Page 11 of Forever my Love

ChapterFour

Reece knew there was something eating at Hailey. Her eyes were still a little puffy, and it was obvious she was upset.

“Is that why you were crying earlier?” he asked. He saw her tension return. When she didn’t respond, he placed his hands lightly on her shoulders. “If you trust my opinion of Nick, you should trust me enough to tell me what’s bothering you.”

She shrugged and then hit the bag a few more times as he held it.

“Tell me about you.” She punched the bag. “We’ve been talking a lot about me.”

“Okay, what do you want to know?” he asked while she continued to throw punches.

“Have you lived in Pride your entire life?”

“Yes,” he answered easily.

“No college?” She threw a punch after every question.

“No. Move your shoulder down,” he corrected.

She did as he suggested and threw a couple more punches.

“Good.” He nodded for her to continue asking questions.

“Girlfriends? Ever married?” she asked between blows.

“Nope. Last girlfriend I had was about two years ago. I’m focused on my career.”

“Boxing?” she asked and he nodded. “Are you any good at it?”

He chuckled. “Current reigning champ in my weight class.”

She stopped, her hands up like he’d taught her. “Wow, really?”

He nodded again. “I have the trophy and belt to prove it. Want to see?” He smiled.

“Belt?” She shook her head. “I don’t really follow boxing.”

His smile slipped a little. “You get a belt. I’ll show you a picture.” He grabbed his phone, and pulled it out.

“Is this your dog?” she asked.

He smiled. “Yeah, that’s Ali.” He smiled as she looked at the photo of the little yellow lab puppy that he’d gotten a few weeks earlier.

“That’s Lucy’s brother?” She smiled at the photo of the dog holding a huge stick on the beach during their last walk.

“Yup.”

“Where is he now?” she asked, handing him back his phone.

“Home. I’ve kennel trained him. We take long runs on the beach first thing in the morning and when I get home at night. He’s got a lot of energy.”

“Lucy and Harper take long walks in the woods.” She took his phone when he found the image of him holding up his belt.

“Wow,” she said, her eyes scanning the photo. “You’re bleeding.” She glanced up at him, her eyes going to the small scar he’d gained that day just above his right eye.

“It happens sometimes.” He shrugged.

“Why boxing?” She handed him back his phone.