Page 57 of A Hard Sell

“Nah, I meant more ‘short and clown-like’.”

This time Morgan laughed and gave him a playful shove. “Fuck off.”

For a moment it was like the old days, when Morgan’s banter made him feel cute and clever. They were giving it one final listen, for real this time, when he realized Morgan had grown very still. He looked over to find gray eyes watching him. Morgan shifted closer in his chair and licked his lips.

It would be so easy to kiss him right now. He was a good kisser. He clearly wanted to be kissed. Luka contemplated it for one brief moment. Then he remembered why he was there. Pictured Morgan hitting on Thomas. Imagined Thomas seeing them sitting here together.

Luka stood. “Okay, this is done. See you tomorrow.”

For a split second, it looked like Morgan’s face was about to crumple, then it hardened. “Glad you’re finally satisfied.” His voice was cold.

“You’ll upload it to the server?”

“Yeah.”

Luka didn’t say anything else. He let himself out.

* * * *

Luka came in a little early the next morning, wanting to have the new version ready for Thomas. He downloaded the updated track and synced it with the commercial. “Yes,” he said after he watched it. “That’s more like it.”

When Thomas came in, Luka took a moment to enjoy the usual butterflies in his stomach at his appearance, but then he couldn’t wait. “Morgan redid the music!”

“Already?”

“Yup. I gave him our suggestions and he…worked on it last night.”

“He did? It must have been a late night.”

Luka gulped. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Well, let’s hear it.”

He hit play. He watched Thomas’ face move from skeptical to pleased. “Wow. That’s exactly what we talked about. He took our notes to the letter. I guess Morgan can come through sometimes.”

“Yup. I guess.” Luka was lying again, and it didn’t feel good.

Chapter Fourteen

Secret Santa

“What do I get Rory for Christmas?” Finn tumbled into his chair in his usual carefree manner. The difference was that he didn’t wait until Luka was alone anymore. Thomas was now privy to the ins and outs of Finn’s relationship with Rory.

Luka tapped his chin. “I mean, technically, nothing, unless you draw their name.”

Finn stared at him. “You’re joking, right?”

“What? These are the rules! You’re only supposed to get a gift for someone at work if you have them for Secret Santa.”

Finn blinked a couple times, then turned to Thomas. “What do you think I should get them, Wolf?”

Thomas froze, eyes flicking between Luka and Finn. “Uh, do they need a new wallet?”

Luka sniffed. He would tell Tawney he at leasttriedto make them follow the rules if she asked.

Later that day, the Secret Santa Queen herself popped in carrying a Santa hat. “Ho, ho, ho, boys! Time to pick your name. And remember, do not tell anyone who you got!” Tawney shook the hat and held it out for Luka.

“Yes, ma’am.” Luka reached in, breath held.Thomas, Thomas, Thomas…He grabbed the first paper he touched, but when he pulled it out, Tawney tsked.

---