UnExpected (The Fighter Series Book 2) Read online

  I burst out in laughter. “Damn.”

  “That’s all I could say too. And when the hell did I sign up to be the mediator?”

  “You didn’t ask her, did you? Pretty sure you’d be pissed about it,” I joke.

  “Dude, I didn’t know what to do. And when I agreed she was an idiot for not reading the contract, I thought the devil was about to pay me a visit.”

  “Eh, she’ll get over it. Hopefully, it’s a lesson learned and she’ll smarten up. If she ever lays her hands on me outside of training again, that’s a guaranteed ticket for us to go back home.”

  “She hit you?” he says surprised.

  “I take it she left that out?”

  He laughs so loudly I have to pull my phone away from my ear. “Bitch likes to play with fire.”

  “She just about got burnt. Man, she shoved the fuck out of me. It took all I had not to reciprocate it.”

  “I bet. I’ve gotta hop off here. Gotta go meet up with Carli.”

  “You two something?” I ask.

  “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

  We hang up and I smile. My boy deserves the happiness I feel with Paige. Maybe she’s the girl who will settle him down.

  Chapter 22

  Tonic was a madhouse tonight. Mason and I were drowning in customers with no end in sight. I guess everyone had the same idea. I’m not complaining since they were also tipping well and it made time fly. But now, I’m completely exhausted. I’ve got my radio blaring and the windows down to help keep my eyes open as I drive home. It’s barely working.

  The house is black when I pull into the driveway. Blain isn’t home leaving me with a quiet house. I’m okay with that because I’ll call Levi, chat with him for a few, and then go to bed. I’m guessing the mixture of my emotions from Levi leaving and the long nights we’ve shared all week leaving me sleep deprived have put my body in havoc.

  I drop my purse on the chair in my room and change into a pair of shorts and a light pink tank top. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and then slide into heaven under the covers. They smell of Levi and I love it.

  “Sunshine,” he squints answering the phone in the dark.

  “Were you sleeping?”

  He reaches and turns a soft light on and rolls back to the same spot. “No. Lying here waiting for your call. How was your night?”

  “Busy.”

  “You look tired.”

  “I am. Me and Mason were barely able to keep up. I don’t know what was going on, but everyone came to Tonic to party tonight.”

  He grins wolfishly. “Hopefully you made enough tips to quit and come to me.”

  I giggle. “Maybe one day. So how was your first day back at training?”

  He groans. “It went like shit.”

  I jerk back, surprised at his answer. “What happened?”

  I look away as he sits up. I can’t stand watching the screen when there’s a lot of movement. It makes me motion sick.

  He runs his hand over his face. “Where do you want me to start?”

  I shrug. “I guess from the beginning?”

  “First, Katie showed up late. Leaving her determination at the door, she sucked at training. She couldn’t keep up. And then as we’re sparring a photographer is snapping pictures. Cory didn’t have the decency to send me that fucking memo.”

  “What’s wrong with that? You’re used to pictures.”

  “Yeah, when I know they’re coming I have no problem. It’s when I don’t know, I can’t stand it. It’s my privacy getting invaded.”

  I nod in agreement. “I can understand that.”

  “And then amongst the slop-fest, I find out Katie didn’t read her fucking contract when she decided to sign her name to it. I was livid.”

  “I don’t follow. Why would you be so mad at her?”

  “Who doesn’t read a contract? I could be wasting my time training her. Hell, she could be wasting her time training.” He rakes his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I feel like I’m supposed to protect her from shit like this.”

  Either I’m super tired and my emotions are on high alert, or I’m seriously reading into this wrong. Since when does Levi give a damn about anyone?

  “Isn’t she a big girl?” I blurt. Crap.

  His left brow arches high studying me through the screen. “She is. But how she looks reflects on me since I’m her trainer.”

  “You won’t be for much longer, right?”

  “No. Cory should be gathering her a team up soon. He better be. I didn’t agree to this full time. Even then, she needs to be able to pick who she wants. Hopefully, they’ll give her the attention she needs.”

