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And as I look into his eyes and take in the questions swirling around in them, the need to shove him away dissipates. Because I know, in his own, frustrating way… he wants to help.
“Just…” I sigh, “let me have this one.”
His eyes soften as understanding passes through them, and he gives me a small nod. I know why he pushes me, and as frustrating as that can be… I need it. I know I’m not easy to love. And I don’t know how to let him in. But I want to, and I appreciate that he continues to bang down the doors that I’ve hidden behind for so long.
And most of all, I appreciate that he also lets me close some when I need to.
“Drills or spar?” Luca asks, pulling the locker door open again.
“You don’t have to stay,” I say, taking out a pair of wraps.
“Oh, trust me, I know I don’t.” He takes a pair of wraps out as well and unrolls them.
I sigh, wondering if it would, in fact, be better if he left. As much as I could use a spar, the bags will do just fine and don’t talk back.
“But I’m going to,” Luca continues, wrapping his hand. “Because I want to.”
I lift my eyes to him, and a soft smile tugs at my lips.
For a second.
“But you owe me an epic fucking dinner out this weekend.”
I wince, looking down at my hands. “Maybe you should go then.”
Luca laughs, reaching into the locker and grabbing his gloves. “Oh, Ty. Such a comedian.” He then nods thoughtfully as he pulls his gloves on. “Or maybe I’ll make you cook for me. Hm, now I’m torn. Do you cook? Like, actual food? I’ve only ever seen you make boring-ass protein meals.”
I furrow my brow at him as I pull my gloves on.
He just shrugs. “I bet you can cook.”
As he turns and makes his way to the boxing ring, talking about table flower arrangements, I can’t help but let out a small chuckle.
He’s a fucking idiot.
But he’s my fucking idiot.
ELEVEN
Luca’s breath is warm on my cheek, his arm draped over my chest and his leg wrapped around mine. He’s sound asleep, and there’s an entire fucking bed on the other side of him as I teeter on the edge of the mattress.
I attempt to slide out from underneath him to get out of bed, but as soon as I sit up, his hand wraps around my arm.
“No,” he mumbles sleepily. “Not yet.”
I sigh, tapping my phone screen on the bedside table. 6:25 AM.
“Your alarm will be going off in five minutes.” I try to pull my arm out of his grasp, but he just grips me tighter. As I look over my shoulder at him, I’m met with sleepy hazel eyes.
“So, five more minutes to sleep.” He tries to pull me back down beside him, but I don’t move. His eyes narrow at me, neither one of us willing to budge. “When tigers sleep, they lie together and wrap their paws around each other.”
“Good for them,” I say as I turn away from him again, trying once more to get up and start getting ready for work. But he doesn’t let go. With a sigh, I look back at him again. “I’m not hugging you while you sleep for an extra minute.”
Luca scoffs. “It’s called cuddling. And not a minute… five.”
“More like four now.”
“Exactly, you’re wasting time. Now lie the fuck down.”
