Stryker

“No way was I going to stay out of town when it’s our twentieth anniversary of the first time we met.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m worried about you, which is why I wanted you to myself.”

I raised a brow.

“Okay,” she grinned, “perhaps I always want you to myself, but seriously, this time is different.”

As we passed through town, I glanced at her. “Where are we going?”

“My new place. No one has the address.”

“Oh.” I liked that idea. In fact, I loved that idea. “So no one is likely to come knocking for me.”

“Exactly.” She grinned and was probably delighted with herself.

“Millie,” I started, “you didn’t move because of me, did you?”

“My lease was up and, instead of renewing, I found somewhere else. I think that I did good keeping it to myself.”

I chuckled. “You did.”

Millie wasn’t known for her patience, and usually couldn’t keep something to herself for long unless it had something to do with me. In that regard, she always kept her lips sealed.

“Come on. We’re here.” Millie took my arm and pulled me from the cab after she’d paid the fare. She was practically dancing in excitement. “I can’t wait for you to see my new place. Best decision I’ve made in a long time.”

Five minutes later, I stood at the floor to ceiling window of Millie’s new apartment. She was on the nineteenth floor and the view over Central Park was stunning. I hadn’t realized we were so close to the park because my head had been elsewhere but the apartment was worth it just for the location alone.

The lights around the park shone brightly, and looking down there was a large brass band that was obviously playing as people walked by. I’d love to be down there listening, and then afterwards a hot chocolate with whipped cream, or even to sip the drink while listening.

My mouth watered and I longed for that. Patrick wouldn’t be able to stand still long enough to enjoy and appreciate any of it though.

Would Stryker?

“About this research that you want to do,” Millie started, “I think you need a sidekick.”

I turned and faced her, forcing my longing to the back of my mind—something that I was used to doing.

Millie sprawled on one of her black leather sofas, her shoes kicked off and her blue eyes on me.

“I wasn’t planning on going without you. I’m too shy to go into a gym alone,” I admitted. “But I do need to tell you about tonight.” Her brow rose, her cu

riosity piqued.

The last email we’d exchanged, I’d mentioned about needing to do some research around the Club for my next book. The idea had indirectly come from Patrick who thought my writing was a waste of time. His family owned the gym for the New York-East Coast Martial Arts Fighters Club. No bystanders allowed. Current or future fighters only. From what I’d heard, it was tough to get picked to be part of the team.

I’d never been to the gym or to a fight before tonight, and all that was changing.

I chewed on my lip and dropped down at the side of Millie’s hip. “I went to a fight tonight with Patrick…and my heart stopped.” I shook my head and gazed out of the window. “I’m not sure how I know this but he noticed me…the fighter that is. But only after I’d noticed him.” I turned back to Millie and grabbed her hands. “Just one look had me aching, but something about him made me want to wrap my arms around him and never let go.”

Millie stared at me, surprise clear in her eyes. “Um, wow.”

“Just wow?”

“I’m not sure what to say. I don’t remember you ever reacting to a man like that before.”

“I know. I’m going to research him when I get home. Maybe have him as the main character in my book.” I inhaled and went for it. “Once I have my story written, will you read it?”

She screamed. “Oh my God! You’re seriously going to let me read your book?” She jumped up and tugged me into her arms. “Really? Promise me.”

I grinned at her enthusiasm. “It won’t be easy for me, but yes. I want you to be the first one to read it but there is a condition to you reading it.”