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So because I’m curious, I take my time getting my fight shorts on and my sweats put away, so I can keep watching him. Not only because I know he doesn’t like it when I do, but I also find myself wanting to know more about him. For someone who is so confident in the cage, he seems so uncomfortable here. Even now, as he strips his shirt off and keeps his back to everyone, I sense a general uneasiness about him. Like this is hard for him.
Speaking of hard… my eyes roam over the muscles of his back. Countless times I’ve seen him without a shirt and had my hands all over him during fights, but right now, sitting back and taking him in… I can actually admit to myself something I’ve known for a long time. Dude is hot. I quickly glance away to make sure no one is watching me check him out, but the locker room has mostly cleared out. My eyes travel back to him, taking in his tousled dark hair, and his dark brown eyes, which are now boring into me.
I adopt a smirk, hoping it wasn’t obvious I was close to eye fucking him. I stand up, whipping my shirt off as well. “What? Like what you see?” I ask, smiling sweetly at him.
He scowls, shutting his locker door and heading out into the gym.
I toss my shirt into my locker with a chuckle and follow him. Everyone is starting in on what they need to be doing, whether it’s working the bags, in the weight room, or sparring. Max is waiting for me and Ty at the mats with arms crossed, observing us as we make our way to him.
And as I try to get in the headspace to grapple with Ty, I’m still grappling with a question in my head. Why is he so withdrawn? Is this just who he is, or is it because I’m here? And why do I even care? He’s a dick.
Speaking of dick… I subtly drop my gaze to his shorts. He seems like he would have a good one… No, fuck, stop it. Yeah, he’s hot and is probably packing, but he’s my enemy. Good dick or not.
“Ok,” Max says as we stand before him, “you guys are working the mats today. Eventually we’ll break it down into drills but for now, just roll. Start in closed guard, so Luca can get some work in breaking it, then switch.”
I nod, knowing this is something I need to work on. But I feel those uncomfy feels, as this gives Ty a leg up on me right now. I try not to look at him, as I’m sure he’s feeling and looking smug. But I’m a glutton for punishment and subtly slide my eyes to him. And he’s blank faced, simply listening to Max. Well, now I’m frustrated because I can’t read him. What’s that all about? If it was me, I’d be owning this and making sure he knows I have what he needs.
“Get a feel for working together,” Max continues, his eyes narrowing at each of us. “And keep it to grappling only.”
We both nod, but as I quickly glance at Ty again, I see his jaw tick.
Ah. There it is.
“Got it,” I say, giving Max a salute.
He chuckles lightly and turns to Ty.
He just nods again and drops his eyes. Which is apparently enough for Max. Seriously, why can’t this guy just fucking speak like a human?
“Alright.” Max looks over his shoulder to some of the other guys working the bags. As he turns back to us, he looks uneasy. “I’ll be right back…” He starts to back away, clearly not sure if he should leave us alone. Just as I think he’s going to turn and leave, he stops. “And another thing. In this gym, we’re all about sportsmanship. We touch hands to begin a fight or match.” And with that, he turns to head off and check in on the other guys.
And I really do have to wonder why he felt like he could leave us alone. Even I think that’s a bad idea.
But then I feel a wave of guilt that I have to be watched like this. I’m a somewhat grown ass man, I shouldn’t need a babysitter. But just being around this guy, I lose my head.
I sigh, shoving that away for now, and turn to Ty with a smile.
“Sportsmanship. That means treating others with respect. Do you know how to fist bump?” I hold my fist out and gesture for him to do the same. “Here, it’s easy, I can show you.”
He practically growls as he gestures to the mat. “Get the fuck down there.”
“That’s what he said.” I nod seriously.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I put my hands on my hips and stare down at the mat. “Top or bottom?”
He looks at me for a moment, seeming to gather himself as best he can. And yeah, fair, I’m poking the bear and greatly enjoying myself.
“You’re passing a closed guard. You are on top,” he says through gritted teeth.
“Right.” I nod and wink at him, and he looks like he’s going to fucking lose it on me.
“Why can’t you take anything fucking seriously?”
I place my hand to my chest. “Oh, but Tyler, I do. Very much so. I’m here with you, aren’t I? I think that means I’m pretty fucking serious about this.” I drop to my knees and pat the mat before me.
A muscle twitches in his jaw, but he moves to lay on his back before me. He avoids my eyes, and I can feel the tension in him as he wraps his legs around my waist, putting us in closed guard position.
