Fighter {Completed}

Chapter Thirty-Six: Ellie Is My Home {Cole}

Chapter Thirty-Six: Ellie Is My Home {Cole}

"Of course I'm sure this is a ridiculous question considering your performances in the past, but Cole, is there anything that might deter your performance and/or concentration during this camp?"

Yes.

"No, sir. Of course not. I intend to work harder than ever before at this camp." I give him a smile, but it feels forced. It doesn't feel real, but then again, none of these people are real. They're chasing money bags, which, I guess, is the same thing I'm doing in a way.

"Well, Mr. Everett, I believe that is all of the questions for today. I'm looking forward to seeing you at camp in a few days. If you need anything, you let me know."

"Yes, sir. Thank you," I stand as he does. Extending my hand, I shake his, showing respect to one of the men who could send my career back to square one without even lifting a finger. He leads me to the exit of his office, toward a secretary dressed in a pencil skirt and plunging blouse.

As she leads me to the exit of the building, she flashes a bright smile, long eyelashes batting toward me. As we step into the elevator, she takes a small step closer.

"So, you're heading to the UFC?" she asks. I nod. "Wow. That's great. You must be very good at fighting." I nod again, my temper beginning to flare slightly.

I don't want to be in this elevator with her.

I want to go home.

I want to go home to Ellie.

"I get off at five, if you're interested in getting a drink," she murmurs, her hand gripping my forearm in a flirting manner.

"Not interested."

"Oh," she deflates, retracting her hand as if I've burned her. Good, I think to myself.

I don't want this bitch touching me.

"I apologize. I thought you were straight."

She thinks I'm gay?

Are you fucking kidding me?

"Not every man that rejects you is gay. Maybe you're just not as interesting as you think you are." Her eyebrows shoot up in surprise and anger. The elevator dings. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going home to my girl." Without another word, I exit, heading toward the front doors and to my car as I take my phone from my pocket.

Good luck! Don't be nervous!

Ellie's message lights up my phone, unread. Just like that, my heart slams against my rib-cage, my mind instantly overwhelmed by the thought of the blonde goddess waiting for me only a few minutes away. I don't hesitate any longer, pressing the small icon that dials her number and waiting for the ring.

"Hello?" she answers, sounding preoccupied.

"I wasn't nervous, for the record," I begin, starting the car and transferring the call so that I can talk and drive. I don't want to be away from her longer than I have to. "But thank you anyways, blondie."

"You're welcome," she says, her voice small and shy as if I've just told her she looks like Aphrodite.

"I'm on my way back now. I'll pick you up in about fifteen minutes or so," I tell her. I can hear the panic in her motions as she gasps, stuttering out a response I don't understand. "You okay, sweetheart?" I ask her.

"Yeah, I'm fine! Uhm... I'll see you when you get here!" She hangs up, leaving me surprised and confused as I drive. Sighing, I press the gas a little harder.