Life for Max slowed down as finals approached. He spent nearly every moment outside of class and training with Tori. They became more of a couple. She nagged less about MMA. She was even more open to tender moments of affection in public. However, as finals ended, Tori headed home to Duluth, and Quinn left to stay with his brother in La Crosse, leaving Max alone on campus. Max offered multiple times to visit Quinn or for Quinn to come to New Ulm. Each time Quinn told him that he was busy. Max knew that tone in Quinn’s voice. His friend was up to something and it probably wasn’t good.
He made as many trips to Duluth to see Tori as he could afford. She came back to Mankato at least one weekend a month. Since Max spent most of his weekends in New Ulm with his family, Tori went along with him and stayed at the house. He could see the changes in Tori. His family certainly didn’t. The few days they were all together were always tense.
And not once did Max take her to his bridge in the park.
Max was distracted from being alone by the offer of another fight. Only having to share Chuck with a couple of guys versus an entire team was a huge benefit. Chuck analyzed every strike, every hold. He helped Max iron out each misstep.
When Max faced off against his next opponent, a former three-time champion, he was more than ready. A minute and a half into the first round, Max defeated the fighter with a rear naked choke. Everyone congratulated his win, even people he had never met before. Days after, rumors flew around the gym that his next would be a pro fight.
»»•««
He took a swig of water from his water bottle as he waved goodbye to his client. The bubbly brunette giggled as she waved back. His final year of college started in three weeks. All he could think about was graduation and how much he missed Tori. He startled as he felt a vibration against his leg. Reaching into his pocket, he dug out his cell and answered it. “This is Max.”
“Hey, man,” Quinn responded.
“Hey, what’s up? I’ve hardly heard from you.”
“I wanted to let you know that I have a fight this weekend.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I told you about mine. I would have talked to Chuck and come help you train.”
“My brother and his friends worked with me. It’s all good. I have tickets for you and Tori.”
“I’ll call her and see if she wants to meet up.”
“No need. I called her yesterday.”
Max frowned. Why are you calling my girlfriend? She’s free to talk to anyone she wants but still… “All right. We’ll see you this weekend.”
“See you then.”
Max ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket. Shrugging, he moved on to his next appointment, even though Quinn’s confession that he talked to Tori still ate at him. He’d call Tori after practice. If anything, it’s another excuse to see her.
»»•««
Max’s heart leapt in his throat when he found Tori leaning against her car in the mall parking lot. The summer sun glistened off her long, blonde locks. Her jean shorts cut off at the edge of her thigh, and her tank top revealed quite a bit of sun-kissed skin. So beautiful…
He grinned at her. “Hey gorgeous.”
She smiled back as she pushed off her vehicle and sashayed to him. “Hey baby.”
“Ready to go?”
“Of course.” She turned to lock her car with the key fob before climbing into his. He followed her, firing it back on and pulling onto the highway.
“So Quinn called you?” Max questioned, fighting the jealousy from his voice.
“He wanted to see how my summer was going,” she answered.
“Oh. So just that one time?”
“Actually once a week maybe.”
Max gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Huh.”
She reached across the console and squeezed him. “You don’t need to worry. You’re my only man. You’re the only one I’m cuddling with tonight. I plan to fall asleep in your arms.”
Max chuckled. “Good to hear.”
They chattered to each other as they drove to the arena. Max couldn’t believe how much he missed this beauty. I might have to make us permanent.
Quinn was waiting outside with a big grin on his face. “You guys made it.”
Max wrapped his hand around Tori’s. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
He handed the tickets to Tori and then led them inside. “You’re in for a show.”
They each gave Quinn a hug before he rushed to the back to get ready. They found their seats. Tori wasn’t kidding about the cuddling. She was nearly in his lap before the fights started. Max laughed to himself. Of course. There’s the octagon right there.
Max and Tori watched the first four fights quietly snuggled together, sharing kisses every few moments. He hooted and hollered when Quinn stormed to the octagon with his brother and his brother’s friends on his heels. When the ref yelled “fight” it was easy to see that his best friend had trained himself. Quinn’s combos were sloppy. Luckily, he made it through round one.
He didn’t make it through round two. A right hook to the temple landed Quinn on the floor. Max leapt to his feet, nearly knocking Tori on the floor. An urge deep in his soul demanded he jump the barriers to get to Quinn. Common sense reminded him that it would only make things worse. He helplessly watched medics tend to the injured fighter. Quinn staggered to his feet in time for his opponent to be declared the winner.
Max kept his eyes on the curtain that blocked the arena from the locker rooms, waiting for Quinn. His belly churned in worry. He snarled when he noticed Quinn’s brother and his friends slip into the crowd without Quinn. Was he all right? Max paced the floor as the arena lights came up after the last fight.
