“Because he has another fight coming up, and I know he’s good. And I know this is his job, but I can’t help but think that maybe…maybe he could get hurt again.”
“Honestly, I didn’t really think he’d ever go back after what happened. Sam told me he wasn’t interested in fighting if he wasn’t as good as he used to be. But deep down, I always worried something like this would happen.”
“He’s good. I’ve seen him fight.”
A smile graced her lips. “It’s what he was born to do.”
“I’m not sure I can see him injured,” I admitted. “He wants me with him, but…what if I can’t take it?”
“Do you want to be with him?”
“Of course.”
“Do you love him?”
“More than anything in the world,” I whispered.
“Then you’re going to have to find a way to love all of him, including his career.”
“But he could be severely injured!”
“Clearly, you don’t understand the dynamic in our family,” she said drolly. “This is what we do. We take risks. There’s no talking him out of it if he’s got his mind set on it.”
“So, you’re going to let him go out there and risk injuring himself even worse than before?” I snapped.
“Cassidy, I think you’re talking to the wrong person. My career consisted of chasing down bad guys for a living and getting shot at on a daily basis. If you think I’m going to try to talk him out of something dangerous, you don’t know me.”
“But…” I had no argument. All I had was the fear that constantly shot through me every time he talked about going back in the ring.
No. It wasn’t about that. It was about the revenge on Joe Rubin. If that guy fought dirty again, would Sam come out of it the winner? Would he be the same man I knew and loved now? I wasn’t sure I could handle it.
“Word to the wise? If you really do love Sam, then you either need to find a way to accept it or move on. Sam doesn’t bend for anyone, and he never has.”
“Not even someone he loved?” I asked.
“He’s never even allowed himself to have a girlfriend,” she said gently. “You have to understand. To Sam, there was his career or nothing. And he chose his career every time. You’re in uncharted waters. I can’t tell you what he would do, but I would ask this of you. Have faith in him. He really is as good as you think. Even better. And he’s never made the same mistake twice, so I can guarantee you that when he finally gets in the ring again with Rubin, he won’t allow him to get the upper hand for even a second.”
Faith. I could have faith. Sam was amazing in the ring, and I had to believe that no matter what, he could come out on top.
I’d have to work on my poker face, and definitely learn to keep my flinches to a minimum, but for him, I’d be the best damn girlfriend any boxer ever had.
“Um…one last question. What’s the dress code for a fight?”
45
SAM
“Hey, Cassidy!”Remi shouted across the diner as we walked in. “Ready for the big fight?”
I felt her tense in my arms, but the smile on her face never faded. “Of course! He’s gonna kick Joe Rubin’s ass!”
The whole diner went up in cheers, half of them coming over to shake my hand like I was some hero. I’d never had this before. Wandering around from fight to fight, I mostly lived on the road, and trained in gyms wherever I was currently staying. I’d never had roots to put down, and Deke said I fought better when I didn’t have anyone to go home to at night.
Clearly, he’d been mistaken about that. I’d never been in such good shape as I was now. I had something to fight for—someone. And even though she was terrified for me, she put up a good front and never stopped cheering me on at any point over the last six months.
I tugged her over to a table in the corner, looking for just a little privacy, even though that was highly unlikely in this town.
“So, are you really ready for this?” I asked, taking her hand in mine.
