"You are so fiery… I love that about you."
"This is just the beginning," I say. "You’ll see so much more… it’s coming."
That same day, we cook together for the first time, something we used to do back when we lived for a few months in his tiny house.
The atmosphere between us is light and easy, and even with the constant presence of clothes or gloves between us, I’m starting to feel close to him again. When we pass each other, brush against each other like it’s accidental, trade glances, it’s just… so sweet, so perfect.
There’s this strange, steady buzz of excitement in my body, this sense that the best part is still ahead of us, that we’re on this upward curve together, and the sparks between us keep flaring brighter and brighter.
???
When I step out in front of the Malden Pharmaceuticals building four days later, Bay leans out of the car and squeezes my hand, still covered by a glove. We are already used to the constant layer between us. It could be annoying, but we don’t make it a big deal. In a way, we both appreciate it, because it allows us at least a bit of intimacy.
"I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this finally turns out to be a success. The final stage."
"I’m hopeful too," I say, giving him a smile as I lean in and press a light kiss to the surface of his gloved hand. Bay immediately pulls my hand toward himself and returns it with a similar kiss on mine.
"I’ll pick you up in an hour, alright? I’ll swing home, then stop by Eric’s place to get a contract I need to sign, and I’ll be right back here."
"Sure, see you," I say, waving at him.
I walk into the Malden Pharmaceuticals building hoping this will be the last time, that my therapy finally ends, but I freeze in the hallway. The same guy is standing in front of the test room door again. He turns around immediately, as if wanting to run away.
"Hey!" I call out in a voice that allows no argument. "Why the hell are you pretending you don’t know me?"
I march up to him and try to grab his shoulder, but he dodges so quickly and smoothly it looks almost supernatural.
"Ummm, I’m not. Alex Strada."
In a weird spike of desperation I blurt out, "It’s actually Alex Lowen. Or no, rewind. Alex Nolan."
Nothing, not even a flicker of surprise crosses his face.
"Wait. You know?"
"Of course."
I stand there stunned. Did Blue tell him? Did he trust him enough? How strange.
"What are you doing here at the door of the test room… with Blue inside?"
Gabriel shrugs.
"I’m his… bodyguard, let’s say."
Suddenly I remember that talk with Blue, when he said he needed to change his attitude about the whole bodyguard hiring… and then I put it together with the fact that Gabriel had legal trouble and the Second Chance organization put his marriage contract up for sale.
Did Blue purchase it?! That would be crazy!
"Let’s say?" My tone becomes insistent.
His cheeks flush with heat.
At that moment the door opens and Blue leans out, clearly having heard our voices. Gabriel looks at him, Blue’s eyes fall to his face for a moment, and I know instantly.
Oh, I know this all too well. The air almost crackles with electricity.
"Come in, Alex," he says in a seemingly neutral tone, but I’m not fooled.
