Takedown (Fight Factory Book 1) Read online

  “No way.” Nicole laughed. “I figured he’d do okay, but not two hundred million dollars okay.”

  “God bless him. He’s such a sweet man. He deserves every good thing that comes his way.”

  Nicole drank her coffee and nodded. “I agree. The fact that he’s marrying his high school sweetheart only makes me like him more.”

  “I imagine he wants to stick with someone who stuck with him long before he made it to the majors. Do you remember when Hailey came to visit him at school?” Bree asked.

  “That girl always brought me cookies because she wanted me to know how much she appreciated the tutoring I was giving Marshall. They were a team way back then, and I’m happy he didn’t trade her in for a flashier model.”

  “The woman is as pretty as can be, and I think knowing someone loved you before you had money has to be worth a lot.”

  “Agreed,” Nicole said as people started to walk in.

  Bree laid out her files as her best friend collapsed into the chair next to her. “Kendra, you look exhausted.”

  “Thanks. Appreciate that.”

  Bree lifted her friend’s chin and took a moment to study her. “Everything okay?”

  “Mama had a rough night, so I ended up staying at the hospital until two.” She lifted her coffee cup and took a healthy slug. “Not much can be done at this point.”

  “I’ll go over tonight so you can have the night off. Get some rest and let me keep her company.”

  Slumping against her chair, Nicole let out a sigh. “Normally, I’d refuse, but I’m about worn out, so I’ll take you up on your offer.”

  “I’ve been reading her Tender Is the Night, and we were just getting to the good part the last time I was there. We are due for a good long visit.”

  “You are not only my best friend, but my guardian angel.”

  Bree slipped her arm around her friend’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Back at you.”

  Maggie stood at the head of the conference table and gave everyone a smile. “Let’s get started. I have a hot date with a football player and I don’t want to be late.”

  “Can you have a hot date if it’s your husband?” Jeff called out from the other end of the table.

  Maggie crossed her arms and gave the room a satisfied smile. “Yes, as a matter of fact, you can.”

  “I’d like to throw this donut as you, but I’m not willing to part with my breakfast,” Spencer remarked. “I don’t need to hear any more about Maggie and her hot NFL husband.”

  The room erupted in laughter, and Bree looked at Maggie and knew she didn’t give a fig. She’d fought hard for her happiness and she celebrated it as often as she could. Bree would do the same thing if anything like that ever came her way.

  Clapping her hands like a schoolteacher, Maggie tried to get their morning meeting started. “Who wants to go first?”

  Jeff stood and waited until he had everyone’s attention. “I’ll start, since I have good news about Kevin’s contract negotiations.”

  Bree felt her phone vibrate and glanced at the display. It was Matt. She hit the ignore button and decided to call him later. The last thing she needed was the sexy MMA fighter on her mind right before she briefed the group on their clients’ contracts. The man had already invaded her thoughts more than she cared to admit. Last night he’d filled her dreams, and she had no idea what to do. Maybe the answer was to do nothing. Ignore the sizzle and pop and treat him like any other potential client. With complete professionalism.

  Yeah…that was going to be possible.

  ***

  Bree sat in her office and reviewed the contract for the golfer they’d just signed. Most golfers made their money from endorsements, not salary. The younger kids, though, were the exception. The earnings of guys like Billy Horschel and Jordan Spieth were almost evenly split. The new kid they’d signed had already managed to win over four million dollars in his short career. Glancing at his file, she figured he was going to clean up in the endorsement game. He was handsome and had a terrific reputation. No doubt about it—he had a very bright future ahead.

  Her phone vibrated and her tummy flip-flopped when she saw who it was. “Hey, Matt.”

  “I planned on blowing up your phone today until I got in touch. Glad it took only a couple of calls to reach my goal.”

  “I’m working and can’t be distracted.” Especially by sexy MMA fighters. He’d been on her mind since yesterday, and she was fighting the good fight and trying not to fall all over him. Hearing his deep voice wasn’t helping matters a bit.

