Page 4

EMILY

T he next evening, I was running late.

I hated running late. It made me feel flustered, like I was already losing control of a situation before I even stepped into it. When the situation involved Trey, it was even worse.

After dropping Oliver off at the sitter’s, I drove across town, gripping the wheel a little too tightly. I hadn’t seen Trey in months. He never called. And now, suddenly, he wanted to talk about Oliver? I should’ve been used to his unpredictability by now, but it never stopped being frustrating.

When I pulled up to the restaurant, my irritation doubled. It was one of his places, overpriced and pretentious. The kinds of spots Trey loved had menus that read like an art exhibit instead of actual food.

The hostess barely looked at me as she led me through the restaurant, her expression cool and vaguely judgmental, as if she could tell I’d rather be anywhere else.

Then I spotted Trey.

He was already seated at the table, casually flipping through the menu with one hand while his other hand rested near his half-finished martini. The crystal-clear liquid gleamed under the low lights, and his Rolex flashed as he turned his wrist to glance at the time.

When I slid into my seat, he didn’t offer a greeting. He tossed out a question, sharp and clipped. “Where’s Oliver?”

I reached for my water as the waiter filled my glass. “With the sitter.”

Trey frowned. “You’d rather leave him with a babysitter than let him see his dad?”

I took a slow sip, willing myself to stay calm. “You said you wanted to talk about him. I’m not going to let him hear us work out visitation.” As if you ever come around anyway.

He set the menu down. “It’s time you let me spend more time with my son.”

I exhaled, already exhausted. “I never stopped you. You’re always on some big business trip halfway around the world. I didn’t even know you were back in town until I heard people whispering about it in the hallway at work.”

“I was going to call you,” he said, dismissive. “I had to take care of some things.”

My brows drew together. “What’s more important than your son that you claim you want to see?”

His lips thinned. “Hey, I don’t need that. We both know your little job at City Hall doesn’t begin to provide him with the life I can.”

My fingers tightened around my glass, my appetite vanishing. “I don’t want to go back and forth with you. We did that years ago. If you want to be in Oliver’s life, let me know so we can be good co-parents.”

Before he could respond, a waiter arrived, setting down a plate of appetizers. Trey immediately helped himself, not even bothering to offer me any.

Between bites, he said, “I’m taking him to the Kentucky Derby in a couple of weeks. And don’t worry, we’ll be back in plenty of time for your Fun Day.”

“Family Day.”

The idea of Trey whisking Oliver away on an out-of-state trip didn’t sit well with me, but I had to be fair. “Just... please make it a father-son thing. No flashy parties, no women.”

“You got it. But you’re the one going around town with flashy athletes.” He leaned back, swirling the last of his martini. “I saw you and Stone’s picture all over that comedy club’s social media.” He angled his head. “It’s not a good look.”

I stiffened. “Cody is—”

Trey downed the rest of his drink, a drop slipping down his chin. “I don’t know what you and that guy got going on, but make sure my son isn’t part of it.”

I took a steady breath, forcing myself to stay civil. “I heard you out, Trey. Just like always, I put Oliver first. That hasn’t changed.” I pushed my empty plate aside, no longer in the mood to order dinner. “I need to get home. It’s been a long day.”

Trey barely looked up as his phone buzzed on the table. Without missing a beat, he picked it up, already distracted by whoever was on the other end. “Yeah?” he answered smoothly, as if I had already left.

I stood, sliding my chair back without another word.

As I walked out of the restaurant, the tension in my shoulders didn’t ease, but at least I was free of my ex. For now.

CODY

I pushed through another round on the heavy bag, sweat rolling down my back, my knuckles stinging under the wraps. My focus this Sunday morning should’ve been locked in footwork and precision. But instead, my brain kept short-circuiting back to Emily.

Whenever she laughed at the comedy club a few nights ago, it lit up her whole face. She had that soft kind of beauty, the kind that made a man want to reach out just to see if it was real. Her hair looked just as touchable. I had no business thinking about it.

Or the way she’d made sure Max had a treat at the comedy club. The one little gesture stuck with me .

I threw a harder punch, forcing my head back into the fight. This thing between us was just for show. That’s it.

