“Was there anyone special in the crowd tonight, someone you played extra hard for?”

The asshole. Somehow I maintained my easygoing smile, though I hoped he could mind read, as I was going to nut punch him when it was safe to do so.

“All of our hardcore fans make it easy to give it our all for.”

“I saw a few former greats in the crowd tonight,” he continued mercilessly. The nut punch would only be the start of the level of pain I was going to throw at him. He was the only person who knew about my absolute infatuation with Eddie Phelps. And apparently, Tony took great pleasure in torturing me.

“I expect some of those old greats have offered you so much inspiration over the years. Are there any in particular you want to give a shout out to?”

And then Eddie was by my side, grinning, and throwing his arm around my shoulder. I soaked in his touch and his happiness, allowing the pride evident on his face wrap around me.