Page 23 of Between the Ropes

Her uncle’s words keep ringing in my head—degrading, pathetic. He doesn’t see her for what she is, doesn’t appreciate the strength she has. He only wants to drag her down, to keep her tied to the past. But I can see through his bullshit. Natalie is more than that. She deserves better, and goddammit, Iwantto be better for her.

I push the bar back onto the rack with a grunt, sitting up and wiping the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. My muscles are burning, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, but none of it can drown out what I’m feeling inside.

What if it could work?

The question hits me like a punch to the gut. I’ve spent so long convincing myself that I’m better off alone, that relationships are nothing but distractions, and pain, but maybe I’ve beenwrong. Maybe I deserve more than just the grind, more than just empty nights and endless miles on the road.

I move to the pull-up bar, my hands gripping the cold metal as I haul myself up. My shoulders strain, the muscles in my back tightening with each rep, but all I can think about is her. She’s different. She’s the reason I’m even questioning all this, the reason I’m starting to think... maybe.

Maybe this could work.

I drop down from the bar, landing lightly on my feet. My chest rises and falls with each heavy breath, but my mind is already made up. I’m not going to fight this anymore. Not with her. I’ll see where it goes, see if there’s something real between us.

As I grab my towel and wipe the sweat off my neck, I make a silent vow. I’m going to see if there’s anything between us. If this pull, I feel is real or just some fleeting moment. Because deep down, I know it’s more than that.

And maybe, just maybe, this could actually work. Maybe I deserve a second chance,

17

The noise in the bar hits me before I even step through the door—music, laughter, the hum of voices layered on top of each other. I hesitate for a second, standing just outside, my hand on the handle. Part of me wonders why I’m even here. I could’ve gone back to the hotel, taken a long, hot shower, and called it a night. But there’s another part of me, the part that’s been buzzing ever since last night at the hotel, that’s hopinghewill be here.

Ryan Pierce.

I can’t stop thinking about him. The way he came to my rescue, the way his molten brown eyes locked onto mine like he was seeing something no one else ever bothered to see. He’s a force. Tall, powerful, the kind of man who makes everyone stop and stare, and yet when he looked at me, I felt like I was the onlyperson in the world. It was terrifying. It was intoxicating and alluring, and completely consuming my thoughts.

I push open the door and step inside, the heat from the crowd rushing over me. Half of UXW is already here, scattered around the place. It’s loud, filled with music, the thrum of bass vibrating through the floor beneath my heels. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face, but my heart isn’t pounding for anyone else.

I wonder if he’s here.

My fingers toy with the hem of my dress as I make my way to the bar. It’s a simple black dress, form-fitting with a deep V-neck that hugs my curves in all the right places. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually wear it, but here I am, thanking my lucky stars that I packed more than work clothes and pajamas. I tuck a lock of my blonde hair behind my ear, feeling the loose waves brush against my shoulders. I’m a little too aware of how I look tonight, but I can’t help it. Not when I might seehim. He’s never seen me like this, I may have over did it a bit, but go big or go home.

I order a margarita, my voice almost drowned out by the noise. As I wait, someone slides up next to me, and I glance to my right. Travis Moreno leans against the bar, his smile bright and mischievous, eyes twinkling like he’s in on some secret I know nothing about.

“You came,” he says, his voice teasing. “I was starting to wonder if you’d skip out on all the fun.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Figured I’d check it out.”

Travis lets out a low laugh, his arms resting casually on the bar. “Well, I think someone’s gonna be real happy you’re here.”

My heart stutters in my chest. “Oh?”

“Ryan,” he says, flashing me a grin. “He’ll be happy to see you.”

Before I can respond, Travis pushes off the bar and disappears into the crowd, leaving me standing there with a drink in my hand and a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I glance around, scanning the room, feeling my pulse quicken.

And then I spot him.

Ryan’s at the back of the bar, sitting in a booth with Jason Bell and a couple of other guys I don’t recognize. He’s leaning back, one arm draped casually over the top of the booth, a small glass of amber-colored liquor in his hand. He looks... happy. Relaxed. He’s laughing at something Jason said, the sound deep and rumbling, and I feel my breath catch in my throat.

God, he’s handsome. More than handsome. He’smagnetic. I can’t take my eyes off him, the way his muscles fill out his shirt, the way he commands the space around him without even trying. I want to go over there, say something, but I can’t move. My feet are glued to the spot, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes unable to leave him.

I take a sip of my drink, trying to calm myself down. It doesn’t work. I’m not usually like this—nervous, unsure. But something about Ryan throws me off balance. It’s like there’s this invisible pull between us, drawing me closer even when I’m trying to keep my distance.

I glance away, trying to focus on anything other than him, but it’s impossible. Every time I look around, my gaze finds its way back to him. I feel ridiculous standing here alone with a drink in my hand, waiting for something to happen, watching him.

“Hey, Natalie,” a voice says from behind me.

I turn to see Stephen Rodgers, the senior physician for UXW, smiling at me. I manage to smile back, grateful for the distraction. “Hey, Stephen.”

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