Page 70 of Felix

“Okay, then,” our boss says, letting out a mighty breath. “In that case, get out of here. Let me know if anything changes. And I expect professionalism the next time you’re on that set.”

We both nod and scoot hastily out of our seats.

“And congratulations,” Jerome calls as we reach the door. “I’ll send you the tape for the wedding.”

As the door clicks shut behind us, Emil bends over and grabs his knees. “Oh my God. Holy crap. That was so much worse than I expected.”

I huff a laugh as Emil blows out a breath. I didn’t think it was too bad.

“He said beloved,” he mutters. “Jerome.”

Not only that, he said making love. Did we really look that smitten?

“His concern was kind of sweet,” I note.

“Sweet?” Emil says incredulously, standing upright.

“I mean, he didn’t even yell,” I point out as the two of us head back down the hall. “It seemed like he just wanted to make sure we were both comfortable with our current work arrangements now that we’re in a relationship. That’s pretty respectful, actually.”

“Yeah, I guess,” he mumbles. “Still felt like a weird sort of sex talk with a parent.”

I snort, not disagreeing.

Emil pushes the door to the locker room open, and we head inside. Teddy is standing near the lockers, and a shower is running.

“We’ll need to be more careful,” I say quietly.

Emil nods. “Yeah. Do you think we can find a way to keep emotions out of it while we’re here?”

I hum, stopping with Emil near his locker. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s been different with you from the start, Specs. I’m not sure I can turn that off.”

He blushes, a sight that has my chest warming.

“We’ll need to stay more focused then,” Emil says, grabbing his bookbag from his locker. “No more slip-ups.”

“Agreed,” I say, watching Emil’s profile as he swings his bag onto his shoulder.

He closes his locker door, pausing when he sees me staring. “What?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, not sure how to explain the pressure in my chest. “Guess I just like watching you.”

Emil snorts, nudging his glasses up. “Creeper.”

“Your creeper,” I say happily. “You have class?”

“Yeah. Are you coming over later?”

“You bet.” I hesitate for only a moment before adding, “I still want to kiss you when we’re here at the studio. Can I do that?”

His lips twitch. “You better.”

Grinning, I tug Emil in. He comes willingly, his bag knocking into my hip as our lips meet. He smells like eucalyptus from his soap, and I inhale deeply, wondering why I can’t seem to get enough of this man. Now that I can kiss him anytime I want, I never want to stop. I want our mouths planted together, his lips mine to devour. I want to feel his body against me and hear the soft sounds that pour out of his throat every time I skate my fingers along his skin. I want to curl myself around him late at night after the sun has gone down and earn those smiles he gives me when I do something right.

I never wanted a boyfriend, not before. But with Emil, everything feels right.

I pull back before I’m tempted to drag Emil somewhere private and show him how I feel. He looks a little flushed, and it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one affected. I give his shirt a tug, straightening it. “Have a good class, Specs.”

“Um, yeah.”

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