Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1)(16)

Glancing down at my phone, it was closing in on two in the morning and I knew I needed to get some sleep before Cindy’s shift with my grandmother ended. “Yeah, I probably need to get back.”

Bree nodded. “All right, let’s go.”

Side by side, Bree and Cole walked in front of me and Tyler, completely mesmerized with each other. Cole seemed like a nice guy. I just hope he stayed that way.

“As soon as I take Kacey home, I’ll come over to your place,” Bree murmured quietly to Cole. She didn’t want me to hear it because she thought it’d make me feel bad.

Before getting on the elevator to travel the hundred and eight stories down, Tyler leaned in close and whispered, “If you want me to take you home, I am more than willing. If not, I completely understand. It’s your choice.”

Much to my dismay, I’d actually had a great time with him. He didn’t overstep any boundaries and he also didn’t talk about himself or fighting the entire time. It’d been different than hanging out with most of my brother’s friends.

“Okay,” I said, hoping I didn’t regret my decision. “You can take me home.”





Once inside Tyler’s shiny, new black truck, he turned the music down so we were riding in silence. “If you don’t mind my asking,” he began, “what is your grandmother suffering from?”

Clearing my throat, I leaned my head back on the seat. “She has stage four colon cancer. When I first moved out here, her mind was still sharp as a blade. Now it’s spread to some of her other organs and some days I don’t think she even knows who I am.”

“Who’s taking care of her right now?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I could tell he was looking at me so I swallowed hard and met his stare. “I have a nurse who comes in and works the night shift while I’m at the bar. During the day, I’m the one who takes care of her.”

“That’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders,” he murmured. “Do you not have any other family to help?”

If he only knew who that family was.

“No, I don’t. Or at least no one who is willing to help. That’s why I left them to come out here.”

“What are you going to do when your grandmother passes? Are you going to stay in Vegas?”

“Most likely,” I replied. “I don’t want to go back to California. Besides, I have Bree here and we have our own dream to pursue.”

Once we got off the highway, I gave him the directions to my grandmother’s house. When he pulled in the driveway, he put on the brake and turned to face me.

“So what are your dreams? Did you go to college?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions,” I teased. “What about you? Did you go to college?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “No, school was never my thing. My father was a boxer and ever since I was old enough to get in the ring, that’s where all my focus has gone. College didn’t interest me.”

“What about after you retire from fighting? Will you be taking over the gym?”

“Mmm-hmm,” he said with a nod. “My dad can be a pain in the ass, but when he retires it’ll all go to me. I hate to say this, but I’m ready for that time to come.”

“Why is that?” I asked. “You seem to have a pretty good life from what I can tell.”

“Now look who’s asking all of the questions,” he flirted. “I think I’ve answered my limit for the night. But if you want to know more, you can ask me tomorrow.”

Laughing, I crossed my arms and tried to ignore the excitement coursing through my veins. “Is that your way of wanting to see me again?”

He smiled. “Maybe. Are you interested?”

Closing my eyes, I let my mind decide even though my body wanted something else. “Actually, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” he asked, his smile dissipating. “I thought we had a good time tonight.”

“I did, but it’s only been one night. Just because you appeared to be a good person for a few hours doesn’t mean that you are one.”

“The same can be said about you as well,” he countered in all seriousness. “What if you only wanted to be around me because of my money or because of my name? You have no idea how many women want to be with me for those superficial things. It’s hard to find someone real.”

Biting my lip, I sat there speechless. He got me again. “Touché,” I muttered, defeated. “I didn’t think about that. Don’t you have a fight tomorrow night though?”

“I do. Would you like to come? I’m sure Cole can persuade Bree to go as well.”

I actually enjoyed watching fights, but it was the people who were going to be there that might be a problem. If any of Kyle’s friends saw me, they would tell him. Swallowing hard, I opened the door and slid out of his truck, meeting him in front.

“I can’t go. I have a dinner date tomorrow night.”

For a split second, Tyler’s gaze darkened before he nodded and looked down at the ground. “I see. I didn’t think you were dating anyone.”

“I’m not,” I said. “I made these plans before going out with you tonight.”