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Finally, she lets out a frustrated sigh. “I know you’re right. But didn’t you ever feel something in your gut?”
I chuckle. “All the fucking time. And it’s kept me alive more than once. But I’ve also been wrong a few times as well. Our guts work as a warning, but it’s not factual. Sometimes we’re wrong. It’s that simple. I’m not even saying you’re wrong here. All I’m saying is, we have demanding jobs, as well as the situation with your physical and mental health, so if we have to prioritize something, I think it should be those, instead of something that doesn’t truly impact us.
“To be honest, between training and worrying about Metal, I don’t really give a damn what Garth and Candy are up to. If they steal all the money, and I find out about it, I’m going to kick his ass because the charity component is the only reason I agreed to this. But unless and until that happens, I’d rather think about issues that are more important.”
Her fingers are still laced with mine, and I feel the tension start to drain out of her.
“You’re right. I guess the hacker in me can’t help it. Once I get hold of something, I’m like a dog with a bone, determined to find all the answers. And not being able to find out who hacked my bank account and credit card has really pissed me off. The thing is, I would have to do some really illegal shit to get the information, and we both know how that worked out for me before.”
I chuckle. “Right. So let’s not do anything to get either of us arrested, okay? I love the fact that you’re a bit of a princess, and that you’re my princess, but princesses typically don’t do well in prison.”
She laughs. “Okay, fine. You’re right. I’ll let this go. Although, I do look pretty good in orange.”
“What about me?” I tease. “How do I look in orange?”
“Not as good as you look naked.”
“Ditto.”
We chuckle together and she doesn’t seem annoyed anymore.
“What would you think about planning a little get-away for a couple of days right after the fight? Maybe drive up to Santa Barbara, get a place on the beach, and spend two days doing nothing but eating and making love.”
“That sounds heavenly.”
“Why don’t you find a place and make a reservation for the Sunday through Wednesday after the fight? We’ll leave L.A. Sunday morning and drive home Wednesday afternoon.”
“I can do that.” She nods. “Do we have a budget?”
“No?” I glance at her again. “I mean, we probably shouldn’t spend ten grand a night or anything, but I can afford a nice resort for three days.”
“I can pay half,” she says firmly.
“This is my treat,” I say, shaking my head. “Doing something nice for you after you putting up with my fucked-up schedule for six weeks.”
She only hesitates a few seconds. “I don’t put up with anything—you’re fine. But if you’d like to take me away, I won’t say no. It’s been a while since I’ve had any kind of vacation.”
“Same for me.”
“Then I guess we have a plan.”
“I’ll give you my credit card so you can make the reservation.”
“Okay.” She’s already on her phone. “Ooohhh…there’s a place on the water.” She starts talking about soaking bathtubs, gourmet dining, and a bunch of other amenities.
Exactly what I wanted her to be focused on.
I’d like to think my job as her partner is to talk her off the ledge when she needs it, support her when I can’t, and distract her when it’s appropriate.
Hopefully, I’ve made the right choice.
Chapter Thirty-One
Luna
After my talk with Rage on the way to L.A., I start feeling foolish all over again. Stress and anxiety can mess with your brain, and that doesn’t mean I’m going crazy. I did get a prescription for some anti-anxiety meds to help me rest when I’m alone, but otherwise, I’ve thrown myself into work.
Candy asked me to work on the silent auction. She’s busy collecting donations, and I need to find the best way to set up the auction itself, as well as the aesthetic. People will be able to fill in their names, phone numbers, and the amount they want to bid on sheets of paper set in front of each donation.