Finally, once the arena was nearly empty, Quinn shuffled out, his bag slung over his shoulder. His steps wobbled as he made his way to the door.
Max led Tori across the room until they stood in Quinn’s path. “Hey, man. Are you all right?”
Quinn half mumbled as he weakly shoved at Max. His bag slipped from his hand, hitting the floor with a thud. Without warning he lurched forward and vomited on Max’s shoes.
“Is he okay?” Tori cried in alarm as she hopped out of the potential line of fire.
“Nope. He has a concussion I’m guessing. We need to get him to the hospital.” Max looped his arm under Quinn’s to steady him. He helped his best friend out of the arena and to the car, with Tori on his heels carrying Quinn’s bag.
He hurried as fast as he could to the hospital, casting a wary look at Quinn every few moments. At the first sign of him getting sick he was going to pull over. He certainly didn’t need to clean puke out of his car. Tori sat amazingly quiet in the backseat. Glancing at the rearview mirror, he could see the worry on her face.
Max pulled Quinn out of the passenger side when they arrived before putting down the seat for Tori. Helping Quinn inside, they stopped at the check-in desk. “We need a doctor. I think my friend has a concussion.”
The nurse glanced up at them. “It looks like he has more than a concussion.” She handed Max a clipboard then stood. “Fill those out. I’ll take him to triage to get his vitals.” She rounded the desk and supported Quinn on her shoulder. Carefully she guided the injured to another room. Max took Tori’s hand in his and led her to the empty chairs.
He glanced at the forms once he settled in his seat. “I have no idea how to answer most of these questions,” he muttered.
“I thought you said he was your best friend,” Tori pried.
“He is. But I don’t have his insurance card or Social Security number. Those are things we don’t share. I’ll fill out what I do know and call his folks later when we know more from the doctor.”
They sat in silence until the triage nurse returned with Quinn and helped him into a chair. He clung to the basin they gave him for dear life. Only a few moments later his name was called. The nurse led them to a room and took Quinn’s vitals again. She left them with a small smile as she closed the door.
It felt like an eternity before the doctor arrived. Max and Tori stared at each other. The quiet was only broken by Quinn’s painful moans.
They both jumped in their seats as the doctor opened the door and stepped inside. “What brings you in today?”
“Our friend has a concussion I think,” Max reported.
“Let me see.” The doctor crossed the room to the gurney to examine Quinn. The fighter nearly crawled into a ball when the physician flashed the light in his eyes. He heaved when told to follow the path of the doctor’s finger. Shaking his head, the physician shook his head. “I’m going to order at CT scan. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Tori scuttled across the exam room to Max as they waited for Quinn to return from his test. She cuddled against him. “I can’t wait to get back to the hotel.”
“Me too.”
He softly kissed her, cradling her face in his hand. He didn’t know how long they were kissing. He was lost in the sensation of her soft lips against his. They didn’t part until the technician returned with Quinn in a wheelchair. “Get a room.” It was the only coherent thing Quinn had muttered since the fight.
The doctor returned a short while later. “You are right. He has a concussion. He will have to have someone stay with him to wake him up periodically through the night.”
Max and Tori looked at each other. He sighed. Quinn’s brother and his friends had gone out for the night. Lord knows when they’d be back. “He can stay with us.”
He heard Tori’s exasperated sigh. The doctor nodded. “I’ll get the discharge instructions. It’ll be just a moment.”
It was only a couple of minutes before the doctor returned with discharge instructions. Carefully Max pulled Quinn to his feet and helped him through the corridors to the car. He couldn’t miss the disappointed look on Tori’s face. Before she slipped inside he caught her. “I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”
She forced a smile on her face. “It’s not your fault. I know you will.”
Max wove his way through the streets of La Crosse until they reached their hotel. Quinn was out the moment he hit the mattress. Max glanced at him and then at the other double bed. Tori wrapped her arms around his waist. “We can still share the same bed.”
“I’ll be up every two hours to wake up Quinn,” Max warned. “I don’t want to wake you up when I climb out of bed. It’s not like we can do anything.”
Tori huffed. “True.” She climbed into the other bed, tugging the sheets free and climbing underneath. Max shook his head sadly and then pulled his shirt off and toed his shoes free. He disappeared into the bathroom for a quick shower. I’m not wearing Quinn’s puke to bed.
Every two hours Max’s alarm chirped to wake him. The first couple of times he dutifully sat up and shook his best friend, not stopping until Quinn’s icy glare burned him. But as the night wore on Max resigned himself to nudging his bedmate with his foot until he was kicked back hard.
They spent Saturday locked in the hotel room. Quinn was buried under the covers, still sleeping soundly. Max crawled onto Tori’s bed and held her close.
