Page 9

EMILY

M onday morning at City Hall was chaos.

Family Day was less than a week away, which meant back-to-back meetings, last-minute permit approvals, and triple-checking every single vendor. I barely had time to breathe, let alone think about this past weekend.

But apparently, everyone else had time.

As I walked toward my office, I caught the sound of hushed voices and giggles. Linda and a few women from accounting were crowded around a desk, their eyes glued to a screen. I didn’t think much of it until I heard my name.

“Emily’s looking good these days,” one of them uttered.

I slowed my steps. Linda, sensing me, smacked the other woman’s arm, but it was too late. Their faces turned guilty as they noticed me standing there.

I followed their gazes to the screen. A tabloid headline stood out, complete with a picture of me and Cody at the arcade. City Hall Sweetheart Parties While Baby Daddy’s Away!

I felt my stomach tighten. This was nothing new. For years, I’d been used to people whispering about me and Trey, how I fumbled the bag for not marrying him. How we could’ve been, in their minds, this successful, picture-perfect family.

The difference was, this time, I wasn’t hiding and I wasn’t about to be shamed for my choice to protect both myself and Oliver from Trey’s selfishness.

I squared my shoulders, forced a calm expression, and stepped closer. “Let me see.”

Linda hesitated before tilting the screen toward me. I skimmed the article, rolling my eyes at the dramatics. “Parties? Really? Since when was playing Space Invaders considered a wild night out?”

I could feel my co-workers watching me, waiting for me to shrink back like I always did. I lifted a brow and gave a laugh. “You know, they left out the part where I beat Cody at pinball. That’s the real scandal.”

Linda snorted before quickly covering her mouth. The tension in the room shifted. I gave them a wink and walked away, my head held high.

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel the need to apologize for simply living my life. I liked Cody, and I planned to see him at the Warriors Den later tonight. For once, I wasn’t going to let the rest of the world tell me that was wrong.

CODY

THE GYM WAS PACKED tonight. Fighters moving through drills, trainers calling out corrections. I should’ve been locked in and focused yet instead, my eyes kept drifting to Emily.

She sat on the bench near the edge of the mats, watching me. I could feel the weight of her gaze. I smiled at her between rounds and wiped sweat from my forehead. “You’re staring pretty hard over there.”

Emily, instead of looking embarrassed, lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Can you blame me? But I’m headed out for a little bit. See you later. ”

Damn. The look in her eyes sent a jolt straight to my gut. I turned back toward the heavy bag, forcing my attention onto my combos while I tried to robotically tune my mind in for the Intercontinental. Focus. Fight’s coming up. No distractions.

Easier said than done. My brain was stuck on last Saturday. I still remembered the way she’d felt beneath me. It wasn’t just the pleasure, though, hell, it had been unforgettable. She saw me as more than an athlete. She respected how I lived my life with PTSD and she saw through the tough mask of survival I wore to make it in the world.

I wanted her again, but not just for a night or when no one was watching. I wanted her in my corner for real. But wanting something and knowing how to ask for and keep it? That was a whole different fight.

Emily left at lunchtime. I didn’t expect her to show up later in the day, but there she was, walking back into the gym after my post-workout stretch and ice bath. She carried a bag and a cup.

“I figured you could use this,” she said, handing over a protein shake. “And I got you a salmon stir fry with sweet potatoes. It’s from that new restaurant I overheard some of the other athletes mention.”

I took the shake, eyeing her as I sipped. “Thoughtful as always. Thanks.”

She hesitated, like she was gathering in her thoughts. “It’s crunch time, right? Fight’s coming up?”

I nodded, rolling my shoulders. “I can’t put a lot of my attention to this like I used to.”

Emily’s expression shifted. “On our fake relationship, or our actual one?”

“Cody, let’s go!” Before I could even begin to figure out what to say, the trainers walked in. “We got new video of Ray’s last fight you need to watch.”

Emily took a small step back. “I heard of boxers watching videos to learn their opponent’s moves. Is that what that is?”

I nodded. “It’s called film study. I’m learning all I can about Ray’s weak points.”

“I can let you get back to your session.”

I gave her an apologetic look. “Talk later?”

She nodded, but the smile she gave me didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, of course.”

She set my food down and left. Her question stayed behind with me.

I replayed it in my head as I wrapped my hands again. Our fake relationship, or our actual one? She left fast. Did I mess up by not answering? If the trainers hadn’t walked in—if I’d had the chance—what would I have said?

EMILY

I LEFT THE GYM FASTER than I probably should have, but I couldn’t shake the embarrassment creeping up my neck. Our fake relationship, or our actual one? Why did I say that?

I should’ve just left things alone. But no, I had to go and ask Cody that question. And worse, he didn’t answer. Maybe that was his answer.

