“You got it.” Noah dressed quickly, all too aware of Daphne and Max chattering in the hallway.
Benji pulled on his shoes and started for the door.
Noah stepped in front of him. “Baby.”
Benji looked at him expectantly.
Noah waited. When Benji just raised his eyebrows, Noah reached up and tugged gently on the collar ring. “Forgetting something?”
“Oh shit.” Benji winced, extending his neck. “Take it off for me?”
Noah undid the buckle. So far, Benji had gotten Noah to not only put it on but also take it off. It made Noah proud and possessive every time.
Benji gave the collar a forlorn look as Noah placed it in its case.
“I’ll put it back on you later,” Noah promised.
CHAPTER 13
Benji was suddenly glad for the expensive cologne with names he used to make fun of. His usual shitty deodorant wouldn’t cover up his nervous sweat.
“You’re going to do great,” Noah assured him as they waited for Katee Robson to come into his office. “And if you don’t want to answer, just squeeze my hand, and I’ll take over.”
“Got it.” Benji loosened his collar. They weren’t taking any photos today, but he didn’t want to turn up to the interview in his usual clothes. They already thought he was a money-grubbing hick; he didn’t want to prove them right by showing up in a paint-stained hoodie.
Benji started to pace. He wanted to think about watching Noah do shirtless push-ups in this very office, or Noah taking him over the desk. But he couldn’t stop watching the door, waiting for the woman who was going to come in and pick his life apart.
Noah cleared his throat. “I might have something to distract you.”
Benji stopped pacing to stare at Noah’s crotch in mock-surprise.
“Not that.” Noah took a small black box out of his pocket and got down on one knee.
Benji had to fight down a wave of mortifying joy. It made him shiver and jump on the spot and even do a stupid little spin before he could look him in the face.
“We’ve already done this,” he pointed out, unable to stop grinning.
“But not this part.” Noah opened the box, revealing a simple golden band with a green stud glinting in the office lights.
It was beautiful. Sleek, not too gaudy. Also, it was flat. Yet another thing Benji had figured out since he started dating Noah: he liked flat rings, not rounded ones. Just like he found out that he liked cologne and fancy orange juice and shampoos that weren’t also conditioner.
Benji reached for it.
“Ah,” Noah warned him.
Benji rolled his eyes and stilled. He was vibrating on the spot, forcing his arm to stay still as Noah slid the ring on his finger. Then—because, apparently, he wanted to get Benji all stupid before he had to give an interview—he kissed his finger, right below the green stone.
“It’s emerald,” Noah explained.
Benji sniffed, his throat suddenly thick. “It’s okay, I guess.”
“Yeah?” Noah stood, looking down at Benji with such fondness that Benji’s throat closed up even further.
Benji pressed his knuckles into his eyes, only to tear up again when he spotted the ring up close.
“Ugh,” he said. “What have youdoneto me? I have to sound smart in a minute.”
“I can take over,” Noah reminded him. “Just squeeze my hand.”
