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“Actually, I just stopped by to bring you the necklace you were looking at in mom’s shop.” She produced a small gift bag from her purse. “She saw you glance at it and wanted to give it to you as a gift.”
I watched Ava’s expression soften from the gesture. “Your mom is too sweet. She didn’t have to do that.”
“Well, my mom sorta has an ulterior motive. She’d like you to wear it to Ryder’s big fight so everyone can ask where you got it from.”
“Smart businesswoman,” I remarked. “I’ll make sure Ava gets a front row seat for all the action.”
“Look at you two, planning my life for me.” Ava shook her head with a half-smile. “Em, tell your mom thank you and I will be more than happy to wear the necklace.”
Emily nodded. “I’m going to get back to work. I'm sure you both have plans today. I mean, business to take care of.” She waved her hands in mock surrender to Ava’s battle stare. “You know I'm clumsy with words, girl. Bye, ya’ll.”
Ava attempted to recover from her embarrassment. “Ignore us please. Emily likes to joke.”
I kept a straight face. “She made you smile. I like her for it.”
Oh no. There I went again with my simple thoughts. Spoke ‘em right out. Ava slowly looked at me. “How’s your day going?”
I got my hands back into my gloves. “Pretty good so far, but Coach is going to blow a gasket if I go past my five-minute time out.”
“We can’t have that. I’ll just keep taking notes over here while you do what you do.”
I headed towards the ring. “I meant what I told your friend. I’ll get you the front row seat.” My ear started to itch and get hot as feelings rose to the surface. I couldn't do a thing about it with the gloves on. “It would mean a lot to me if you could come out for the big fight.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it.”
I know she meant it. But did she mean it for me or because I was helping her get her story?
I TRAINED HARD FOR the next couple weeks. The media hyped up the match. People came from all out of town to watch me go toe to toe with the new heavyweight contender, Liam O’ Connor.
The guy was a wild card. Late twenties, he used to fight in the underground leagues. He had a bit of an attitude, too, but didn’t all of us guys? Everything we earned we did it with our fists, and blood, and sweat. I didn’t get a chance to speak to Liam much since he came into the league, but he moved up fast in the ranks. I watched some of his older fights. He was a heavy hitter, and quick with his footwork. He had experience for a younger guy. I had to bring my top game to this match if I wanted to retain my title and earn money for the dog shelter.
I loved my charity work. The fight money would help big time. But I couldn’t lie to myself. I enjoyed the fight for the fight’s sake, too.
I arrived at the gym early that night of the big match, ready to bring it on.
Already the place was filling with people hoping to see blood spill and spit fly. Their chatter and the bass-heavy flow of music on the speakers got my adrenaline pumping. Cody and I found one of the smaller empty studios to practice a couple rounds before it was time to make it the ring.
I threw a punch at Cody’s padded gloves, grunting with the effort. All the weeks and months of practicing combinations and counters prepared me for this match tonight.
"You're dropping your left guard after that cross," Cody warned. "Keep your hands up. O'Connor will take advantage of any opening."
I nodded, sweat already dripping down my face. I had to be flawless in this fight. O'Connor had the same height and similar build as me, but I was faster. I just needed to avoid taking hits.
“Practice over.” Cody called for a break. “Time for the match. You got this.”
I left the practice studio to head out on the main ring. My team got me into my gloves and made sure I had enough hydration for the first round. As the announcer called my name, the thunder of applause got me hyped.
I walked out to the ring while the lights shone on me. The faces were a blur in the crowd. I raised my fist in the air as they cheered me towards the ring. Then one face came into view.
Ava stood in the front row, wearing a dress that hugged her breasts and ass. I would KO in the aisle if I kept looking at her. Dammit, Ava, don’t make O’Connor’s job easy.
I looked at her and grinned. She gave me a broad smile and clapped as I got into the ring. I stared down my opponent Liam in the opposite corner. I wanted to win this fight for Ava as much as I did myself.
Chapter Seven
AVA
Warrior’s Den, Main Arena
