Page 9 of Terminal Voyage

He showed me how to get out of various holds—wrist grabs, front choke, rear bear hug.

We went through the motions, slow at first, until they became second nature. We ramped up, getting near full speed.

I was definitely getting a workout in. My heart pounded, and sweat misted my skin. I’m not going to lie, it was a little hot. Tyson grabbed me from behind. I dropped my hips, jammed a heel into his toe, spun around and struck my palm toward his face.

He blocked before I made contact and grabbed my wrist.

“I’m sorry, did I hit you?” I said with wide eyes, worried.

“No,” he said with a chuckle. “But I think you’ve got the concept down.”

I smiled. In a slightly naughty voice, I said, “Can we try the choking thing again?”

He gave me a look.

I made my neck available.

He put his strong hands around my throat. His touch sent a thrill through my body.

“Are you ready?”

“I was born ready,” I replied.

I struck down on his hands and kicked at his groin. He protected himself, and I launched another palm strike toward his chin.

Tyson was a big guy, and I could barely reach him. He blocked, but this time, I caught his lip.

He smiled as he tasted blood. “Yeah, I think you’ve got this down.”

“Want me to kiss it and make it better?”

“I think I’ll live.”

As my boss, there was always a professional line between us.

“I think we should do some mat work. You could pin me down, and I can try to escape.” Now I was asking for trouble.

He knew what I was up to.

Tyson grabbed me and swept my legs as he brought me to the mat gently. He straddled me. “Keep your elbows tight to your ribs. Don’t let me get your arms over your head,” he said, sweeping them up.

We reset.

“Trap my arm,” he said. “Hold it tight to your chest.”

I did.

“Now bridge up, and roll to the trapped side.”

I followed his instructions, bucked him with my hips, and rolled. In an instant, I was on top of him. I struck, and my elbow found his cheek.

“Oh, my God! I’m sorry. I did it again.”

With a playful scowl, he said, “You’re supposed to pull your punches.”

"I know. I just got a little excited." I couldn't resist the urge to kiss his cheek. "Does that feel better?"

I lingered there for a moment.