Page 48 of Honorable Convictions
“I justuh…got distracted.”
“Do tell.”
“I should go.”
“Pierce, are you having dirty thoughts during working hours?”
The blush was there even if Mitchell was unable to see it. “I need to get back to work.”
“I want to know every detail about what’s going on in that head of yours when I get to your place later.”
“Do you think you could get there a little earlier? Jumbo shrimp are on sale this week at the market where I go, and I thought I’d make some. I don’t mind if you need to work afterward.” The hours they were granted each evening weren’t nearly enough anymore for Pierson, and he hoped he didn’t sound too desperate for Mitchell’s company.
“Sure, I can clock out at four. Are you okay with a late dinner?”
“Seven is fine,” Pierson replied, automatically doing the math for the different time zones.
“I’m going to transfer you to Kyle now, so you can get on the schedule here to present your list.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll see you later.”
“You bet,” Mitchell said, then did as he’d promised. Pierson was happy and nervous that Kyle was able to arrange a spot with all four top fallen knights for the following week. Whether he was ready or not, he had to take his liaison position to the next level.
∞∞∞
Mitchell was grinning like an idiot, and he didn’t care. His coworkers had made plenty of comments on what a good mood he was in, and his close friends, who already knew he was involved with someone, guessed correctly that things were going well with his mystery guy. From Peter, he received support and encouragement while Noah was still against the entire idea. Mitchell took no offense because he understood that Noah’s tune would change when it was revealed that this man was also his mate.
What had buoyed his mood was the person in question calling him not for anything work-related but to lean on at startling news. Mitchell wasn’t surprised Pierson was floored that he wouldn’t be assigned new cases. If he were in Pierson’s shoes, he’d be freaking out as well. Being a Juris Knight was so integral to the fabric of who they both were that it was stripping away something vital to the core. Doing his best to be supportive, Mitchell had every intention of speaking more in depth at dinner.
It made him smile as he packed up his overburdened messenger bag with his obscene load of assignments. With a wave to everyone he passed, Mitchell left headquarters to walk to the nearest Dérive station. From there he teleported to the one around the corner from Pierson’s tiny place. His stride sure, Mitchell made it to the door within minutes, and it was answered on his first knock.
“I don’t know why you keep bothering to walk from the Dérive station,” Pierson said by way of greeting, moving swiftly toward the kitchen, which smelled amazing. “Why don’t you shimmer into the bedroom?”
Almost bursting with joy, Mitchell’s chest puffed out once he’d set down his bag. “I can do that. Are you going to kiss me hello, Blondie?”
Mitchell got a distracted buss on the lips from a man yielding tongs and was satisfied that his life was a good one. “Do you need me to do anything?”
“You want to pour us some wine?”
“Sure.” By the time he splashed liquid into the goblets, Pierson was carrying two loaded plates to the table. They were seated, and Mitchell picked up his fork. “Dinner smells fantastic.”
“Thank you. Why are you still in uniform?”
“I came straight from the office.”
There was silence for a few minutes as they ate, and a variety of emotions crossed Pierson’s face. Whatever was on his mind, it was something he was thinking through carefully. Instead of demanding to know what was troubling him, he chose to wait out Pierson.
“Would it be easier for you to leave some stuff here?” Pierson asked, breaking eye contact to stare at his plate. “You’ve been spending some nights here, and it seems stupid to expect you to go back and forth constantly. I thought it might be convenient, but I don’t want you to feel obligated or anything.”
“If you have room in the closet or dresser, I’d certainly prefer to leave stuff here,” Mitchell stated emphatically. Pierson’s response was to nod and continue to watch his food. “Did you make an appointment to give the requirements list to the VKs and RKs?”
“Yes, I’m going next week.”
“Are you satisfied with it?”
“Yeah. Would you help me on the idea about arbitration, so I can present that?”
“Of course. Your work will be a game changer.”
