Page 63 of Beyond the Cage

“‘MMA champ, Cameron ‘K.O.’ Jackson was spotted on the town last night with not one, but two gorgeous women in tow.’ You hear that? We’re gorgeous! ‘They have been identified as Jasmine Carter, left, and Chelsea Tanner, right, both students at Northwestern. There were rumors that Jackson has been dating someone, and as the night progressed, it became evident that someone is Miss Carter. This reporter likes the way Mr. Jackson chose to celebrate his victory over Chico Madden last night.’ Blah, blah, blah, they go on to talk about the fight.”

“Chels…my dad saw that. I haven’t told my parents about him yet. He’s pretty mad.”

“Tell you what, I’ll take Cameron and go get us some breakfast while you talk to Dad.”

Life saver. I could use the privacy to deal with my father. “Thanks.”

This is not the day for me to be dealing with this because I already feel the beginnings of cramps. I climb back into bed and curl up under the covers. After Cameron brushes his teeth, he and Chels set out. I grab my phone and take a deep breath before dialing.

“Well?” he answers.

“I haven’t said anything because we haven’t been dating that long.”

“He hasn’t hurt you, has he?”

“No! He’s not like that. Fighting is what he does…not who he is.”

“How would you know?” he asks. “Like you said, you haven’t been dating long.”

“I just know. He’s a good guy, Dad. I really like him.”

“Are you happy?” he asks in a softer tone.

“I am.”

“That’s all I need to know…for now. Your mother wants to talk to you.”

There’s a period of silence before my mom comes on the phone. “Okay…he’s gone. Tell me about this guy of yours.”

“He’s great, Mom. I don’t know how else to put it.”

“Well, if you think he is, he must be.”

“Ireallylike him.”

“Oh…I understand. Don’t worry about your father. He’s just concerned about your safety.”

“I know but, really, Cameron’s not like that.”

“I hope we get to judge for ourselves soon?” she asks hopefully.

“I’ll talk to him about it.”

“Okay, honey. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Bye, Mom.”

By the time Cameron and Chels return, I’ve showered and washed my hair, then curled up in bed waiting for the painkillers I took to kick in. Sparty jumps on the bed, his dog tags jingling from the movement. Now I see why they took so long – they picked up my baby.

“Sparty! Did you enjoy your sleepover?”

He curls up next to me and I scratch his little head. Cameron walks in, carrying breakfast, brows furrowed in concern.

“I’m okay,” I assure him. “Nothing to worry about.”

I don’t sound okay. How can I be when I feel like my uterus is falling out? He sits on the edge of the bed and strokes my cheek, worry still creasing his brow.This is the man my dad thinks will hurt me?Sitting up, I give him an encouraging smile.

“What’d you bring me?”