Free The Fighter's Fierce Temptation by Leslie North Page A

figure I’m going to have some free time around then, and it sounds like you’ll have some more time before you start school again. Maybe we could explore the chemistry between us more, then?”
    Alice smiled too. “Three months, huh? I think I could probably make some room in my schedule then.” If I can keep my hands to myself for the next few weeks while you’re still here. Dad is going to train you tomorrow and there will no opportunity for you and me, as myself, to mess things up. Thank goodness.

Chapter 17
    The next week flew by. Anders seemed to be feeling better and kept Bryant and Zac busy learning more about Bryant’s weaknesses and how to correct them. Bryant kept his eyes peeled for glimpses of Alice, but after their fishing expedition, she had effectively disappeared from the compound.
    He couldn’t stop thinking about that night. Every girl he’d been with had always put herself before his fighting. But Alice was different.
    After five days with no sign of her, he finally asked Tavvy about her. “What’s up with Alice?”
    If Tavvy was surprised, he hide it and recovered quickly. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, where is she? I haven’t seen her since last Saturday.”
    “She had to make a run back to the university. She should be back tomorrow, in time to help work with the kids come Saturday. Why? Is there some reason you’re looking for her?”
    Bryant thought about lying, ultimately deciding that honesty might get him farther. “I like her. I enjoyed spending time with her, and she’s a hell of a fighter. I was kind of hoping to spar with her.”
    Tavvy nodded. “Listen, Bryant. You don’t need to get sidetracked. You only have two more weeks up here before you need to head back to Salt Lake City and start the final preparations for your fight against Macken. So I’ve been thinking about whether you might like a coach for this fight.”
    Bryant raised his eyebrows. “You? You’d consider coming out of retirement to coach me against Macken?”
    “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it, and I miss competition more than I’d thought I would. I wouldn’t do this for just anyone, but for you and your brothers—yeah. I want to.”
    “So, you’d be willing to leave Oregon and come back to Utah with me?” Bryant asked, thrilled that Tavvy would even consider such a thing.
    “That’s what I’m saying. What do you think?”
    “I’m on board. I know Beck and Mason would love to have you there too. But what about Anders and the camp up here?”
    Tavvy shook his head. “It’s tough for him. His health is starting to limit what he can do. He’s thinking of taking a sabbatical from training fighters, at least for the next few months.”
    “Really? I thought he was feeling better.” Bryant said, confused, because the man he’d been working with over the last week appeared in great health. He hardly ever talks though. Maybe there’s something going on with his voice?
    “Well, take it from me, he’s definitely not feeling a hundred percent. A little break will do him good.” And save what he’s built here. Alice’s completely wearing herself out, trying to do her dad’s job.
    “Well, I’ll mention it to Beck and Mason when I talk to them tonight. We have an extra room in the apartment above the school and you’d be more than welcome to use it. I’m sure my brothers would welcome whatever time you can spend with us.”
    Bryant slapped Tavvy on the back and headed across the gym to the wing chun dummy. Over the last week, he’d become more adept at utilizing the wooden structure, and he hardly ever missed a block these days. He’d already talked to Mason about installing something similar in their gym back home, and Mason promised to look into procuring one of the training devices.
    Tavvy watched him walk away and then shouted out, “I’m going up to the big cabin to speak with Marguerite. Whenever you’re finished for the day, shower and then relax for a few