I sighed as I pushed open the door to Mama’s boutique, the soft chime of the bell above announcing my arrival. The familiar scent of vanilla and fresh cotton welcomed me in. I needed to take my mind off the fact that I’d just made things ten times more awkward between Cody and me.

Mama stood behind the counter, adjusting the display of pastel scarves. She barely glanced up before giving me the look . The one that said I know something’s up, and I will find out what it is.

“Doing some retail therapy?” she asked, a teasing note in her voice.

I grabbed a hanger off the rack and turned it toward the light, pretending to examine the cute floral blouse like it was the most interesting thing in the world. “Just looking for an outfit for Family Day.”

“Uh-huh.” Mama set down a scarf and leaned on the counter. “You look different.”

My stomach flipped. “Different how?”

“Happier.”

I let out a laugh, a little too quickly. “I’ll be happy when this week is over.”

She hummed like she didn’t believe me for a second.

I could feel her gaze on me, knowing, patient. She could probably tell things shifted, that I was flustered, and the reason for it was a certain gruff, ridiculously attractive MMA fighter.

I kept my eyes on the clothes, pretending to focus. My head was still back at Warriors Den, replaying Cody’s stoic expression. Had I imagined our connection? Or had I just made a complete fool of myself?

After another ten minutes of browsing, mostly to avoid Mama’s knowing glances, I finally picked out a soft pink matching top and shorts set. It was a simple but cute outfit for Family Day. Mama rang me up, still eyeing me like she was waiting for me to spill my secrets. I was done making a mess of things today. I’d tell her after Family Day, after I had a chance to breathe and the media shifted focus on Cody’s big fight. I gave her a quick hug before heading out the door, promising I’d stop by later in the week.

Once I settled into my car, I let out a long breath. This was...a lot. Between the gym, my own runaway feelings, and now Mama’s watchful eyes, I felt like I was being pulled in too many directions at once.

Just as I started the engine, my phone rang.

Oliver.

A relieved smile crossed my lips as I answered. “Hey, sweetie. How’s my big guy?”

“Hi, Mom!” His little voice chirped, bright and full of excitement. “Guess what?”

“What?” I grinned, leaning back in my seat.

“I got to see real horses at the Derby. And they run super fast.” His words tumbled out in a rush. “And I got to eat a big pretzel! And Dad got me a hat, but it’s too big.”

I laughed. “That all sounds so fun. I bet you had the best time.”

“I did.” He paused for a second, then his voice took on a different kind of excitement. “Hey, is Cody gonna be at Family Day?”

“Uh...yeah, he’ll be there.”

“Cool! He’s really strong, right?”

“He is.” I smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“I wanna see him punch something.” Oliver giggled. “But not a person. That’s bad.”

I laughed again. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe he’ll show you some cool moves.”

“That would be so cool.” He yawned, the excitement in his voice softening. “I can’t wait to see you, Mom. Family Day is gonna be the best.”

“It sure is, sweetheart.” My chest ached with love for him. “I’ll see you so soon, okay? Sleep tight.”

“Night, Mom.”

I hung up, staring at my phone for a moment before setting it down in my lap. Oliver was excited to see Cody. The question was, how did Cody really feel about us?

I started the car, heading home with more questions than answers.

Later on that night, a knock at the door made me jump from the couch. I glanced at the clock. 10:17 PM. Who on earth...?

I set my book down and padded toward the front door in my simple cotton robe and matching nightie, my heart thumping a little. When I opened it, Cody stood there, looking tired yet determined.

I blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I was in my head too much today. I think it’s because I hadn’t seen you.”

That admission sent a flutter through my chest, but I kept my expression neutral. I noticed his eyes skimming the outline of my body in the thin robe. I stepped aside to let him in. “Where’s Max?”

“Noshing on a rawhide in the truck. He’ll be ok for a while.”

I nodded, closing the door behind him. “Want some water? Or I think I have some sports drinks in the fridge.”

“Water’s good.”

I grabbed a bottle and handed it to him before settling on the couch. Cody took a sip, then joined me, his posture relaxed but his eyes still carrying unspoken words. I twiddled my fingers. If I was ever going to get rid of this tension, I needed to speak up. “I didn’t mean to throw you off at the gym,” I said softly, tucking my legs under me. “I just—”

“You didn’t. I just wasn’t expecting it.” He twisted the cap back onto the bottle and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve been thinking about you when I shouldn’t be.”

My stomach flipped. “Oh.”

His lips quirked, the hint of a smirk there. “Yeah. ‘Oh.’”

I swallowed, tracing a pattern on the couch cushion. “I pulled back because I didn’t want to pressure you. I know how important this fight is.”

