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“Well, those pups are gonna need you to train, too. There’s a lot to gain from your match with O’Connor.”
“Like you need to tell me.” I yanked my sparring gloves from my duffel bag before tossing it on a nearby weight bench. “When I win, the shelter’s getting a new addition.”
“That’s the Ryder I know. When you win, not if.” Cody clapped me hard on the shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go. Two rounds on the speedbag.”
I shoved my hands into my gloves. It wasn’t long before I got into the rhythm of training. Cody barked orders at me like he was back at Fort Hood, whipping the new Army recruits into shape. His former drill sergeant background came in handy here at the Warrior’s Den. He knew my habits in the ring, and he had one of the best fight IQs in the business. I didn’t know too much about his life outside the gym. He was a private guy, a real lone wolf, and out of respect for him, none of us asked too many questions. From what I knew about my brother, being a combat veteran took its toll on the body and mind. I was thankful the Warrior’s Den could be Cody’s refuge like it was mine and those like us who couldn’t seem to stay away from a fight.
Cody called it quits for the speedbag. “Let’s move on to the ring. You need to work on your uppercut.”
I used my forearm to wipe sweat from my brow. “Just say how you really feel.”
"You pay me to get you in shape for your matches. My honest assessment comes for free.”
“Thanks for the bonus. I feel lucky.”
“That’s your problem, McKenzie. You yak your jaw too much.” Cody stuck his hand in a padded mitt in preparation for me to launch an uppercut. “Save all the shit talk for when you gas up the media. I heard O’Connor was here at three AM practicing. Bet you were snoring away in bed.”
I was in bed, but I wasn’t snoring. Ava’s face flashed in my mind as I climbed the ropes to get into the ring. I swore I could hear her voice.
It turned out, it was her voice. She breezed onto the gym floor with her big tote bag of notebooks, laptop, and caffeine-powered snacks to get her through the day. Her brown skin glowed. Her cheeks were dark berry from the morning chill. She shook out her glossy curls.
Fuck, she was beautiful. I watched her take a seat where I left my duffel bag. Chris said something to her and they both exchanged smiles. My heart did a funny thing, like it was getting warm and big at the sight of her easy smile, the way she made everyone around her light up.
I heard Cody’s low chuckle over my shoulder. "I've never seen you look at a woman like that."
I swallowed hard, glancing over at Ava again. "Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re a bad liar.” Cody’s laugh was loud enough to reach Ava’s ears. She looked up at us, smiled at me, and went back to pecking away at her laptop.
Another woman walked in. She was small, with short hair and dressed in a pantsuit like she was headed to a place far more serious than this. She walked right over to Ava. They greeted each other with a squeal and a big squeeze.
“Did you tell that journalist she could turn the gym into a ladies’ club?” Cody grumbled, though I did see him lower his guard to glance at Ava’s friend.
“Let’s take five.” I removed my gloves. “I’ll talk to Ava to see what’s going on.”
“Just keep it five, McKenzie.” His voice followed me out of the ring. “You got practice to finish.”
I walked up to Ava and her friend. “Hey, ladies. I thought I smelled vanilla and sunshine in here."
Ava and her friend exchanged a look before Ava threw down my lame comment. “And you smell like sweat and testosterone."
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
She smirked. “I have a surprise for you. Ryder, meet my best friend, Emily. She's an event planner here in Sunridge. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
I nodded to Emily. “I’d shake your hand but mine is sweaty.”
“No worries. It’s good to meet you, Ryder.” Emily gave Ava a nudge. "This one never stops talking about you. I mean, her assignment. I feel like I already know you."
Ava rolled her eyes. “Emily should’ve been a gossip columnist. She’s been exaggerating since junior high.”
I couldn’t resist teasing Ava, either. “I agree with your friend. You love getting into your work.” I gave her a wink when her friend turned to view the ring.
“This is where the magic happens, huh?” Emily's gaze fell on Cody before she looked back at us.
“This is where we train to make it look like magic. The actual fighting ring and cages are down the hall. One of the employees could give you a tour. Or Ava, if she can stand to walk away from her assignment for five minutes.”
“Sure.” Ava’s response was calculated and measured as she did her best to retain her polished professionalism. I had to stop messing with her, but damn, I loved how flustered she got. She was cute with the way she tilted her head to make the curls fall forward and hide her face. “Emily, why don’t we go tour the gym so Ryder can finish his training?”
