Page 37 of Nothing To Lose

"You should probably see a therapist about your altruism complex."

"I'll see one if you will."

"Shut up."

I chuckle and dodge the pillow he throws at me.

"In all seriousness, I'd be honored, but I have my own stipulations."

Tyler lifts his chin and straightens his spine. He looks like he’d be comfortable in a boardroom, ready to listen like we're going into negotiations.

"We slow down, keep your healing progression in mind. Your head seems better, and your cuts and bruises are healing nicely, but your ribs are going to need more time. Not only that, but I don't think diving into the deep end is going to do you any good. You deserve to be treated right. Enjoy your trip around the bases, if you will."

"Have I mentioned I hate sports?"

"That's okay, I'll teach you those, too."

"Alright, so we take it slow. Anything else?"

"When you're healed enough, I'd like to teach you other things. Like maybe some self-defense?"

Thankfully, he doesn't balk at the idea or take it personally like the first time I brought it up. "I think that would be a good idea, actually."

"It can't hurt, at least."

"Anything else you want to teach me?"

His eyes flash with a feisty mix of heat and teasing, and I bite the inside of my cheek. He's going to test me to my limits. I just know it. But this should be fun at least.

Getting to my knees, I slowly crawl over his body, letting my breath caress over his abdomen, chest, and neck before stopping just inches from his mouth. Then I reach over the edge of the couch, lowering my body so I'm barely holding myself above him. The bare skin of my torso soaks in the heat from his, and I'd be lying if I wasn't tempted to give in to the tension between us right now.

Instead, I grab the heating pad from where it's hanging over the side of the couch and replace the ice pack that's laying on his side. Smirking, because I can't help myself, I give him a chaste peck on the cheek and excuse myself to go take a shower.

* * *

"Oh,it looks great, sweetie. It's really coming together."

"Thanks. Still a ton to do, but it's actually starting to look like something now."

"What's next on the list, then?"

"Flooring in the main gym and back rooms."

"Where will you stay while that's being done?"

"I've got shades up in the main gym now, so I can just move the bed out there for a few nights while I'm doing the back rooms."

"I suppose that works. It'll be nice when you have that apartment done, though. You're basically a squatter at this point."

"Thanks, Ma. That's real nice."

Tyler lets out a little snort of laughter, overhearing my mom giving me shit.

"Who was that?"

"Who was what?"

"I heard a laugh, and you smiled at someone."