I got to the gym without a minute to spare. I didn’t want to deal with Omar, but I knew he was going to be an ass no matter what so I bit the bullet and went right for his office in the back.

“Hey Coach.” I threw my gym bag down in the corner of the room as he ended a call.

“Griffin, nice of you to grace us with your presence.” He grunted as I took a seat.

“My fight’s tomorrow. It’s not like I am going to be sparing or lifting weights today.”

He gave me a onceover. “Why are your eyes bloodshot and puffy? You know how important it is to get good rest leading up to a challenge like this.”

I dismissed his concern with a wave of my hand. “Please. You know I’m as ready as I ever will be for tomorrow.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Weigh-in is at noon. You know the drill.”

“Carb load tonight, suck citrus in the morning, and then eat after I make weight,” I rattled off. “You act like I haven’t been around the block a time or a hundred.”

“You know it’s my job to keep an eye on your ass and keep you in line.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Where the heck were you yesterday and last night, by the way?” He took a swig out of his coffee mug, both of us knowing there was way more Irish in that cup than coffee.

“I went to go meet the daughter of the dude whose heart I have.” My tone was flat, for some reason I didn’t want to get into the details with Omar. The time I spent with Olive was so special, I didn’t want it to be tainted by judgement.

His eyes got wide. “You did what now? Have you lost your damn mind?”

“She’s really great. It was nice to meet her after all this time—and that reminds me, I need three tickets left at will call for tomorrow’s fight.”

He shook his head. “It’s a sold-out event. No can do.”

I shoved up from the seat. “Make it happen, and make them damn good seats.”

He threw his hands in the air. “I’m not promising anything.”

“Work your magic, Omar. I know you will figure something out.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Are you sure it’s a good idea?”

I grabbed my bag, taking the water bottle out of it. “What?”

He started to follow me out into the gym. “Having this broad come to your fight. We can’t have you distracted. It could ruin your shot at the title.”

“Don’t start. Everything is going to be fine. She’s coming, whether you like it or not.”

“All right, I just had to ask.”

* * *

After spending a few hours running on the treadmill and jumping rope, it was time to call it quits for the day. The evening before a fight, I had a routine: make spaghetti and meatballs and watch standup comedy.

As I took a seat on the couch with a huge bowl of pasta in hand, I turned on an old taping of Zach Galifianakis, Live at the Purple Onion. I was already laughing before he even finished telling the first joke. Even though I had seen his bits time after time, Zach had a direct connection to my funny bone.

My cell vibrated in my pocket with a message.

Omar: Tickets are ready and waiting.

Me: Thanks.

Omar: Still don’t know if this is a good idea or not, kid.

Me: I don’t care. It’s happening.

I got giddy and was thankful for an excuse to talk to Olive. I paused the show and dialed her number. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as the ringing started.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Griffin.”

“Hi! How’re you?” I could hear water running in the background.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“No, I was just filling a bath. It’s been a long day. A nice soak is exactly what the doctor ordered.”

“Damn, I wish I was there to join you.” My dick twitched thinking about how gorgeous Liv’s body was soaking wet.

“That would be so nice,” she cooed.

“Well, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to let you know the tickets are waiting for you like promised.”

“Great! I am super stoked, and so is Shaw.”

“Awesome. So, I guess I will see you tomorrow night.”

“That you will.”

* * *

In the locker room, only about an hour before my fight, all I could think about was how excited I was for Olive to see me in action. I had never invited a chick to one of my matches before because I was always worried I would be too focused on them and not fight at the top of my game.

Olive was different. I knew having her there would breathe air into my fire, not choke it out. Omar was still worried about it, but I couldn’t have cared less. I was just going to have to prove him wrong and not let her affect my performance.

Checking my phone, I saw a message from Liv.

Olive: These seats are incredible. This is so freaking exciting.

Me: I’m glad Omar got you a good spot. I’ll be fighting soon.

Olive: Can’t wait to cheer you on.

Me: I can’t wait to see you.

Omar popped his head into the room. “You ready?”

I jumped a few times. “Let’s do this.”