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“You also want to keep a distance with your hips,” Ty says as he grabs my foot on his thigh and pulls it back, creating more distance between us. “With both hooks in you want to get close. But with just one, keep a distance and lean in. This gives you time to defend against your opponent if they drop under your arm and go for a body lock, which I could have. Then you have time and space to react with an overhook sweep, or attack the neck.”
I sigh as I let that play out in my head. And fuck… it’s great. I look into his eyes, narrowing mine. “I hate you.”
“Feeling is mutual,” he mutters, then gestures for me to sweep.
But before I can, the sound of the gym door opening echoes throughout the empty space. We both turn our heads to see Rosa enter.
“Hey, guys.” She smiles as she walks over to us. “You’re here bright and early.”
“Don’t I fucking know it,” I murmur, rolling my eyes at Ty.
He just shakes his head with a huff, and Rosa laughs.
“Ah, butterfly sweep,” she says as she takes in our position on the mat. “Good call, Luca, shortening that leg. Keeps this one from being able to upend you or change up the guard.” She points a thumb at Ty with a smirk.
And Ty just tilts his head with a smug-as-fuck smirk aimed my way.
“Oh, aren’t you pleased with yourself.” I lift my foot from inside his thigh and kick his stomach, his grunt immediately lifting my spirits.
I stand, ignoring Ty’s glare and happy for a little break to calm my frustration. “You’re also here early,” I say to Rosa with a smile. “What are you working on today?”
“I thought it would be nice to do some yoga in the sunshine before the gym gets busy.” She watches as Ty stands as well, shooting daggers at me. “Don’t let me interrupt–” she starts, but I wave my hand in the air.
“You’re not,” I say. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just always mad.”
“Oh, fuck off.” Ty crosses his arms and rolls his eyes at me.
I point a thumb at him and nod at Rosa. “See?”
She chuckles, reaching a hand out to squeeze Ty’s arm. “Nah. He’s a soft soul.” Her eyes sparkle as they slide to me. “It’s just hard and tiring work to reel you in.”
Ty lets out a light laugh. “Got that right.”
My hand flies to my chest as my mouth drops open in shock. “Rosa,” I gasp. “Not you too…”
She chuckles and turns to leave, winking at Ty. “Go easy on him.”
“No promises,” Ty says as he gives her a smile.
I shake my head in disbelief over the betrayal. But before Rosa can get very far… I see a wonderful opportunity.
“Oh, and Rosa?”
She turns around to face us again. “Yeah?”
“I bet if you wanted to do something tonight, we would both be free.” I gesture between me and Ty, and I see him out of the corner of my eye as he slowly turns his head to me.
Rosa’s soft brown eyes flick between us as a smile slowly spreads across her face. Her gaze lands on Ty, and I can see the excitement brewing in her. “You up for dinner after training?”
I turn to face Ty, crossing my arms and tilting my head as we await his answer. He doesn’t look at me, but I see him tense as the war inside him begins. The urge to say no trying to take over, even though he has his answer.
He shifts his weight on his feet and nods at Rosa. “Yeah.”
She lets out an adorable squeal as she hops on her toes and claps her hands. “Oh, amazing! I’ll let everyone know!” She beams at Ty and steps closer to him. “You want to go to the Mexican place on Watson? It’s actually really good and has the most authentic Mexican food of all the places I’ve been to here. Almost as good as home.” She looks up at Ty hopefully, like she can’t believe this is really happening.
Ty smiles at her with a nod. “Sounds good.”
And I can’t help but smile at him. Because he looks genuinely happy and excited to be making these plans with her, despite the tension in him just moments ago.
