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“What’s up?”

“I want to check and make sure you’re okay.”

I’m touched that he would think to ask.

“I’m okay. A lot to take in.”

“I know. If I didn’t think you could handle it, I wouldn’t have chosen you.”

“But why did you?”

“Because the path to love isn’t paved.”

“Okay, cryptic.”

“You’ll understand one day. You’ll meet the guys in an hour. There will be a camera at the BBQ, but just to get some fun shots, not trained solely on you. Your next date will be this evening around six.”

“Okay,” I say softly.

He tips my chin up so I can look at him. “You’re going to be okay.” With that, he turns and heads out of the barn.

I swear, he can read minds and hearts sometimes.

I wonder if he knows everything about me.

CHAPTERTWENTY

DAYTON

I wake up with a headache.

London knocks on the loft door. “Come take a run with me.”

“Alright, keep your panties on,” I snap as he throws the door open.

He grins. “On second thought, let’s hit the bag.”

“Is the cage still here?”

“Yeah.”

“I think I need a good workout since I’m not fighting underground anymore.”

“That was for your own good.”

“I know. But I need a release.”

“A couple of the guys are up for sparring, but I think you should go against Silas.”

My eyes widen as he says this.

“Yeah, scared now.”

“I’m going to echo that douchebag, Ashton. He’s way bigger than me.”

“Yep, but I think you need a good sparring partner who can take your hits right now.”

We head out but freeze when we hear Timber and Sal. She sounds so sad. I did that.