“This isn’t much fun,” she complained.
“I’m sorry but I can’t ditch him,” Max defended.
“Isn’t his brother back?” She motioned around the room. “We were supposed to enjoy this alone. Naked. We can’t even try because Quinn might wake up.”
“I don’t know where his brother lives. And the guy took off and left his brother injured at the arena. I doubt he’d stick around to take care of him.” He brushed a golden lock off her shoulder. “Are you hungry?”
“Bored.”
Max dug into the pocket of his snug fitting jeans to get his car keys then pressed them into her hand. “Just be careful. All right?”
She squealed as she kissed him on the cheek and bounced off the bed. He saw her hand wave goodbye as she raced out the door with her purse. Max chuckled as he grabbed the television remote and flipped it to the first sports channel.
His stomach growled for over an hour and there was still no sign of Tori. There was a groan from under the covers just before Quinn popped his head up. “I’m starving.”
“Me too. I gave Tori my keys to the car. Does pizza sound good?”
Quinn rubbed his bruised face. One eye was half swollen shut. “Sure.”
Max pulled open the bedside drawer to get the phone book. After finding a place, he called in the order. Quinn pushed himself up to sit so he could watch the television. As soon as the pizza guy arrived with their order, complete with paper plates and napkins, they dug into boxes. Tori shuffled into the room, her arms laden with bags. “Did you get any for me?”
“Of course, baby.” Max tossed a couple of pieces on a plate and held it out to her. She dropped her bags and took it from him, scooping one piece up to munch on it. She settled next to Max on the bed, laying her head on his shoulder as he ate.
Shortly after the pizza was gone, Quinn shuffled to the bathroom and shut the door. When the shower stream hissed through the wall, Tori pounced on him, her teeth tugging on his lower lip. He rolled her beneath as he pressed his mouth against hers.
“Should I go?” Quinn growled from the doorway of the bathroom.
Max slid away from Tori and glared at him. “Was that the world’s quickest shower?”
“Sorry I didn’t give you enough time for a quickie. You can take me home.”
“Get in bed.”
Quinn trudged across the room and slipped beneath the covers. Max pressed a kiss to Tori’s lips then joined him. They quietly watched TV the rest of the night until they each drifted off to sleep.
The next morning after getting breakfast, Max and Tori dropped Quinn off at his brother’s apartment. At first, the wounded fighter hobbled up the sidewalk without a word. Anger threatened to boil over inside Max. They made the trip to see Quinn’s fight. They nursed him all weekend instead of spending the time alone. This was the thanks they got?
Before Max could open his mouth, Quinn turned slowly and limped back to them. He gave each of them a big hug. The mutter of “thanks” was barely audible but it was there. They stood stone still until he was safely in the apartment. Once he disappeared, Max nudged Tori to the car.
They held hands as they drove along the Mississippi River back to Minneapolis. Once they reached Tori’s car he climbed out of his seat and helped her out. He didn’t miss her pout.
“When will I see you?” she whimpered.
“What time do you need to be home?” Max questioned.
“I work at three tomorrow afternoon.”
A devious grin crossed his lips. “Follow me. We’ll say goodbye over breakfast tomorrow morning.”
Tori squealed and kissed him. He laughed as he got back in his car. Maybe the weekend hadn’t gone their way. But one night with Tori would definitely salvage it. One thing was certain. He couldn’t wait for the break to be over. Quinn needed to be back with the team. And Max needed his girl and his best buddy back with him every day.
»»•««
When the day arrived that Tori and Quinn returned for the fall semester, he took them both out to dinner, holding Tori close as he and Quinn chattered back and forth with each other.
Homework came on quick. With graduation in nine months, Max hit his studies hard. The first Saturday after the term had started, he woke up for an early morning workout. After lunch, he retreated to his dorm room to spend the afternoon studying.
A sudden rap tore Max from his anatomy book. He frowned as he sat back against the pillow. “Come in, Quinn.”
There was another knock. Irritated, Max stood and stormed to the door, ripping it open. I’m so not in the mood for Quinn’s crap right now.
Instead of Quinn, however, a tall, robust man with flaming red hair stood there. “Max Thomas?” he questioned.
“Yes. You are?”
“Dennis Cross. Agent. Do you have a minute to talk?”
Max stared at him for a moment, baffled. He stepped aside to let the stranger in. “You’re the third agent to contact me this week.”
“You’re a hot commodity kid.” Dennis stepped inside the small dorm room. “I can pave your way to the big time. And my rates are reasonable.”
Max leaned against the door frame, not shutting the door. “So could the other two guys. And the two guys the week before that. Their rates are reasonable too. And I’m going to tell you the same thing. I want to finish college before I consider anyone’s offer.”
