Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)(23)

“No, I don’t, Matt. Enjoy the time with Shelby and the baby.”

“Let me call Mason. He’ll be more than happy to help you while I’m gone.”

I could hear the excitement and the conflict in his voice. He wanted to be there for me, but he also wanted to spend the time with his family. His whole life he spent trying to make sure I felt loved since our father left. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

“Matt, that’s not necessary. I have someone who’s going to help me train.”

“Who?” he asked.

Over my shoulder, I looked back at Paxton’s house and saw him coming down the stairs of his back deck with the pizza in hand. “Paxton Emerson,” I murmured.

“Paxton? How did that happen?” When I didn’t reply, he sighed. “I guess I should’ve known. I saw the way you two acted around each other, but I never really thought anything of it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me he was the one who fixed your car?”

“I never thought about it. Besides, I didn’t think it mattered. Are you two dating now?” He didn’t say it with anger, so hopefully he wouldn’t be pissed at me for being with a fighter.

“Actually, we are. I was afraid to tell you because of the whole thing with him being friends with Kyle. I felt like a turncoat.”

Catching me off guard, he burst out laughing. “Gabby, no. Look, you can date whoever the hell you want. It took a while to get used to you making your own choices, but I trust you to make the right decisions. Paxton’s not a bad guy.”

“So, now you tell me,” I grumbled. “I’ve treated him like shit for months because I thought he was part of Kyle’s ploy to take you down.”

“Serves you right for not being honest with me from the beginning.” He chuckled. “Now on to the fight with Allie. If you feel like you can do this, then do it. Paxton’s a good fighter and he might be able to show you things that I haven’t. It’s good to learn different styles.”

“So you’re not mad at me?”

“No,” he laughed. “Just work your ass off until I get back in town.”

“Will do. You don’t have to worry about that.”

After we said our goodbyes, it was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. For so long I was afraid of what my brother would think if he found out I had feelings for Paxton. Now I didn’t have to worry about it.

“Please tell me you have some alcohol in that cooler,” Paxton chided from behind. He sat down beside me and placed the box of pizza between us. It smelled heavenly. I hadn’t had pizza in months.

“I have beer for you, wine for me, and two pints of ice cream for me as well.”

Lifting the box lid, he pulled out a slice and took a bite. “I don’t think so. There better be a peanut butter fudge one in there.”

“There might be,” I teased. Opening the cooler, I passed him a beer and pulled out my wine. “I talked to my brother.” I poured the wine in a cup and took a sip, watching his eyes go wide.

“Did you tell him about us? About me helping you train?”

“Yes and yes.”

“And?” he prodded. “What did he say?”

“He said there’s no way in hell he’s going to let you train me,” I joked. “He said you sucked.” I burst out laughing and then found myself tackled into the ground with my wine thrown into the air. “Hey, you made me spill my wine.”

Guffawing, Paxton straddled my waist and held my arms down by my wrists. “Serves you right for saying some shit like that. What did he really say?”

“He said you were a good fighter and it might be beneficial for me to learn your style. Does that make you happy?”

Smirking, he leaned down, his lips achingly close to mine. “Did he really say that?”

I nodded. “Yes, and I also told him I was seeing you. He’s not mad like I thought he would be. For years he’s done everything possible to keep me away from fighters. And now he said it’s my choice to make.”

“And are you happy with your decision?”

Hooking a finger through his T-shirt, I pulled him down closer. “More than happy,” I whispered before pressing my lips to his. Letting my wrists go, he captured my face in his hands and kissed me slow and deep. I never would’ve thought that Paxton, a bad ass tattooed fighter with a record, would’ve ever had a soft side to him.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, gazing down at me.

I kissed him again and spoke across his lips. “Thank you.”

My phone rang, breaking the connection. Paxton sighed and helped me sit up. Why the hell did someone have to call at that exact moment? When I looked down, I had no clue who it was.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Gabby, it’s Cliff.”

Abruptly, I turned to Paxton. “Cliff, hi. What’s going on?”

Paxton rolled his eyes and finished his slice of pizza. “Well, I just got home and found three flowers by your door. I thought I’d call and tell you. I haven’t touched them and I haven’t looked at the note. If you want me to, I will.”

“No, that’s okay,” I said, packing up my wine. “I’m on my way.” I hung up the phone and huffed. “I can’t believe this shit.”