"Out. Now. All of you. Leave."
"We were here first," Groover points out.
"I don't care. I need—" My brain scrambles for a believable excuse, anything that doesn't involve admitting that I'm having a full-scale emotional crisis and need to verify that Ace's brain is intact because I just feel so fucking much. "I need to discuss something private with Ace. About the charity game. Very important charity game business. Life or death. The shelter's future hangs in the balance."
It's the worst lie I've ever told.
Wall looks skeptical. "The charity game."
"Yes. Very urgent charity game matters."
"Can't it wait?" Groover asks.
"No! It can't wait! Time-sensitive information! The fate of homeless animals depends on this conversation!"
I know I sound insane and that everyone can see right through me. But I'm committed now, and there's no backing down.
Becker opens his mouth, probably to call me out on my bullshit, but Ace interrupts.
"Guys, there’s no emergency."
I spin back to face him. "Yes, there is! The thing with the—"
"Devon." He's still smiling, and there's something in his eyes. Something warm and certain. "Come here."
I move closer, drawn like a magnet, until I'm standing next to his bed.
He reaches up, cups the back of my neck with his hand, and pulls me down.
And kisses me.
In front of his entire team.
My brain malfunctions. Thoughts refuse to form. Time stops existing.
His lips are warm against mine, gentle but sure, and he's kissing me like we're alone. Like there aren't a dozen people watching. Like he doesn't care who sees.
When he pulls back, I'm pretty sure I've forgotten my own name.
The room is dead silent for a moment.
Then—
"HA!" Becker's voice explodes through the quiet. "IKNEWIT!"
And suddenly everyone's talking at once.
"Wait, what?" Groover sounds confused.
"Called it!" Jinx yells. "I called it weeks ago!"
"No, you didn't!" Snooze argues.
"I did! I said there was something going on!"
Wall's grinning. "About damn time."
Petrov's nodding. "He is dick appointment."
