Page 23 of Fighting Fate

Chipper met him halfway. They shook hands and hugged. They spoke for a while, out of earshot. Only briefly did Tip stop smiling. Then he simply nodded, looking like he hung on every word Chipper said. Baylor was curious as hell.

Maverick followed his gaze. “MMA is a family. Chipper understands how badly the kid wanted this. We all do. We’ve all been him. It just wasn’t his night. There are no hard feelings, but he needs to hear Chipper tell him he can still do it.”

Every day, Baylor was more impressed with Chipper. He was such a great guy. It hurt Baylor’s chest to think of all the time he spent alone, no one seeing beyond the fighter. Baylor hated he could be counted among those numbers once.

“You really love him.”

Baylor glanced Maverick’s way at the comment. “I do.”

Maverick looked serious. He gave a sharp nod. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. It’s been hard watching him win time after time and then go home to an empty house. Success isn’t enough to sustain anyone.”

Baylor nodded. “That I definitely know.”

Before they could say anything more, Chipper returned. He grabbed Baylor around the waist and kissed him several times on the forehead until Baylor couldn’t stop smiling.

Zander stepped in. “Unless you have some burning desire to go out and celebrate, we’ll escort you safely home, so you can savor your win privately.”

Baylor refused to look at Chipper and let him see his desperation to go home. The way he chose to celebrate his win needed to be his decision. “I appreciate that. Baylor and I have a lot to talk about.”

Wow. Chipper knew he had anxiety. He wouldn’t make it until they got home. Baylor snagged two handfuls of Chipper’s shirt and pulled him down for a quick kiss. While he had him, he kissed his ear and then kept his words between them. “You know I can’t handle a let’s discuss this later moment.”

Chipper kissed his cheek. “It’s okay, baby. I just need your advice.”

Baylor released him. He could handle that. His heart rate slowed. He linked his fingers through Chipper’s and headed toward whatever Chipper needed from him. He wouldn’t let him down. Still, despite Chipper’s claim, a hint of nervousness grew on the ride home. Zander’s guard, Yaro, drove. Chipper spent the trip constantly stealing kisses. He didn’t think Chipper had any plans of kicking him to the curb or anything. He worried about Chipper. It wasn’t like Chipper to have too many overly serious conversations. He was a big child, and that was one of the many things Baylor loved about him.

Yaro steered into the driveway.

Baylor spoke up. “Why don’t you all join us for a single toast before heading home?”

Chipper didn’t argue.

Baylor breathed an inner sigh of relief. They all piled from the SUV and headed for the door. Baylor subtly fell slightly behind Chipper as he unlocked the front door. The lights automatically flared to life at the motion of the door swinging open.

“Surprise!” The shout was deafening.

Chipper’s expression was completely worth the scrambled work it had taken to pull together as many of Chipper’s friends as possible in a short time. Thankfully, he was the king of party planning. Chipper’s shocked gaze turned his way.

Baylor beamed.

“What if I had lost?” Chipper sounded floored—like he didn’t know what else to say.

“I knew you wouldn’t.”

He was engulfed by people congratulating him. They filed inside and champagne glasses filled their hands.

Sacha wrapped his arm around Baylor’s waist and swept him aside. He kissed Baylor’s cheek. “You did great, babe. He looks like you could knock him over with a feather.”

Baylor wrapped his arm around Sacha too. “It’s all thanks to you and your hard work.”

Sacha scoffed. “Please. All I did was make sure the vendors got here on time, and the buses picked up guests from the parking lot we rented. You did every ounce of the real work.”

Baylor had to because it was for Chipper. Everything had to be perfect. It was worth it to see his expression. For once, the party was for only him. He didn’t have anyone to celebrate him. Baylor wanted the job. He didn’t forget Sacha’s part or how the guy worked his ass off for him. “Still, you’re amazing. You have a salary increase coming on your next check.”

Sacha looked his way with raised eyebrows. “You just raised my salary when you took a step back.”

Baylor shrugged. “The work you do should always be properly compensated. You’re loved and appreciated. I want you to always know it.”

Sacha squeezed him. “Awww. You’re loved too.”

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