Page 10 of Breathless Recruiter

I bit my tongue. Scientists weren’t all bad, just like supers weren’t all good. I couldn’t shake the memory of a man with a drill leaning in, trying to do something diabolical. They wanted to learn things, and the last problem I needed was for them to figure out I was a visitor from another planet.

“I agree.” Dr. Zaster was the only scientist I met from Synergy, and he had stolen my chocolate. That didn’t make him my favorite person.

“What do you do?”

“Human stuff,” I shot back in a panic.

Dustin chuckled at the statement. His laughter made his whole body shake. It lasted long enough, and I couldn’t help but smile. He found me amusing, which put me at ease.

“Oh, you mean work. I’m the head recruiter at Secret Identities.”

“Who are you recruiting?”

I could still see Arthur sitting across the break room table as we practiced my response. He knew people would ask questions, and he wanted us prepared. Arthur wanted to make sure we kept our identities secret. Drew and Orion didn’t get the same attention. They were good at keeping secrets. Me, on the other hand, Janet said I needed to work on my lying.

“We’re registering heroes for the app. Citizens will be able to track them and learn about the people saving the city. There will be points!” I loved that the HeroApp™ had a game built into it. “I’m going to snap photos of all the heroes.”

“All the heroes, huh?”

I nodded quickly. We passed the water fountain as we headed up the path to the front door. Water trickled like a babbling brook. I wish I could take my lunch break now and eat my peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich. Maybe I could lure Dustin out with the promise of sharing?

“Do you have a favorite?”

“Hero? Wow, that’s a tough one.” As Mr. Supreme, I crossed paths with lots of heroes while out on patrol. We’d always make small talk between rescues. I had talked to at least another hundred as a recruiter. I shook my head. “There are so many. I don’t think I could choose.”

I dragged my feet as we walked, our pace slowing to a lazy crawl. When we reached the front door, I’d have to go upstairs, and he’d head to the security office. I didn’t want to end our conversation, not without hearing him laugh one more time.

“Tint,” he blurted out.

“Tint?” Did he mean the colored glass surrounding the office building? From outside, the exterior almost appeared black. This giant dark cube looked out of place compared to the green spaces they created for employees.

“He’s my favorite. Well, one of them.”

“Oh! Tint! I know—” I bit my top lip, stopping short of revealing I worked with him. “—of him. He’s one of the heroes I recruited.” Drew would be ecstatic that somebody considered him a favorite.

“That’s awesome. I appreciate a hero who gets creative with their abilities.” He gave me a gentle nudge with his elbow. “Though, Mr. Supreme…” I nearly tripped over my foot. I pushed my glasses up my nose, hiding behind them. “Let’s just say I enjoy seeing him in his spandex.”

We reached the building just in time. Pulling the door open, I lurked behind the glass in hopes of hiding the heat in my face. I never thought of myself as handsome, or at least not handsome enough to be noteworthy. Why did people say they had butterflies in their stomach? The unusual feeling was more like an angry flock of birds trying to break free.

“Thank you, good sir.” He walked into the lobby, and I followed behind, still trying to hide. I wanted to take him by the hand and ask him to share my sandwich. If it prolonged our conversation, I’d even be willing to give— share my Fudgy bar with him.

“Are you going to the launch party?” I asked. It would technically be a work event, but at least I’d be able to talk with him throughout the night. I’d rather have asked him to go somewhere we could keep talking in hopes I’d hear another laugh.

“I’ll be working security.” Drats. “Ready to get dressed up?”

“I like fancy parties.” I wanted to add I’d like it even more if he were in a suit.

Dustin studied my face, eyes narrowing. It lasted until I squirmed. “You’re one of those people who like getting dressed up.” He didn’t say it as a question. If he knew about the spandex suits in my office and bedroom, he’d understand a tux didn’t constitute dressing up.

“I am.” I straightened my tie to emphasize the point. “Look smart, and they’ll think you’re smart.” Earth Mom had taught me the importance of looking my best. It’s why I wore glasses.

“And what if you look handsome?”

There was nowhere to hide. The warmth rushed along my body, splitting between my face and my groin. My eyes widened, surprised by the compliment. If he thought Mr. Supreme and I were handsome, he had a type. My cheeks had reached nuclear as I held my breath, leery that I’d make a fool of myself.

Dustin laughed, easing the embarrassment. “It’s the truth.” He winked as he turned around and walked away. “Have a good day at the office, Mr. Recruiter.”

The day could end this very minute, and it’d have already been good. No, it had already turned into an excellent day. It’d only get better from here… especially if I ran into Dustin again.

---