  “So, I’m a distraction?”

  “No, that’s not what I meant.”

  “Sure it is. You can’t deny the fire, honey.”

  “You’d be surprised about what I can deny. I’m a very disciplined person.”

  “So, you admit there’s fire.”

  “I didn’t… Oh, my goodness, are you an attorney?” His rich laughter filled her ear and she found herself enjoying the warm sensation it created. “Why are you calling and annoying me? I have work to do.”

  “Dinner. I want to take you out tonight.”

  Sighing, she rubbed the back of her neck. “That sounds like fun, but I can’t. I have plans this evening, so I’ll have to pass.”

  “Plans? What kind of plans?”

  His irritated tone made her laugh because he sounded like a kid that got told, “No dessert.” “None of your business.”

  “Bree, why are you torturing me? You know I’m interested, and the idea of another man getting in my way is bullshit.”

  “You’re going to feel so bad when I tell you my plans.”

  “Well…go ahead. Tell me.”

  “My friend Kendra’s mom is battling cancer and the last month has been rough, so I’m going to the hospital tonight.” When he didn’t reply, she figured that he either he didn’t understand or felt bad.

  “I’m sorry, Bree. I’m a total ass.”

  Well, that was the perfect response. A man who took responsibility for his actions and made amends was a rare treasure. At least in her world. “You’re not a total ass. Maybe just a half a one.”

  “Would you consider going out with half an ass later in the week?”

  “I would, but if we’re going to work together, then I shouldn’t. It would be unprofessional.”

  “I met, like, six or seven people at your office yesterday. Can’t I work with them and date you?”

  “So, you want to date me?”

  “Are you really asking? Because the hand-holding, kissing, and general nuisance I’ve made of myself should’ve made that clear.”

  “It was one small kiss…almost a peck, really. Might be considered a friend kiss.”

  “Bree, you want me to come over and kiss you like I want to, so there’s no confusion?”

  The idea of Matt giving it his all sent a flash of heat through her body. He seemed like someone who might be real good at it, and if that was the case, she might embarrass herself when she threw herself at him. Best to leave that sort of thing off the table for as long as she could, because as far as she could tell, the laid-back surfer vibe he gave off covered up a will of steel. And that wasn’t anything she needed to take on.

  “Your silence is telling me that you’d like it if I walked into your office, pushed you up against the wall, and claimed ownership of your mouth. Because that’s what I’d be doing. After I was done ravaging your sweet lips, I might kiss the side of your neck. I’d like to feel the heat of my own breath bounce back and warm my lips before I dragged them over your skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps. That’s what I’d like to do, and I think you’d like it too.”

  The flash of heat turned into a firestorm. Breathing heavily, she gripped her phone and tried to calculate how much self-control she really had. After she closed her eyes, her mind filled with his handsome face and sexy body, and she realized she had very little. “Yes.”

  “I’m going to assume that yes of yours is to every idea I have. The dirty o
nes, the fun ones, and the ones that are going to make you blush. I guess the only question that remains is…when?”

  “Tomorrow. I’ll come meet you at the gym, and then you can take me to your favorite place for fish tacos.”

  “Deal. Pack a bag, ’cause you’re spending the night with me.”

  “No way! I said fish tacos, not sex.”

  “Bree, you have a dirty mind. Did I say anything about sex? I happen to have a guest bedroom and I was going to offer it to you. I don’t want you driving from Santa Cruz to the city late at night.”

  “I don’t live in the city. I have a condo in Palo Alto. So, driving won’t be an issue.”

  “Pack a bag anyway. We may be up late talking and kissing.”

  “We’ll see.” If she packed a bag and stayed, she wouldn’t be in the guest room. She’d be in his bed, rolling around and ravaging him. There would be no way to resist. And she wanted to try holding out for a little bit longer. No matter what her damp panties were telling her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “With a bag,” he said before hanging up.

