Page 62 of Unwanted

He reaches my desk and leans over it. I move my face forward and he touches his lips to mine.

“Hey,” he says, smiling against my mouth.

I can’t help but smile back. “Hey.”

Frankie and I are kind of in this new norm where there isn’t a label or definition fitting enough to explain what we are to one another right now, but we’re definitely something.

Fleeting or permanent, I didn’t know yet, but I’m learning to enjoy it all the same.

One day at a time.

With every day that passed, the ease we felt in one another’s presence grew. Our mutual orgasms on the couch pushed the trajectory of our relationship to uncharted territory. Like an unspoken standing invitation to meet for lunch.

“Are you ready for lunch?” he asks.

Nodding, I save the document I’m working on and rise to my feet. A month ago I would’ve never bothered with a lunch break, choosing to work through the whole day, eating at my desk if I remembered.

But lately it’s been nice taking the time out with Frankie. If he’s not with Lennox, he’s usually seeking me out. And truth be told, I don’t mind at all.

It sometimes eats into my day or my training time, but I can’t find it in me to care.

“I found this place online, not too far from here,” he says. “They’re supposed to have the best burgers. Have you been there?”

“You mean Cali Burgers?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

Rounding the desk, I grab Frankie’s face and kiss him again, loving the freedom I have to do so.

“No, I haven’t eaten their burgers, but I’ve heard they taste amazing.” Frankie gives me a lazy smile, and for the millionth time, I find it so hard not to let myself get lost in him.

“I don’t eat out a lot,” I add.

He drags his eyes up and down the length of my body. “So you train and eat healthy?”

“Well, yes,” I answer with a chuckle. I point to myself. “But the last time you saw me I was just skin, bones, and drugs.”

Frankie falters, and I push down the regret I feel at being honest with him. Some things just need to be said.

“Hey.” I kiss him quickly, hoping it takes out the unintentional sting of my words. I slip my hand in his and lead him out of the office, only letting go to lock the door behind us.

“Don’t look so stunned,” I say. “It’s the truth.”

“I know it is.” Averting his eyes, he rubs a hand over the back of his neck. “I’m still getting used to hearing it, that’s all.”

“Would you rather I didn’t say that stuff?”

“No. No.” He shakes his head and returns his gaze to mine. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to lie to me. About anything.”

Frankie’s insistence on the truth becomes the perfect segue to ask him about Lennox’s message.

“Does the same go for you?” I ask.

Side by side we make our way out of the gym, and it isn’t until I’ve closed the main gym door behind us that Frankie answers.

“Of course. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”

“Then why is Lennox asking me if you can move in instead of you?”

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