My Vegas Groom (The Greene Family #3) - Piper Rayne Page 0,29

says you’re a big fighter. You’re the one who married Nikki Greene?”

“He’s my new brother-in-law.” Jed winks then smiles at me. “You missed your opportunity, Trent.”

Trent tilts his head, giving Jed a disgruntled expression. Is this one of Nikki’s exes?

“Did you date my girl?” I ask because why fuck around? I meant it when I told Nikki I don’t play games.

“Ah… once, but it was just coffee.”

“Technically, it was a book reading and coffee was served. Nikki and Trent shared a table, right?” Jed continues.

“Yeah,” Trent admits with his head down. “She said she didn’t do relationships.”

“Well, she doesn’t. She married Logan the same night she met him.” Jed laughs, and when I don’t, he’s quick to walk toward the free weights. “I’ll be over there if you need me.”

I walk around the gym, Craig following. “What are you thinking?”

“Honestly, the guy’s got more space than he needs. I say we offer to rent out a section. Put up a ring. We can get you weights back at the house, but if you want to get your own here, we could do that too.”

I nod as Craig maps out what he’s thinking. Though I’ve given some thought to retiring from fighting, if I did choose to, I’d be disappointing everyone on my team. I’m amazed every day by how dedicated they are to my success. I know that’s rare in this business. I’ll have to make sure they all land in a good place whenever I do call it quits.

“Okay, let’s do it,” I say. It’s not ideal, but I’m confident we can figure out a way to make it work.

I didn’t really need to see this place. I trust Craig to make the decision on his own, but I like that I’ll be working out close to where Nikki works.

“All right, I’ll go work my magic.” Craig goes back to speak with Trent.

I pull out my phone.

Me: When are you off?

Nikki: In about ten minutes. Just in a meeting.

Me: Wait for me. I’m coming to get you.

Nikki: No need. I’m good.

Me: Did I put a question mark in my last text?

Nikki: Do you really think that bossy tone is going to work on me?

Me: :P No, just testing the waters.

Nikki: So??

Me: So what?

Nikki: I’m waiting for a please

Me: PLEASE let me come and pick you up.

Nikki: Fine. We should make an appearance together anyway.

Me: Be there in fifteen.

Nikki: I don’t like to wait.

I click the screen off on my phone and pocket it.

Craig comes over and slaps me on the back. “Sold. We have to move their gym equipment over to the other area, but it’s ours. I texted the guys and they’re coming here today.”

“Perfect. And the ring?”

“Should be here in three days and we can start assembling it.”

“Man, a smart person hired you.” I smack him on the back, and we head out of the place. “See you, Jed.”

“One piece of advice,” Jed calls. “I heard Ethel and Dori were looking for you. Something about you teaching a self-defense class at their retirement place.”

“Who’s that?” Craig asks.

“Nikki’s grandma and her friend,” I say.

“And I’m telling you this because you’re new here,” Jed says. “That place isn’t like any retirement home you’ve ever been to, so I’d dodge it if you’re able.”

“Thanks. I’ll remember that.”

We leave Pump It Up and I say goodbye to Craig to go over and meet Nikki. She’s waiting outside, sitting on a bench and looking at her phone.

I slyly sit down next to her. “How is my wife today?”

She glances at me and laughs. “She’s tired and needs a foot rub.”

“Well then, let’s get you home so I can handle my husbandly duties.”

She stands and puts her bag over her shoulder. I take it from her. “I was just kidding about the foot rub.”

“Hey, this might not be real, but this is how’d I be if I were your real husband.” I swing her bag over my shoulder and entwine our hands to walk down the street.

“You’d be a nice husband then.” She tips her head toward the street that will take us to the Linville house.

“By the way, the team is here, and Iris wants to know what you want her to stock.”

“Stock? And who is Iris?”

“She’s our cook, and she wants to know what your staples are. What you like to eat.”

Nikki shakes her head. “Man, marrying you comes with perks girls only dream about.”

Isn’t that every woman’s first impression? But I want Nikki to want to stay married to me