Page 7 of Stone's Promise

Heat crept up my neck. "I can put on a show if you will."

He let out a low chuckle, patting Max on the head. "You never answered my question. I think I have clothes that aren’t gym shorts. Unless you like the tight pump covers Trey was wearing."

I laughed. "You actually have the muscle for it, but I think a regular shirt will do. Now I have to get back to work and then figure out what I'm wearing tonight."

"What time do you need me to pick you up?"

He actually offered to pick me up like an old-fashioned gentleman. "Seven’s fine. I have your number from the info you sent city hall. I'll text you my address."

Before I could open my car door, Cody added, "Remember what I said about Max. He goes where I go. He’s my service dog."

Realization dawned on me. That explained why Max was always by his side. I glanced at the German Shepherd, who was looking up at me expectantly.

"Max will be more than welcome at tonight’s open mic," I said, returning the dog’s grin. "If he's got a few jokes, we'll listen."

Cody flashed a quick smile. Then, almost like he remembered himself, his expression turned neutral again. "Gotta go back in and finish my drills."

"Sorry Trey wants to make this his workout spot now."

He shrugged. "As long as he stays out of my way while I'm training, it doesn't matter to me."

I sighed, wishing I had that kind of indifference. "You’re very cool-headed."

“That’s the point. Lose your temper and your opponent gets a leg up."

With that, he turned and headed inside the training facility, Max trotting beside him.

I slid into my SUV, gripping the steering wheel. Cody’s words stay with me.

And so did the fact that, tonight, I had a fake date with him.

Chapter Three

CODY

Istepped into the gym, Max at my side, my mind still tangled in what I’d just agreed to. A fake relationship. With Emily.

What the hell had I been thinking?

This wasn’t like me. I didn’t get involved in things that didn’t concern me, especially not with people I barely knew. I kept to myself. It was safer, but something about Emily pulled me in like a rip current. That Trey guy rubbed me the wrong way from the second he opened his privileged mouth, and when he’d looked at her like she was just another one of his fancy toys, something in me snapped. Before I even realized what I was doing, I had my hand on her waist, standing between her and him like I had every right to be there.

Now, I had to follow through.

I clenched my jaw and exhaled through my nose. It wasn’t real. It was all for show, a temporary thing to keep Trey off her back. That was the only reason I’d agreed to it. It wasn’t because Emily made the gym feel a little brighter when she walked in or because I sort of liked being around her these past couple days.

I shook my head, pushing the thought away.

Max bumped my leg with his nose, like he could sense I wasn’t feeling at ease. I reached down, running a hand over his fur.

Ryder had been the one to give me Max, back when I was struggling just to function outside the ring. After everything I’d been through serving overseas, I’d thought I could handle life allon my own. I was wrong. The nightmares, waking up in a cold sweat with anxiety making my hands shake. I’d kept it all bottled up, convinced I could fight my way through it. Max had helped in ways I hadn’t even realized I needed. He was the reason I could step into a crowded gym or live event without feeling like the walls were closing in.

Emily had taken it in stride when I told her Max had to be with me. She didn’t question or make a weird comment like some people did. That had thrown me more than anything.

But it didn’t mean she actually liked it. Or me.

I wasn’t the smooth, charismatic type like some of the other Fury Combat league fighters. I barely talked when I didn’t have to. So why would someone like Emily—upbeat, social, pretty—want anything to do with a guy like me?

I was still chewing on the thought when I caught movement near my favorite punching bag.

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