Page 47 of My Undead Heart

“Your boys have any fights coming up?”

“Yeah, actually there’s a big one in three weeks.”

“Save me a ticket?”

“You got it.”

Clocking out for the day, I hightail it back to the gym to lock the money in the safe before opening up the doors. I check the envelope and am shocked when I find there’s four grand inside, and not the one or two I expected. I shake my head with a mixture of relief and frustration. This gets me by until after the fights; until a big contract for Xavier. But I can’t accept it. Not unless Jimmy puts me on jobs for another two months. I grab for my phone to tell him just that when I notice a missed call from Mia. Message too. Clicking on the screen, I hit play and the speaker button while I unlock the safe in my office and tuck the bills safely away until I can make it to the bank.

Matt, hi, Mia. I’m sorry to do this, but I can’t get there tonight. I think I mentioned we had investors in town. Things are good, but they decided to stay another night. Anyway, that means another night of wining and dining. I hope you get this. Let me know if you do. Again, I’m sorry for the last minute change. ’Bye.

For a second I wonder whether she’s telling the truth or running. I saw her reaction when I took her bet. She’s not thrilled to date me. In fact, I think she’s either too proud or stubborn to back down. Then, our encounter in the elevator yesterday, when she was looking sexy as ... I shake my head, send her a thumbs up message and turn off my cell. No more distractions. There are bigger issues at stake than whether this woman wants to spend time with me. I’ve got a fighter to train.