“Looks like the internet has a lot to say about you and your date the other night.”

I turned to see Liam smirking as he leaned against the ropes. I reached for my water bottle while listening to him.

“Some of your online female fans especially have plenty of things to say about it,” he added.

“You know I never look at that stuff.”

“Yeah, lucky you,” Liam scoffed. “A couple million followers and all you ever post is fight pics. No captions, nothing.”

I took a long drink. “Guess some people like me to keep it simple.”

Liam rolled his eyes and grabbed the pads. “Come on, let’s spar a few rounds.”

I shoved my hands back into my gloves. Fake or not, Emily was getting under my skin. I needed to fight it off. The Intercontinental Battle Royale was coming up right behind me and if I didn’t focus on winning, I’d lose everything.

Liam grinned as he dodged a jab from me. “Now that’s the Cody I know.”

I just hoped getting punched a few times would knock some sense back into me.

We practiced for a few more rounds before I had to wrap it up and meet Emily and her son at the park. The sting of the sparring session lingered in my muscles as I stepped out of the gym, showered and refreshed. The walk through the park was filled with the usual—joggers, dog walkers, a few people who recognized me. Some waved, some whispered. I nodded politely but didn’t slow down. Today wasn’t about them.

Today was about Emily.

As soon as I spotted her by the pond, my focus narrowed in. She stood with her back to me, her small body hugged by a matching leggings and jacket set. The outfit highlighted the curves I’d tried really hard not to notice before. Gold hoop earrings peeked out beneath her baseball cap, and when she turned toward Oliver, laughing at what he said, I felt something in my stomach.

Damn, I didn’t have time for flutters.

Before I could overthink it, Oliver spotted me. His baseball cap, already slipping forward, flew off his head as he bolted toward me.

“Let’s do some moves!” he yelled, already shadowboxing. His little fists pumped the air with determination.

Emily turned at his outburst, her eyes meeting mine. She smiled, easy and bright. The flutter in my gut turned into a full-blown somersault.

“Hey, champ,” I said, catching Oliver’s hat before the wind took it. I ruffled his hair, chestnut brown with tight curls just like his mom, before setting it back on his head.

“You ready?” He grinned up at me, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He also had Emily’s big smile and dark brown eyes.

Emily laughed, stepping closer. “You’ve created a monster. He’s been practicing in the mirror all morning.”

I took in the warmth in her eyes, the way the sunlight caught the sheen of her skin. I had a feeling this Sunday was going to be a little harder to keep things strictly business than I’d planned.

EMILY

AFTER CODY SPENT SOME time showing my son a few kicks and light footwork, we took a break to eat. Oliver, being Oliver, got distracted by the ducks near the pond and decided they were his new opponents. He flapped his arms, running in circles, pretending they were chasing him. Max’s tail flopped from side to side as he observed.

I laughed as I watched. “I swear, he has endless energy.”

Cody stretched his long legs out on the blanket. “Good trait to have.”

I turned to him, still smiling, only to find him already looking at me. My breath stalled. His gaze was different today, something deeper was there. He looked relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen before. The sharp, guarded edges of him seemed softer here, sitting under the warm sun, watching Oliver play.

“You’re good with him,” I murmured, my voice quieter than I meant it to be.

Cody shrugged, refusing to take a compliment from me. “He’s a cool kid.” A pause. “You’re a good mom.”

My breath caught again. I got compliments all the time about my work, my organization and ability to handle chaos. This felt more personal.

I swallowed, looking away toward Oliver, who was still caught up in his game. “I try.”

Cody’s hand brushed against mine on the blanket, and a spark of warmth shot up my arm. When I turned back to him, the air between us tightened. The attraction had been there before, simmering under the surface. I believed I felt it from him at the comedy club. Today it was still there. It felt real, maybe more dangerous.

And then, he leaned in.

It wasn’t rushed or forceful, just a steady, deliberate press of his lips against mine. Soft but sure.

My heart tripped over itself. For a moment, I forgot everything else. The park and the people around us faded because all I could focus on was Cody. His warmth, the scratch of stubble along his jaw, the way his lips moved against mine with an aching gentleness that worked to undo me.

I couldn’t help myself. I began to kiss him back, reaching up to touch the side of his face with my fingertips.

