“Hai, Sempai.”
Steve didn’t look as pleased as Randy. In fact, he looked about as pissed off as Tyler had ever seen him. He walked off without another word. Tyler almost felt bad for Steve. Then Tyler saw the blood on Jaime’s gi and Tyler’s body started to shake with anger. It was a stupid reaction. If only it was because Jaime was a student and not because Tyler felt like he wanted to protect Jaime.
“I’d better be going,” Randy said. “Sarah’s waiting for me. Next time, keep your guard up.”
“Hai, Sempai.” Jaime bowed to Randy. “Sayonara, Sempai.”
“Sayonara.”
* * * *
Despite the blood and a nose that felt like it belonged on a clown, Jaime started to relax as soon as Steve left the dojo. It had been an accident. Or at least Jaime preferred to think of it that way. He wouldn’t put it past Steve to take a cheap shot, but Jaime wanted to be a good enough martial artist that he could handle whatever cheap shot anyone took.
“I think we can skip the sparring tonight,” Tyler said. He smiled and put his hand on Jaime’s shoulder. He looked genuinely concerned about Jaime and that made Jaime’s heart melt.
“Thanks for the first aid.” Jaime felt his cheeks heating up and hoped he wasn’t blushing. He wasn’t used to having someone looking after him. “Guess I need a few more lessons on blocking.”
Jaime heard Tyler sigh before he headed to the changing room. Jaime filed in behind Tyler and took off his blood-splattered gi top with a frown. Some students might think blood on their uniform was a badge of honor, but Jaime wasn’t one of them.
“Randy’s right,” Tyler said and kept his eyes to himself as he undressed. It was impossible for Jaime to guess what he was thinking. “The blood will set if you don’t wash it out as soon as possible.”
“Guess it’s the twenty-four-hour laundromat then.” Jaime wasn’t looking forward to a late night. All he wanted was to get cleaned off and crawl into bed. “I’m not supposed to use the unit washer and dryer after ten.”
“You could come over to my place and use mine.” Tyler made the offer without a second’s hesitation. Jaime felt his blush deepen. The thought of being back in Tyler’s apartment only reminded him of the last time they were together. “I’ve got a washer and dryer in my apartment.”
Tyler kept his focus on his gi bag. Jaime wasn’t sure if he was just being friendly or wanted to be more than friendly.
“Do you want me to come over?” Jaime asked.
“Only if you want to.”
Finally, Tyler looked at Jaime. There was something hopeful and vulnerable in his voice. Jaime wasn’t sure what would happen if he went home with Tyler, but he was willing to find out.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter 12
Tyler wasn’t as nervous about having Jaime in his apartment as the last time. The comparison brought to mind luscious memories that had kept him company every night since. Tyler tried his best to keep his thoughts hidden as he showed Jaime how to use the washing machine. To his credit, Jaime humored Tyler’s rambling; an amused smile never leaving Jaime’s face.
“So add clothes and soap then press start?” Jaime chuckled as Tyler closed the lid on the washing machine.
“It should only take about half an hour,” Tyler said. He knew he was stating the obvious but going over the finer points of the various cycles kept him from an awkward silence that threatened to unleash all the thoughts swirling around in his brain. Tyler hated to see Jaime hurt, and the desire to comfort him ate at Tyler’s self-control. “We can just chill and watch some TV until it’s done.”
Tyler’s hands fumbled with the dials on the washing machine as if it was the first time he’d used them. The urge to pull Jaime close and see that hunger in his eyes was so strong, Tyler’s body ached.
“Are you hungry?” Tyler asked. It was better if he kept his hands and mind occupied. “I can throw a pizza in the oven.”
“Sure.”
As Tyler turned to head to the kitchen, he noticed the redness and swelling of Jaime’s nose. Seemingly self-conscious under Tyler’s gaze, Jaime looked away. This time Tyler didn’t suppress the urge to touch him. Closing the distance between them with a single step, he waited for Jaime to pull away. When he didn’t, Tyler cupped his chin. Gently, Tyler placed a kiss on the tip of Jaime’s nose.
The smile on Jaime’s lips broadened from ear to ear.
“That’s better,” Tyler said.
From beneath his long bangs, he saw the spark ignite in Jaime’s eyes. Tyler’s thumb brushed against Jaime’s lower lip.
“All better.” Tyler was determined to make sure Jaime forgot all about his sore nose by any means necessary.
Hip to hip, Jaime reached up and wrapped his hands around Tyler’s neck. Tyler’s pulse quickened, his arousal making it obvious what was on his mind. The slightest wiggle from Jaime only added to Tyler’s excitement. Jaime seemed to delight in tormenting him. His eyes lingered on Tyler’s lips. A wave of panic gripped Tyler as Jaime moved in. Before Jaime’s lips touched his, Tyler tilted his head to the side and captured Jaime’s earlobe in his teeth. He tugged playfully and caressed Jaime’s thigh, hoping it made up for the denial of the one thing Tyler couldn’t risk giving. If he did, he might have to face that this wasn’t just an experiment.
“Let’s go to my bedroom.” Tyler breathed the words against Jaime’s salty skin, the recently dried sweat of a hard karate class such a turn on. Plus they could shower together later. Tyler’s hand stroked down the length of Jaime’s fly. “If you want to.”
Jaime moaned and leaned into Tyler’s touch.
“Oh, I want.”
Tyler’s mouth trailed kisses down the nape of Jaime’s neck as his head tilted back, offering Tyler complete access. Pulling Jaime’s shirt over his head, Tyler continued the journey down Jaime’s chest and stomach. Jaime’s fingers gently