  Dropping her phone on her desk, she sat back and let out a big breath. What in the heck had she agreed to? It was a lot more than visiting him at the gym and grabbing a bite to eat. That she knew for sure.

  She should cancel and just keep things friendly. But…she really didn’t want to. She wanted to kiss his face. Truth was, she didn’t have to decide at exactly this minute. Might make sense to wait and see if the urge passed. Yeah, that’s what she would do.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Wednesday, January 25th

  Matt ran along Cliff Drive and filled his lungs with the salt air from the ocean. The fog was still hanging like a blanket over town and he figured it might clear by two or three. Which would work out for his dinner plans. He’d sure like to have a perfect Santa Cruz sunset as the backdrop for his date this evening.

  Turning up Alamar Avenue, he headed home as he finished his three-mile run. It was a regular training day just like the thousands he’d completed over the years…except that it wasn’t. Bree was coming by the gym and that meant she was giving him a chance. Or he was taking one. Yeah…definitely taking.

  He’d never wanted someone like he wanted Bree. And he had no idea what to do. The years of having his pick of women didn’t prepare him for the wooing and winning he was going to have to do.

  Bree was fighting the attraction and he wasn’t sure why. It could be a result of her broken engagement, the fact that he was a fighter or a hundred other reasons. Whatever it was, he had to make sure she got past it. Because them not being together wasn’t an option.

  Unfortunately, his experience with women was limited to brief affairs, which was absolutely no help. Because whatever he and Bree were about to get into…wasn’t going to be brief. Which meant he was going into this without a winning strategy. Or any strategy at all.

  His desire to lock her down and have a relationship was uncomfortable, but surprisingly not unwelcome. When she’d initially refused him yesterday, his blood had boiled. For a split-second, he’d thought she might be dating someone else and the idea of another man taking her time or attention was bullshit. Never once had he experienced jealousy, and unfortunately, he didn’t see it stopping anytime soon.

  Were all these crazy feelings about the hunt? Maybe. No, definitely not. It was about Bree and his desire to make her his. Which sounded insane, considering he barely knew her.

  Maybe he’d start worrying about that right after he’d won her affection. Which meant he had two choices. One, go for it and damn the consequences. Two, pretend he didn’t care and treat her like any other girl.

  Yeah, number two was never going to work with Bree, and number one might not either. But he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t do everything he could.

  Maybe she was like any opponent in a fight. All he had to do was learn her moves, train like hell, and then leave everything in the cage. No regrets. All in.

  Laughing to himself, he realized he was thinking of her like an enemy he had to conquer and not a soft woman he wanted to seduce. Hell, it was more than seduction. The animal part of his brain wanted to own her. Why that was, he had no clue.

  As he hit his street, he slowed down and started to walk so he could cool down. His brother’s truck was parked in front of his house and he was leaning against it. Nate usually called before showing up, so the surprise visit was unusual. Matt tipped his head in greeting and watched Nate stand up straight. “Everything all right?”

  “Yeah, dude. Can’t a guy stop by and see his little brother?”

  “Sure, just isn’t your style. Everything okay with the family?”

  “All good. Julie’s doing the morning school run, so I figured I’d catch you before you left for the gym. Have time for a cup of coffee?”

  Wiping his face with his T-shirt, Matt shrugged. “Sure. Come on in.”

  “Great,” Nate replied as he passed, punching him in the arm.

  There were not that many people who could do that without expecting a punch in return. Older brothers seemed to think they had a lifetime pass. At least, Nate did.

  After Matt took a quick shower and changed, he joined his brother in the kitchen and accepted a cup of coffee he’d made. “Thanks, man.” Leaning against the counter, he drank it and waited. Whatever Nate had to say better not take long because he was due at the gym.

  “I heard from Greg that you’re looking for new representation. What’s up with that?” Nate finally asked.

