Page 15 of Fighting Fate

Baylor tugged Chipper’s arm to his side of the car and hugged it. He kissed his bicep. “I’m sorry I panicked and didn’t answer your texts or calls.”

Chipper looked his way and winked. “Don’t worry. I have a reason to spank you now.”

Baylor laughed, but he felt way more than simple humor. He wished he could vocalize the growing emotions crushing him. Chipper deserved to hear how he felt. He had to start somewhere. “This feels a hell of a lot like fate, so yeah. Whatever is left of me will fight for that.”

Chipper gave a sharp nod. “Okay. We have a plan, sort of.”

A laugh burst from Baylor. They were such a mess. He didn’t think either of them knew what the hell they were doing. They would do it, nonetheless. What they had was too rare, at least on Baylor’s end. He just had to be a little brave. Baylor knew Chipper would take care of the rest.

Chapter Seven

Astheycamethroughthe door, Chipper watched Baylor’s shoulders relax—like coming home. He recognized how much Baylor needed someone to simply take over his life. Otherwise, he would go right back to working himself to death. Chipper dragged Baylor’s suitcases straight to the bedroom and set to unpacking them. Baylor sat on the bed and watched as Chipper found drawers for him and hung clothes in the closet.

“Is this everything you own, or should I hire a moving company?”

Baylor twisted his fingers, but he didn’t argue. “I keep clothes at Bandit’s place, but they stay there for a reason. It’s easier when I’m working in that area. Otherwise, everything I own is in storage.” Baylor visibly swallowed. “I haven’t opened that storage unit in three years and I’m not sure I’ll ever find the strength to…” Baylor swallowed again and looked away. “I can’t look at Micah’s things. His toys.” Baylor blew out a breath. He swiped at his eyes and met Chipper’s gaze. He chuckled. “Why do you want this?”

Even though Chipper knew he was just trying to lighten the mood with the question, he sat next to him and did his best to answer. “You know how I talked to you about losing my title? I’ve never told anyone that.” He looked Baylor’s way and held his stare. “You’re under my skin in a way no one else has ever been.” He shrugged. “If you need me to tell you that every day, I will.”

Baylor leaned his way and leaned his head on Chipper’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Chipper was legit confused by his gratitude. His motives were purely selfish. He couldn’t let Baylor go.

“For being uniquely you. I wish I had known we would end up here. There’s no way I can get tickets to watch your match on this short of notice. I checked,” he added with a laugh.

“Actually, you couldn’t get tickets two minutes after they went on sale. Lucky for you, though, I can bring guests.”

Baylor’s sexy eyes focused on him. “Yay.” The soft cheer didn’t even penetrate Chipper’s brain. Baylor shifted positions. He moved to his knees and straddled Chipper’s lap. Chipper immediately grabbed Baylor’s ass to hold him in place. Baylor wrapped his arms around Chipper’s neck. Chipper’s heart sped. His breathing shallowed. Baylor bumped noses with him before kissing the corner of his mouth. Chipper waited with bated breath. It was worth it. Baylor’s tongue swept over his bottom lip before he nibbled. Chipper’s lips parted. Baylor slipped inside. That was when Chipper took control.

Trusting in their newfound strength after their talk, Chipper rolled. With Baylor beneath him, he took the kiss he wanted. He licked the roof of Baylor’s mouth, teasing him. His cock knocked at the zipper of his jeans, begging to be set free. Chipper ignored it while memorizing every move Baylor’s tongue made.

His phone buzzed. It took Chipper a second to feel it with the way Baylor had his body tingling. With a growl, Chipper sat back on his knees and dug out the device. He planned to turn it off and toss it aside until he saw the name on the face.

“Oh shit. Oh no.”

“What?” Baylor sounded breathless, and he still touched Chipper everywhere he could, but he looked concerned.

“I forgot I have a training session with Maverick today.”

Baylor motioned him away. “Go. This is important.”

His gaze locked on Baylor. He wasn’t ready to let him out of his sight yet. An idea struck. “Come with me.” His hopes immediately died. “It’ll probably be boring, though.”

“No. I’m not worried about that. Let’s go. Just text Maverick and let him know we’re running late. You can blame me, if you want. Tell him I’ve been sick, and you’re scared to let me out of your sight. I held you up by moving slower than usual.”

Chipper shook his head, but he couldn’t stop smiling. Baylor was a dream come true. “Thankfully, he doesn’t live far.” He climbed from the bed and helped Baylor to his feet. Baylor looked beautifully mussed. Chipper fought the urge to blow off Maverick. Baylor had him headed to the door before he could change his mind. They would be great together.

As much as Baylor wanted to jump Chipper and beg him to turn around so they could pick up where they left off, Chipper had made that career admission to him. Baylor couldn’t unlearn that. He cared about Chipper. That meant Chipper’s match mattered to him. He looked forward to seeing Chipper in action.

As Maverick’s house came into view, Baylor sat forward. He had worked with countless wealthy clients, but this was next level. The place was an estate. A compound. It was massive and beautiful. The place overlooked the water and had security out the ass.

“Um, is this champion money?”

Chipper’s laughing gaze swung his way. “I wish. No. Maverick’s husband owns hotel casinos all over the country. He’s the owner of Luna.”

Baylor’s eyebrows rose. Everyone knew who ran those businesses. The mafia. He didn’t know how to feel. Chipper didn’t give him time to think about it too much.

“You know, the Lunas are beautiful. I bet they have some amazing spots for wedding things—like pictures and receptions. Maybe even ceremonies. This is a great way for you to make a powerful connection.”

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