Page 64 of A Fighter’s Love

She’d known that was coming. “Yes, I will be.”

“Nothing can change between tonight and then.”

“I understand.”

“And remember the alcohol license is only until midnight.”

She nodded. Now there was no question about her coming to watch Jackson fight. She had to. She’d seen fights before, of course she had. But something about this one had a shard of fear slicing through her.

What if he gets hurt? Seriously hurt. The way Billy did.

“Thank you. Have a good evening.” Mr. Davis set one copy of the list on the table then clutched his clipboard to his chest. “I can see myself out.”

“Thank you.”

She watched him leave. Her heart thudded suddenly as thoughts of the match besieged her. Grinder was a big, nasty bloke. He fought dirty. She’d heard that about him. Jackson was good…great…but was he good enough to hold his own with a man who didn’t play by the rules?

Turning to the wall, she blinked rapidly a few times. Willing the moisture on her lower lids to reabsorb. The last thing she needed was to get all girly and cry because one of her men was risking himself in a fight.

“Hey, you okay?” Dale’s voice.

She didn’t trust herself to speak and swallowed tightly.

He was right behind her. She could feel his heat, smell his scent.

She nodded.

“Jenny. Look at me.”

She did as he’d asked and turned.

He was staring down at her. His brow was damp with sweat, his hair sticking to his forehead. He pressed a hand on her shoulder. He’d removed his gloves. “What is it? Did the gym fail the inspection?”

“No, it’s fine.” But perhaps it would have been better if it had. The fight would have been called off.

No. Jackson would have hated that.

“So what is it? Shit. You’re scaring me, babe.”

She glanced away. The last thing she wanted was Dale or Jackson to think she didn’t approve of their sport of choice, because she did. She was just worried, that was all. She was allowed to be, wasn’t she?”

“Come on.” He ran his hand from her shoulder to her cheek and lowered his face so his nose touched hers. “Spit it out.”

She stared into his kind eyes. “I’m just worried, that’s all.”

“About what?” He held onto her other arm, wrapping his fingers around it.

“Friday. Jackson and Grinder.”

He frowned.

“Grinder is good…” she said. “I’m not saying Jackson isn’t…but…”

“It will be okay.” He stroked his thumb against her cheek.

“But…” She hesitated. “I saw Billy hurt, badly, it was horrible. It changed his life. I don’t want that to happen to Jackson.”

“It won’t. I promise.”

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