Page 71 of Between the Ropes

Natalie shifts beside me, inhaling sharply before stepping forward. I feel the slight tremor in her hand before she lets go of mine. She squares her shoulders, her voice steady but sincere.

“I wanted to apologize for the way I left,” she says, her gaze never wavering. “I know I didn’t handle things the right way, and I’m sorry for that. But if there’s any chance I can come back, I’d love to be part of the team again.”

Joel studies her, and the pause stretches just long enough to make her nervous. I see it in the way she shifts her weight, the way her fingers twitch at her sides.

Then, finally, he smirks.

“We’ve missed you, Natalie,” he says, shaking his head. “I knew you’d come to your senses.”

A breath of relief leaves her lips, her shoulders sagging just slightly. “Thank you,” she says, her voice filled with something raw—gratitude, maybe even a little disbelief.

Joel chuckles. “Don’t thank me yet. You’ve got some catching up to do. But yeah, you’re back.”

Before she can respond, I step forward, resting a hand on the small of her back. She looks up at me, and I lean down, pressinga slow kiss to her temple. It’s not just affection—it’s reassurance. A silent ‘I told you so.’

“I’ll catch up with you later,” I murmur, my voice just for her. “Finish up here.”

As I turn to leave, I glance at Joel, who’s still watching us with a knowing look.

“Good to see you back where you belong,” he says, and I know he’s not just talking to Natalie.

I head to the locker room, already knowing where I’ll find him. Sure enough, Travis is sitting on the bench, lacing up his boots, his movements unhurried, casual—like he’s got all the time in the world. The moment he looks up and sees me, a slow smirk spreads across his face.

“Well, well,” he drawls, leaning back with his arms stretched over the bench. “Look who finally found his balls and showed up.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t fight the small smirk tugging at my lips. This asshole.

I sit across from him, elbows on my knees, exhaling heavily. This isn’t easy for me, but I owe him this. “I was an asshole.”

Travis’s eyebrows shoot up. “I mean, yeah. That’s nothing new.”

I shake my head, ignoring his shit-eating grin. “No, seriously. You were right. About everything—about Natalie, about not letting my pride ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I should’ve listened.”

He leans forward, his smirk shifting into something softer, something knowing. “Damn right you should’ve. But hey, I’llaccept your groveling.” He pats his chest dramatically. “Warms my heart, really.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. Travis is insufferable. “You’re a dick.”

“And you love me for it.” He grins, then claps a hand on my shoulder, his tone turning serious. “Look, man. I never doubted you’d figure it out—eventually. You’re just a stubborn son of a bitch. But I’m happy for you. Natalie’s good for you. You deserve this.”

I nod, swallowing back the tightness in my throat. “Thanks.”

He studies me for a second, then grins again. “Now, let’s get to the real shit—you got a rematch with Kyle next week. You ready to take that title home?”

A slow, confident smirk spreads across my face. “Damn right I am.”

Travis nods, his expression serious, but there’s fire behind his eyes. “Good. Because I’ve got money on you, and I’d hate to lose to Chrissy’s dumb ass.”

I laugh, the tension in my chest finally easing. This is what I needed. The grind, the fight, the fire. I’m back where I belong—with my best friend in my corner, the woman I love standing beside me.

This time, I’m taking everything.

And it’s going to be fucking legendary.

51

I’m on top of the world. Two weeks ago, Ryan and I escaped to Key West, shutting out everything but each other. It was more than just a getaway—it was a turning point. He didn’t justtellme he’d prove himself; he showed me, every second of every day. No distractions, no wrestling, no outside world. Just us. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe.Loved.Whole.

Coming back to reality after that was an adjustment, but even with the chaos of UXW, the weight I’d been carrying for weeks had finally lifted. Now, another week has passed, and tonight isthe night.Ryan’s championship match. His shot at reclaiming everything.

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