Page 79 of Movers and Fakers

Sure enough, there’s a sign at the top that says “Knockout Leaders: Those Who Go Above and Beyond.” My eyes catch on a familiar face. There’s a photo of Hayes grinning from ear to ear, one arm wrapped around Forrest. Below it, his plaque reads Hayes Rosewood, for exceptional work ethic and care for others.

My heart squeezes. Though I wouldn’t have thought so before we started spending so much time together, that description sounds like him. He’s a tease and a flirt, but he never wastes our tutoring sessions, and he’s done so many things big and small to take care of me. It fascinates me that no one really knows this side of him. I wonder why he’d hide the best parts from the world, only showing a carefree billionaire persona.

I’m about to turn back toward the ring when the door next to me opens. An older man with white hair and kind eyes pokes his head out, smiling at me. He must own or manage the place, since he has the office.

“You Hayes’s girl?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes, sir.”

The man waves a hand at me. “None of that sir nonsense. You can call me Coach Al, or Coach, or Al.”

“Okay, Coach Al, my name’s Aurora,” I reply, hoping I don’t sound too stilted.

“Nice to meet you.” He bobs his head. “And glad to see he’s finally wised up and found a nice girl to settle down with.”

I tug on the sleeves of my gray hoodie. There’s an aspect of being the first and only that I enjoy. Hayes certainly says it in a way that makes me feel special, cherished, chosen. But hearing it from others has a different connotation that settles like a weight on my shoulders.

Our relationship should be too new for people to talk about settling down, but between my never dating and his never committing … it makes sense for people to think we must be serious. I glance over at Hayes, who’s already looking at me. He blocks a hit from Forrest without looking, tilting his head to the side as though he’s asking if I’m okay. I smile and nod to reassure him.

“How do you know I’m nice?” I ask Al when I look back at him.

He laughs. “Now I know you’re funny, too.” He runs a hand over his scruffy white beard. “Hayes wouldn’t bring anyone here that didn’t have a good heart.”

Being nice and having a good heart are two different things, but both the compliments warm my chest all the same. I have a feeling that Al knows Hayes pretty well, so his approval means something.

“How long have you known Hayes?” I ask.

“Going on three years, I guess. Feels like longer, but he only started coming here when he got into the university. He’s a great kid, with a good head on his shoulders, just doubts himself sometimes.”

Surprise flickers through me at the words. Hayes seems like the last person on earth to struggle with self-doubt. I’ve seen him nervous a time or two, but that didn’t indicate anything deeper like an insecurity.

“What do you mean?” My curiosity might be getting the better of me, but I’m starting to realize how little I know about the man I’m dating. He’s got all these layers to him, and I want to discover every single one.

“Now, I can’t go telling my boy’s business. I’m sure he’ll tell you in his own time. Just be patient with him, all right?”

I nod my agreement.

“I’ll leave you be before he breaks his neck craning to look at you.” Al winks and steps back in his office.

Once he shuts the door, I look toward the ring to see that sure enough, Hayes is keeping his eyes on me.

“At this point, you should have canceled!” Forrest huffs. “If all you’re gonna do is stare at her, I’ll find a new partner.”

My face heats as I walk closer to the ring.

“You’ll understand one day, kid,” Hayes says with a chuckle.

“I’m only a couple years younger than you! Quit acting like you’re Mr. Miyagi.”

Hayes ignores his friend and leans over the side of the ring where I am.

“Everything all right?” he asks, concern furrowing his brow.

“Everything’s fine. I was just getting to know Coach Al.”

Hayes smiles. “He’s the best. It looked like he liked you, too.”

“I hope so,” I reply.