“Mom! Cody! They’re really chasing me now!”

We jerked apart just as Oliver came barreling toward us, two very determined ducks waddling after him.

Cody chuckled under his breath. “Guess we should save that for later.”

I could barely form words. My lips still tingled as my pulse hammered in my ears.

Oliver dove onto the blanket between us, breathless and laughing. I barely heard what he said next because all I could think about was how Cody just kissed me. I liked it. A lot. Only now, I had no idea where that left us.

DAYS LATER, THE PICNIC with Cody settled in my head, rent-free.

I kept replaying the way he had been so patient with Oliver, how he’d encouraged him without making him feel small. He had this grounding presence that made me feel safe in a way I hadn’t experienced with a man before.

And then there was our kiss. Despite our fake date for the press, the kiss felt like the real thing.

That was a whole other problem.

I couldn’t let myself get carried away. This was just for publicity. I originally thought it would make a good performance to drum up interest in Family Day and boost Cody’s image leading into the Intercontinental Battle Royale. No more, no less.

I reminded myself of that fact as I wrapped up work for the day, making sure everything was set for the next step in our little arrangement. I confirmed with Oliver’s babysitter that I’d be out this evening after Cody’s press conference. More people were arriving in town for the fight, and the buzz was growing. Reporters, sports analysts, even a few celebrities were being spotted all over Main Street’s restaurants and shops. Mama was having a blast selling unique pieces to the new customers, and my cousin Angelique got to show off her modeling skills for them. It was exactly the kind of attention that made this “relationship” perfect timing.

“Emily, you’ve outdone yourself.” My coworker, Geraldene, stopped me in the break room. “The way you timed Family Day right before that MMA fight? Genius. Mayor Jenkins is thrilled with the turnout projections.”

I smiled, accepting the praise even though I increasingly felt out of my element. Coordinating events for the city was one thing. Fake dating a famous athlete who had the power to draw in millions of fans and a ton of media? That was a different league.

Judging by the morning headlines, people were eating it up.

I saw my own face staring back at me from the homepage of the Sunridge Chronicle news website. A smaller photo of me and Cody from the comedy club was tucked in the corner, but the main picture was from the park. Cody and I sitting close, Oliver sandwiched between us, all three of us laughing.

Even the major news outlets were picking up the story. I should’ve been happy that this spur-of-the-moment idea Cody and I had was working, but he only intended it to just be a fake relationship to get Trey off my case. I was the one who took it to the next level, and now I wasn’t sure if I got in over my head.

After work, I raced home to get ready for the press conference. Mama was there waiting for me. I told her earlier I didn’t have anything appropriate to wear. She came to my rescue. I ran my hands down the fabric of the sleek royal blue dress she picked out for me at the boutique. I studied the boatneck neckline and long sleeves. “Are you sure about this one? It’s very, I don’t know, tight looking.”

“Body con is trending. It’s perfect.” She lifted the dress from where it was splayed on the couch to hold it up to my frame. “Understated, but elegant. You’ll look beautiful.”

I took the dress upstairs to my bedroom mirror and glanced at my reflection. Cody and I were supposed to head to dinner after the press conference. The dress was more than I’d normally wear out, but this wasn’t just any outing. I had another night where I had to play my role.

I could do this. I had to do this. Once Family Day and Cody’s big fight was over, everything would return to normal. A nagging feeling stayed in my chest after I showered and lotioned my body.

Normal was good, right? Safe, predictable. But as I slipped into my dress and caught my reflection in the mirror, the thought of going back to the way things were felt... hollow.

I decided on an evening purse and ordered an Uber. I figured I might want a glass of wine tonight, and didn’t want to worry about parking in the heavy traffic that the press conference would attract to Warriors Den.

Cool evening air settled around me as I stepped outside when my ride arrived. On the drive to Cody’s training facility, I looked out at the neon lights and street traffic of the town. Car horns and the patter of light rain on the windows filled the silence.

The car turned down the street where Warriors Den was located. My fingers tightened around my clutch bag. The closer I got to the press conference, the more the weight of the night settled on me. Another event. Another set of eyes watching.

