Outmatched

Brown was the rare sort who knew he didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He was comfortable in his own skin. I admired the hell out of that. And the way he put a protective, affectionate arm around his daughter. Not so much a claiming but letting her know she was loved.

“Rhys Morgan,” I filled in when Parker stayed quiet. The lights were on in Parker House but she’d clearly left the building. “I’m a friend of Parker’s.”

I had no idea what she wanted me to say in this situation. Did we lie to her family?

Parker blinked and then pushed a smile. “Rhys is an ex-boxer. Fairchild is a fan.”

Brown nodded, his gaze moving between me and his daughter. “I’m a fan too.”

Now that was a surprise.

“That fight with Davis, when you took him out with a KO in the second round? Legendary.”

It felt oddly good to know Parker’s dad knew of my career and approved.

“People either hate or love that fight.” Personally, I loved it. Davis had a big mouth and a glass jaw.

“I suppose it depends on which way you bet.” The gleam in Brown’s eyes told me he hadn’t lost money.

“That’s usually the case.”

When we both chuckled, Parker finally found her voice.

“I had no idea you knew about Rhys, Dad.”

“Why would you? I don’t think we’ve ever had a discussion that revolved around sports.” The tone of his voice and the look in his eyes made it clear he knew Parker wasn’t with me because she was a fan. And it was just as clear he wanted to know why we were friends—and how close.

Parker averted her gaze but then looked up at me. “Maybe we should let Fairchild know we’re here. He’s been wanting to show Rhys around,” she explained to her father.

I almost rolled my eyes. That’s how we were playing it? I was here as Fairchild’s guy crush?

She might have gotten away with that, but a pretty older woman with honey-blond hair and a younger woman who shared a startling resemblance to Parker joined us. It didn’t take much to guess they were Parker’s mother and sister. I swore I heard Parker groan under her breath.

“Mom. Easton.” She might as well have been eating nails.

Easton watched me with avid eyes. This one was obviously happy to find Parker with a man in tow. “Well, hello, Parker,” she said, not taking her eyes from me.

Like her dad, Parker’s mom immediately focused on me. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. I’m Marion Brown.”

“Rhys Morgan.”

She shook my hand with a firm grip and a steady gaze.

I didn’t say anymore because, frankly, this one was on Parker. She shot me a look that read something close to “Save me from family hell.” I empathized.

“Morgan!” Fairchild swooped, all eager beaver.

A laugh escaped me. I couldn’t help it. It was a pile-on at this point.

As usual, Fairchild completely ignored Parker. He clasped me on the shoulder as though I were his kid while turning toward the Browns. “Did I mishear or are you two just meeting Parker’s boyfriend?”

The word landed like a bomb, leaving behind a stunned silence. Parker looked so miserable, I couldn’t stop myself from slipping my hand into hers, giving it a gentle, commiserating squeeze. The action wasn’t missed by Marion Brown.

“Boyfriend,” Marion repeated. It was difficult to tell if she was upset or surprised.

No, that wasn’t right. Parker’s entire family appeared shell-shocked. The memory of Parker crying over Theo slid through me, and I knew with cold certainty she hadn’t brought a man around them since.

Her hand grew clammy, but she gripped me a bit tighter. “Ah, yes … that is …” She glanced at an expectant Fairchild. “We just started dating.”

Fairchild nodded with impatience, his hand returning to my shoulder. I really fucking hated when he touched me. My muscles clenched but I held still. Not that he’d noticed. “Rhys, why don’t we let Parker catch her parents up? There are some men I want you to meet. They’re really interested in investing in the sport.”

At this point, I figured it would be a blessing to get out of Parker’s hair. She looked one step away from screaming. Fairchild waved to a group of men in the crowd. He then grabbed my arm and tugged like I was a dog on a leash.

Money. I needed sponsors to save the gym.

Parker. I needed to pander to this asshole or she’d be in trouble.

Gritting my teeth, I let him lead me away. This truly was the party from hell.

Fourteen

Parker

There were very few moments in my life when I wasn’t happy to see my parents. This was one of those rare moments. I watched Fairchild lead Rhys across the lawn toward a tall, blond man, wishing he’d stayed. The comforting feel of his hand clasping mine had been the only thing holding me together when Fairchild announced to my family that Rhys and I were dating.