Tyler's Undoing (Gloves Off #1)(45)
“All right, man,” Cole replied, slapping me on the shoulder. “We’ll see you there. Don’t be too late because you know how your dad gets.”
I knew all too well that my father wasn’t a patient man. Regrettably, neither was I. “I won’t be late,” I promised.
Putting his hand on the small of Bree’s back, Cole nodded and winked before opening the door, and shutting it silently behind them. Everything was quiet when I waltzed over to open the door to the bedroom. Kacey was buried underneath the covers and had a hand tucked underneath her cheek as she laid on her side.
Knowing she needed to eat when she woke up, I called room service and ordered an assortment of fruits and crackers with various cheeses. I even added in a special request; something I knew she would like.
Grabbing a small pad of paper and a pen, I sat down on one of the bar stools to write a note. I quietly left it on the pillow beside Kacey. This way, when she woke up she’d see it. Slowly, I bent down to kiss her cheek. Her skin felt warm as I trailed my fingers down the side of her face, hoping she’d wake up. No such luck.
Her food arrived just as I was ready to leave, so I tipped the young lady and put the tray in the refrigerator to keep it cool. Hopefully, the special request I ordered would soften her up from being angry at me for leaving her. Now all I had to do was handle another situation. Reaching for the phone in my pocket, I pulled it out and dialed the number I needed.
“Hey, Tyler.”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and replied, “We need to talk.”
The line went quiet for a few seconds. “Okay, when?”
“Tonight after my fight. Come to my room.”
“I’ll be there.”
I HAD FELT his hands on my face, and wanted to wake up, but my body didn’t let me. It wanted more time to rest, to rejuvenate for the past couple of years of no sleep and constant working. There always came a breaking point and I think I’d hit mine. However, now I had never felt so refreshed in my life, but I was starving, my stomach growling and cramping from lack of food.
“Tyler,” I called, rubbing my eyes and feeling my mascara crumble beneath my fingertips. As I sat up in bed and pulled off the covers, I looked down to see that I was still in my white skirt and blue shirt from yesterday. What the hell? There was a note on Tyler’s pillow so I snatched it up and got out of bed.
“Tyler,” I called out again. Opening the letter, I sat down on the edge of the bed and read it.
Kacey,
I’m sorry to leave you like this, but I didn’t want to wake you when I knew you needed the rest. You can be pissed at me all you want. As long as you’re better, that’s all I care about. I ordered you some food to eat because you’re going to want it when you wake up. It’ll be in the refrigerator. Rest up and I’ll see you tonight when I get back. I love you, beautiful.
Tyler
“You have got to be kidding me,” I growled, looking over at the clock on the nightstand. It was closing in on seven o’clock. “Holy shit, I’m going to miss his fight!”
I had slept for almost a whole day and didn’t realize it. Tyler had a lot to make up for once all of this was over. Quickly, I rushed into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to find a tray of fresh fruits and cheeses, along with a box wrapped in silver ribbon with Godiva written on top.
Pulling it all out, I set the tray down on the counter beside the MMA Pride T-shirt I assumed was mine. I ate a few blocks of cheese with wheat crackers, along with some fresh ripened strawberries. Afterward, I opened the box of chocolates and ate one of my favorite truffles filled with caramel, and then another one for good measure.
“You’re a smart one, Tyler Rushing. But chocolate can’t get you out of everything.” Once I swallowed the chocolaty goodness, I closed my eyes and moaned. “Well, maybe it can.”
After eating a few more strawberries and grapes—and of course, a couple chocolates—I rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower. Knowing I didn’t have much time, I put on the black MMA Pride T-shirt with its bright green logo, a pair of jeans, and black flip flops. Sadly, there wasn’t much I could do with my hair so I threw it up into a high ponytail and brushed some mineral powder on my face along with some lip gloss on my lips.
I was ready to go.
I tried to call Tyler, but got his voicemail. I also tried to call Bree and got the same result. The chance of them hearing their phones in the loud arena were slim to none. With my phone in my hand, I grabbed some money out of my purse and the hotel room key before rushing down to the front desk so they could call me a cab.
It didn’t take long for the taxi to show up. It was a yellow, Chevrolet HHR with a bald man in the front seat. “Where you off to?” he asked as I got in.
“The U.S. Airways Center,” I told him. “I’m going to watch the UFC fights tonight.”
“Ah, yes, I love watching those on television when I get the chance. At least you’ll make it in time for the last couple of fights.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. I have some friends fighting tonight. I don’t want to miss them.” Usually, the Heavyweight fights were toward the end so hopefully I’d make it in time.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll get you there in no time. It’s just a couple of minutes. If you need a ride back to the hotel, call this number.” He passed back his business card with the name of the cab company and his number.