Page 24 of Knockout Bachelor

“True. Okay. What time?” I asked.

“They open at eight. How about I pick you up at seven-thirty?”

“Perfect. Since I don’t have a phone, I’ll just be waiting in front of the building. Hope you can get back to sleep,” I said.

“I’m one of those people whose eyes close once my head hits the pillow.”

“Good. Sweet dreams, Sydney.”

“You too, Cameron,” she said and ended the call.

I handed the phone back to the bartender and said, “I really appreciate that.” Then I reached for my wallet and pulled out a fifty.

“The water was on me,” he said.

“That’s for the use of your phone.”

I laid it on the counter, but he didn’t pick it up.

“Try to get some rest, Mr. Giampietro. You’ve had a big night. And congratulations again on the win. I heard from my brother that it was an amazing fight. He was there.”

I nodded and headed back to the apartment. Sleep was what I needed desperately. Not sure I was going to get any now. Sydney’s sweet voice, filled with concern for me was going to haunt me all night for sure.

At least I knew that I’d be seeing her in a few hours.

Once again, the doc to my rescue.

CHAPTER 10

Sydney

“You really did have a great connection with the salesman, but I am not sure if you still will, going forward,” Cameron said, slipping his new phone into his pocket as we left the store.

“Why would you say that?” I asked, knowing that I helped Cameron score a great deal.

“I would have to say, he wasn’t thrilled to see you here with a man,” Cameron said.

“What does that have to do with anything? He made a sale,” I stated.

Cameron laughed. “The guy has the hots for you. The entire time that I was asking questions, he was checking you out.”

“He’s like twenty years old.”

“Some guys like older women,” he said.

I shot him a warning look. “I’m thirty. That’s not considered old.”

He raised his hands. “Didn’t say old. I saidolder. There is a difference.”

“Not when you’re speaking to women.”

“Noted. Are there any other words I’m supposed to avoid?” he asked.

“Don’t worry. If you say them, I’ll correct you,” I joked. This was the perfect time for me to ask him about the cut above his right eye and swelling on his jaw. But just as I was about to do so, his phone rang.

He pulled out his phone and said, “Sorry, I have to take this.” I thought he would walk away, but he didn’t. “Good morning, Mom. No, I didn’t forget. My phone died last night, and I just picked up a new one. Yes, I will be there,” he said. “See you soon.” Cameron ended the call and put the phone back in his pocket.

“I guess we should head back to your apartment,” I said.