Ji-Su startled when he heard his name called out. He twisted to look over his shoulder, water splashing all around him. Raul was there. He hadn’t heard him approach over the noise of the game play on screen. Raul came further into the room, moving to stand at the far end of the hot tub. Slowly turning back around to face the front, Ji-Su took in his patron from head to toe.
The vampire wore short black swim trunks that revealed powerful, muscular thighs and long, well-defined calves. He’d slung a towel over his shoulder but other than that his chest was bare. Everywhere Ji-Su looked he saw tawny brown skin. Chest, forearms, thighs, and calves. all slightly roughened with fine black hair. A line of dark hair started just beneath his navel and went down to disappear into his swim trunks. Ji-Su’s mouth went dry when he noticed that Raul’s left nipple was pierced with a small gold hoop. How had he missedthatthe night of the storm?
Raul cleared his throat. Ji-Su snapped his eyes up from that hypnotizing gold hoop to meet his gaze.
“I didn’t think you’d be home this early. Is it okay that I used the Jacuzzi?”
“It’s fine. I was going to use it myself but I can come back later.”
“No. It’s your hot tub. I’ll go and you can get in.” He rose, water dripping down his body, and stepped out of the Jacuzzi. His towel was on the other side of the tub right next to Raul. His cheeks burning hot with embarrassment, he padded over to retrieve it. “Excuse me,” he said as he reached for the towel. Before he had hold of it, Raul caught his wrist.
“You don’t have to go. The tub is big enough for both of us.”
Ji-Su looked down at the hand wrapped around his wrist before he raised his head to look at Raul. Share a hot tub with Raul? That sounded perfect. Or like perfect torture. Still, he nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure.” Ji-Su inwardly winced at how soft and breathy his voice was.
“I am. Get back in there before you get cold.”
Raul let him go and Ji-Su moved to slide back into the hot, frothy water. Raul tossed his towel on the bench before he followed him in. He sat on the other side of the tub, putting plenty of space between them. Ji-Su tried to concentrate on the TV and not Raul’s broad chest, now beaded with water, the nipple ring gleaming in the light. Raul twisted slightly to look over his shoulder at the TV.
“What are you watching?”
“This is recorded Delta Combat Force game play from one of my competitors. I like to watch them to get a feel for their style and the strategies they use.”
“Interesting. I didn’t realize this was something that people put on the internet and other people watched.”
“Oh yeah. Video game play throughs are really popular. Big channels have thousands of followers and make great money in ads and sponsorships.”
After Ji-Su’s explanation, Raul stayed in that awkward position watching the TV. Ji-Su knew that had to be uncomfortable for his neck.
“You can sit over here to make it easier to watch if you want,” he shyly offered.
Raul turned back around to look at him. Ji-Su thought he saw a muscle flex in his jaw once before he accepted the offer.
“That would be more comfortable.”
He slid over to sit next to Ji-Su and they sat there quietly watching the game play together. He was glad when Raul asked him questions about DCF and gaming tournaments. Answering kept his mind off the way their thighs occasionally brushed together beneath the water and the heat of Raul’s arm stretched out behind him.
“You’re really knowledgeable about this field. It’s impressive.”
Ji-Su blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.” It was nice that Raul was genuinely interested in what he’d chosen as a career instead of expressing disbelief that he could make money playing video games.
“Maybe I should host a gaming tournament at the casino. It could be a good way to reach a new demographic.”
Ji-Su thought that was a great idea. “You should! Gamers are always looking for new tournaments to enter. But make sure you have good prize money up for grabs to get their attention,” he teased.
“I will. And I’d love to have your input on the planning. Would you want to work with me on this?”
“I’d be happy to,” Ji-Su said with an excited nod.
Raul looked down at him, a soft smile on his handsome face. That smile, the glow in his eyes, and his closeness made Ji-Su’s heart rate sped up. As soon as it did, Raul’s dark gaze dropped to his throat. At that moment, Ji-Su realized that he needed to getout of there. His attraction to Raul was not reciprocated and he needed to leave before he forgot that yet again.
“I’m going to go and let you have the tub to yourself now.”
Ji-Su stood up in a rush. He had one foot out of the tub when he slipped, arms flailing as he tried not to fall backward into the water. With lightning-fast reflexes, Raul moved and caught him with both hands around his waist. Ji-Su further braced himself with his hands on Raul’s shoulders.
“I’ve got you,” Raul said calmly.
“Thanks,” Ji-Su breathed out on a relieved exhale.