Prologue
I was standing amongst a raging and roaring crowd, witnessing greatness unfold when the underdog snatched the heavyweight champion title from all-time favorite, Freddie Cooper.
Many amateur fighters start for the wrong reasons, which causes them to have their careers cut short. But Ryder Cane fought for all the right reasons. He was fast, strong, and his skills were unmatched. He wasn’t a ruthless, barbarian banging in heads because of his uncontrolled anger.
“Doesn’t tonight inspire you to get back into the cage?” My father asked watching Ryder was receiving his new shiny accessory. Cameras were all in his face, asking questions. Ryder thanked everyone for not stopping believing in him and coming out to watch him take the championship.
“If by some miracle I can get my foot out of this cast,” It was easier said than done. I haven’t stopped thinking about my chances at returning, but it’s going to take a while for my shattered ankle to heal.
I felt a soft pat on my shoulder. “We’ll get you there, kiddo,”
My father helped me down the stairs with my crutches while we were making our way through the arena towards the exit.
“Stay here while I get the car,” My father insisted.
“Afraid I’m going to hold you up,” I bantered.
Without my father’s patience and kindness. I wouldn’t have gotten this far in my life without him. He was the voice cheering me on.
“No, I just don’t think your insurance is going to cover your other foot,” He responded with a wisecrack.
I shook with laughter, letting my father have his chance at looking after me. “Sure thing, Dad.”
“Don’t break a leg now,” He walked off chuckling to himself.
I searched for a spot to wait, not wanting to block upcoming traffic exiting the arena while my father headed down the road to find the car. One of my crutches fell over when I stumbled back, and as I tried to pick it up, my cap decided to fall off and hit the ground.
“Oh, come on,” I grumbled.
I must look incredibly dumb right now. I bent down to retrieve it when an alluring, deep voice asked.
“Need some help?”
In my peripheral vision, I saw a strong hand picking up my crutch and cap before helping me stand back up.
I froze when Ryder Cane was standing in front of me, resting his hand on my arm as he handed back my crutch.
“Nice cap,” He was unfazed, like he didn’t just win the heavyweight championship, unlike me, who was having a bit of a freak-out moment—not sure if this was really happening.
“It’s a limited edition.”
A grin touched his lips, making it a lot harder for me not to tip over.
“You’re into bikes,” He noted impressively.
I nodded. “I am one of those girls who drives her mother insane because I own a Ducati and don’t really go slow,”
“Is that why you are wearing a cast?” He asked, gesturing to my foot wrapped in a cast.
“I am a bit of a daredevil,” I didn’t tell him exactly how I got this cast, not because I felt embarrassed. I didn’t want to feel like I am showing off, and to be honest. I am now a has-been.
“Your mother can be grateful that you are into bikes and not rolling around in the cage.”
“You are one of those nutcases,” I pointed out—averting the truth about my not-so-boring life at the time.
“I am assuming you are a fan.”
I shrugged. I have been a fan even before he got signed with UFC. His skills were undermined by many when he was a skinny man with no ties to a superstar. “I am thinking that Freddie is still recovering from that blow to the face.”
“Do you mind signing my cap?” I took a chance to make sure when I woke up tomorrow morning that this wasn’t a dream.
He pulled out a pen without a second thought. “You are different,” He noted.
“Why, because I am not flashing my breasts to get your attention or going down on one knee begging you to marry me?”
His hand paused and looked at me with his electric, blue-green eyes. “Something like that,”
I smiled. “Well, as you can see. I am not in the best position to wow you over.”
He chuckled and went back to signing my cap. “Name?”
I wetted my lips before I spoke. “Alex,” I watched him scribble my name over the cap, followed by his signature.
He placed the cap back on my head with a smile. I gazed up at him, finding him towering and realizing that even if I was taller than most girls, I felt small against his tall frame. There was a question lingering in his eyes, but before he could ask, I heard my father calling my name.
“It’s nice meeting you,” I watched him move aside, and I wished I didn’t have to return to my reality.
I nodded my head at him and leaned my weight on my crutches. I saw the driver’s side car door opening as my father got out.
“You take care now, Alex,” I glanced over my shoulder to only catch his retreating form. Maybe I would have popped the question to see if he is available for a date when my heart wasn’t drifting around on the sea trying to find its way back.
