I won that round easily, and lucky for me, Taylor was there to witness it. Once I was finished in the ring, I showered, because I didn’t want to go out into the crowd smelling like somebody else’s sweat.
I was afraid that Taylor had left. My hunt would be over before it even began.
He was difficult to find, because there were so many people and he was short, but I located him. He and the person he was with were gushing over my opponent. Taylor’s eyes widened again when he saw me. His friend must have noticed a change in him,because he followed his gaze toward me. They exchanged some words I couldn’t hear.
The crowd parted for me as I walked through. A perk of being six foot seven.
“Taylor,” I said. “It’s good to see you. Did you come to see me fight?” I held his gaze, watching closely for any reaction out of him. I suspected that he had not come to see me and this was purely coincidence.
At work I avoided looking at him too often, for fear that I’d make him uncomfortable, but now that I’d read his work… seeing him squirm would be well worth it.
There was no attention left in my body for anyone else. I was being rude, of course, completely ignoring everyone around me. A few people slapped my shoulder, shouting congratulations, but all I saw was Taylor.
He licked his lips. “I didn’t know you did this. I can go if it’s—”
I raised a brow. “If it’s what?”
“I don’t know,” he said, and he tucked his hair behind his ear in a nervous gesture.
“I thought perhaps maybe you came to get your… work.” I leaned closer as I said the words.
He sucked in a breath and swallowed thickly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. My gaze narrowed in on it. Once again, I was hit with the undeniable urge to bury my face there and lick him. I was so distracted, I almost missed his next words. “You have it?”
I nodded. “Would you like it back?” A slow smile worked its way over my lips.
He nodded. “I—”
“I’m Trav.” His friend stuck out a hand, forcing himself between us. Not because he wanted attention, it was almost like he was protecting Taylor, getting defensive.
“Griffin. I work in Taylor’s office,” I said.
Taylor snorted. “It’s not my office. He’s the VP that works with Sawyer.”
“Ah,” Trav said, and nodded. “And you fight on the side for funsies?”
I shrugged one shoulder and ignored the twinge of pain. “It keeps me in shape.”
“Keeps you in very nice shape,” Trav said. Not flirting. Instead, his gaze bounced between Taylor and me, as if scheming. Perfect. Having the friend on board would certainly work in my favor.
“Were you about to head out? Or do you have more to do here?” he asked.
“I’m leaving. Actually, I don’t usually come out to the crowd, but when I saw Taylor, I thought I would say hi. I wouldn’t want to waste the opportunity to return something to him.” I kept my eyes on Taylor as I spoke, even though I was addressing Trav. A strawberry-red blush crept its away over Taylor’s cheeks and down his neck.
“Yes,” Trav said. “It is very important that certain possessions be returned to Taylor promptly. It’s a good thing that you have them. You know, I’m feeling tired, Taylor. I was thinking I might leave, go straight home. Perhaps Griff can give you a ride.”
There was a flash of panic in Taylor’s eyes. “Oh, no, that’s—”
“That’s a fantastic idea, Taylor.” I kept my eyes trained on his face, looking for any indication that he truly didn’t want to be alone with me. He had a nervous energy to him, but not fear. “I would love to take you home.” Whether I meant my home or his home, I would leave up to his interpretation.
“Perfect. It’s settled,” his friend said, and then disappeared into the crowd.
Taylor’s panicked eyes met mine.
“If you would prefer to go straight home, I can take you, or even just order an Uber. Or we can call your friend back and I’ll leave you alone. But perhaps you’d like a cup of coffee?”
He swallowed again. Damn, that Adam’s apple. That skin on his neck. I wanted to lick it, bite it, leave marks there that would be just visible over the collar of his shirt. Leave everyone wondering who would have done such a naughty thing to such an adorable man.
“Coffee sounds great,” he said after he composed himself.