“Could be too late, kid. You could get injured. Take my deal and make some money.”
“You haven’t given me a deal. Which is all right because I’m not accepting. Try back in about a year.”
Dennis shrugged as he pulled a business card out and handed it to Max. “If you change your mind.”
Max shoved the card in the back pocket of his blue jeans. “Thanks.”
Dennis nodded his farewell before he strode out of the room. Max slammed the door behind him and flipped back on his bed. He needed to talk to someone, and Tori was not the one. She would chatter nonstop about which agent held the best deal and then demand he take it, following up with coos over their marriage plans. Not that they had ever talked about marriage until this point. Where did these wedding plans come from?
He couldn’t talk to Quinn, either. Quinn might be his best friend, but he would pout excessively about the attention Max was receiving. Even though he knew his first stop should have been Chuck, he pushed the thought from his mind. There was only one place to go. Max packed up his textbooks and jogged to his Mustang to drive home.
As his tires hit New Ulm, the first stop for Max was his dad’s hardware store. He slipped the car into a parking spot and jogged inside.
He was greeted by his sister’s smiling face. “Hey, brat! What’s up?” Tami teased.
“Where’s Dad?” Max demanded.
“In the back in his office. He’s a little heated. Some guy was in here bugging him about your MMA career. He was pretty relentless.”
“Dennis Cross?”
“That’s him.”
Max sighed and shook his head. “I’ll go talk to him.” He weaved among the shelves until he reached the hall that led to the back office.
Max softly knocked on the door.
“Come in!” his father bellowed.
Max pushed open the door and forced a smile on his face. “Hey, Dad.”
His father didn’t look pleased. “Hey, Max. What brings you home?”
Max slumped into the chair beside his dad’s desk. Other than the desk and chair, there wasn’t room for much else. The window that overlooked the sales floor was the only thing that gave the room the impression of being larger than it was. “You already know. He just visited you.”
His father exhaled heavily. “Max, I agree that you’re something special. I understand why these agents are after you. But to have one come into my place of business and hound me to pressure you into hiring him…that’s unacceptable.”
“I know, Dad. I had no idea he would do that. I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
“What do you want to do?”
Max let go a halfhearted chuckle. “Graduate.”
“Then that’s your plan. Get your degree. Then you can make your decision from there. Talk to Chuck. Maybe he has an idea on how to get these guys to leave you, and us, alone for the time being.”
Max slowly smiled. He’d known his father would give him the perfect advice. “I’ll give Chuck a call on my way to the house.” He stood.
“Do you want me to call Mom and tell her you’re on the way?”
“Nah. I need to make a stop first. See you at home.” Max strode from the office to the front door, stopping only to place a quick kiss on Tami’s cheek. He slipped into the Mustang and drove in the direction of the state park.
Once Max reached the wooden bridge, he slipped his cell from his pocket. He found the fitness center in his contacts and dialed. When a voice popped up on the other line, he asked for Chuck.
“This is Chuck.”
“Hey, Chuck. It’s Max.”
“Hey, Max. Where are you? You weren’t at practice today. I needed to talk to you.”
“I escaped. Another agent stopped by my dorm room then dropped by my dad’s store and harassed him. I wanted to ask your help to get rid of them, at least until I graduate next spring.”
“Absolutely. Bring me their business cards. As your coach, I’ll demand they talk to me only.”
Max breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. You needed to talk to me?”
“Yep. You have a fight in nine weeks. A pro fight. You’re back in fight camp.”
“Awesome! I’m on it.”
“Sounds good. I have your contract. Stop in tomorrow to sign it. And to train.”
“Of course. See you tomorrow.”
Max ended the call and slipped the phone back in his pocket. He leaned against the railing. Another fight. He really couldn’t wait. Despite the stress the agents were putting on him, he loved being in the octagon. Nine weeks would fly by.
Then he sighed. He should call Tori and tell her about his fight, but she had a tendency to blow this kind of news out of proportion. He glanced around at the bridge again. They had talked about getting married. They had already started making plans for their life together.
Yet, deep in his heart, Max wasn’t ready to bring her here. The bridge was his sanctuary away from the chaos. Tori invited chaos, not protected him from it. But he wanted to kiss the woman he truly loved here. And he wanted that woman to be Tori.
Didn’t he?
Max shook his head, confused, and then leaned against the rail again. A few more minutes of peace. Then he would head home.
The house was quiet when Max stepped inside. He frowned. The front door was unlocked. They always locked it when they left. He took several hesitant steps as he searched around the darkened living room. A shrill cry nearly tore his heart from his chest.
“Max!” his mom nearly screamed.
“Mom!” he returned, clutching his hand to his chest. “You just scared the crap out of me.”
