Page 21 of Back in Black

More complaints, these a little louder, and Gillian didn’t think it was the prospect of little family interaction that had set them off.

Drew strolled out into the audience. “This is not a career choice for candies, let me tell you. You have to have a stand-up and a ground game. And you absolutely have to be in shape. I’m talking gas in the tank. I’ve seen more fighters lose because their cardio sucked than I’ve seen knockouts. It’s pathetic.” He moved among the boys. “But most importantly, a fighter has to be smart.”

One boy said, “You don’t have to be a genius to throw or take a punch.”

“Maybe not,” Drew agreed. “But raw power is only going to get you so far. You think any of the top fighters are dummies?” He looked around at the boys, and with a crooked grin he added, “I sure as hell wouldn’t call any of them dumb.”

Robust agreement erupted.

“A fighter has to remember hundreds of moves until they’re automatic. He has to be able to analyze his opponent, figure out a game plan, and adjust accordingly during a fight. But he also has to be smart enough to manage his career, to make good decisions along the way.”

Another boy stood. “You talk tough, but you ain’t no fighter.”

Not in the least offended, Drew agreed. “Hell no. I don’t want to diet all the time and run twice a day. And when I don’t get much sleep, it’s because I’ve stayed out late, not because I have an injury or too many bruises to count.” Sotto voce, he said to the crowd, “Those guys aretoughas nails, no doubt about it.”

When the boys stopped laughing, Drew put his hands in his pockets and started strolling among them again. “I’m not a fighter, and I know it. So that means I had to find something else that I’m good at.” He glanced toward Gillian. “I’m good at running the SBC. I’m good at understanding fighters, and I’m an incredible businessman.”

“And real humble,” someone called out, igniting more chuckles.

He released Gillian from his gaze and laughed with the boys. “Hey, I’ve got the background to prove it, ya know? The thing is, there’s always a choice. No matter how bad shit seems, no matter how others try to drag you down. Every one of you is good at something, and you should know it. There’s nothing wrong with recognizing your talents. If it’s fighting, then come see me when you’re eighteen and I can recommend some good camps where you’ll get the best training. If it’s business management, then Mr. Darwich can probably recommend some classes—”

Boos erupted.

“What the hell?” Drew said. “You telling me you guys are too wimpy to cut it in school? Do you know that at least fifty percent of the SBC fighters have a college degree? A lot of them have more than one degree.”

Gillian drew in a breath at Drew’s cursing—not out of disapproval, but rather admiration. Drew had analyzed his audience and knew the second he started to lose control of things. Just as he said a fighter should react during a fight, Drew had adjusted accordingly to keep them engaged. A few choice curse words had left the boys with a feeling of association, an affinity.

More questions were asked and answered, and through it all, Drew really reached the kids. By the time Mr. Darwich rejoined him back on the stage for a final thank-you, the boys were all pumped up and excited and making plans.

Then Drew stunned her, and them, by saying that, with Mr. Darwich’s approval, he’d like to donate an entire library of SBC DVDs. Most of the DVDs were taped fights, but some of them were instructional videos by the fighters themselves.

And for that, Drew got a standing ovation and raucous cheers.

Gillian applauded, too.

Drew Black had surprised her—again. Every minute that she knew him proved him more outrageous, and more considerate, than any man should be.

CHAPTER 4

As they left the group home and walked out to the lot where Drew had parked, Drew caught Gillian’s arm. She turned to him with a brow raised.

He took up the pace beside her. “So what’s the verdict?”

He needed reinforcement? Did her opinion really matter to him, or was he only concerned about his position as president of the company? Either way, she didn’t have the heart to leave him wondering. “Two thumbs up.”

“Seriously?” Skepticism beetled his brows. “I don’t lose points for slipping in a few curses?”

“Not at all.” He deserved to hear the truth. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Your methods worked. The boys listened to you.”

“Yeah?” Pleased, he shrugged and said, “Thanks.”

As she again started away, he asked, “Where are you going?”

“I parked in a lot down the block.”

Puzzled, he looked from her, to where she indicated, and back again. “Why?”

To avoid this very situation. She hadn’t wanted to be tempted to leave with him. And he was tempting, too much so. He affected her too strongly for her to test her own powers of resistance.

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