of that.
Gabe
Patting Sydney’s back, I inhale the coconut scent of her hair and press my lips to her temple. I have no qualms about making this relationship public. As far as I’m concerned, it’s been long enough coming. And while I don’t really want to spend a night hanging out with her unpleasant family when I could be resting or researching my opponent, I’d do it ten times over for her.
Releasing her, I step back. “I have to go to training.”
“Oh, okay.” Her face falls, but only temporarily. “So you’re feeling better?”
“Like brand new.” It’s a slight exaggeration, but I’m only a little worse for wear. Much better than yesterday.
“Do you mind if I hang out here for the day?” she continues. “It’s so much nicer than my place, and I want to be here when you finish.”
“Go right ahead.” I’m going to be tortured by images of her lazing around my house in her underwear though. Resentment tears through me. I don’twantto leave her just to go and punch a bag and tussle with my friends. I want to stay right here and talk to her, cuddle her, find out where she sees us going and what I can do to keep her happy. But I need to go. At times like this, training isn’t optional. It’s my job, and I’m paid damn well for it. Besides, with ten hours of sleep behind me, I don’t have any excuse not to go.
“Oh, before I forget,” she adds. “I have an evening shift tonight, so I’ll wait to say hi, and then I’ll have to head to work.”
I sigh. It figures. This is why we’ve never seen each other as much as we’d like to—our schedules are incompatible. Her news only makes me more anxious to ditch the gym and spend the coming hours with her. Weird. Training usually takes priority over everything and that’s never bothered me much before. It’s the way I was raised. Is it possible that my priorities are shifting? Because for once, the thought of my upcoming fight is dragging me down, while the beautiful face smiling at me makes everything feel worthwhile.
I love you.
Is it too soon to say it?
We haven’t been together long, but I’ve known her forever. Softly, I kiss her lips, holding her dark gaze, trying to tell her with my eyes how strong and pure my feelings for her are.
“I’ll see you soon, mi vida.”
16
Gabe
“Gabe,” Seth says as I walk into the gym on Friday afternoon, the day before Sydney’s cousin’s wedding. I’ve just gotten off the phone with the medical laboratory, who confirmed my blood work looks normal, so that’s one less thing on my mind. “I got something to talk to you about.”
Uh-oh, this can’t be good.
“What’s up?” I ask, dumping my bag and pulling off my shoes. Dad is here, too, standing near Seth, who’s leaning on the wall beside me with his arms crossed over his massive chest.
“Been contacted about an opportunity for you. Interested?” Seth asks.
