“We’ll split a Lyft. Thanks,” Ty called back, still facing him.
“Says who?” Kell lifted a brow in challenge.
“Says me,” Ty said it so freely, as if it was obvious.
“All right. Dana will be here at eight for you,” Duke said, slamming his truck door.
When the parking lot was finally empty Ty asked him, “Are you hungry?”
“Do you think that’s your new duty?” Kell said sternly. “Because it’s not. I can feed myself, Tyrell.”
Ty didn’t blink, he didn’t smile. Their teasing banter faded as he crowded into Kell until he not only felt the power of his glare, but the heat of his sexy body too. Ty’s voice was like dark chocolate. Decadent. But it made Kell tremble at its force, “Do not form your pretty lips to say my name like that again.”
Kell opened his mouth, but Ty silenced him with fingers to his lips. He pulled him closer and replaced Kell’s hood over his head. If it hadn’t been so endearing it would have been emasculating.
“Do not say my name like I’ve offended you. I offered you food because I want to talk with you. I need to talk with you. You are defensive towards me and I need that to stop. I’m not your enemy, Kell. Don’t speak to me like I am. I’ve shown you nothing but respect, have I not?”
Kell could only nod, caught up in Ty’s staggering masculinity.
“Then show it back,” Ty demanded.
He liked the way Ty was speaking to him. Oh god, he loved it. He was burning inside for more. To anyone else, it could appear that Ty was short and abrupt with him, but he was a disciplined man conversing with another. Kell didn’t know why he kept snapping at Ty. He unnerved him and made him question his touches. Ty’s body had been giving him amazing rhythm, but his mouth had contradicted his actions, or so Kell made himself believe. Because there was no way he could just accept that he was falling for his partner. A man he’d only met a few days ago, but had him waking each day after with a stronger urge to see him than before.
“I want to eat with you. But, I don’t. I um… I…” Kell stuttered.
“Keep it real with me, shorty.” Ty pulled Kell to his chest, “Say what you want to say.”
Shorty. Kell swallowed roughly. “Look. I live on a tight budget. I don’t have any money on me, so I was thinking I can give it back to you when I get my check. I don’t want you to think I can’t pay my own way,” Kell answered. His body betrayed his fake composure. He hoped Ty thought the sudden redness appearing on his cheeks was from the cold temperature.
“Okay. I can understand that. But, I will be honest, as well. I won’t feel comfortable turning our meals into a debt you owe me.”
Kell wished he knew where the hell Ty came from. He was the kind of man he only read or dreamed about. The one with looks, brains, self-control, goal-oriented, charming, generous, honest. Kell could keep going. And he’d seen all these amazing characteristics in mere days. He couldn’t wait to see what Ty would show him in a month… a year! Ty’s behavior wasn’t fake. This wasn’t an act. Kell had lived in some rough neighborhoods after leaving his father, and he’d met a lot of men, black, white and every race in between. Not one of them was comparable to Ty Jenkins. According to Brian—regarding Ty’s father—Ty really had it honest. He’d even seen Brian staring at Ty a few times when he’d say something profound. As if he was reminded of a precious memory of his fallen friend.
“Are we at an impasse?” Kell smirked.
“Oh no. Never that. Let me think.” Ty put some space between them.
Kell frowned.
“I can’t think clearly with you that close.” Ty’s expression was serious.
Kell blushed again. Crap.
“You are a master. A teacher. And, from what I’ve heard you’re a really good one. Patient even.” Ty’s smile brightened the night. “For every meal I pay for, you give me a lesson. I’m sure your classes aren’t cheap.”
“You are already a trained fighter.” Kell wasn’t fooled.
“True. But I’m not even close to being on the level of the company I’m in, or the other hunters. There’s room for improvement. I can also use some help with my knife throwing. I’m a bit rusty in that area.” Ty walked toward him, “In the hood I live in they don’t use knives. That’s a weapon for close combat. If a man’s got beef on the block, he’s gonna come at me like a coward from yards away. Blasting from a distance.”
“How can that man blast at you if he has a blade embedded in his hand?” Kell questioned. “Or in his eye?”