Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,107
ass. I’d gladly let her.
An ass kicking from her would mean she’s near me, and as masochistic as it sounds, I’d rather be close to her, taking whatever she wants to give me—even an ass kicking—than to be without her.
“I’ve never seen you this worked up over a girl before. Not even with what’s-her-name. She must be really special.”
I smile at my brother. “She is. She’s fucking amazing and I’m crazy about her.”
“Well, sounds like you need to grow a pair and go get your girl.”
Ah, there’s that brotherly advice I was waiting for.
Walking into the arena the night of the big fight has me feeling on edge. This is the first time I’ve even been near a ring in a year and I’m nervous. I mean, I’m not fighting, so I don’t have to worry about that, but this is my first bout to attend since my injury and I don’t know what to expect.
I wouldn’t miss it, though.
Vali has worked hard and has a lot riding on tonight. I still feel a little bad about not being able to fight, knowing that had been his plan all along—to get me back in the ring. But I’m proud of him for all he’s accomplished and I want to be here to support him.
“Hey, there you are!” Speak of the devil. Vali walks up, looking sick as fuck in a black suit and tie, something a mob boss would wear.
“You going to a funeral?” I tease.
“You stepping in the ring?” he shoots back, a gleam in his eye. “All you’d have to do is smile and wave. And, maybe, take your shirt off.”
When I go to punch him, he laughs, pulling me into a hug. I respond with a very enthusiastic smack to the back of his head. “Watch the hair, jackass!” This makes me laugh, so I give him a genuine hug in return.
He’s a persistent little shit, but I still love the guy.
“You’ve really outdone yourself tonight, Val. I’m proud of you.”
He tries to play off my praise, but the way the tips of his ears turn red, I know my comment means a lot to him, even if he’s a little embarrassed. But hey, isn’t that what big brothers are for?
“I mean it,” I assure him. “When I open my studio in Green Valley, you’ll have to come out and plan something.”
“I’m not a party planner, Cage. I’m a promoter.”
“I know that. You can come out and promote the studio. It’ll be great, you’ll see.”
The more I talk about running my own studio full-time, the more excited I get. I wasn’t even sure it was what I wanted to do until I came here and saw how well the family studio is doing. Mine will be different though. Not as big or as flashy, but I’m hoping it’ll be something the people of Green Valley and the surrounding areas need.
Now, that my house here in Dallas is officially on the market, I can think about moving to Green Valley permanently. My realtor assured me the house would sell quickly, but I know he can’t really make that kind of promise. Still, the quicker it sells, the quicker I can finish fixing up the space and have a grand opening.
And I’ll need more clientele. As much as I’ve loved training Tempest, being paid in muffins won’t get me to where I want to be.
As I walk around, I smile and nod at the people I pass, remembering I’m here to make the family look good. A few of the guys I see stop and chat for a bit while even more people ask to take a photo with me. I haven’t been in this kind of situation in so long, I’d almost forgotten what it was like.
I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite part of the business, but being seen is necessary when you’re building any kind of brand. The Erickson brand just so happens to have been built around my face. So, it’s vital for me to make this appearance, smile and play the part.
And even though I’ll be back in Green Valley soon, I don’t plan on abandoning my role. My family has always been a top priority and that won’t change, even if my zip code does.
“Hey, Cage,” a familiar looking blonde says, smiling as she walks up with a friend. “Good to see you around… we’ve been wondering where you took off to.”
“Ladies,” I say, dipping my chin in greeting. A year ago, I might’ve