By the time I arrived at the facility and was ushered into the press room, it was already alive with flashing cameras and murmured questions. I sat down in the front and smoothed my hands over the dress, watching as Cody sat at the long table with the other fighters. He wore a black dress shirt, the fabric stretching just enough to hint at the strength beneath. His big hands were enough to send my thoughts in an entirely inappropriate direction. Paired with dark slacks and his usual quiet confidence, he looked sharp and controlled.

As if he could sense me watching, his eyes lifted, cutting through the chaos of the room until they locked onto mine. It was only a flicker of recognition. He gave me a small nod and a quirk of a smile before he refocused on the reporters.

He sat at the long table with the other fighters while they answered questions. Some of the guys leaned into the moment, cracking jokes and playing to the crowd. Cody, though, didn’t waste words as he answered each question.

“Stone, what do you think about your opponent’s statement that he’s going to knock you out in the second round?” a reporter asked.

Cody barely reacted. “He’s welcome to try.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What more is there?”

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, but Cody remained serious. He wasn’t there to perform, at least not in the way the others were. I admired that about him.

Max sat by his side, panting happily, completely at ease in the noisy room. The dog was practically an extension of Cody, strong and watchful.

The conference wrapped up, and as Cody made his way toward me, my pulse picked up. He didn’t hesitate, sliding an arm around my waist and drawing me close. His lips brushed my cheek, warm and firm.

“Let’s get out of here.” His voice tickled as he murmured into my ear.

I barely had time to process his touch before a voice cut through the room, louder than the murmuring reporters.

“I have a question.” Trey popped his head up from the back of the crowd.

My stomach dropped. A few reporters turned, some already raising their phones to capture whatever spectacle was about to unfold.

My ex adjusted the cuff of his tailored blazer, his Rolex catching the overhead lights. His smile was all polished confidence as he ignored the reporters waiting their turn. Instead, he directed his attention straight to Cody’s opponent, Marcus Ray.

“How exactly do you plan to knock out Stone? I can’t see him lasting too long in the ring with you.”

A hush fell over the crowd. I shot Trey a sharp look, my irritation burning under my skin. He was embarrassing himself, and to an extent, me. Cody, however, remained calm. His expression didn’t change, though a tightness set into his jaw.

Marcus leaned forward, playing into the moment with a wink and a smirk. “It won’t take long. He’s tough, sure, but I’ve got power. He won’t last past round two.”

Cody exhaled through his nose, turning his attention to Trey. “You seem pretty invested in my fight.”

Trey put on his slick businessman grin. “I just like to bet on the winning horse.”

Cody hooded his eyes, looking more bored than angry. “Better rethink your wager.”

The tension stretched between them, thick and heavy. Then, with a dismissive glance, Cody turned back to the reporters. “Any more real questions?”

Laughter broke out, and Trey’s smirk faltered just a fraction.

I wanted to shrink into the floor, but I refused to let Trey see how much he irritated me. He tried to play it cool after Cody neutralized his attempt at verbal sparring. He lifted one shoulder in a shrug, smiled and sauntered off like he hadn’t just made a complete ass of himself.

The press conference wrapped up quickly after that. The major news outlets were already running with the story. Reporters snapped photos, capturing the moment. I told myself that’s what this was for.

Cody’s hand rested on my lower back, guiding me through the crowd. The tension from the press conference still crackled around me. Trey’s smug voice looped in my head. I was usually the one who managed the media, who kept her cool under pressure. Yet right now? I was frazzled.

“Keep walking.” Cody kept his voice low.

My legs moved on autopilot. Max kept pace on my other side, his fur brushing against my calf like he was standing guard. The questions from the media started as soon as we stepped outside. I squeezed my eyes shut as lights flashed in my face.

“Cody, how do you feel about Trey Larson’s comments?”

“Emily, is this relationship serious?”

“Cody, you’ve stayed quiet on social media about this. Why?”

Cody didn’t break stride. His grip on me tightened, protective. “Not tonight, folks.”

We made it to his truck, and he opened the passenger door for me. I climbed in, my pulse still racing. Max hopped into the back seat, and as soon as Cody shut his door and started the engine, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Silence stretched between us for a beat.

Then I snapped.

“Trey is such an ass.”