Page 77 of A Fighter’s Love

Quickly, and before the crowds built, Jenny checked the two podiums set between the ring and the wall. One was for the two judges who were due to arrive at nine thirty, and the other for a reporter she’d organized.

She then wandered in the direction of the changing rooms. Each fighter had been given one. The female one, which was barely ever used and contained some of Billy’s musical equipment boxed up, had a sign over the door.Grinder and Support Only. The other changing room hadJackson and Support Only.

Jenny wouldn’t usually go into the male changing rooms, but tonight was different. And besides, it would only be Jackson getting naked in there and it wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen that before.

She pushed in.

Jackson sat on the bench on the far side of the room. He was wearing faded jeans and a white t-shirt.

Dale was on the phone, pacing as he spoke to someone.

“Hey, you okay?” she asked, letting the door close.

Jackson smiled. “Better for seeing you.”

She hurried to sit next to him and took his hand. “Where’s Michael?”

“He’ll be here in a minute, then I’ll get changed and warmed up.” He tapped the side of his head. “Get this warmed up too and into my fighting headspace.”

She drew his hand to her mouth and kissed it. “Be careful.”

“Babe, I’ve got no intention of losing this fight. Grinder is going down.”

“I know. You’re much better than him. This isyourfight.”

“Too damn right it is,” Dale said, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her cheek as he tucked his phone away. “You holding up, Jenny?”

“Of course. It’s Jackson I’m worried about.”

“No need.” Jackson stood and placed his hands on his hips, stared at the door. “I’m ready for this shit.” He banged his right fist into his left palm. “And I need it now. Don’t worry about me. That’s why I’ve trained, so no one needs to worry.” He swung his gaze to Dale.

Jenny wondered if Dale had had a similar conversation with Jackson.

“I’m only worried about Grinder,” Dale said. “Poor son of a bitch doesn’t know what he’s let himself in for.” He stepped up to Jackson and cupped his face. “Youwillbe victorious. Youwillwin.”

“And we’ll be there in your corner,” Jenny said, moving to them and slipping her arms around both of their waists. “Cheering you on with our hearts and souls.”

Jackson’s mouth was a tight straight line. His eyes were narrowed but she could see they were sparkling with emotion. He’d said he needed to get into his fighting headspace, but from what she could see, he was already there.

Dale stroked over Jackson’s hair then kissed him lightly.

The door opened.

Jackson snapped away and turned.

Michael stepped in.

Dale dragged Jenny close and kissed her.

She looped her hands around his neck, and pressed against him.

“Bloody hell, get a room,” Michael muttered, stepping past them and dumping a gym bag on the bench.

“Yeah, gov, we will later,” Dale said, chuckling. “And it’ll be so much fun.”

“Wish I had the energy,” Michael said.

Dale leaned to Jenny’s ear. “I’ll have Jackson’s back out there. You don’t have to watch.”

---