Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1)(21)

The fight was a little over three hours away in Los Angeles at the Staples Center, and my brother was most definitely going to be there. My family and I were mainly from the Sacramento area, but we moved around a lot. San Francisco was my favorite place, and I would love to go back—I just couldn’t risk it.

“I know it would be fun, but I told Liam I’d go out with him. You know I like to keep my word. Tyler can’t hear you right now, can he?”

Chuckling, her voice echoed in the background. “No, silly, I’m in the bathroom. All he’s talked about on the way out here is you. Even Cole said he’s never heard him talk like that about anyone other than—”

Abruptly, she stopped and tried to talk about something else, but I caught it. “Other than who, Bree?” I demanded.

She sighed. “Cole told me not to say anything because it was like this huge secret, but Tyler and Gabriella Reynolds had a thing going on for a while. Apparently, they both decided to stop seeing each other.”

They were both in the video that was taken just a few short weeks ago with the fight against my brother at Tyler’s gym. If they had something going on, it apparently wasn’t that long ago.

“How long ago did they call it quits?” I asked, clenching my teeth. I wasn’t about to be the rebound girl.

“Cole didn’t exactly say, but I know it was recent. I wouldn’t worry about it though. He’s obviously really into you. Cole said that Tyler was glad they called it off.”

“Yeah, well let’s see how long that lasts,” I remarked dryly. “Is she going to be there at the arena tonight?”

“No, I don’t think so. If she is, I’ll see how they are together. I have a good eye for that kind of stuff. I’ll be able to tell if they have feelings for each other.”

“Thanks, Bree. I know he wasn’t too thrilled about me going out with Liam tonight.”

“You got that right,” she laughed. “He hasn’t shut up about it. It also didn’t help that Cole was pushing the knife in a little bit deeper. I thought they were going to fight it out at one point. My guy wouldn’t stand a chance.”

No one could stand a chance against Tyler . . . not even my brother. At least this way, Tyler would be ready for the fight tonight and kick some ass.

“All right, Bree, I need to go. Liam will be here in about ten minutes.”

“Okay, girl. Be careful tonight. I’ll call you later.”

After we said our goodbyes, I rushed to put on my white flared skirt and light blue sleeveless top, before putting the final coat of lip gloss on my lips. I felt guilty going out with Liam, but I already knew it was going to be a one night thing.

It wasn’t long before I heard the sound of a sports car revving its engine down the road. When I looked out the window, a red Jaguar XK convertible pulled in beside my Camry. That sure put everything into perspective. Tyler didn’t flaunt his wealth, nor did he act like he had a lot of money. With Liam getting out of his car in his tailored suit and his hair all gelled to perfection, I could see I was out of his league.

Cindy met me out in the hallway and smiled. “Is that Tyler? Your grandmother told me all about him.”

“No,” I admitted regretfully. “This is Liam. I agreed to go out to dinner with him and I didn’t want to break my promise. We’re just going as friends.”

“Well, make sure he knows that. Your grandmother is a good judge of character. If she likes Tyler, I kind of have to side with her. Just be careful tonight. This one looks like trouble.”

After she disappeared down the hall, I opened the door just as he was walking up the front steps. His eyes went wide and he smiled. “You look amazing, Kacey.”

“So do you,” I replied. He was wearing a pale green button down under his suit, and the green matched his eyes perfectly.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked.

No, but I was going anyway.





ONCE WE GOT to the Staples Center, Cole walked with Bree to her seat and I went to the dressing rooms to get ready. I was angry as hell knowing Kacey was with another guy. I just wanted to fight and get the f*ck out of there.

“Tyler!”

Turning around, my agent rushed up to me. Todd was dressed in a black, MMA Pride T-shirt with jeans and a huge smile on his face.

“What’s with the grin?” I asked as I kept on walking.

“Because you, my friend, are going to want to thank me big time for what I’m about to tell you. Where’s your dad?” He caught up to me and blocked my path.

Aggravated, I stopped and gritted my teeth. “He couldn’t come. Cole’s in my corner tonight.”

“I see. So . . . aren’t you going to ask me what’s going on?”

Knowing him, it probably had to do with a club and a shit ton of women. “If it’s about plans for after the fight, I can’t make it tonight. I’m going back home.”

Todd chuckled and shook his head. “Damn, Ty, calm down. I actually have my own plans for the night. I wanted to give you the good news.” He paused for a second, waiting on me to show interest. When all I did was stare deadpan at him, he shook his head and laughed. “Guess whose face is going to be all over every single cover of the Physique Sports and Fitness Magazine next month?”

“Are you serious?” I asked, mouth gaping open.