“What? He is. I almost saw him smile yesterday, and he hasn’t threatened to kill anyone in a week. By the way, thanks for the earplugs you left on my bed Monday night.”

Diesel glanced over his shoulder at Tracey, brows slanted in confusion.

Tracey’s cheeks burned. “We’re not exactly quiet.”

“Aww, look at you all rosy cheeked,” Izzy teased.

“Ohmygod. Stop. Did you have fun with Jared?”

“I always have fun with him, but the way you two flaunt your coupledom is messing with my head.” Izzy ate a forkful of pancake.

“What do you mean?” Tracey asked.

“I mean, Jared’s not taking me out on his bike to see gardens. I keep having these thoughts, like wondering who else he’s been with.” Izzy slumped in her chair. “I need to stop hooking up with him, but I really like hooking up with him. Tell me to stop being stupid.”

“I’m outta here,” Diesel said gruffly.

“Did I scare you off with girl talk?” Izzy asked.

He glanced at her but didn’t respond. Instead, he put one hand on the back of Tracey’s chair, the other on the table, leaning in so close her pulse quickened. “You’re sure you’re healed up enough to fight in class today? Promise you’re not in any pain?”

He cared so much, he’d asked her the same question a dozen times over the last few days, and touched her yellowed bruises, just to be sure. “I promise.”

“Okay. I’ve got business to take care of. I’ll see you at the gym later.” He took her in a toe-curling kiss, leaving her a little light-headed as he nodded at Izzy and headed for the front door.

Izzy fanned her face. “Where can I get one of those?”

“You can’t. He’s one of a kind.”

TRACEY GOT TO her class a little early and began warming up on the heavy bag, trying to get her head out of the clouds. She’d never been the type of girl to have her head in the clouds, and she was surprised how difficult it was to stop daydreaming about Diesel.

“There’s the toughest girl around.”

Tracey turned at the sound of Eliani’s voice and let out a squeal. “I’ve missed you!” She hugged her pregnant friend. “Look at that baby bump! How is it possible that you still look like Gal Gadot? Shouldn’t your face get puffy or something?”

“Everything about me is puffy. Even my hair has new life.” She shook her head, sending her thick dark hair swinging over her shoulders. Her expression turned serious, and she put her hands on Tracey’s shoulders. “Lior told me what happened. How are you?”

“I’m fine now. Almost all healed up and ready to learn to fight better.”

“Yes, he told me that, too. And that you are with the grumpy one.”