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Breck rubbed his head. Cleared his throat. “Um… that you’re gay.”
Kai frowned and turned back, reaching his apartment. And there it was. Therealreason Breck had ducked-and-dodged. He hadn’t wanted his peers to see him. Especially not Jin and Dindy, in case theyknewabout Kai. They were students from George Mason too, after all. And word probably traveled fast regarding high-profile people.
Not loving the confirmation, but understanding it nevertheless, Kai exhaled and punched in his code. The keypad beeped and then the deadbolt released. “I don’t know. I’ve never told them directly, and they haven’t ever asked.” He pushed inside.
“Ah.” Breck entered behind him.
Kai could hear his unease. He turned and met Breck’s gaze. “Not that I’d care if they did. It’s not a secret.” He shrugged, turning back around. “One’s orientation is just another label. And I try really hard to avoid labels as best I can.”
“Why?” Breck followed him up the single step.
“They make it too easy to divide people. And it’s not like we’re just one thing, anyway. We’re multifaceted. Unique in countless ways. Yet, at the end of the day, we’reallstill human, regardless of what label gets slapped on our backs.”
Breck appeared to think about that as Kai headed over to his music system. Docking his phone, he turned back. “Make yourself comfortable. I’m gonna go grab a quick shower.”
Breck nodded, but didn’t move from where he was standing.
Kai turned and headed for his bedroom, pausing along the way to slide open the panels to his meditation garden. The added light was nice in the evening. And who knew, maybe Breck would appreciate the view.
Continuing on, he mounted the steps at the far end of his loft, then parted more panels and ducked inside his room. Rounding his bed, he entered the bathroom, its size generous, with a soaking tub, wood-crafted walls, and warm slate floors. Above him, a skylight offered ample sun. He stepped to the shower, reached in, and cranked on the water. His dobok came off swiftly—first his belt, then his top and pants.
But as each piece dropped from his body, he couldn’t help wondering aboutBreck’sattire. Had he worn another jock? The memory of him in one last Friday had Kai’s body instantly hardening. Not that this was the first time he’d graced his brain with that visual. He still had Breck’s pictures in his phone, after all. Pictures he’d gazed at often—and admittedly, at length. Even after their usefulness in aiding with his Shibari class had long since passed. They’d been the focal point of several quiet nights when he’d lain in bed with a wandering mind. The only thing that’d interrupted the silence, the sound of fingers slowly stroking rigid flesh. That and the soft, choppy breaths pumping out of his lungs.
Stepping under the spray, he got busy washing off. But as the suds glided down his abs, then skimmed over his dragon, another memory emerged. When Breck had walked in on him showing Scott his ink. He could only imagine what Breck had thought they’d been doing. Had the misunderstanding made Breck determine him the promiscuous type? He’d told Breck he wasn’t, but now he wondered if he’d actually believed him.
He should’ve just explained what they’d been doing in that stall. In truth, he almost had, but that fire in Breck’s eyes had been utterly derailing. Whether Breck wanted to admit it or not, he relished being the focus of Kai’s attention—and had unwittingly stalked into that restroom to bask in it some more.
Which, in hindsight, Kai realized had put him on edge. No one commanded his attention, and yet, Breck had been doingjust thatall fucking night. Something Kai had recognized, just hadn’t been willing to accept at the time.
Shutting things off, he climbed out and did a brisk towel dry. A swift brushing of teeth came next, and then a finger comb through his damp black locks. No ponytail tonight, he’d let his hair hang loose—a decision that had nothing to do with the fact thathe’d sensed Breck liked it down. The way he’d stared at it the night of the art showas he’d sat in Kai’s car. Throwing vibes like he’d wanted to tunnel his fingers through it—then maybe grip a handful and give a feisty tug.
Kai rumbled softly, then cleared his throat.Nope. That memory had no bearing to himat all.
He pulled on some shorts and a snug white tee, then exited his bedroom and made his way back to Breck.
Where would he be waiting? Perched on a stool? Lounging on the couch?
To Kai’s surprise, he found Breck chilling out in his meditation garden, sitting atop Kai’s mat, looking peaceful and relaxed as he took in the view. Kai lifted a brow and walked over.
Breck glanced up at him. Smiled. “I like it in here.”
Kai’s chest warmed. He returned Breck’s smile. It said a lot about a person if they could appreciate the beauty of nature. Even if Breck only sensed it on a subconscious level. Kai sank down on his haunches and glided a finger through the brook. “Do you ever meditate?”
Breck coughed out a laugh, then shook his head. “Yeah, um, no.”
Kai chuckled and stood. “All right then.” He offered Breck his hand. “Come on. I’m gonna make us some food.”
Breck stilled and glanced over at the kitchen, then looked back at Kai. As if the notion of eating a meal together crossed some taboo line. “Oh, um…” He gripped Kai’s palm. “You don’t have to feed me.”
Kai smiled and tugged him up. “Yes, but I’d like to. Grab a stool.”
Breck didn’t argue. Just followed Kai over and parked his ass at the island.
Kai grabbed two placemats, some linen napkins, and a couple of plates, then opened a drawer and snagged two sets of metal chopsticks. Breck frowned, regarding the utensils warily. Kai’s lips twitched. He stepped to his island and fired up what looked like a built-in cooktop.
Breck regarded it. “Nice griddle.”
“Thanks.” Kai chuckled. “It’s called ateppan.” He grabbed his kettle, filled it with water, then got it going on the stove. Flames licked along its underbelly.
