Warmth spread in my chest when I considered Thatch’s gesture. It didn’t matter that the kitchen would take a couple of hours to clean up, and probably both pans would need throwing out, or the fact that dinner was inedible. What mattered was the unexpected thoughtfulness in what he’d attempted.
How the hell could I not fall for this man?
At every turn, he had my back. Was there to pick up the pieces of the shit going wrong and celebrate the wins we’d had.
Then there was that kiss.
“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice quiet. “Takeout?” I lifted one shoulder and smiled. “You want to call it in, and I’ll start cleaning up?” There was so much more I wanted to say, but I wasn’t convinced Thatch would appreciate it. While the gesture was a big one, all things considered, he wasn’t a guy who’d appreciate me gushing over the fact.
A smile lifted his lips, his skin calming to its perfect colour. “I can do that.”
It didn’t take long for the two of us to tidy the kitchen. The pans didn’t survive, and the oven would need scrubbing due to the overflow of garlic butter, but Thatch told me his housekeeper would sort it tomorrow when we were at work.
We’d taken a break between cleaning to eat the lasagna that had arrived from the local Italian place. And now, we’d finally put the dishwasher on and headed out the back, soft drinks in hand.
“I’ve already organised additional training. With how crazy it’s been, I’m all too aware of how our usual training sessions have slacked off.” Thatch eased into the outside chair and kicked out his legs.
I nodded. “It makes sense. It’ll be good to train with the team more. While we’ve been managing to get by, it would be good to see what they can all handle.” I smiled at the possibility. Sparring was always a riot. Before this reassignment had begun, without fail I trained with my old team. It was essential to be able to work as a well-oiled unit. It made me think of Lucas. I really needed to touch base with the guy. Though, being in the ITU meant the truth was tricky, as being low-key was imperative. “Kent trains, right?”
Thatch snorted. “She’s deadly, man.”
I nodded, a smirk on my face. “I believe that, but shit, she knows how to push my buttons.”
“She does have a talent for it.” He laughed. “I remember the first time Jenson took her on, thinking she’d be a piece of piss to take down because of the computer genius she is.” He shook his head, amusement lighting up his eyes. “He quickly realised just how hardcore she is.”
“Do you train with the team?”
“Of course.” He looked at me curiously. “Why would you think I wouldn’t?”
“Brent.”
“Ahh.” Understanding registered on his face. “Yeah, I can see he’d keep himself separate.”
“Yup. He’s a wanker, all right.” I laughed when Thatch snorted and covered his mouth. “No spitting. Swallow that shit,” I said, the words falling out unbidden. Both of our eyes widened, and heat rushed to my cheeks. I coughed and tried to change the subject quickly. It was so easy to forget Thatch was my boss at times. We were so comfortable around each other. While I’d admittedly said a whole lot worse to Brent and previous bosses, Thatch was the first I’d ever had a boner for. “So, about yesterday’s game, huh?” Somehow I managed to hold back my groan at my piss-poor job at a subject change.
Thatch’s wide grin spread across his face. “Really?”
I shrugged and smiled before taking a drink.
“Back to Brent,” he said, and I glanced at him, relieved he’d given me an out.
It was a few days later when training finally began. After a bust the night before at a raid that had ended up being nothing, the whole team was frustrated and keen to work off some steam.
Heat appeared at my back. While the scent was familiar, it was unwanted, but it was enough to let me know Michaels was going to strike.
I turned swiftly before his fist was able to connect with my head. I raised my arm a fraction and then landed a solid blow to his cheek, following through with a step back and a roundhouse kick.
Michaels grunted and hit the floor hard. Not even a second trickled by before I was on him, forearm to his throat. A gurgle escaped his bloody lips, and he slammed his hand to the ground in defeat.
Grinning, I pushed against him and sprang to my feet. His eyes darkened, reminding me that while we were sparring, he was a fierce-as-hell shifter and I shouldn’t forget it.
While I hadn’t been on this team for long, I hadn’t got to my current position on my pretty looks alone. Yeah, my biceps and canines helped. A lot.
My eyes sought out Thatch’s immediately while Michaels sat on his arse grumbling. Thatch’s grin matched mine, and I swore heat danced in his eyes. My eyes widened a little. Did he like watching me go at it with Michaels… in a completely nonsexual way, of course. No. There was only one guy on this team who I wanted to do the dirty with.
I pulled in my bottom lip and tasted blood. Michaels was fast. Like crazy fast. Thatch’s eyes drifted to my action. Curious. There was no point even pretending that the thought of this little training session getting him hot under the collar wasn’t getting me amped up. Dangerous, since in a room full of supes, my desire would be scented by every damn nose. Well, except for Jenson, but I’d watched him in action early during a sparring session. Despite being human, he could definitely hold
