Page 100 of Deep In Love
When I look at Jett, he’s in the same boat as her, clutching his sides as they fall into a fit of laughter. I take the phone from herhand and stare at the screen, which is full of comments on my interview.
Who knew bacteria could be sosexy?
If he was my professor, I would sit front row in his class. And on his face.
Did I just fall in love with a man talking about bacteria? I think so.
Bacteria Daddy.
I choke on the final comment before I shove the phone away.
Well, at least they’re kind comments, sort of. Some are a bit objectifying, and I’m unsure how I feel aboutBacteria Daddy. Leaning toward I hate it and never want to hear it again.
“These are…”
“Amazing,” Charlie cheers. “When will you post mine? I want to get more views than Mateo.”
She and Jett exchange predictions on how her video will perform since her research is “way cooler than mine,” according to Jett. She holds an unfair advantage. Everyone loves biodiversity and population genetics. Only thesuper dopepeople care about the microbial composition of deep-sea ecosystems.
It’s me.
I’m asuper dopeperson.
Charlie steals the frown on my lips with a kiss.
“Your video was great.” She pats my bicep in as lightly patronizing way, but I’m reveling in the simple kiss she offered. “But mine will be better.”
She’s had a good day, and I want it to last forever for her.
Instead of pulling away, she burrows against my side, slipping her arm around my waist.
“They’re going to put a movie on in the lounge. Did you want to go?”
I’m going to need thirty seconds to float backdown to earth before I can answer any question. I don’t know how to expressto her what these small moments of intimacy mean to me. An innocent touch in public. A chaste kiss. Shared whispers.
“Sure, bruja.”
She detaches from my side but doesn’t move toward the lounge. Instead, her attention darts between my hand and my face. Back and forth until she reaches out and intertwines our fingers together.
“You’re being very affectionate today,” I comment, keeping my voice neutral, as we walk to the lounge. “Accidentally drink a love potion?”
I don’t want her to stop, but I’d like to know why.
“Isn’t that what couples do?” she asks, her shoulders growing tense.
“Some.” I shrug.
The last thing I want is for Charlie to pretend for my sake. To put on a face and do what shethinkswould make me happy, or do something because it’s “what couples do.” What makes me happy is being with Charlie. Point blank. Period.
“Do you not like it?”
Fuck.
Her question is soft and so full of uncertainty it sends an ache through my chest.
I reroute our path, drag her into the empty lab, and flick on the fluorescent light. She releases a surprised squeal when I lift her into the air and drop her onto the countertop.
“This is against lab protocol,” she says, before giggling.
