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Bas mentally cursed himself for startling the guy, but at least he seemed to relax once he recognized him. “Is everything okay?”
Pain tightened the corners of his eyes and creased his brow, but he laughed as he held up his loafer and stuck his right foot out. “Stepped off the curb wrong and rolled my ankle. How was your night?”
Indeed, Bas could see a small rip in the knee of his slacks. Blood seeped into the material and trickled down his leg to his visibly swollen ankle.
“I’m sorry you’re having such a lousy night. Do you need a doctor?” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and held it out to the stranger.
Looking down at the phone, he shook his head. “I’m pretty sure I just need ice, rest, and some aspirin.”
“Let me at least call you a cab.”
Given how long ago he’d left the club, and the fact that he hadn’t made it far, he’d likely been leaning against that brick wall for the better part of twenty minutes. Still, pride flashed in his eyes when he straightened and pulled his shoulders back.
“I live just up the block.” He waved his shoe toward the crosswalk. “I’ll be fine.”
Choking back a sigh, Bas knelt on the sidewalk and looked up as he tugged at the leg of the torn slacks. “May I?” At his nod, he lifted the man’s leg, bending it at the knee, and gingerly rested the foot on his thigh. “You’re right,” he murmured when the guy hissed. “Not broken, but badly sprained. I’m sorry, sugar, but I don’t think you’re walking anywhere on this.”
“Kai.”
Easing his foot back to the ground, Bas stood and brushed the dirt from his jeans. “Excuse me?”
“My name is Kai London, not sugar.”
“Well, Kai London, I’m Bas Diaz, and I’m headed in the same direction. If you don’t want a cab, at least let me help you home.”
The muscles in his jaw ticked, and Bas could practically see the war raging inside Kai’s head. Silently, he waited for him to work it out, hoping good sense would win out over stubborn pride. He wouldn’t leave him to fend for himself, but a little cooperation would make helping him much easier.
“Okay…yes.” The sigh that rolled from his thin lips said he didn’t like it, but he was a practical person, just as Bas had predicted. “I’m two streets up at the Garden Apartments.” Ducking his head, he tucked a strand of dark hair behind his ear. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. So, how do you want to do this?” He reached for Kai’s waist but stopped short. “Um, well.” Taking his wrist, he pulled his arm around his neck, bending to accommodate Kai’s shorter stature. Still, he didn’t know what to do with his other hand. “I think…if we…uh…”
“Relax.” Kai removed his arm from around Bas’ neck and leaned against him with a little shake of his head. Then he took Bas’ free hand and guided it to encircle his midsection. “Unless you want to haul me home in a fireman’s carry, I think this is our best option.”
Heat radiated through the tailored suit to warm his palm, and Bas gritted his teeth against the groan building in his chest. “The Garden Apartments?” He coughed to clear the gravel from his throat. “How long have you lived there?”
Even in the unflattering light, Kai’s ivory skin glowed flawlessly, and his mop of shaggy curls created soft shadows that drew Bas’ eye to the little hollow behind his ear.
“About four years now.” The tightness in his voice testified to his level of pain, but he didn’t complain as he limped beside him. “Thank you again. I’m sure this isn’t how you planned to spend your night.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I like to think I’m something of a superhero. Leaping tall buildings, racing bullets, and helping cute guys in distress. It’s all in the job description.”
He laughed at the lame joke, a deep, throaty chuckle that tripped Bas’ pulse into a gallop. “Mild-mannered bouncer by night, milder-mannered superhero by later night? Sounds intriguing.”
“Yeah, but it’s not all fun and games.” The breeze shifted, bringing with it the faint scent of spicy cologne mixed with just a hint of vodka. “I mean, where do you even find a phone booth these days?”
Nearing the crosswalk, Kai pulled him to a stop and leaned heavily against his side. “Just one second, okay? Sorry about this.”
He could tell him not to apologize, but he got the impression that would be exactly the wrong thing to say. “I’m not in any hurry,” he answered instead. “I don’t have anywhere to be, and it’s not like there’s someone waiting up for me.”
“Oh, you live alone?” He sounded only vaguely curious as he glanced down at his ruined slacks. “I really liked these pants.” His nose scrunched adorably, and his eyes creased at the corners. “Not the most comfortable, but they make my ass look amazing.”
That they did. Again, probably best not to say so out loud, though. “I’m sorry for your loss. We’ll look into grief counseling in the morning.”
Kai’s husky laughter ended abruptly when he sucked in a sharp breath through gritted teeth. “Light’s green.” He nodded toward the signal light on the other side of the intersection. “I’m ready.” As they started across the street, he leaned on him a little more heavily, letting him take just a bit more of his weight. “You never did answer. About living alone?”
“Mr. London, are you flirting with me? Trying to get me all to yourself?”
“I already have you to myself, Mr. Diaz, but don’t worry. I promise not to take advantage.” His voice trembled a little as he spoke, and he shivered against him.
