AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We collapse onto the mat, breathless and spent. His body glistens with sweat, making his muscles all the more evident and enticing. His entire body is a work of art, not only due to his years of strenuous training but also because of the tattoos adorning most of his tanned skin.
It's only once we've caught our breath that Grayson leans up on his forearm, staring into my eyes with an intensity that makes me want to go for seconds right away.
He reaches out and caresses the side of my face, his thumb stroking my lips with surprising tenderness. "That was amazing."
My heart skips a beat, and I feel both elated and foolish all at once. This is just sex, isn't it? The inevitable explosion of built-up tension stretched out for far too long. It would be easier that way, but I know there's so much more than just passion at work here, and I can't help but wonder if this whole adventure is going to end with little more than a broken heart.
thirteen
Grayson
Well, it's happened at last. Everyone warned me it would sooner or later, but I just laughed it off. Falling in love isn't my thing. I like fast cars, good fights, and a different girl around my arm every day of the week.
But then Tyley came into my life, and all those rules I held so dear went out the window. How can a woman be so fiercely independent and so vulnerable at the same time? She doesn't take crap from anyone, not even me, and I can't get enough of her sassy attitude. When she smiles, my heart skips a beat. Isn't that the biggest cliche you've ever heard?
I need some advice—someone to bounce my thoughts off of so I can figure out what to do next. The person who immediately comes to mind is my trainer, Mike. He's been with me since the beginning, and he’s more than just a coach—he’s a good friend and someone who's not going to rush to the press to make a quick buck at my expense.
So here we are, sitting in my playroom, with a glass of whiskey in my hand and gin and tonic in his. Ty is out for the night, hanging out with that strange little flower, Sarah. Now, there's a chick I wouldn't have minded banging before Tyley turned my world upside-down.
I lean back in my chair, swirling the amber liquid in my glass before taking a sip. Mike raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "What's on your mind, Gray? I know you didn't invite me over just to watch you play with your drink."
Chuckling, I shrug and take another sip before finally coming clean.
“You know me too well, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do. Spill it already.”
"It's Ty; I can't get her out of my head."
Other than Tyley, Tate, and myself, he's the one other person in the world who knows about our little agreement. The obnoxious fuck shoots me a grin that screams, 'I saw this one coming from a mile away.'
"That's not surprising. Tyley is one hell of a woman. Strong, smart, beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have her."
"Yeah, I know that. That's not the problem here. I'm not the kind of guy who does relationships. It's not my thing; never was and never will be.”
That's what I’ve always said, but it feels like a lie now.
Mike chuckles, and I feel the impulse to punch that smile off his face. The urge vanishes quickly, though. We've never fought outside of the cage or practice, and that's not going to change tonight.
"Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at you, my friend."
"Mike, do you have any more cliches you want to throw my way? I'm looking for some advice here.”
Mike raises an eyebrow. "Okay, okay, I'll spare you the cliches. Look, Gray, it seems to me you have a choice to make here. Either you play it safe and wait this whole thing out, move on to other things, or rather, other women when the deal is over, or you grow some balls to let your feelings for Tyley develop naturally. It's clear that she's having an impact on you, and maybe it's time for you to explore that side of yourself."
I roll my eyes at his words. "Grow some balls? Seriously, Mike?"
He chuckles and takes another sip of his gin and tonic. Seeing it's empty now, he gets up and pours himself a new one. "I've seen you grow through your whole career; I know you have what it takes to go after what you want. And if Tyley is what you want, then maybe it's time to take a risk and see where it leads."
I nod quietly, contemplating his words. He's right, of course. I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and Tyley appears to be the biggest one I've faced so far. How can such a gal that's half my size pose such a challenge to me?
"So, I should just go and tell her how I feel?"
"Nah, man, give it time. Don't rush into this; just enjoy it and see where it leads you without looking over your shoulder the whole time."
I take a deep breath and set my glass down on the table. "You know what, Mike? I think you're right."
"I'm always right."