“I did? You don’t normally waltz into the house on a weekday afternoon. What are you doing here?”
“Another agent. This one stopped by the hardware store and pestered Dad too. What were you doing? And where is everyone else?”
“I’m reading. Jenny just took Tyson to his first swim lesson.”
“Aww. I wish I would have known. I’d go watch.”
“Go next week.”
“I don’t think I can. I’m back in fight camp. It’s my first pro fight.”
His mom let out another ear-piercing squeal as she hugged him tight. He chuckled as he squeezed her back. “That’s so exciting, Max! Does Dad know?”
“Do I know what?” His dad walked through the door, staring at them puzzled.
His mom nudged him as she winked. Max grinned. “I’ve got my first pro fight. I’m back in fight camp.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” His dad pulled him in for a hug. “This is incredible news! We should celebrate.”
“I’ve already started dinner,” Max’s mom chided as she laughed. “I have a lasagna in the oven that will come out about the time the girls and Tyson come home.”
“Then we’ll go out for dessert afterward. Sound good?”
Max laid his hands on each of his parent’s shoulders. “I’ll let you two hash this out. I’m going to go set the table.”
He strode into the kitchen as his parents continued to make plans for the evening. He grinned to himself. Being home was the best place to share news this big. He grabbed a stack of plates from the cupboard. He heard the scuffle of his mother’s feet on the tile.
“What did Quinn and Tori have to say about your news?” she asked. “They must be pretty excited for you.”
He placed one plate at each setting of the dining room table. “I haven’t told them yet.”
“Oh. I would have thought you would tell your closest friends news this big.”
“I will. They just have a tendency to blow this sort of stuff out of proportion. And you guys love and support me. Of course I should tell you first.”
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then quietly went to the oven to check on the lasagna. Max sighed happily as he set the final plate in its spot.
The front door opened again, this time with a little more ruckus. A tiny voice excitedly gushed. “Papa. I swimmed!”
“That’s wonderful, Tyson,” Max’s dad replied. “Guess who’s in the kitchen with Grandma?”
“I no know.”
“Go check.”
The sound of little feet on the wood floor echoed through the house. Tyson’s eyes grew wide as he toddled around the corner. “Unca Max!”
Max caught the sprinting little boy in his arms. “Hey, buddy. I hear you can swim now.”
“I swimmed!”
“That’s great, buddy.”
Tami leaned against the doorframe to the kitchen. Jenny leaned on her shoulder. “So what brings you home, little brother?”
“I came to talk to Dad. Another agent visited me. Oh, and I have my first pro fight.”
He and Tyson were suddenly swarmed with hugs from his sisters. Jenny rustled his dark hair affectionately. “Look, Tami. Our baby brother is a big shot pro fighter now.”
“Hey, can I get to the octagon first?” Max objected.
“And graduate,” his dad chimed in.
“Okay, kids. Break it up. Dinner is ready,” his mother informed them. The girls giggled as they let him go. Tami scooped Tyson from his arms and settled the little boy in his high chair. Max helped his mother carry food to the table as the others sat down. Once a quick prayer was said they heaped their plates with lasagna, salad, and garlic bread.
Jenny and Max gathered the empty plates after supper while Tami hustled Tyson to the bathroom to clean up. Max filled the sink with hot, soapy water while Jenny grabbed the towel. They laughed as they splashed each other, taking time between having fun to wash a dish or two. Once everyone was finished with their tasks, they piled into the family minivan to go for ice cream.
»»•««
Max groaned as he collapsed on the couch. The ice cream had been wonderful. His mom’s dinner had been amazing, too. He couldn’t eat another bite. A great last meal before weeks of salad and chicken breasts. Tyson crawled on the couch and curled up against him. Max held him close as they watched a movie. Glancing around, he sighed heavily.
“What’s up, kiddo?” his dad asked from his recliner.
“I want this someday,” Max murmured.
“This old house. Well, I can talk to your mom.”
“Not the house. This. Family. Splash fights while washing dishes. Snuggling on the couch. Impromptu trips to get ice cream. Everyone thinks I want the fame that comes with being an MMA fighter. I want this.”
“This didn’t come overnight. Mom and I worked hard to raise you three to be good, loving people. It takes time, Max. But you’ll get it.”
Max chuckled in disbelief. “I doubt it.”
Dad shook his head. “Max, I know you won’t like this. What if Tori isn’t ‘the one’? What if the perfect girl is still out there waiting for you?”
“I love Tori.”
“I know you do. But do you see yourself growing old with her?”
Max paused. Then he sighed as he gazed at the little boy tucked up against him sound asleep. “I don’t know.”
“Think about it, son. Think long and hard. Forever is a really long time to be with someone.”
“I know, Dad. Thanks.”
“Happy to help. It’s getting late. You should be getting on the road.”
