Page 34 of Breathless Recruiter

Crush? I didn’t understand the word. Apparently, I took too long to reply, and Arthur stepped in. “A crush is when you have feelings of affection for somebody. They’re strong, confusing, but if he feels the same way, it’s amazing.”

“You and Ricardo?”

He nodded. “Had a crush on him for years, even after we broke up.”

I had forgotten that he and the CEO of Synergy had dated once before. He didn’t speak about their early relationship. Something had broken them up, and somehow, they found one another again. Every time Arthur mentioned his boyfriend, he blushed, and for once, I understood where the heat came from.

“I hope this isn’t because of the chemicals they’re pumping into the drinking water.”

Drew gave Orion an elbow, causing the cupcake to smear across his goatee. Under the table, I gave Drew a slap on thepalm. If Orion knew we talked about his conspiracies, I’m sure that would somehow turn into a conspiracy in and of itself.

“Now that we’re?—”

“Are you going to ask him out again?”

Now I understood their custom of asking out. It didn’t necessarily mean I’d be taking him to an outside location. I wanted to leave my apartment and rendezvous with Dustin again. After our last kiss, he said he’d like to do it again. I did, too.

“I am.”

“What about Zaster?” Janet shouted from the other room.

Even the mention of his name gave me shivers. Arthur raised an eyebrow. “The scientist Ricardo is about to fire? Be careful with him. Something about him is off.”

“Very off,” I whispered. I shouted for Janet, “I won’t see him out again.” I’d prefer not to see him again. Period. While Dustin made me want to shake my booty, Zaster had the opposite effect. I’d prefer to not feel like an outsider again.

“There’s only Dustin,” Drew said with a smile. He turned to Arthur. “You can continue.”

“Thanks. I was starting to wonder why I paid you people.”

“Because you enjoy our company,” I said.

“Because I keep your printer from going on strike,” Orion said with a flash of a smile.

“All of you need to stop hanging out with Janet.” Arthur pulled his chair in close to the table. When he folded his hands on the table, it meant he was about to turn into the boss. Orion mirrored the gesture, then Drew. Finally, I crossed my hands, squaring off against the table.

“The launch is tonight. Wyatt, I’ve seen the guest list. You’ve been busting butt.” My butt didn’t feel busted. “We need more heroes. I know a lot of the big names are off saving the galaxy.I’m going to need you to come as Mr. Supreme. You might be the most well-known hero there. Think you can handle it?”

If I showed up as Mr. Supreme, it meant I wouldn’t be able to talk to Dustin as Wyatt. Being two people made life complicated. I wanted to put on fancy clothes and eat fancy cheeses. Instead, I’d have to sign autographs and pose for photos. But… if that’s what the boss needed, I’d do it.

“Sure thing, boss.”

“Don’t call me boss,” he said while turning to Orion. “I’m going to need the news crews there. Think you can make that happen?”

“Legally?” Orion’s back straightened as the devious smile spread across his face. Orion’s relationship with technology often meant him doing things that danced around the law. Mostly, Arthur tried to ignore the bad things Orion did.

“How about somewhat legal?”

Orion nodded. “Done.”

“Drew, you’re in charge of the investors. I want you to treat them like they’re royalty. Introduce them to every hero. Make them feel famous. If they want Wyatt to fly them around the lobby, make it happen.”

Drew gave him a thumbs-up while he shoved the last of the cupcake in his mouth. I hoped he didn’t make me give the investors rides. They always got sick, and I didn’t want to spend the night covered in millionaire spit.

“What about you?” asked Orion.

Arthur got up from the chair, picking up his cupcake. “I’m going to try to not hurl when I get on stage. That’s my only job, and right now, I’m not sure I’ll manage.”

“Do you need a hug, boss?” asked Drew.

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