Cannon seemed to be considering things. “They weren’t really locked down.”
“Don’t defend him.”
“Wouldn’t.” He looked at Armie. “I’m just saying, Rissy doesn’t like to get too tight with anyone. They might have had an understanding, I’m not sure on that. But any guy who’d go bragging to his buddies is an ass**le anyway.”
“Exactly.” He’d followed the putz, not trusting him after he’d also made a few jokes about getting the woman high and needing to stock up his supply before Merissa got home.
Unfortunately, Steve was a paranoid putz, so when he felt he was being followed, he’d reacted by having his buddies circle around on Armie.
“How bad did you hurt him?”
“Bad enough.”
“Details.”
“I might’ve broken his jaw, probably a finger or two. Possibly even his hand.” Armie gave it some thought. “I wasn’t exaggerating about him limping either, but his knee should be okay. Just sore for a few days.”
“Jesus.” Cannon choked on a laugh. “Anything else?”
Armie narrowed his eyes. How the hell could Cannon find any humor in this? “I landed a nut shot, so even if Rissy makes up with him, he won’t be any use to her for a while.”
That wiped away all signs of humor. “I don’t want to think about that.”
“You’re a wuss, too.”
“Says the guy without a sister.” Cannon started moving stuff from his truck to Armie’s SUV. “I have to say, though, you play the big brother well. Thanks for looking out for her.”
Yeah...brotherly thoughts had never occupied his mind, not where Merissa Colter was concerned. “My pleasure.”
“I’m wondering now, though, if we should tell her before she sees him.”
“Naw.” Rissy was smart. She’d see through Steve’s bullshit, if she hadn’t already. “If she suddenly makes up with him, then sure, we’ll tell her.” Or rather, Cannon could tell her. Because he’d be keeping his distance.
By the time they finished jawing and moving stuff to Armie’s ride, roadside service showed up. While Cannon talked with them, Armie went inside to get Yvette.
He followed laughing female voices to the kitchen table. Yvette and Cherry sat together discussing fighters, and he listened in without a speck of remorse.
Still giggling, Cherry said, “Guys just crack me up.”
“They do keep things interesting,” Yvette agreed.
Now, what was that about? Armie listened, but apparently he’d missed the joke.
“It’s too bad you couldn’t have gone to Japan with us. We had a great time.”
“I bet. I’ve only ever seen one live fight.”
Armie was fairly certain Cannon would change that. If he knew his friend, and he did, Cannon would want her close by from now on.
“Hopefully Cannon will have some time off before he’s offered another fight.”
Yvette sat back in the chair, long legs crossed, one arm folded under her br**sts, the other hand playing with the ends of her hair.
It was one of those feminine habits that Armie adored. Women like Yvette could be so damned sexy without even realizing it. He enjoyed seeing a woman fuss with her nails, reapply her lipstick, smooth a tight skirt...Course, he never saw any of that with Rissy and he was damn near blind with lust for her.
“Should be at least a few months,” Yvette said, “but so far it never seems to work out that way for him.”
“Rissy says he’s quick to take every opportunity to fight.”
“And he’s a fan favorite.” Yvette smiled. “He loves the sport. But then, so do I. I started watching because of Cannon, but now I’m hooked.”
“I like the fighters, and their hot bodies,” Cherry admitted with a grin. “But the actual sport confuses me. The weight classes, the rules, the moves. Sometimes it’ll look as if a guy’s losing and then somehow he wins. Or a guy who looks really tough isn’t, and vice versa.”
“It’s more heart than physique.” Yvette let out a dramatic sigh. “Luckily Cannon has both.”
“Denver’s body...” Cherry shivered. “He’s pretty hot, don’t you think?”
“Heck, they all are.”
“I’m curious if they look that delicious all over.”
“Probably. I haven’t seen a dud in the bunch.” As if in deep thought, Yvette rearranged her cold drink. “They all seem pretty nice, too. But Cannon is special.”
Cherry teased her, saying, “You’d know, since you get the up-close-and-personal view.”
“Maybe,” Yvette teased back.
“I love Denver’s shoulders. And his thighs.”
Armie was about to laugh.
Then she added, “And Armie’s arms. And Stack’s chest. They’re all so sexy.”
Poor Denver. Not quite stealing the show yet. Though he’d have loved to listen in a little longer, Armie announced himself by tapping on the wall. “Knock, knock.”
Both women swiveled around to stare at him, surprise quickly morphing into guilt.
He put on his wickedest grin. “Caught you gossiping, didn’t I? And about superficial stuff like a guy’s body.” Putting a hand over his heart, he tsked. “I’m crushed. I thought women were more enlightened, caring only about feelings and shit like that.”