  Again, another nerve struck. I’m tired. That has to be it.

  “She can be taken advantage of and used for different things. She has to learn to put her foot down and not be someone’s place setting. If she doesn’t, it could get ugly,” he adds. “If she doesn’t smarten up, she could tumble into being beneficial for someone else.”

  I’m speechless.

  “What’s wrong?” he asks.

  I debate telling him my thoughts but before I can stop, my mouth spews my lack of confidence. “This isn’t like you. I don’t know…you sound different.”

  “Probably because I haven’t had a taste of my girl in a few days,” he jests but it doesn’t help my disorderly thoughts.

  “Seriously, Levi. From my standpoint, you’ve got more invested in her than what you’re telling me.”

  I can feel his annoyance as he quietly stares at me with his jaw ticking.

  “Forget I said anything, please. I’m just really tired and reading into it wrong. I know I am. I’m sorry,” I rush out.

  He narrows his eyes. “Would it make you feel any damn better if you met her?”

  I laugh under my breath. “No, baby. I know she’s in good hands and you’re doing your job. I’m exhausted and emotional because I miss you.”

  “Quit reading pages that aren’t there. Get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow after training.”

  I give him a weak smile. “I love you. Sleep well.”

  I fall back onto my pillows once off the phone fighting back tears. I hate missing him. It messes with my head and heart and I end up looking like an idiot every time.

  Blain is in the kitchen cooking when I wake and pad down the hall. He’s in bright blue gym shorts and shirtless with his earbuds in. That’s his normal attire for mornings. Loud music and breakfast. No matter the song, he seems to find a dance that fits with the motions of what he’s cooking.

  He notices me only when I step into the kitchen to grab my coffee and pulls his earbuds out.

  “Good morning,” he says loudly.

  “Morning.” I lean against the counter smiling. “Bacon, eggs, sausage, and orange juice? Something big has happened?”

  He beams from ear to ear. “Nah.”

  I tilt my head. “You’re lying.”

  He grabs the pan off the stove and slides the eggs onto two plates before opening the oven and grabbing a pan of biscuits.

  “Oh hell, what’s going on? Did you win the lottery?” I tease.

  He nods. “Guess you can call it that.”

  An explosion of excitement. That’s all I feel. “Oh my God, you went on a date with Lacy!”

  His brown eyes blare with pride but he doesn’t say a word.

  Basically throwing my cup on the counter, I jump up wrapping my arms around his neck. He’s wanted to date Lacy since we were kids. Without knowing it, she broke his heart so many times. I hated watching him put himself through the pain of being around her, but he always told me just being able to see a smile from her, whether he did it or someone else did, was worth the heartache.

  Pulling back I grip his cheeks. “Does Jason know?”

  “I asked him first. All is good as long as I don’t hurt her. We all know that won’t happen.”

  “I’m so fucking happy!” I squeal.

  He laughs at me. “Don’t get your hopes up.
It was a date. I don’t know—”

  “Pleeease tell me you were a gentleman?” I interrupt him.

  He grabs my shoulders. “Paigey, I’ve wanted this for ten years. I’m not fucking this up. You’ll be proud to know I didn’t even kiss her last night. Well, I did, but it was on her hand.”

  “Awww. You go, Romeo.”

  “Don’t rush this with your overactive brain. Let me do things on my own,” he says placing our plates on the table.

  “Blain, when have I ever gotten into your business?”

  “You haven’t. But you’re just as excited as I am and when you get excited, so does your mouth.”

  “No it doesn’t!”

  He squints one eye as the opposite brow stretches high and doesn’t say a word as he crams a piece of bacon into his mouth. Okay, yes, sometimes when I’m excited I blurt things, but I’ve done well lately to keep to myself.

  I have to work tonight so of course I’ve spent my day being lazy and doing laundry while waiting to hear from Levi. Naturally, the moment I sit down, my phone goes off, and guess where I’ve left it? Outside of arm’s reach sitting on the counter.

