Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Miles
The truck rumbles along the highway, the engine’s growl a comforting backdrop to the scenery flashing by.
Billings looms ahead, and I can’t help but glance over at Stiletto.
She’s radiant today.
The sunlight catches her red hair, making it glow like fire.
Her hazel-green eyes sparkle with something I haven’t seen in a while—life.
“Look at that sky,” she says, her voice brightening the air between us. “It’s like the whole world is on fire.”
“Yeah,” I reply, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Just like you.”
She laughs, a sound so light it makes my heart skip.
Her smile reaches her eyes, and for a moment, she seems like the girl I remember from the Bronx, full of sass and spirit.
It feels good, seeing her come out of her shell, shedding all that heaviness.
“So, what are we doing out here?” she questions me, nudging me playfully.
I chuckle, shaking my head. “We’re about to check out a gym.”
“Why am I not surprised, Mr. Entrepreneur?” she teases, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Got some big plans, huh?”
“Big enough,” I say, keeping my tone serious. “But right now, you’re my number one priority. I just figure I need to make some moves here if I plan on staying.”
“Me?” she says, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, you.” I flash her a grin. “You’re looking damn good today. Like you’re ready to conquer the world.”
Her cheeks flush slightly, and she glances down at her hands, the confidence slipping back just a notch.
But then she lifts her chin, determination sparking back into her gaze.
I can see it—the fire rooted deep within her starting to spark again.
It stirs something deep in my chest.
“Well, maybe I will,” she replies, her voice steady.
“That’s the spirit.”
As we pull into town, I catch myself feeling hopeful.
This place has a pulse, buzzing with potential, just like her.
The streets are lined with old brick buildings and small shops, a mix of rustic charm and modern life.
I reach for her thigh, my palm resting just above her knee.
A small gesture, but it feels monumental.
She places her hand over mine, fingers intertwining.
I squeeze her thigh gently, a surge of warmth flooding through me.
This moment feels like a turning point. I’ve never been this sure about anything before.
“Song,” I clear my throat, suddenly aware of the weight of my words. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to stay here. I want to move my life out here.”
She whips her head toward me, eyes wide. “What?”
“Yeah,” I say, forcing the words out. “I’m serious. I want to give this—us—a real shot. The only way I can do that is if I’m here, in Billings, with you.”
Her brows knit together, confusion swirling in those beautiful eyes. “You mean… you’d actually live here? You’d really leave the Bronx? Your whole life is there.”
“Yeah.” My voice is steady now. “My whole life is wherever you are, woman. I just wish you would see that.”
Silence fills the space between us.
I can almost hear her thoughts racing.
Then her grip tightens on my hand, and hope ignites in my chest.
“Wow,” she finally breathes, looking away for a moment. “I never expected you to say anything like that to me.”
“I don’t know why,” I admit, my heart pounding. “You’ve always been important to me, Song, even if I couldn’t see it when we were younger.”
“Are you sure you want to do this? Give up your whole life for me?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Absolutely,” I let out a breath, feeling lighter. “And, I’m not giving up my whole life for you. You make my whole life complete, girl. In time, I’m sure you’ll see that.”
She turns back to me, a smile slowly breaking across her face.
Hope mingles with uncertainty, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind.
I know she’s cautiously optimistic, but I’m not going to hurt her ever again.
A part of me aches for something real, something to anchor my roots. And if Stiletto’s the one to help me plant those roots, then I’m all in.
“Here we go,” I say as we approach the gym.
It stands solid and inviting in the center of Billings. It’s a beacon of opportunity.
I park, eyeing her for a reaction.
“Looks... nice,” she says, squinting at the building.
“Yeah, I’m not disappointed by it at all,” I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. “Let’s see what’s inside.”
With a shared glance, we step out of the truck, the brisk Montana air wrapping around us.
She turns toward me, curiosity lighting up her hazel-green eyes. “Okay, so what’s your plan with the gym?”
I take a breath. “Mainly for a source of income, but I think it would be good for me to get in the family business.”
Her brows rise, interest piqued. “Okay, so like just a working out sort of gym, or are you specializing in MMA?”
“Both. At least, that’s what I’m thinking,” I pause for a second, choosing my next words wisely. “The way I look at it is that if we can make money through both, it puts us in a better position for profit.”
Song narrows her brows, “Us?”
I stop and laugh, “You don’t think I’m doing this by myself, do you? You’re my girl, Song. I’m hopin’ you’ll help me with all of the chaos I’m gonna have to deal with.”
