Serious Ink Read Online Free Page A

him.
    Not that she ever would’ve admitted that out loud in a million years, but his refusal of the bread rolls was basically the most epic display of chivalry she’d ever witnessed in her entire life.
    “So tell me about your work,” she said, suddenly eager to know more about him. “You said your job brought you to Pittsburgh.”
    “I co-own a mixed martial arts promotion company. Technically I’m also the VP of Marketing and Communications.” He shot her a wry grin. “We’re small, but we’re growing and the move has been a big leap. So basically, I only stop working to eat and sleep.”
    A mixed bag of emotions flared to life inside Zoe – surprise, excitement and a tentative sense of hope. “And you’ve moved your business to Pittsburgh? What does that mean for the area, exactly?” Butterflies flip-flopped to life inside her stomach as she thought of her brother, Paul. Maybe – just maybe – she’d have some good news to take home, for once.
    Noah leaned forward, eyes flashing. “We deliberated about this location for a long time. In the end, a lot of factors led us to choose Pittsburgh for what will be our biggest event ever – a championship. Pittsburgh will be the host city and the permanent location of our company’s headquarters. We’re calling it the Elite East Championship Tournament.”
    “Wow.” The butterflies inside her stomach tripled in size. Wait until Paul heard about this.
    “Yeah, just don’t tell anyone.” He winked. “That’s top secret information until tomorrow, when we’re going to announce the details at a press conference.”
    “Oh. Okay.” Well, maybe she could wait until the next day to tell Paul. Either way, it’d be nice to have some good news to share. “So, what kind of fighters are going to be able to compete? I mean, is it … open to anyone?”
    The local competitions Paul fought in were more or less open to anyone who was willing to train, jump through the state athletic commission’s licensing hoops and step into a cage. Most of the guys who participated had at least some skill, but the local MMA circuit was a far cry from the UFC.
    “There’ll be a series of rounds over the course of several months. The idea is to start out big – inclusive – and let the cream rise to the top. There’ll be fighters you’ve never heard of before – not the big names you see on pay-per-view – but the event will be conducted professionally. The fighters who make it to the top will be in a totally professional class.”
    That sounded promising. Paul would be thrilled to know a new competition circuit was coming to Pittsburgh.
    “Sounds impressive,” she said, meaning it. When Noah had walked into Hot Ink in his suit and tie, MMA hadn’t even crossed her mind. It made sense, though – it was the sort of industry where she could imagine the professional world being less than buttoned-up and stuffy.
    “You think so?” Noah looked surprised again.
    “Yeah. I mean, I’m no martial artist, but I like to watch MMA. I think it’s pretty cool that a big championship like that is coming to Pittsburgh.”
    “Well, it’s big for us,” Noah said. “Definitely the biggest event we’ve ever organized, though we’re still a growing company. We hope this one will really put us on the map.”
    “Your event sounds a few steps above most of the local fights I’ve been to.”
    “You’re interested in the local MMA circuit?”
    “Yeah. I—”
    “Grilled skewered shrimp.” The waitress appeared, lowering a steaming platter.
    “Those are mine,” Zoe said. “Thank you.”
    “Careful – plate’s hot.” The waitress lowered a sizzling steak in front of Noah. “Anything else I can get you two?”
    Noah looked across the table at Zoe, gaze questioning.
    “We’re fine for now. Thanks.”
    Zoe couldn’t resist popping one of the shrimp into her mouth while it was still hot. Plump and faintly spicy, it was delicious – her favorite item on the restaurant’s