“Do you mind if I stay here? I’m not ready to head back. I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
“This is your home. You don’t have to get my permission to sleep in your own bed.”
“Thanks again, Dad.” Max stood and scooped Tyson into his arms. The boy snored softly at the interruption. “Good night.”
“Good night, boys.”
Max pressed a kiss to his mom’s cheek before shuffling down the hall to put his nephew to bed.
He was up at sunrise to drive back to school, greeted by a plate of eggs and bacon prepared by his sleepy mother. Kissing the members of his family goodbye, he sped back to Mankato. He bypassed his dorm and headed to the fitness center to find Chuck. All he wanted to do was sign the contract. Then he would tell Tori and Quinn.
Chuck didn’t say a word when Max appeared in his office. He just handed him the paper on his desk and a pen. Once Max scribbled his signature, Chuck cocked a smile at him. “Got those business cards?”
“In my wallet,” Max answered.
“Give them to me, and I’ll get those agents off your back. Do you know where Quinn is?”
“No. Why?”
“He’s on the card too.”
Max fought back a cringe as he remembered the aftermath of Quinn’s last fight. He shrugged instead. “If I see him I’ll send him your way.”
“Thanks. Don’t forget those business cards.”
Max slipped his wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and tugged the cards free. He handed them to Chuck with a grin. Then, with a wave, Max strode from the office and out of the fitness center. It was time to find Quinn and go tell Tori the news.
Yet, something deep inside him dreaded doing it.
»»•««
Max ran along the back country road, the thumping rhythm of Eminem in his earbuds keeping time to the pace of his stride. He hated running, but he had to cut weight and keep his endurance at its peak. And being out here in the-middle-of-nowhere Minnesota gave him time to think.
He turned at the edge of the lake and journeyed down the asphalt highway past the old farmhouse where the MMA team used to have bonfires when he’d started. The grass was growing tall around the weathered structure. The lake lent the perfect background to the scene. Someday, he would live somewhere like this with his wife and children, when he was done with his MMA career.
Max sighed. His career. He’d already had three agents call, wanting to represent him, after his first fight. They’d made him offers that blew his mind. They’d also brought nothing but confusion. Was he ready for the big time? He’d only had three fights. And not one of them was pro. That one was coming in a few weeks.
He had plans for his future, plans that included owning his own gym and helping people get healthier. Was he ready to give all that up to be a fighter full-time?
Tori was no help. All she talked about was which offer he should take. When he asked her to change the topic to something else, she continued like she’d never heard him. He loved her, and he believed she only wanted the best for him. But sometimes he just needed a break to let his mind rest. And he needed her in his arms without the constant chatter about his future in MMA.
Maybe I’ll just have to silence her lips with a lot of hot kissing tonight.
As Mankato’s city limits came into view, Max directed his steps toward the cafeteria instead of the dorm. He was starving. He needed to eat. Unfortunately, those around would have to deal with his sweat for a little bit. He wiped the perspiration from his forehead with his sleeve before yanking the door open. Snatching up a tray, he shuffled through the options, picking up the healthiest available. He settled at a table by himself, taking a huge mouthful of salad.
The table wobbled a bit as the chair beside him shifted. The hand that held his second bite was yanked from his lips as a tiny pair of arms wrapped around his.
“Hey, baby,” Tori crooned.
“Hey, beautiful.” Max tugged against her grasp. “Tori, I love you, but I’m starving. Could I have my hand back?”
She let up her grip a little so he could eat, but never released him. Max shrugged and dove back into his meal.
Tori kissed his cheek. “I talked to Denver today.”
Max nearly spit out the chicken breast he had popped into his mouth. “The agent? Why?”
“He has the best offer, Max. If you sign with him, he’ll get you to the UFC.”
Max shook his head. “Tori, I don’t want you to talk to agents for me. I want to graduate. Hell, I want to get past this next fight. It’s my life.”
He couldn’t miss her lips curl into a pout. “I thought it was our life. Our future. I thought you wanted me to be your wife.”
“It is. I do. But this is my body taking a beating in the octagon. Not yours. Please, let me get through this next fight without any more agent talk. As soon as it’s over, we’ll discuss it. All right?”
Tori stared at him in silence for a long moment. Then she smiled. “All right.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.” She kissed his cheek. “So, what do you want to do tonight?”
Max let go a long exhale. “Relax. Maybe watch movies.”
“Want to stay at my apartment?”
Max grinned at her. “You know it. Let me get some clothes.” He picked up his tray and empty plates and walked them to the conveyor belt leading to the kitchen. Taking Tori’s hand in his, he led her back to his room to grab his things.
