Page 12 of Forever my Love

“I suppose it calms me down and thrills me at the same time,” he admitted.

She was quiet for a moment. “I don’t think I could ever willingly walk into something where I knew I could be hurt.”

“I don’t focus on that. I focus on determining my opponents moves, their weaknesses, and their strategies.” He thought about it. “And winning.” He smiled.

She was smiling when he tucked his phone back into his bag.

“What do your folks think?” she asked as he moved back behind the bag and threw a few more punches.

“They are proud. My mother used to be squeamish, but after I won a few fights and she understood I wasn’t going to stop, she got behind me all the way. She even comes down here and works out with me a few times each month.”

“Your mother boxes?” Hailey asked, dropping her arms.

“Yup, and my dad and I get in the ring.” He nodded towards the boxing ring across the room from them. “He used to kick my butt when I was younger. Now I have to make sure I don’t hurt him.” He laughed, then realized she was frowning down at her gloved hands. “What about your parents?”

She shrugged. “We don’t have any.” She tried to remove the gloves.

He walked over and undid the Velcro. She removed the gloves and took a sip of her water.

“I’m sorry,” he said, sitting beside her. “Did they die?”

“Our mother did,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “We never knew our fathers.”

He was quiet for a moment. “You and Harper have different fathers?”

“We think so.” She leaned back against the wall.

“This stalker you and Harper have talked about. Who is he to you?” he asked, curious.

At first, when she’d talked about the trouble they were in, he’d thought it was possibly one of their ex-husbands or boyfriends. But then why would both of them afraid? That led him to think that it was a family member instead.

“Someone from our past,” she finally said, closing her eyes and rolling her head back.

“Is he dangerous?” he asked, trying a different tactic. Instead of getting specifics about who it was, he would just try to find how much danger they were in.

“He is the reason we’ve jumped at shadows for the past six years,” she said, sounding weary.

“My offer to teach your sister still stands.” He wanted to reach over and take her hand in his, but he left them resting on his knees.

“Thanks, I think Nick is helping her.” She glanced at him. “I think she’s avoiding staying at his place because of me. She doesn’t want me to be alone.”

He thought of inviting her to stay at his place but then shook that thought off. After all, he’d just gotten her to trust him enough to let him kiss her. What would an invitation like that do to her? She’d probably run for the hills.

“I’m going to shower.” She stood up suddenly.

“Hailey,” he said, stopping her. “Whatever is chasing you, both of you, I can help. This town can help.”

She nodded once and then disappeared into the locker room.

Feeling slightly frustrated, he headed to shower off.

So much had changed in the time he’d known her. He had changed his life goals. His dreams.

There had been a time he’d wanted to be top of the charts in the boxing world. Travel. Fame. Money.

Now, he spent more time at home working for his dad so he could be close to her. And in all that time, he’d only kissed her once.

He’d never waited so long for so little promise before. Not that his only reason for sticking around Hailey was the possibility of sex. But it was one reason.