“How do you feel about hot tubs?” I ask, steering her with a hand on the small of her back. “’Cause I’m seeing one in your future.”
“Ilovehot tubs.” She grins over at me, and the strain of our encounter with Karson seems to have worn off. “Please tell me you have one with jets.”
“I do. It’s important for loosening my muscles after a hard training session. I have a sauna, too.” Personally, I don’t love the sauna. I have too many memories of sitting inside hot boxes trying to sweat off weight to make the grade for a fight. But Lena sighs happily and rests her head on my shoulder as I unlock the door. When we’re inside, I reluctantly let her go for long enough to retrieve a wine bottle and glass from the kitchen.
“Do you prefer red or white?” I ask.
“White.” Her answer is quick.
“Good, that’s what I’ve got.”
She eyes the single glass. “You’re not having any?”
“Nah.” I tuck the bottle under my arm, take her hand and lead her to the bathroom. “I don’t drink while I’m in fight camp.”
“Huh. So you don’t drink, don’t have sex, and you eat healthy. What do you do for fun?”
I shrug. “Hit people.”
She gives me a dubious look. “Seriously. You must let loose somehow.”
“I dunno.” I set the wine down and start filling the tub. “To be honest, I don’t usually have much free time.”
Her brows draw together. “We’ve been spending time together. What would you normally be doing?”
“Watching videos of my opponent’s previous fights.”
“Oh.” Her voice is small, and she hunches in. “Have I been getting in the way of your preparation?”
“Not at all.” Laying my hands on her shoulders, I draw her close and feather a kiss over her lips, then another over her forehead. “I know Karson’s style. I’ve fought him before, and I’ve also cornered Devon while the two of them fought. I don’t need to watch a couple dozen videos. I know how he operates.”
“So do I.” She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her cheek over my heart. “He doesn’t have a conscience, but he’s also not invincible.” Indecision crosses her features, as though she’s debating whether to share a secret or not. But then her jaw firms and she seems to make up her mind. “He doesn’t like to fight from the floor. He’ll try to stay upright. If you get him down, you’ll have the upper hand.”
She’s so serious. Her eyes are so sincere. I have to try really freaking hard not to smile. She’s thinks this is something I don’t already know. That she’s passing on insider intel. But anyone who follows MMA could figure out the same thing if they spent a couple hours researching him. Still, the fact she’s willing to betray his confidence for my sake sends warmth and affection fizzing through my chest, diffusing outward.
Caressing her cheekbone with the backs of my knuckles, I stare down at her in wonder. I could fall in love with this woman. She’s everything I admire in a person. Passionate, loyal, determined. Not afraid to cut her own path.
“Jase,” she whispers, as transfixed as I am.
I slide my palm around the curve of her cheek. “Yeah, baby?”
“The bath is about to overflow.”
The bath is...?
Oh, fuck. Spinning around, I crank the tap off just as the water reaches the rim. Neither of us can get into it without water going everywhere, so I strip out of my jacket, roll up my sleeves, reach in and remove the plug, allowing it to drain.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I demand, breathing heavily.
She makes an apologetic gesture. “I couldn’t think properly with you looking at me like that.”
The wind leaves my sails. I’d be a bastard if I grouched at her now. “Okay, I get that.”
A shrill ring breaks the tension. I dry my hands and fish my phone from my pocket.
It’s Erin. Just fucking great.
“Hop in,” I suggest. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Taking the phone into the living room, and closing the door behind me, I answer. “What do you want?”