»»•««
Fight camp enveloped every moment of Max’s time when he wasn’t in class. He was up at the crack of dawn to run. He was in the fitness center four to five times a day to lift, roll, and spar. Too many times, he fell asleep in Tori’s bed before she could get ready for him. No matter how many times she tried to wake him up, he wouldn’t. Max heard all about it the next morning before he took off for his run.
Everyone was thankful when the day of weigh-ins arrived. Of course, Max and Quinn both came in at weight. Tori stole Max away for a night of homemade supper, movies, and sex, with breakfast the following morning. Max had no idea where Quinn disappeared to, but he was at the fitness center when Max arrived the next afternoon. He wasn’t very awake, but he was there.
That evening, the thundering rock music vibrated off the dark walls of the exhibition center. Max grinned. A little over a year ago, he had been quaking in his boots in this very place, waiting for his first fight. Admittedly, he was still nervous. He always would be. But it was nothing like that first night.
He grinned again as Quinn strode up and slapped him on the shoulder. “Burgers after this?”
“Hell, yeah.” Max laughed.
“How are you feeling?”
“Good. And you? You fight before me.”
“Feeling great. About to go over a couple last things with Chuck. Good luck, man. Like you need it.”
Max could sense the tinge of jealousy in my best friend’s voice. “You don’t need luck either, Quinn. That guy won’t know what hit him.”
Quinn chuckled as he tossed a short wave to Max and jogged off down the narrow corridor. Max leaned against the wall, slipping his earbuds into his ears and scrolling through his playlists. He tapped on the first song to start it playing. Then he closed his eyes, letting his mind go blank as the music echoed in his ears.
He startled at the vibration of his phone. Slipping it from his sweats pocket, he glanced at the screen.
Just sending you love before your fight.
Max smiled. Thanks, baby.
Come kiss me?
I’m trying to get ready.
Please?
Max shook his head then typed back.
Sure. But quick. K?
He tugged out the earbuds and wandered to the curtain that divided the back area from the arena. A large, muscular guy in a T-shirt with the word “Security” emblazoned on the front stood sentry. On the other side of him, Tori excitedly waited, her blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders.
As Max stepped through, Tori sashayed to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She pulled him in for a deep kiss, her tongue tangling with his. Normally, she wasn’t this affectionate in public, even now. Max still always had to initiate kisses when they were out.
When they broke apart, he glanced up to find at least a dozen people watching them. He shrugged. Whatever makes her happy.
“Knock him out, baby,” Tori cooed over the noise.
“As you wish, my lady.” Max pressed one last kiss to her lips before again retreating into the catacombs backstage.
The fights flew by quickly. Max walked with Quinn to the octagon and then stayed with Chuck to corner his best friend. He loved to corner other fighters nearly as much as he loved to fight. Maybe after his fighting career was over, he would have to coach. Quinn’s fight was finished in the second round, when Quinn locked a tight armbar on his opponent. As much as the other guy struggled, he couldn’t break free. Finally, he tapped.
Max’s fight, the last one of the night, was only two spots away. Chuck ran through final instructions as he taped Max’s hands. Despite the tension he felt, Max had to laugh. Chuck had learned a long time ago that Max never listened at the octagon. It was easier to instruct backstage. Not that Chuck wouldn’t be barking orders at the octagon too. That quirk was one of the many things Max loved about his coach.
He nodded as Chuck rambled on. “Keep your hands up. Stay focused. Don’t stop moving. Got it?”
“Yep, Coach,” Max chirped, as usual.
“Go get ’em.”
Max stood and stormed to the curtain just in time to see the fighters from the previous fight return to the back. It was show time.
Max was first to the cage, with the rest of his team on his heels. He stood patiently as the officials checked him one last time. Chuck rubbed his face down with petroleum jelly, barking the same orders as he had minutes before. Max nodded again, even though he wasn’t comprehending a word. Just let me in there. As if Chuck had heard his thoughts, he patted Max on the shoulder and motioned him toward the octagon.
Max bobbed from one foot to another as he watched his opponent approach the cage. He had heard of the guy before. The fighter was from Albert Lea and was fairly talented. But compared to Max, he was clearly the underdog.
Once his opponent had performed the same rituals Max had, he slipped into the cage. The ref went through some last minute rules then sent them to their corners. After tapping gloves to show respect, they followed his orders. He glanced at each fighter to make sure they were ready and then shouted, “Fight!”
Max defended some ill-executed jabs and crosses as he slipped from his opponent’s range. He countered with a cross then a hook, following it with a body kick deep into the man’s ribs. For a moment, Max thought it was over. But the other fighter shuffled away a few steps to recover and was right back at it.
