Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 128(@200wpm)___ 102(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
“That’s good to hear.” He eyes me with a warning, and I don’t blame him because the parties that happen in Vegas—hell, I’ve walked into parties and had to walk right back out because I wasn’t getting caught up in the scene and ending up on TMZ with some massive scandal.
“So, sir, may I have a word with you in private?”
He nods, his demeanor growing stern. “Yes. Please join me in my study.”
“I’ll be right back, love.”
I follow him into his man cave, and I’m waiting for his barrage. The second I enter the room, he says, “Tell me why you’re in here, although I’m pretty sure I can guess.”
“I’d like to marry your daughter, and I’m asking for your blessing.”
“How well do you know her?”
“How well does anyone truly know anyone? I’ll be frank with you. We’ve only just started dating because Tina wouldn’t give me a chance. It took a lot of convincing and my refusal to give up. I understand that her background has been a rough one and her childhood has left her scarred.”
“It has.” He nods and uncrosses his arms. “I can’t believe she told you about it.”
“She didn’t have to. We immediately had a connection and I could tell she was interested, but she sent me packing with my tail between my legs. When she refused to give me her phone number and my brother-in-law wouldn’t either, I had my friend do some digging. Then I understood why she wanted nothing to do with me.”
“Do you normally do background checks on the women you date?”
“I don’t date. I don’t have flings or one-night stands. Your daughter is it for me, and I made it clear to her that I meant it. My career had been my focus until I stepped into that clinic.”
“So why weren’t you here on Christmas?”
“Because we weren’t together. When she came here, she’d just turned me down for the first time.”
“The first time?”
“Yes. I’ve been hit on by hundreds of women, and the one that I wanted to fall at my feet told me to beat it. It was painful. Still, we pressed on, and today she’s happy that we’re in this. Thankfully, my new sister-in-law and my sister spoke with her.”
“Why?”
“They married men just like me, if not more intense. Hell, my brother-in-law was some sort of special forces and now owns Steeleville.”
“Oh, wait—your brother-in-law is Garrett Steele?”
“Yes.”
“I just went into business with him. He’s a great guy and obsessed with his wife.”
“Yes, my sister. I might pound guys in the octagon, but he’s done so much more.”
“He and I are one and the same. You have my blessing, for what it’s worth. Because if I’m right, a no would mean a fast wedding that didn’t include us, and a yes would mean a fast wedding that we’re invited to.”
“You hit the nail on the head.”
“As long as my little princess is happy.”
“That’s all I care about.”
A knock on the door brings in Tina, who looks anxious. “Um…I just came to check in on you two.”
“Come here, sweetheart,” he calls her over and pulls her in for a hug. “Are you happy?”
“Yes.”
“Good. When are you leaving for Vegas? Do you have time for dinner?”
She looks at me with pleading eyes. “Don’t worry. Boomer already offered the plane and is flying us out first thing tomorrow morning, so we can leave here after dinner and be back in time to get enough sleep and be fresh faced.”
“Are you good for weigh-in?” Her father asks me.
“Yes, I should be fine, but if you have a digital scale, I could take a quick look.” They lead me to the bathroom, and my weight is a little under. It’s still in regulation, but I have a few pounds I could put on before the weigh-in tomorrow night.
“How is it?”
“I’m about on target. Eating a decent meal won’t hurt either way.”
“Good because I’m working on a large dinner,” her mother says, stepping into the hallway.
An hour later, the house is flooded with several other guests, including her brothers and their families, who happened to pop by for a family dinner. The guys are huge fans of my brother and me and pick my brain on so many topics.
Right before we leave, they both pull me to the side. “Take care of my sister. We don’t care if you’re a fucking bad ass and our favorite MMA fighter—we’ll find a way to destroy you.”
“I have two sisters, and I understand that you will do just that, but there’s nothing to worry about because Tina’s mine forever, and I’m hers until they bury me.”
“Great, now go kick some ass because we’ll be watching it.” We shake hands, and then I go in search of my woman so we can head back to Steeleville before it gets any later.