  Holly: Are you busy? You better say no. I have got to call you!

  Paige: What if I say yes?

  I laugh answering my ringing phone.

  “I said you better say no,” Holly says excitedly.

  “I was kidding. Always have time for you. What’s wrong?”

  “Why does something always have to be wrong?”

  “Usually you don’t call me. It’s either text or you at my doorstep,” I tell her.

  “Well, I’m too happy to wait for either. You’ll never believe what happened last night.”

  A happy anxiety starts fluttering in my stomach. I’m positive it has something to do with Matt. “From your excitement, I can think of several things.”

  “Ahh!” she yells. “Where do I start? Okay. Okay. First, Matt and I had sex for the first time, and it was phenomenal. Omigod, he knows how to work it.”

  “You made him wait this long? Wow! Yay! I’m so happy for you.”

  “Girl, he is hung like—”

  “TMI!” I laugh out.

  “Oh, yeah. Right. Sorry. I’m just super happy. He made me feel so amazing. But you’ll never guess what else happened.”

  There’s a pause and before I can guess, she starts.

  “After a fantastic time, we were laying there still all sweaty, breaths all fast and he told me he loved me!”

  Her squeal is ear-bursting.

  “There was no awkwardness to it. It felt so right and I swear he stole the words from my thoughts. I’ve been dying to tell him. Girl, we didn’t just fuck, he made love to me!”

  “I’m so freaking happy for you,” I tell her. And I’m not lying. I’m thrilled for her. She deserves a good man. I’ve said that so many times, but underneath her eccentric personality is a super sweet, huge-hearted woman.

  “Is it wrong that I feel guilty?” she asks quieter.

  “About what?”

  “I’ve fallen in love with your boyfriend’s rival’s friend. Shew, what a tongue twister.”

  “Holly, wipe that guilt out of your mind. It’s not Ryker, it’s Matt. As long as he learns I’m totally more important to you than he is, then I like him.” I laugh.

  “You know I love you, right?” she asks.

  “I do and I hope you know I love you.”

  “Good. Now that we’ve had our mushy moment, I’m going to get my ass a shower and go see my man. You working tonight?”

  “Of course.”

  “If Matt wants to go, we’ll come up there, but don’t worry. No Ryker.”

  “When’s he leaving?” I ask.

  “I haven’t asked Matt and they haven’t said. I try not to talk about Ryker too much. I’m scared they’ll think I’m up to something for Levi. Ugh. See, this is all crazy.”

  “It is, but it’s also awesome. Well, maybe I’ll see you tonight.”

  After hanging up with her, I slide back into the couch. I’m so ecstatic for her, I’m trembling. First, Blain taking Lacy on a date, now Holly finding love…it’s all great.

  Once again my phone rings, but this time it’s right beside me. I’m taken aback at Levi’s name on the display. It’s early for him to call.

  “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be working?” Yep. That’s how I answer.

  “If my trainee had shown up I would be,” he says sounding irritated.

  “What? She didn’t show up?”

  “Nope. I’m on the way to her house now to find out why. I’m sure it’s gonna be some bullshit excuse.”

  “You really pissed her off, huh?”

  “I’ve got more right to be pissed at the bitch than she does me. And I still showed the fuck up. Anyway, done talking about it. How’s your day?”

  “It’s been interesting. Blain took Lacy on a date, and Matt told Holly he loved her.”

  “Blain get any?”

  “Levi!”

  “Dude’s been wanting in her panties for years. It’s a legit question.”

  “Is that all you ever think about?” I ask.

  “Basically. It’s a dick thing. You wouldn’t understand it.” He chuckles. “Apparently, Holly put it on Matt enough to make him fall or did he say it to get it?”

  “You are a perv. You know that?”

  “You’ve told me a time or two.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “You love it. Don’t try to deny it.”

  “No. I love you. I just put up with the perviness,” I banter back.

  “I’m pulling into her driveway. Let me find out what the hell is wrong and drag her to the gym. I don’t know if I’ll get to talk to you before you go to work, but call me when you get out. I love you, Sunshine.”

