Page 56 of Addicted

OWEN

Didyouknowthatsix out of seven dwarves aren’t happy?

Feeling smug, Owen sat back, hearing the ping of Liam’s laptop through their shared wall as the message was received. Separate offices reduced the distraction but didn’t eliminate it. When Owen wasn’t sending silly jokes through their instant messenger, or by text, he was thinking about Liam. About Liam’s pouty bottom lip that stuck out when Owen gently teased him, about Liam’s long legs and how they looked longer in tux pants, about Liam’s hair and how it had grown long enough to brush the back of his elegant neck, about Liam’s eyes and how they would gleam whenever Owen touched him. And then Owen would think about touching Liam…

It was terrible for his work ethic but it certainly kept his worries about court at bay. Owen was simultaneously giddy about his budding relationship and distraught about the upcoming outcome of his custody battle. He knew he was walking a fine line between both worlds and if he lost Michael, then he might need more time than he thought to ready himself for Liam; however, a part of him was already grieving. In a few short months he’d be coming up on one year without his son. Even if he never saw Michael again the wound inside of him would eventually close but he didn’t know how long it would take and what size scar it would leave behind. Maybe Finn was right, maybe he was using Liam not as a replacement for Michael but as a lifeboat in the sea of his grief. Even if he was, it didn’t change the fact that he’d never felt this way about anyone before.

Owen’s computer pinged back and he straightened up in his chair, leaning in to read the monitor.

Yes, because your jokes are making me Grumpy.

With a snort, Owen quickly typed back.

Why is Peter Pan always flying?

Owen heard Liam’s chair roll back and the footsteps as he walked out of his office and into Owen’s.

“Don’t you have financial stuff to look over?” He seemed exasperated. It only fueled Owen further.

“Because he Neverlands!”

Liam’s expression didn’t change. “I’m going home.”

“Come on, don’t be a Rushio.” Owen stood and approached Liam, trying not to draw him into a hug. Dylan had almost caught them canoodling in Liam’s office yesterday and Owen hadn’t made a proper announcement yet. He wanted to talk to John first, although he probably wouldn’t care, and Liam insisted that most of the staff wouldn’t either. Sure, the rumor mill was vibrant but a lot of the staff had slept with each other so Owen and Liam would only be front-page news for a short time. However, Owen still wanted to be professional - or as professional as possible - and he’d be addressing it with everyone once things settled down after court.

Liam’s lips twitched and he choked on his laughter. “That’s so bad! You can’t say that!”

“Say what?” Finn suddenly appeared in the doorway, Marci right on his heels.

“Are you kidding me?” Her voice bounced off the walls of Owen’s office, her irritation plain as day. “He snuck right by meagain. What is wrong with you?”

“Many things.” Finn seemed far too amused by how ticked off she was. “I promise, the next time I stop by I’ll sign in at your little security booth.”

Marci squared up with him which would have been hilarious since she was all of five foot two and Finn was over six feet, but Owen had heard about her ferocity and hoped that he wouldn’t have to pick up pieces of Finn for the rest of the afternoon.

“If you weren’t Owen’s friend, I’d toss you out of here myself,” she hissed. “And by the way? Your adolescence called and said it wants its clothes back, unless your garage band is playing at tonight’s wedding?”

“If you kids don’t stop fighting I’ll turn this car around and no one is going to the amusement park,” Owen stated in a high-pitched voice. Liam giggled and the levity dissolved the tension in the room. Without breaking eye contact, Marci stepped back into the hallway and left. Finn smirked as he jerked a thumb in her direction.

“She’s a firecracker, huh?”

“Can you please not harass my staff?” Owen gave Finn a brief hug. “And what are you doing here?”

“I was going to stop by tonight and make you grill me up one of your steaks but I dropped someone off nearby and figured I’d surprise you again.” He turned to Liam, who had been edging his way toward the door.”And I wanted to finally meet Liam.“ He held out his hand and Liam gingerly took it, giving it a weak shake. “I’m Finn. Opie hasn’t shut up about you for ages, it’s nice to put a face to the name.”

“You’ve met him before,” Owen pointed out, keeping one eye on Liam, who held himself stiffly, a crease of worry between his brows.

“I didn’t keep track of all the kids running around your neighborhood, Opie.” Releasing Liam’s hand, Finn sat on the arm of the couch, one leg tucked under him. “He probably doesn’t even remember me.”

“I do.” Liam’s tone was hesitant and he was back to his mouselike demeanor. “Y-You helped Owen put in the pool. And you were at some of the barbecues.”

“Yeah, the ones that Sharon let me attend. And some of the ones she didn’t.” Finn shrugged, an impish grin on his face.

“Why do you call him Opie?” Liam asked timidly.

“My initials. Owen Parker. OP.” Owen explained.

“Oh.” A shudder raced through Liam’s body. It happened quickly and if Owen hadn’t been watching him, he wouldn’t have seen it. “I um, have to get back to work. It was nice meeting you, Finn.”

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