“I’m sorry, man. I tried to stay away,” I say, dodging another swing, but then he lurches his other arm right into my stomach. It’s so forceful, he nearly knocks the wind out of me.

“Does she feel the same?” he asks.

“Yes, it’s mutual,” I admit, hitting him just as hard.

Tyler throws punches until I land on the floor. I hold up my arms to block him until he tires out, but I underestimated his stamina. He’s on top of me, swinging with a vengeance, and though he has every right to be pissed, I won’t take this lying down.

I drive my knee up and curl my body to the side, taking him with me. As soon as he’s down, I jump to my feet. Tyler quickly stands, not giving me much time to catch my breath.

“If you hurt her…” he begins, his expression serious. “I won’t be using gloves next time.”

Before I can respond, he kicks out his leg, and I fall.

“Argh,” I groan as soon as my back slams onto the floor. He’s not fighting fair, and he knows it.

Tyler stands over me with a cocky smirk, amusement written all over his face.

“What?” I croak out, waiting for his next illegal move. I wouldn’t be surprised if he kneed me in the nuts.

He shakes his head. “I already knew, you dumbass.”

Tyler holds out his hand, nodding for me to take it. When I do, he helps me to my feet. As I fight to catch my breath, Tyler’s expression changes from angry to humored.

“What do you mean you knew?” I pull off my gloves.

He snorts. “You two are so fucking obvious, c’mon. I’m not that dense. The way you look at each other and how protective you are of her—which is one reason I didn’t confront you sooner—and how happy she’s been. I’ve known for a while but was just waitin’ for you to man up and tell me yourself.”

I blink in shock because I thought we were careful, but I guess not. Tyler knows us both so well, I should’ve known he’d figure it out.

“So, you’re not mad?”

“Well, not as much as I should be,” he confirms. “I’m pissed neither of you listened to my warnings, but ultimately you’re grown and can make your own choices. Just know they come with consequences if you break her heart.”

“Alright, fair enough.” I grin, relief washing over me.

Tyler slaps me on the back. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you won her over.”

“More like, she won me over…I tried just being friends, but our feelings and attraction became too strong to ignore.”