She bites her bottom lip and tries not to smile, but nods.
I hope it means a lot to her, because I want her to feel included.
As we reach the entrance, my pulse quickens.
I glance back at her. “Ready?”
She grins, pushing the door open. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Inside, the smell of polished wood and rubber hits us.
It’s quiet, echoing our footsteps.
I can almost hear the future calling.
“Okay,” Stiletto whispers, taking it all in. “Not too bad. This place definitely has some potential.”
“Yeah, it does.” I’m honestly amazed. I kind of expected it to be a mess, but your money goes a hell of a long way out here.
Back home, you buy something for this price and you get a piece of shit with a leaky roof and cockroaches.
The real estate agent comes up to us, his polished shoes clicking on the floor.
I scan the space—high ceilings, big windows letting in soft light.
“So, I know you’re not aware of the area very well,” he starts, gesturing toward a wall of mirrors. “But, this is a prime location. There’s lots of foot traffic and I know if your plan is to turn this into a gym, it will work out. The only other gym in town is closing in three months. Owners are retiring and honestly their building has a lot of issues.”
“Good to know,” I murmur, scanning the space for any potential issues the agent might not be keen on telling me.
“Pros include ample space for classes and equipment,” he continues, flipping through his clipboard. “Cons? The HVAC system needs work, and the locker rooms could use a facelift.”
Stiletto glances at me, her hazel green eyes sparkling with excitement. “Nothing we can’t handle, right?”
I feel my chest swell with determination. “Exactly.”
“Now, about the price,” the agent says, clearing his throat. He pauses for dramatic effect. “It’s listed at 660k.”
Song gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.
“Wow,” she breathes, clearly taken aback.
“Yeah, I get it. It’s a chunk.” I keep my voice steady, trying to mask my own surprise.
She doesn’t know about the deal I made with my old man. I’ll tell her, but after I get this place secured.
“Do you think... I mean, do you really want to?” Stiletto looks up at me, searching my face.
“More than anything.” I squeeze her hand reassuringly.
“Okay, then,” she says, confidence returning. “Let’s make it happen.”
“Here’s what I propose.” I turn back to the agent. “I’ll offer 600k in cash. Quick closing. No inspections.”
“Really?” The agent raises an eyebrow. “That’s quite a bit below ask.”
“Considering the repairs needed, and the fact I’m not asking for an inspection, it’s a deal your client would be foolish to turn down.” My heart pounds as I stand firm.
“All right, I’ll present it to my client,” he replies, scribbling notes on his clipboard.
“Thanks.” I nod, feeling the weight of the decision settle in my gut.
This is just the beginning.
Once he finishes writing his notes down, he glances up. “I’ll be in contact with you once my client makes a decision.”
“Perfect. I appreciate your time.” I shake hands with him and wrap an arm around Song.
As we step outside, the chill hits us again.
“Did that just happen?” she asks, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Yeah, it did.” I grin at her enthusiasm, and we climb into the truck.
“How do you feel?” she leans closer, her curiosity palpable.
“Like I’m ready for the new phase of my life.” I grip the steering wheel, finally feeling like I can envision my future here with her.
The truck rumbles beneath us as we pull away from the gym.
I glance at Song, her bright red hair catching the sun.
She’s still buzzing from the meeting, but a furrow creeps between her brows.
“Wait,” she says, breaking the moment. “Did you hit the lotto or something and not tell me? How in the hell do you have that kind of money?”
I chuckle, trying to keep it light. “I’ve been selling a shit ton of lemonade on the corner.”
“Ha. Funny,” Her hazel green eyes narrow, skepticism etched in her features. “Seriously.”
“Okay,” I take a deep breath, shifting in my seat. “I made a deal with my father.”
There was a time where I would compare my father to the devil, so I know her reaction isn’t going to be a good one.
“Your father? The guy who?—”
The one who at a time told me I wouldn’t amount to anything if I didn’t follow in our family footsteps.
“Yeah, that one.” I cut her off, not wanting to relive that mess. “He requested a 40% ownership stake in the gym.”
“Forty percent?” Her voice is a mix of surprise and disbelief. “He didn’t want a 51% share?”
“I know, right. I didn’t expect him to give me majority control. He’s sending his prospects here. They’ll train under me for competitions, and it’ll help us get a reputation.” I run a hand over my buzzed head, feeling the weight of the decision. “It’s a solid plan and with any luck, a successful one.”
