Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1)(33)

Taking his eyes off of the guys, he smiled at me, extending his hand. “Kacey, it’s good to finally meet you. Tyler’s been telling me all about you.”

Firmly, I took his hand and shook before letting go. “I hope it’s all good things,” I replied with a chuckle. “Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. I’m assuming he’s told you about his fighting?” he asked, pointing up into the ring.

“Oh yes, of course. He looks good up there.”

“That he does,” he remarked. “For the past week he’s been doing even better than usual. I don’t know if it’s because of you, or if he’s finally getting his head on straight. Either way, it’s a good thing. Make sure he keeps it up, would ya?”

I wish Tyler could’ve heard those words. “I will,” I promised. “He’s an amazing fighter. I have no doubt he’ll win the title this season.” Steven stared longingly at the ring and then at his boxing gloves hanging like a shrine where the trophy cabinet sat. There were at least fifteen trophies in there, all glistening and shiny underneath the soft glow of the lights.

“I hope so,” he murmured, smiling over at me. “I truly hope so.”

As if the moment was over, Steven shook his head and climbed up into the ring. “Come on guys, stop being pussies and attack. Attack!”

Tyler chuckled and rolled his eyes. I could tell he was trying to take it easy on his friend.

Steven, however, smacked Cole on the head. “Wake up, Cole! If you ever want to beat my son, you have to work harder than this, smarter than this. Focus!”

Cole was spent, breathing hard, and just trying to keep up with Tyler’s movements. It was all over when Tyler took him down to the mat. Two seconds later, Cole tapped out. They both got to their feet and smacked gloves, laughing now that all was said and done.

If that was my brother up there, he’d be looking for the easiest way to land a cheap shot. He wasn’t a fair fighter with his opponents, or his friends. It was refreshing to see Tyler and Cole be able to beat the shit out of each other and stay on good terms.

While Tyler stayed behind to talk to his dad, Cole jumped out of the ring and scooped Bree up into his sweaty arms, giving her a quick kiss. “I’m going to hit the showers really fast and then we can go if you want.”

“But I haven’t even worked out yet. I was too busy watching you,” she exclaimed.

Cole squeezed her ass and then smacked it. “No worries, babe. Your ass is perfect the way it is. In fact, it could probably stand to be a little bigger. More cushin’ for the pushin’.”

After smacking him on the arm, Bree pushed him away and gasped with mock surprise, “I don’t think so. Is that why you keep bringing me those homemade apple turnovers?”

Taking her arm, he pulled her back to him and captured her chin, tilting her face up. “I buy them because I know you love them.” Not caring who was around, he kissed her. “I’ll be out in just a minute.”

Why couldn’t my relationships be as easy as they made it seem? In a way, I was jealous of what they had—they didn’t have the secrets that I did. When Cole left to head to the locker room, Bree watched him the entire time with a sparkle in her eyes.

“My God, I love him, Kace.”

“Yes, I can see that. It’s been so long since I was in love.”

Bree nodded up into the ring at Tyler with a smirk on her face. Even though his father was talking to him, Tyler kept sneaking glances my way. “Well, it looks like you’re about there again, but Tyler definitely beat you to it. The way he looks at you is unreal.”

Rolling my eyes, I bumped her in the shoulder. “Oh whatever, Bree, it’s only been a week and a half.”

“So?” she objected. “It was just last week when I figured out I was in love with Cole, and it’s been less than a couple of weeks since we officially started dating. Guys like Cole and Tyler are used to getting what they want—they’ve never had to work for a girl. While you were taking a break dealing with your grandmother’s affairs, I made Cole do something that ultimately proved he would do anything to make me happy.”

“What did he do?” I asked curiously.

Snickering, she moved in closer to make sure no one could hear her. “He’d kill me if I told anyone about this. Anyway, I made a comment about going to see the Disney on Ice show and then just last Friday he shows up at my place with tickets. It was the sweetest thing ever.”

Yes, it was, but I couldn’t imagine Tyler ever doing that.

“What are you two whispering about?” Tyler asked, jumping out of the ring. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me in to his side.

“Oh, just the usual,” Bree remarked, looking around at the other people in the gym.

Tyler furrowed his brows. “And what would that be?”

Bree chuckled and started off toward the treadmills, answering him over her shoulder. “Just talking about how hot some of these guys are in here. I think you need to hire me, so I can look at them all day.” She winked at me and burst out laughing.

Tyler didn’t think she was too funny.

“Lighten up,” I told him. “You know that’s not what we were talking about. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you to even look at someone else. You were amazing up there.” His body was slick with sweat and hot to the touch, but I didn’t care. I leaned into him and breathed him in. “It actually kind of turned me on,” I whispered in his ear.