His opponent threw a few more combos, ending with a solid leg kick just above Max’s kneecap. Seeing the perfect opportunity, Max dropped to his knee, lunging his arms around the other fighter’s waist for a takedown. Max scrambled for mount, but the other guy sat up. Somewhere in the melee, Max found his leg trapped between the other fighter’s body and his arm.
The man had Max’s heel firmly in his hand. Max saw the evil glimmer in his eyes right before he took the heel hook across his body. Before Max could tap, searing pain ripped through his leg.
Max couldn’t even stand to go to the stool in his corner. He fought the tears that burned his eyes. He had never felt so much agony in his life. Chuck appeared at his side, as did the doctor. Together, they helped Max to his feet and supported him to the waiting stool.
It didn’t take long for the doctor to examine Max’s knee. As he poked around the skin, Max clenched his eyes shut. He fought to hear the crowd to block out the pain. Unfortunately, the exhibition center was unusually quiet as they waited for the doctor’s decision.
The doctor patted Max on the shoulder as he murmured, “I’m sorry, son.” Backing away, he spun on his toe and strode toward the ref. After a few whispered words, the official nodded.
The announcer stepped inside and brought the microphone to his lips. “This fight is ended after the first round due to doctor’s decision. The winner…Kyle Smith.”
Max’s head fell. His first loss. And during a pro fight, no less.
Chuck nudged him up and hooked an arm around him. “Shake it off, Max. We have far worse things to worry about.” He nodded to the stretcher and paramedics waiting. “Let’s get to the hospital and find out what happened to your leg.”
Chuck climbed into the ambulance with Max as the medics took his vitals. He hoped someone would tell his parents and Tori where he was going. He closed his eyes and laid his head back on the thin pillow for the short ride to the hospital.
Once they arrived at the emergency room, Max was swept into an examining room. A nurse took another set of vitals and then left. Chuck disappeared down the hall. Max laid on the gurney, alone, as the worst filled his mind. From the location of the pain, he could only think of one thing. His ACL. He prayed he was wrong.
It wasn’t long before Chuck returned with Tori and Max’s parents in tow. They waited silently in the room for what felt like hours. Finally, the ER doctor stepped in, studying Max’s chart. “So, it says you hurt your knee, Mr. Thomas.”
Max’s voice was weak. “Yeah. I had a fight, and I was locked in a heel hook—”
“A fight?” the doctor interrupted.
“Yeah. At the exhibition center.”
The doctor rolled his eyes in disgust. Max bit back a growl and then noticed everyone else in the room do the same. The collective tension must have been enough. The doctor rubbed the dots of perspiration from his brow and then set the chart on the counter. “Let’s check out that knee.” He felt around the soft tissue and frowned. “I think we’d better do an MRI. I’m going to see when we can get you in tonight.” He picked the chart up again and slipped from the room.
Max groaned as he covered his face with his hand. “An MRI. Fantastic.”
“You can’t think the worst, Max,” his mother urged.
“Mom, I’m studying to be a fitness trainer. I know human anatomy. Where he’s pressing, where the pain is, there’s only one thing. My ACL. The question isn’t if I screwed it up. It’s how bad I screwed it up.”
Max punched the gurney beneath him. “I can’t believe that son of a bitch went through with that heel hook. Seriously. How much of a thug can you be?”
Chuck sighed heavily. “I know, Max. The submission was legal. Ethical, no. But legal yes.”
Max just shook his head as he struck the gurney again. He had never been so frustrated in his life. The room fell silent again. Twenty minutes passed before the door opened. A tech stepped in, pushing a wheelchair in front of him. He and Chuck helped Max into the chair. Without a word, Max was whisked off for his scan.
He was glad he wasn’t afraid of closed spaces as he was shoved into the tight tube of the MRI machine. His mind raced. Is my career over? Or am I just overreacting?
The waiting continued once Max was returned to his room. Tori held his hand. Max smiled at her. At least she was a bright spot in all this uncertainty.
Finally, the doctor stepped back in. Max watched as the physician took a deep breath. “It’s a full ACL tear. Since you’re an athlete, I’m suggesting surgery. We’ll have to wait for the swelling to go down. I’m referring you to an orthopedic surgeon. Until then, I’ll outfit you with a brace and crutches.”
Max felt his hand released. He looked up to see Tori’s eyes open wide. “What about his MMA career?”
“Miss, I think you better worry about his knee first.” The doctor turned and left the room.
Max looked up at Tori, puzzled. Why’s she so concerned about me getting back into the octagon?
She met him with a sweet smile. “You’ve worked so hard, baby,” she cooed.
Max’s voice was doubtful. “Sure thing.”
It wasn’t long before the doctor returned with the brace, crutches, a prescription for pain medication, and an appointment for the orthopedic surgeon first thing Monday morning.
Max quickly mastered the crutches and was already an expert by the time they reached the parking lot.