Cody shifted, turning to face me more fully. “It is, but it doesn’t mean I want space from you. I thought that was what I needed a while ago, but I was wrong.” His gaze locked onto mine. “Em, I don’t want you to pull away.”

My breath caught in my throat. The vulnerability in his voice, the way he was looking at me, it was more certain.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say, until I thought of Oliver. I smiled a little. “You know, my son thinks you walk on water.”

Cody’s brow lifted. “That so?”

“He can’t wait to see you at Family Day.”

He reached for my hand, his fingers brushing over mine. “What about his mom?”

I swallowed hard. “What about her?”

Cody gave a gentle squeeze of my hand. “You pulled away.” His voice was quieter as he revealed his feelings. “I don’t want you to.”

I should have been nervous, but I wasn’t. Not this time. Instead, warmth spread through me, soft and sure. “I don’t want to, either.”

A slow smile spread across his lips. He sat back against the couch, his arm draped along the backrest like he was trying to keep himself in check. Such an old-fashioned guy.

“I like having you here,” I admitted, my voice softer than I intended.

He still wore a smile, the ‘aw shucks’ kind that made me melt. “Yeah?”

Instead of answering, I moved. A major move for me. Pulse fluttering, I changed positions and shifted onto his lap, my knees bracketing his hips. Though surprise lit up his face, his hands found my waist on instinct. His fingers flexed like he was already struggling with how much to touch me.

“Yeah.” I leaned in until our noses brushed. “I don’t want you to leave just yet.”

A sharp breath left him, his grip tightening. “You know I can’t say no to you when you look at me like that.”

“Good,” I whispered before sealing my mouth to his.

His control snapped.

One of his hands slid up my back, pulling me flush against him, while the other gripped my thigh, sliding the robe up in the process and anchoring me in place. I could feel the strength coiled beneath his skin, the heat of him searing through my clothes.

I rolled my hips experimentally, and a low groan rumbled through his chest. “You’re making it real hard to be a gentleman right now.”

I smiled against his lips, threading my fingers into his hair. “Then don’t be.”

I’d spent too long playing it safe, holding myself back. But with Cody? I wanted this. Judging by the deep intentional look of lust in his eyes, he wanted it just as badly.

I untied my robe and tossed it on the cushion next to me.

The fabric of my nightie slipped off my shoulders. Cody’s eyes stormed with a hunger that set off every nerve ending in my body. His hands roamed over my skin.

With a soft gasp, I lifted my nightie, baring myself to him completely, a silent invitation that he accepted.

Straddling him on the couch, I felt a surge of power. Cody’s hands squeezed my breasts, brushed over my stomach while his mouth found my nipples. I tilted my head back in a moan.

He caught the back of my neck, cradling my head, and leaned in. His lips brushed mine as he traced them with his tongue.

The room spun. I rocked my hips against his hard cock that pressed against his jeans, desperate to feel more of that heat.

“Cody,” I moaned into his mouth. “I want you in me.”

He yanked the zipper of his fly down. I got his cock free of his briefs and shifted my hips again, this time to let the lips of my vagina lightly skim the tip. He made me stop only for the brief seconds it took for him to remove a condom from his wallet and get it on.

He grabbed my hips, fingers digging into soft flesh as he pulled me down onto him. Our eyes met again, and I saw something raw and powerful flicker in his gaze.

The moment he was buried inside me, it was like coming home. Every nerve ending lit up in delight, sparks flying between our bodies.

He groaned as he started to move, a slow deep thrust that had me arching my back in response. He kissed me hard while moving his hips in a rhythm that threatened to upend me. It was just how I needed it.

With each thrust, he plunged deeper, hitting that sweet spot inside me with every stroke, filling the silence with the wet sound of skin slapping against skin.

The room spun faster and faster, my mind blanking out as pleasure consumed me.

“Cody,” I whispered, close to the edge. “I'm almost there.”

His teeth bit into his lower lip as he picked up the pace, hips pistoning hard against mine. He felt so good. It was too much.

I shut my eyes and moaned loud as pleasure crashed over me.

His hands tightened on my hips, his touch firm yet gentle as he rode out the wave of my orgasm with me. Then I felt his body shuddering against mine.

The sensation of him coming was so intimate. I felt close to him in that moment. My eyes filled with tears.

Cody ended up staying with me that night. Max had the whole run of the downstairs to himself for the next several hours as Cody and I sought release and pleasure in my bed. Afterward, we lay tangled in the sheets, our bodies still warm from the fire we’d built together. He traced slow, lazy patterns along my spine. I nestled closer, breathing him in, letting the steady rhythm of his heart calm the rush of my emotions.

Neither of us spoke, but words weren’t necessary. In that moment, everything felt right. I didn’t want to think about what came next for us, or when we had to face everyone again. I just wanted to exist here, wrapped up in him, in us, for as long as I could.