Page 44 of The Swap After Hours

Doug leaned back on the couch and blinked. “You what now?”

“I’m not straight. I like men. Well, one man at least.”

“You’re serious? I mean, of course you’re serious. You wouldn’t lie to me about something like that. But…how did you find out? What happened?”

“I met someone. A man.” I smiled as I pictured Donovan. “He’s amazing. He’s so damn smart, and funny. He comes across as this sort of stern, gruff guy, but he’s really a big softy. He works extremely hard but that’s only because he’s got people counting on him and he doesn’t want to let them down. And God, don’t get me started on how sexy he is. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. Even with the few girls I’ve dated.”

The expression on Doug’s face was incredulous. “I thought at first you met some guy and thought he was hot, but this sounds like you actually like this guy. You sound like you might even love him.”

I swallowed around the lump in my throat. “I do,” I whispered.

“That’s fantastic, man. It really is. Do you think he feels the same way about you?”

I felt my cheeks go hot as I ducked my head. “I don’t know. Maybe? I hope so.”

A smile spread across his face as he reached out to squeeze my shoulder. “I’m so happy for you. So, tell me all about him. Who is this guy? Where did you meet? And more importantly, when do I get to meet him? You know I need to check him out, make sure he’s good enough for my best friend.”

I laughed, relieved as he shot me a wink. “I’m not sure. We’re kind of keeping things quiet for now.”

“Why? Is he wanted by the mob or something?” he joked.

“No, but he is in the public eye a lot. It’s Donovan.”

“Donov—Donovan Marshall? But he’s your boss!” Doug’s shout made me wince.

“That’s why we’re not telling anyone yet. And you can’t tell anyone either.”

He let out a pfft sound. “I would never. But seriously, Donovan Marshall?”

“Well, it’s not like he coerced me or anything,” I argued. “Besides, none of that matters. We’re both adults. We can handle having a personal and professional relationship, and it’s not like either of us can get in trouble at work for dating. He owns the company.”

“I didn’t mean it that way, but I’m glad you two will be all right. What I meant was, I can’t believe you’re new to the LGBTQ+ family and you landed yourself one of the hottest freakin’ men on the planet right out of the gate. It’s not fair to the rest of us gay boys.”

I barked out a surprised laugh. “I’d say I’m sorry, but it would be a lie. That man is fine!” I teased.

“Hell yeah, he is, and all kidding aside, I’m really happy for you. But are you sure you’re all right otherwise? It can be a little scary discovering something new like that about yourself. Do you need to talk about it?”

I smiled warmly, touched by his concern. “I’m doing fine, I promise. Donovan was really patient and sweet while I figured things out.”

“You can talk to me too, you know. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

I blinked rapidly as my eyes started to burn with a rush of emotions. “I know that. Thank you. I’ll always be here for you too.”

We spent the next several minutes catching up on everything I’d missed while I’d been gone and then I had to finish getting ready for work. When I was done, I raced out the door and down the steps, anxious to get to the office and see Donovan.

I popped my head up from the report I’d been working on when I heard Donovan let out a long-suffering sigh. He was sitting at his desk, looking gorgeous as ever in a charcoal gray suit and a crisp white button-down shirt, but I was surprised to see his eyes trained on me, a deep scowl etched on his handsome face. “Is everything all right?”

“Must you do that?”

“Do what?”

He gestured toward my face. “You know. Putting that pen in your mouth that way.”

“Huh?” I glanced down at the pen in my hand, the one I’d been using to make notes. I’d put it in my mouth, clamping down on it with my teeth when I went back to typing. It was a nasty habit I’d picked up years ago, but why—I looked up at him and cocked my head as a lightbulb went off in my head. “Why would a pen in my mouth bother you, Mr. Marshall?”

“You know why,” he grumbled.

I gave him my most innocent look. “Is it because it reminds you of something?”

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