Ty’s smile was starting to tick Kell off. He’d be wise to take him seriously. Kell didn’t lower his firm gaze. When he spoke, he looked a man in his eyes just like his sensei had taught him. His scowl clearly wasn’t threatening enough, because Ty had the audacity to move in closer until their faces were only an inch apart.
Kell shook his head. “What the hell are you doing? You trying to get a reaction out of me? You wanting to see if I’ll back down from you?” His lips almost touched Ty’s. “You shouldn’t challenge me, Tyrell.”
“We are already challenging each other.”
“Yes.”
“Yes. And to address one of your concerns, because it wasn’t a question. People watching us… me.” Ty broke their eye contact, but he didn’t move his head. His mocha eyes slowly scanned the room. “Some are watching. Some are not. I know none of them. These strangers mean nothing to me. They are not a part of my world. Do they mean something to you?”
Kell parted his lips but Ty didn’t give him time to answer.
“You think I’m self-assured and you’re absolutely right. I was born into this way of thinking. I’m a strong black man, Kellam. My father raised me to always hold my head high. To do whatever I do proudly and confidently. I’ve never, nor would I ever, do anything to shame myself… or the person I’m with in public… or in private.
“I touch you, Kell, because you smile when I do, so I know it’s not wrong. You make me feel good deep down in a place that’s untouched. The things you’ve listed that I’ve done for you didn’t warrant me checking for other’s response. Opening the door, touching you, easing you when you were uncomfortable made both of us feel good, so no, I do not worry about the thoughts of outsiders. Honestly, no one should. I’m only accountable for my own deeds. No one on this earth can judge me so why would I willingly give them that power over me by caring what they think of my actions. This is what I was taught, Kell and it’s what I believe. I do what feels good to me, as long as I don’t hurt others in the process.” Ty looked to think about his next thought carefully. “I will be honest. What I’m feeling, the things I’m doing with you, are different… new. I’m in uncharted waters.”
“I think I am too,” Kell admitted softly.
“So much changed in a matter of days that my mind is racing to keep up. First seeing Brian King again. Just knowing that he holds the key to a part of my soul that was locked and stored away because I couldn’t handle the unknown is weighing heavy on me. Then meeting you.” Ty shook his head in awe. “I’ve never met anyone even close to being like you. I find myself… wanting… feeling things I’ve never felt for anyone. It’s not something I’m taking lightly and it’s not anything I will dismiss.”
Kell exhaled slowly. This is unbelievable. How was it that the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen, oozing so much swagger it pained Kell to stare at him too long, was saying Kell made him feel good. When it was the other way around. It was Kell’s body that strummed with passion. Every place Ty had touched so far sparked with little electrical currents.
Kell cleared his throat, not wanting his voice to hitch, “Are you talking about…?” How did he word this?
“Being attracted to you,” Ty finished for him. He slowly nodded. “I believe I am.”
Ty
He knew Kell was going to make him say it. And he understood why. If he was in his partner’s shoes he’d want him to be real with him. A growing attraction in the work place could be a problem. It didn’t matter who was gay or not, it didn’t matter who was black or white, what mattered was their new chosen paths. This job meant a lot to him already. His father had his hand in this, Ty needed to see it through. He was sure Kell had his reasons as well. They couldn’t do anything to risk getting booted from the program. If the two of them messed up, there wouldn’t be a thing Brian or Quick could do to cover for them. Duke wouldn’t risk his company to two men who were too distracted by each other. Ty hadn’t missed the way he had watched them in his rear-view mirror. Thank goodness they’d correctly answered all the questions on Duke’s pop quiz.
“What’d you two eat, huh? Watercress salads with lemon wedges,” Dana said, loud enough for them to hear crossing the street. “You guys better start eating the food of champions. Meat.”
“Where the ’hell’d you come from?” Ty laughed at Dana’s playfulness and gave him a quick pound when he reached him. “I thought you had court duty.”