They couldn’t be more wrong. Boxing taught me a lesson: to win, you had to strategize. I’d stepped away from the sport and forgotten that. Being with Parker—who never let me get away with shit—these past weeks had reminded me.

Tucking my hands into my pockets, I leaned against the sun-warmed brick of my gym. “I’ve been researching too, Mr. Garret. Why don’t you come in and we can talk.”

His surprise was evident, but he brushed it off with another oily smile. “Sounds good.” He turned to his lackey. “Wait for me here, Kevin.”

I wasn’t going to fight Garret, but I didn’t have to like the guy, and my jaw was tight as I lead him past the studios where high school kids were doing stamina drills before stepping into the sparring ring. Carlos was shouting out encouragement—if you call “stop dragging your feet and move your lazy asses” encouragement.

“We’re offering beginners lessons for adults on Sundays, if you’re interested,” I told Garret.

He turned his attention away from the kids and back to me. “What makes you think I’m a novice?”

“You’re not?” I slowed by one of the mats currently unoccupied. “Want to give it a go then?”

Garret gave me a reluctant grin. “No thank you. I like my face as it is.”

Laughing, I headed for the office. Parker stepped out of the elevator at the same time. I greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. “This is Parker Brown,” I said to Garret as I opened my office door.

He held out a hand. “Kyle Garret. A pleasure.”

Parker gave him a polite smile and shook his hand. But she refrained from returning the sentiment. I bit back a grin.

“We’re going to have a quick meeting,” I told her. “Want to join us?”

The corners of her eyes crinkled as she searched my face. I knew she was wondering what I was up to. “I don’t know that I’d have anything to add to the conversation.”

“Stay anyway.” I wanted her to hear this. More importantly, I wanted her as part of my life. Taking her hand, I led us into the office.

“You’ve bought every property on this block,” I said to Garret as soon as everyone was settled.

“It’s public knowledge,” Garret replied with a causal shrug.

Humming in agreement, I rested my hands on my abs. “I’m doing a match for charity in a few weeks.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“The event has secured me enough sponsors to pay off the bills and keep this place in the green.”

Garret’s eyes narrowed. “Sure. But for how long?”

“For as long as it takes.” I leaned forward and set my forearms on Dad’s old desk. “I’m not going to sell to you, Garret. Not ever.”