Page 24 of A Hard Sell

“You live close?”

“Renting just across the street.” He pointed to the new condo tower. “Do you come here often?”

I do now.“Sometimes. Tawney used to live nearby. But… Well, it was a bit of a walk this morning, to be honest. I was feeling a little stir crazy. Normally it would be two stops on the train.”

Thomas nodded and took a drink.

“So…you’re liking our office? Feeling settled in?” Luka asked, noticing a bead of perspiration on Thomas’ temple and wanting very much to wipe it off for him. Warrior vibes were coming off him in sweat-soaked waves. He imagined Thomas on a battlefield, armor gleaming, sword aloft, striking down manipulative, blond jackasses.

“Yes, it’s been nice. Everyone has been very welcoming.”

“Do you have any idea how long you’ll stay?” he tried to ask casually.

Thomas shrugged a shoulder. “It depends how the campaign goes, and if Aleandro extends our contract.” He studied his coffee cup. “Might be nice to stay in one place for a while.”

“Would you rather stay in one place permanently?” He regretted asking the question. He didn’t know Thomas well enough to grill him about his life choices.

Thomas shook his head. “No, I like my lifestyle. It’s…easier like this. Simple.” The corners of his mouth stretched out. “Nothing weighing me down.”

Luka nodded and blew at the steam coming off his cup, relieved Thomas didn’t seem to mind the question. “Well, we’re happy you’re here.”

“Thank you.”

The silence settled over the table as Luka searched for a new topic. “Are you going to go to Finn’s Halloween party?” It was coming up soon. Finn hosted the office party every year.

“I don’t know… I don’t usually like to bother with costumes.”

“Are you kidding me?” Luka blurted, eyeing Thomas’ chest. “If I was built like you, I’d go as a superhero every single year. You wouldn’t even need a padded suit.”Oh, God. That was too much.

Thomas looked down. Luka thought he detected a slight flush to his cheeks.

“I don’t know about anything in a cape, but yeah, maybe I’ll come.”

“Super.” Luka grinned and took a sip of his coffee. The party just got a whole lot more interesting. Maybe there would be more to do than just watch Finn and Rory flirt.

Thomas’ eyes crinkled. “What are you dressing up as?”

“Tawney and I are doing a couple’s costume! It’s a surprise.” Luka wiggled in anticipation. He loved dressing up. “But, I’ll give you a hint. It’ll give youchills.”

“Interesting.” Thomas gave him an amused look. “Elsa and Anna?”

Luka burst out laughing. “Good guess! But no.”

“Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy?”

He laughed again. “No. Perhaps my hint was misleading.”

Warmth flickered in his chest as a full smile reached the corners of Thomas’ face. Fuck, he was beautiful. What he wouldn’t give to look at that smile every day for the rest of his life.

“I guess I’ll have to wait and see.” Thomas leaned back in his chair, shoulders relaxing.

“What would you go as?”

“Hmm…I’ll need to dig through some boxes. I don’t take much with me from place to place.”

“I’m sure you could rent a Superman costume if you hurry.” Luka winked at him.

Thomas fiddled with his cup and smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

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