“Wow.” She leans back, processing it. “So you’re serious about this.”
“Dead serious.” I steer the truck onto a quiet street, glancing over at her. “I want this to work, Song. I’ve said it a million times, but I need you to know how important this is to me—us, building a life here with you. I’m all in, girl.”
Her hazel-green eyes hold mine, her gaze piercing, as if she’s searching my soul. “I know you are, Miles.” Her voice is soft but steady. “I’m all in too.”
A wave of relief washes over me. “Good.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in.
Our shared silence is comfortable as we head down another road, into the center of town.
“I meant what I said,” I break the quiet, turning to face her. “I want to build this life with you. But not just the gym, Song. You’re more important to me than any business.”
“I know Miles.” Her voice is barely above a whisper. “And I want this life with you too…” She meets my gaze fearlessly, her eyes swimming with emotion.
“Just wait till I whip this place into shape,” I add, my confidence building. “We’ll be unstoppable.”
“Just don’t expect me to lift any weights.” She laughs, playfully rolling her eyes.
“Hey, I’ve got plans for you too.” I smirk, teasing her. “But first, we need to grab some hot chocolate.”
“Hell yeah we do,” she replies, her laughter infectious.
The truck rolls to a stop outside a little café.
The scent of cocoa wafts through the air, mixing with the crisp Montana breeze.
Song hops out, her red hair catching the light, and I feel that familiar jolt in my gut.
“Last one in pays!” she calls, darting ahead.
“You little shit!” I shout, laughing as I chase after her.
She’s quick, but I’m faster.
I catch up just as she reaches the door, pushing it open with a flourish.
“Two hot chocolate, please!” she beams at the barista as she gets to the counter, her hazel eyes sparkling.
“Coming right up,” he replies, pouring steaming milk into mugs.
I lean against the counter, watching her.
“It’s on me,” I say, pulling out some cash.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to do that. I’m the sore loser here,” She raises an eyebrow, teasing me.
“Yeah, I’m sure. You’re worth it.” I smirk back.
“Okay, Mr. Generous.” She rolls her eyes, but I can see the warmth creeping into her cheeks.
The barista hands us our hot chocolates and we step back into the cool air.
The hot chocolate is rich and sweet, melting away any lingering tension from earlier.
We sip in silence, savoring the moment, our breaths mingling in the chilly air.
“Ready to head back to the club?” I ask, glancing down at her.
Her voice is soft, sincere. “Yeah, let’s get back.”
I wrap my arm around her waist, feeling the warmth seep through our layers.
She leans into me as we walk, and it feels natural—like we’ve been doing this forever.
We hop in the truck and get back to the club in no time.
When we reach the clubhouse, we get out of the truck and walk to the doors together.
I push the door open, and everything changes in an instant.
“Surprise!” A chorus of voices erupts around us.
Banners hang from the ceiling, bright red and black: “Welcome Home Stiletto.”
“Whoa,” she breathes, her eyes wide.
The room is packed—club members, ol’ ladies, and kids fill the space, laughter and chatter creating a symphony of joy.
Tables overflow with Chinese food, the aroma hitting me like a wave.
“Did you know about this?” she asks, glancing up at me, but I don’t see any shock on her face. So, the question is did she know about it?
“Not a clue,” I respond, but the grin on my face says it all. “Looks like they missed you.”
“Feels good to be missed." She smiles, the warmth spreading through her.
"Come on, let’s celebrate.” I pull her further inside, where the music starts to pulse, and the night stretches out before us.
“Let’s get some food,” she says, tugging me toward the spread on the table.
The aroma hits us—sweet and savory.
Fried rice, orange chicken, dumplings lined up like little soldiers. I grab a paper plate and start piling it high.
“Careful there, Miles. You might need a second plate,” she teases, eyeing my heaping portion.
“Don’t judge my appetite.” I shoot her a mock glare as I grab an egg roll, the crunch snapping under my teeth.
“Okay, okay! I’ll just grab some for myself.” She laughs, loading her own plate with care.
“That’s right. You better keep up.” I wink, feeling light-hearted in this moment, surrounded by family.
We head back into the throng of people.
The chatter rises, laughter mingling with the music blasting from the speakers.
The music shifts, a slow tune wrapping around us like a warm embrace.
I glance at Stiletto, her hazel-green eyes sparkling under the twinkling lights.