  Katie doesn’t understand how serious Levi takes his work. And if she isn’t careful, he’ll leave her high and dry. He won’t put up with it. I think it’s strange that she’s so pissed off at him, she would even take the chance of him leaving. He must have said some pretty bad things to her.

  Chapter 23

  I’ve just finished getting dressed for work, gathered all my things and entered the living room. Blain is laid back on the couch, watching his sports, as usual.

  “You going out tonight?” I ask him, throwing my purse over my shoulder.

  “Nah. I think I’ll hang here,” he says nonchalantly.

  I jerk back in surprise. “You not taking Lacy out?”

  “No. She already had plans with Mattie. Told her I didn’t want her to break them.”

  I pull my keys from my purse. “Well, look at you trying to be all sweet. I’m proud of you.”

  “I’m gonna take her out for lunch tomorrow.” He grins.

  “I like this…” I wave my hand up and down, “new you. It looks good on you.”

  He laughs.

  Behind the scenes of a fighter training an up-and-coming woman fighter serves to be a balance of endurance and patience. Levi Stiles, best known as The Leveler with an infamous right hook, works hard instructing Katie Greer. If you recall, Greer won her first sanctioned fight last weekend against Tabitha Nowlin, also an up-and-coming fighter in the WMMAT, proving women can enter this man’s game.

  We’ve learned from Breakaway Magazine that Stiles and Greer train on a daily basis for hours. You can’t deny the intimacy and trust between them as Greer definitely listens closely to what Stiles has to say. Why wouldn’t she? He is one of the fiercest competitors out there.

  The commentator fades out as the picture sucks the light from my world. Levi is on top of Katie, chest to chest, nose to nose, both smiling with her fingers holding his arm. They look like an affectionate couple gazing off into each other’s words. My throat squeezes shut. A tremendous throb radiates from my stomach wrapping around to my back. My knees feel shaky as hot tears sting my eyes.

  “I’ve got to get to work.” My voice wavers.

  Blain slowly turns to me with eyes heavy with worry. “I’m
sure that wasn’t what it looked like.”

  That sounds like he’s trying to convince himself as well.

  I jam my hand on my hip. “So what’s your opinion on it?” I ask with hostility.

  He hesitates, opening his mouth and then shutting it and looking back to the TV. The picture is gone. A new story is on. He clears his throat and that’s all the affirmation I need.

  “That’s what I thought. It looks just the way it looks. Just as the anchor said, it looked intimate.”

  “Not in that manner,” Blain rushes out. “You and I share intimacy. It’s a different intimacy.”

  I narrow my eyes. “I’m not some stupid bimbo, Blain. Give me more respect than that.”

  I don’t know what he’s saying as I shut the door behind me. I stomp to my car and slam its door, jamming the key into the ignition. My stomach is in knots as I call Levi’s phone only to get his voicemail. My imagination is running savagely. She was in his clothes, he was at her house, the pictures of them in the ring…

  Steering my car into the parking spot, I throw it in neutral, rip the e-brake up and try calling again but to no avail. I swipe his name to text him, but stop. Staring at my phone, I have no clue what the hell to type. All these questions swirl around in my mind. I exhale resting my head on the headrest keeping my tears at bay.

  I’ll confront him later.

  The crowd is plentiful. The people are in a great mood. The music is loud as the DJ is playing all the best songs, but my mind is far from here. It’s stuck wandering with my very creative imagination. My thoughts go from Levi and Katie having a relationship to talking myself into knowing he’s crazy about me. But with everything lately, it’s difficult to convince myself.

  “Hey, Paige,” his deep voice fills my ears over the beat of the bass.

  I look up to Ryker wearing a lopsided smile. I blow a loose strand of my bangs and wipe my forehead with the back of my hand.

  Seriously, can my day get any worse?

  “What are you doing here?”

  He spreads out his hands. “Well, this is a club, right?”

  “What can I get you?” I grit.