Page 40 of Caged Heat

“If you ask me, this is the better solution. It might’ve been okay at first with a stranger, but after a while, when the novelty wore off, your personalities would surely clash. Instead, you know Jackson and care for him. If you’re worried that it would be weird because of Anna, I wouldn’t. You were never intimate with his mom and only married her to honor your best friend. The two of you work well together, and honestly, I think you balance one another perfectly for Eleanor. If anyone deserves to be loved by two great guys, it’s her. So figure out your hang-ups and then make some boundaries on the things you might not be comfortable with… but I guarantee it might not be as weird as you’re assuming.”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because, despite your grumpy exterior, you’re a big sweetheart underneath. Plus, Ele’s the absolute best, and I’d love for her to be family. It’s purely selfish.”

“Ah, now it makes sense.”

She smiled, blowing me a kiss. “Anyway, that’s my two cents for what it’s worth. I better go before Mom lets you kill me for leaving her hanging.” She stood, muttering as she left. “Seriously, this family needs to learn how to deal with their emotions.”

“Thanks, kid,” I said as she walked out. She waved over her shoulder, still muttering to herself.

Leaning back in my chair, I considered everything Steph said. She’d made some good points, and I liked her ending better than the one I was currently living.

Picking up my phone, I hit the number I wanted before I could talk myself out of it.

“I didn’t expect to hear from you,” his voice said as it came over the line.

“We need to talk. Meet me at the gym.”

I didn’t give him a chance to answer as I hung up and grabbed my keys, shutting down my computer. My phone vibrated as I shoved it in my pants. Glancing at the screen, I chuckled as I turned off the lights and headed through the bar. It was loud, the crowd getting busier as the end of the work week drew closer.

I stopped at the bar, motioning for Steph to come over. She rolled her eyes, handing off a beer before skipping over.

“Where?” I asked, knowing she’d know what I meant.

“BENT. Meeting her at nine.”

Nodding, I turned and left the bar. I had a few hours to convince Jackson and devise a plan to win back our girl.

The sounds of fists hitting pads filled my ears as I stepped into Warrior Grounds. The smell of sweat and blood greeted me, welcoming me home. I’d already changed into workout gear and was wrapping my hands when Jackson appeared. His face was tight as he stomped into the room. I ignored him, only tossing the tape once I was done.

“Seriously? First, you hang up on me after demanding I come here, not caring if I had plans, and now you won’t say anything to me?”

I lifted a brow, crossing my arms as I stared him down. “Did you?” I asked, knowing the answer.

“Well, no, but I could’ve,” he huffed, tossing his stuff into a locker and picking up the tape. “You said we needed to talk. Unless it’s about us both dating Ella, I have nothing to say.”

Chuckling, I shook my head as I stepped through the ropes. “This will be easier than I thought then.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, following me.

“She’s going to a club tonight,” I said, lifting the pads for him to strike.

“What the fuck?” he cursed, clenching his jaw. I motioned for him to hit. He sighed but dropped into the movement, giving me a hit on both.

“You’re dropping your left.”

“Are you going to tell me more or just be an asshole?”

“Both, obviously.” I chuckled, lowering my pad for a different angle. “Kicks.”

Jackson glared but did as I requested.

“Do you love her?” I asked when he was finished.

He paused, staring at me with narrowed eyes, trying to figure out why I was asking. “I care about her a lot. I think she’s someone I could fall in love with.”

I nodded, moving into the next set. When he was finished with that leg, I crossed my arms.

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