  And there it was, the reason for the visit. They shared an agent, and the gossip mill must have been working overtime for Nate to get the news so fast. “I’m talking to some people. It’s always good to see what’s out there.”

  “Greg has done right by you so far. Why are you looking around?”

  This wasn’t the conversation he wanted to have this morning, but it looked like it was going to happen anyway. “The guy is solid, but he specializes in surfers and snowboarders. I would be an idiot not to see what else is out there.”

  “Why now?” Nate asked as he put his cup in the sink.

  “I have a second world title, and I’m going to make the most of it. I have about five more years in this business if I’m lucky, and I’ve got to take advantage of everything that comes my way.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. What are you thinking?”

  “Endorsements. Not much can be done about fight contracts, so it’s the only way to make bank outside the cage.”

  “Makes sense. Who are you talking to?”

  “You remember Bruce Andrews, the light heavyweight champion?”

  “Yeah, the guy with the thick southern accent?”

  “Exactly. His sister has a firm in the city, and I met with them the other day. I was impressed with the operation and I’m thinking of signing with them.”

  “Are they any good?”

  “Excel Sports Management is like a freaking brain trust. A bunch of friends from Stanford put the company together. They have three agents, two attorneys, a financial manager and solid support staff. They handle guys like Scott Clemins and Marshall Ford.”

  Whistling, Nate nodded his head. “Scott has the biggest contract in the NFL and Marshall has the biggest contract in MLB. What the hell do they want with the likes of you?”

  “They have a bunch of MMA fighters as clients, so they know what they’re getting.”

  “No doubt about it,” Nate said. “Sounds like a solid move. I just wanted to make sure you were headed in the right direction.”

  “Thanks, brother. Appreciate the concern, but I’m all grown up now and I can handle shit.”

  “That you can.”

  “I’m going to kick you out so I can head to the gym. Training day.”

  “I may stop by this afternoon. I’m heading over the hill for a meeting so I’ll end up in San Jose at the end of the day. Maybe we can grab some dinner or something.”

  “Sorry, man, no can do. Bree�
��s going to stop by the gym and then I’m taking her to dinner.”

  “I thought the agent was supposed to woo the client, not the other way around.”

  “She’s an attorney first and an agent second.” Matt felt Nate’s eyes bore into him, and he knew his brother was trying to figure out what it all meant.

  “May stop by the gym anyway,” Nate said. “I can meet Bree and see what’s going on. Maybe give her the down-low on the true Matt Hall.”

  “I’ll fucking lay you out if you say anything to her.”

  Nate laughed and held up his hands. “Got it.”

  Draining his coffee cup, Matt walked around his brother. The last thing he needed was his brother talking shit about him. Nate didn’t always have the best instincts about when to shut his mouth, so what he would share with Bree would be anyone’s guess. He’d at least like to spend some time with the woman before she heard about every stupid thing he did growing up.

  He grabbed his bag, shoved his feet in flip-flops, and headed toward the front door. Seeing his brother’s smile let him know that he was onto him. All he could do was play it cool from here on out. Nate didn’t need any more fuel. The guy could blow shit up without any help from him. Sibling rivalry never ended among the Hall brothers, and he hoped like hell his brother didn’t screw things up with Bree.

  ***

  Matt finished his session with his sparring coach and checked the wall clock as he grabbed his water bottle. Bree should be here in a minute and he still had to shower up. Walking through the hall, he nodded to friends and teammates.

  The gym had been a second home to him from the moment he walked through the doors ten years ago. He’d taken advantage of their open-door policy for tryouts, and Jaime had given him a chance. He'd gone from a kid who had no purpose or drive to a man with a goal.

  Discovering MMA had given him the direction and focus that he’d desperately needed at the time. He’d never been the most gifted at anything, but he was persistent. He’d worked his way up from the bottom and was still doing it, even with a shiny gold championship belt at home.