Jay let out a long breath. “Yeah. Thank you. I know I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re not.” Aaron placed a chaste kiss on Jay’s lips and threaded their fingers together. “You’re wonderful, and I love you.” He’d never get tired of saying those words. Mark was the only other romantic partner Aaron had said them to, and that love had been so different. Genuine, but softer, calmer. Lacking this overwhelming passion churning in his chest, the intense craving for Jay’s presence and touch.
Jay didn’t get a chance to respond before they were interrupted.
“Good morning, Aaron,” came a gruff voice from behind.
“Good morning, David,” Aaron replied with a smile and kept an iron grip on Jay’s hand when Jay tried to step back.
Aaron wasn’t worried about David—or anyone from work—seeing him with a man. As an adult, he refused to keep his sexual orientation a secret. He was lucky enough to have a great support system and a healthy amount of confidence, so he could afford to sayFuck the hatersand mean it—for himself, and for anyone who wanted to but couldn’t.
Besides, he’d quizzed the CFO when she called him with the offer, and made sure the place was inclusive.
Jay didn’t know any of that. Tension vibrated through his body, and when Aaron glanced at him, there was panic in his eyes.
“This is my partner, Jay Sharifi.” Aaron lifted their clasped hands before gesturing toward David. “This is my CEO, David Foster.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” David shook Jay’s hand and raised an eyebrow at Aaron. “I’m glad you’ve had the time to go out and find someone with the brutal schedule we’ve put you through.”
Aaron chortled. “It wasn’t easy.”
“How did you two meet?”
Aaron and Jay exchanged an alarmed look before responding at the same time, “Bar.”
David’s laughter took Aaron by surprise. He’d never seen David laugh. He’d barely seen the man smile.
“You have to work on your poker faces.” David pointed between the two of them with a grin. “My husband used to get the same look when someone asked him that question.” He shouldered past Aaron to grab his drink from the counter. “Well, see you at the office.” He nodded at Jay and left.
Aaron was at a loss for words, staring as David walked away. He’d learned more about the notoriously private CEO in the past thirty seconds than in the entire time he’d worked for him. David was married. To a man. Did anyone even know? Zoe definitely didn’t, otherwise she’d have told Aaron already.
Equally shocking was how friendly David could be, especially compared to his brusque work persona.
David contained multitudes.
That was a thought for another time. Aaron tore his eyes away from the door and turned back to Jay, who was staring off into space.
“He’s right. We should work on our cover story,” Jay said, tapping on his lower lip in thought.
At least he wasn’t worried about the interviews anymore.
* * *
JAY: I want to take you out on a date.
AARON: I’d love that. How about tomorrow night?
JAY: How about tomorrow morning?
AARON: Unorthodox, but intriguing.
JAY: Wear something comfortable. I’ll pick you up at 8.
AARON: AM???
JAY: It’ll be fun.
Aaron reread the texts for what had to be the fiftieth time, searching for some hidden clue about what their date might involve. Jay hadn’t given him much to go on. It was almost time to leave, so Aaron gave up and pulled on anI <3 ChicagoT-shirt Mark had bought him as a joke, along with shorts and sneakers. It would have to do for whatever Jay had planned.
