Page 82 of A Fighter’s Love

Again the crowd cheered.

“Along with a trainer…” Jackson said, holding his hand up to quieten the noise. “Every fighter needs a sparring partner. And not any old sparring partner. One who makes him work, night after night. Keeps the pressure on, takes advantages of weaknesses until they’re not weaknesses anymore. Dale, get your butt in here.”

Dale climbed into the ring.

“This is Dale, a damn good fighter in his own right.” Jackson rested his arm around Dale’s shoulders. “And thank God I’ve got him in my life because fuck knows where I’d be without him.” He pulled Dale into a short, sharp hug, then released him

Jenny blinked back a tear. She alone knew how much the two men meant to each other. Jackson wasn’t just talking about his life as a boxer, but in every aspect of his world. He loved Dale so much.

“And you.” Jackson stepped up to the corner, his attention on Jenny. “Come on.”

“What? Why?”

“Don’t make me drag you up here, woman.” He raised his eyebrows, creasing the steri-strip holding his cut together.

Jenny took a deep breath, then climbed up between the ropes. The sea of faces all directed her way weakened her knees. She’d never had so many people looking at her before. She spotted Billy, right at the front. His cheeks were red, but he was grinning.

Jackson was suddenly beside her, his arm around her waist and his hot hard body pressing into the side of hers. Instantly she felt better.

“This is Jenny,” Jackson said. “Say hi.”

“Hi Jenny,” the audience called out, their voices low and gruff.

“What are you doing?” Jenny asked, squirming. She didn’t want to be in the ring with everyone looking at her.

“Jenny is very special,” Jackson said, keeping her close. “Not only did she organize this match from the beer you’re drinking, your tickets, ensuring rules and regulations are followed, she’s also here supporting me.” With his gloved hand, the one with the microphone propped into it, he caught her chin and forced her to look up at him. “And every fighter needs the love of a good woman.”

He kissed her. A strong, deep, passionate kiss that told her how special she was to him.

She melted against his body with the sounds of the whooping crowd ringing in her ears. He was hot and salty and surrounded her with his strength. Who cared if Michael or Billy or anyone else was confused about which guy she was with.

Certainly not her.

She was in love with two fighters and their love for her made her strong enough to move forward with her life. She was ready to take on the world and find the happiness she’d been denied for so long.

Epilogue

Jackson

One year later

Jackson looked around the table. Stella had created a wonderful meal and now with dessert finished and coffee served, he admired his partners as they chatted to friends.

Dale got on well with Andre. The pair had a similar sense of humor and had even enjoyed a few rounds of golf together. Tristan was a bit harder to crack, though. As time went on Jackson was finding himself admiring the businessman more and more.

Jenny adored both Stella and Sian. They were her closest friends. She’d confessed she hadn’t had many friends growing up, but these two women more than made up for that.

Jackson was grateful. Theirs was an unconventional bond compared to most people, but here, in this room, everyone was in a committed ménage relationship.

“Can you pass the milk?” Edward asked.

“Sure.” Jackson passed it over. “Have to say I’m stuffed. That meal was amazing.” He took a sip of his red wine.

“Yeah.” Edward added milk. “Gotta appreciate good food when it comes along.”

“Not gonna argue with that.”

Edward went quiet as he added milk and sugar to his coffee. Jackson hadn’t met him as often as the others around the table. Several times when they’d all been together he’d been absent. Away on business, his partner Coben had said.

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