Page 51 of A Hard Sell

He took a breath, deciding to focus on the movie. It was no small thing to share a formative experience with someone. What if Thomas didn’t laugh at the funny parts? What if he thought it was just okay? What if he wished he had never come here at all?

Luka hit play, trying to keep his leg from bouncing. Thomas focused on the screen. Luka told himself that if Thomas didn’t likeBack to the Future,they could still work together. Not a big deal. It would be fine. Then Luka held his breath as Marty began his audition, watching Thomas out of the corner of his eye.

Thomas frowned and leaned forward. “Is that Huey Lewis?”

“Yes!” Luka breathed with relief, wiggling in his seat. “Isn’t he great? Sometimes musicians can’t act for shit, but he’s flawless.”

Thomas nodded, looking a little pleased with himself, and settled back into his seat. Luka let himself relax.

And as the movie went on, the little ball of hope Luka had tucked away unfurled. He had begged friends to watch his favorite classic movies before, and it almost always ended in disappointment. They’d talk during the important parts, or be on their phone half the time. But not Thomas. Thomas was riveted, chuckling at all the right moments. He got goosebumps at the same triumphant swell ofEarth Angelas Luka did. He even clutched the armrest during the clocktower climax. He was perfect.

When it was over, Luka turned the TV off and faced Thomas. “So. What did you think?” He tried to keep his voice casual.

Thomas smiled. “It was great.”

“Really? You’re not just saying it because you know I love it?”

Thomas tilted his head. “Iwantedto love it because you love it, but I actually did.”

Luka let out a breath, his heart pounding from the intensity of Thomas’ gaze. “So you’re up for part two?”

Thomas chuckled and looked at his watch. “Maybe not tonight.”

“Oh, no! No, definitely not tonight. I can’t stay up that late on a work night anymore. But…tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow.”

* * * *

Bedtime was fraught. Luka was unable to forget that Thomas was socloseand in varying states of undress through just one thin wall. It would be inappropriate to get himself off with Thomas right there, so he lay on his back, arms frozen at his sides, staring into the darkness, wondering if he could hear Thomas tossing and turning or if he was just imagining it.

After what felt like not very much sleep at all, his alarm woke him at six. Luka got out of bed to turn on the coffee maker before he showered, then paused when he caught a glimpse of himself in his mirror. He was wearing pajama bottoms. Only pajama bottoms. The chances of running into Thomas out there were small, but not zero. But…no big deal, right? He probably wouldn’t, and, well, if Thomasdidsee him…

He stepped into the hallway at the exact moment his roommate came out of the bathroom. Wet. With nothing but a towel around his waist.

Luka made an audible wheeze as the blood rushed out of his head. Thomas was…beyond words. He didn’t know where to look first. Pecs he could sink his teeth into. Deltoids that deserved to be memorialized in marble. Chest hair dusted over a devastating torso. A water droplet slid down the groove between his ab muscles. How was he real? The way his obliques disappeared where his towel was starting to dip… He was art.

Thomas saw him and paused. His gaze flicked over Luka’s chest. A hint of a smile danced on the corner of his mouth. “Morning,” he rumbled.

“Morning,” Luka gasped, placing a hand on the doorframe in what he hoped was a casual manner. “Did you sleep well?”

“Uh…yes. You?”

“Yup.” It came out too high-pitched. “Well, I was just going to”—his mind groped for what he was doing—“put on the coffee!” he finished triumphantly.

“Great, thanks. I’ll go…get dressed.” Thomas pointed at his door.

“Brilliant.” Again, they stared at each other, until Thomas turned and disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. The way his back tapered…

Luka slumped against the wall.Fuck.How could he be expected to be normal with a fuckinggodjust walking around almost naked? Through the miracle of muscle memory, he got the coffee going, then scooted back to his room and into the shower. He let the water cascade over him, and when Thomas’ ridiculous body flashed into his brain again, his dick twitched. He resolutely turned the temperature down a notch before it got any further ideas. “Sorry, buddy. Not right now.”

It was easier to function once Thomas was in his suit, although Luka had to try to forget what he looked like underneath it. Otherwise it was kind of fun with Thomas around, pouring him a travel mug and having him along for the subway ride. They talked about their tasks for the day as the train rattled around them, knees bumping together. Their first commercial had aired in ten major markets the previous week, and Rory would have the preliminary numbers for them today. By the time they got to the office, they were ready to dive in.

“What do you feel like for dinner?” Luka asked at the end of the day as he collected their coats from the closet.Wait, shit. I just assumed he wants to eat dinner with me.

“Hmm.” Thomas frowned as he bundled up. “Is that Thai place down the road from you any good?”

Luka breathed a sigh of relief that Thomas didn’t seem to find his question weird. Then he shuddered, picturing Morgan inhaling their noodles. “No. But there’s a new Japanese place just around the corner?” They stopped to wait at the elevator.

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