Conflicting thoughts raced through his mind as he sat down and stared at his laptop screen. There was comfort in knowing he was one of many. He never had to work late nights or come in on the weekends. He could call in sick without worrying about his workload. If he didn’t know something, he could just ask, without being concerned about optics.
Being responsible for other people would surely put an end to that easygoing routine.
On the other hand, he couldn’t deny the spark of excitement igniting within him at Erica’s words. A small part of him wantedto try, to help guide the new hires just as Erica had once helped guide him.
What would Aaron do?
Jay immediately scoffed at himself for even asking. Aaron was good enough to become a fucking director by the time he was thirty-eight—he wouldn’t think twice about taking this promotion. He wouldn’t agonize over it like Jay, wouldn’t doubt himself.
By the time Aaron texted that he was downstairs, Jay was ready to stop going in circles and switch his attention to the lovely man waiting for him. He waved goodbye to his coworkers on the way to the elevator and jammed his finger impatiently into the lobby button. Excitement and nerves clashed inside him with anticipation for what the afternoon might bring.
Aaron was easy to spot, so absorbed by the giant metal sculpture in the back of the lobby that he didn’t notice Jay’s arrival. His light gray suit acted as an unassuming backdrop for the bright magenta shirt underneath, and the jacket buttons were undone, making Jay’s fingers itch with the desire to slip his hands underneath.
Being around Aaron was giving him a suit fetish.
He slid up behind Aaron and leaned in to whisper in his ear, “What do you think of our art?”
Aaron didn’t seem surprised by Jay’s appearance, turning his head slightly. “I think the harsh angles and severe lines speak to the inflexibility of the corporate world. I could see someone making this after being denied a vacation request.”
Jay snorted in amusement. “Close. According to the plaque, it’s calledThe Aviary. Something about birds in captivity.”
“I wasn’t that far off.” Aaron leaned back into Jay’s chest, the slight movement chasing all else from Jay’s mind. “Aren’t we all just birds in captivity? But it’s Friday, and you don’t have to be back in your cage for days, so let’s get to that surprise!”
He stepped away, a chill washing over Jay’s chest at the loss of their connection. He tried to get it back with casual touches on the walk to his car—his hand briefly lingering on Aaron’s forearm to steer him in the right direction, their shoulders pressed together as they walked side by side.
It was too much and not enough at the same time.
Jay drove while Aaron talked about his day, barely holding in laughter as he recounted the remote meeting during which someone had forgotten to mute, treating their coworkers to a full-fledged conversation they had with their dog. He laughed along, but his nerves came back in full force as they approached their destination. By the time he parked, he was afraid to look at Aaron for fear of seeing anger or disappointment on his handsome face.
“Suede Dreams,” Aaron read the name of the store. “Is that where we’re going?”
“Yes. I thought you might like it.” Jay’s knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel. “If you don’t, we can leave. I don’t want you to feel like you have to—”
“Hold up,” Aaron interrupted. “You’ve started rambling, and I still don’t know what’s happening. What is this place?”
“It’s a leather shop,” Jay said.
“To buy…leather? Like, by the yard?” Aaron asked with an adorably confused expression on his face.
“To buy things made out of leather. Things you might see at the club?”
“Ohh.” Realization dawned on Aaron’s face. “Like sexy leather suits! Wow, that took me a second. I guess my mind is in whatever’s the opposite of a gutter.”
“Yeah, so…” Jay was determined to give the uncomfortable disclaimer. “I meant what I said yesterday. You’re beautiful just as you are—the suits, those insane spandex shorts, sweatpants. I mean, I’ve never seen you in sweatpants, but I assume you’d stilllook amazing. It’s just that you seemed upset yesterday about not having the option to wear something else, so…I brought you here to find some options?”
Aaron’s smile had been growing wider through Jay’s monologue. At the end, he lunged across the center console and delivered an aggressive kiss to Jay’s cheek before squeezing him in an awkward side hug.
“You’re just so sweet. Thank you for this. Honestly, it would have taken me months just to get around to googling what a place like that is called.”
“I was a little worried it might come off the wrong way,” Jay admitted, breathing in Aaron’s citrusy scent. He could stay like this forever, but he forced himself to let go after a few seconds.
"I can't wait to check it out." Aaron examined the unassuming storefront with curiosity and got out of the car. "I’ve never seen you wear leather. Saving it for a special occasion?"
“No.” Jay shook his head. “I don’t own anything like that.”
Aaron eyed him with playful suspicion. "Why not? I'm not implying you need to change your style. That black T-shirt and jeans combo is probably Pavlovian to club regulars at this point. But why not mix it up?"
The question stumped Jay. He’d never really thought about it. His everyday outfits were comfortable and unassuming, so he’d always worn the same thing to the club out of habit.
