Worth the fight

as he looks into my eyes and then slowly his eyes drop to my mouth for a long moment.  I can tell he’s forcing his gaze back to mine against his will when his beautiful green eyes refocus on mine.  His eyes are dilated now and my breath hitches when I see my own desire reflected back at me.
    “Oh.”  I swallow hard.  What were we talking about?  Drinking.  Drinking while training.  “Are you training for a fight?”
    Something different passes over his face at my question, and I’m not sure what it is.  “Not really.”  Nico ponders for a second.  “But if you ask Preach, he might say differently.”  He chuckles.  The mood has changed and I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or relieved.
    I lean forward and take another sip of my wine.  “Preach?”
    “He’s my trainer.” 
    I wait for more, but nothing comes .  “Why would Preach think you’re training for a fight if you aren’t?”
    “Because he thinks he knows me better than I know myself.”
    “Does he?”  Nico is surprised by my question.  I watch as he thinks before he responds.  I like that he doesn’t just spit out an answer.  He seems to consider his words carefully. 
    “Maybe.  I’ve been with him since I was fifteen.  He does know me pretty well.”
    “He started training you when you were fifteen?”
    “No, not at first.  When I was fifteen my mom lost her second job, so my uncle got me a job at a gym so I could help out.   Preach hired me to clean up and hold the heavy bag while the fighters trained.  One afternoon, the regular sparring practice guy didn’t show and I talked Preach into letting me fill in.  I was good at blocking shots from my three brothers, so it wasn’t hard for me to catch their shots with the pads.  I did that for a little while and then one of their best fighters, who I thought was an arrogant asshole, took a cheap shot at me while we were sparring and it pissed me off, so I hit him back and we went at it.  I wound up kicking his ass and the rest is history.  Preach started training me after that.”
    We spend the next few hours talking about my work and Nico’s family.  When he finally drives me back home, the early morning people are already out jogging.  The whole night flowed effortlessly, without any un comfortable moments until we’re in front of my apartment building. 
    Nico parks his bike and helps me off, not releasing my hand when I’m off.  He stands close and looks down at me and I think he’s going to kiss me.  But instead he leans down until I feel his breath on my neck.  My whole body responds and I lean in against him ever so slightly, but it’s enough for my body to be grazing up against his tight chest.
    His mouth is so close to my ear, it sends shivers down my spine.   I want him to kiss me so badly, but don’t want to want him to kiss me.  His words are a whisper in my ear as he speaks.  “I’d love to see you again.  You let me know when the not really turns into a solid no.”
    My body is in heat from being so close to him.  I’m disappointed he doesn’t kiss me, but relieved at the same time.  He’s right for reminding me about William.  Nico releases the hand that he is still holding and I smile up at him before I turn to walk away.  I take a few steps away from him and turn back.  “Why did you pick me up on a motorcycle if you have an SUV in the garage?”
    Nico looks down sheepishly and then I see the cocky lopsided smile that just melts me somehow.   “I wanted to feel your arms wrapped around me tightly.”
    Right. Damn. Answer.  He’d kept his word all night and been a perfect gentleman.  I smile at him and begin to turn to walk away, but my feet take me back in the other direction.  They seem to have a mind of their own.   I need to feel him once more.  I rush the four steps it takes me to get back in his space.  Nico doesn’t move, he stays still and watches me intently.  Waiting.  I reach up and press my lips firmly to his and the electricity that had been threatening my body all night zaps to full wattage. Sparks. Fusion. Jolt.  It overpowers me.  We instantly melt into each other.  Nico wraps his arms around my waist, our bodies pressing firmly against each other, neither of us able to get close enough.  His arms are locked so tight, there’s no way I could escape if I wanted to.  But I definitely don’t want to.
    When we finally break the kiss, w e’re both panting.  Nico leans his forehead