“A job interview,” I said. “And the boss lady will be ready in an hour, so you better get yourself in the shower soon.”
“What kind of a job interviews their employees on a Sunday morning?” he asked.
“The kind of job where the manager is nice enough to do a favor for an old friend,” I said. “Now get hustling.”
When Gunner headed back toward his bathroom, Malcolm went to the sink, squirting some soap on to a sponge and running the hot water. I rested my hand on his back to get his attention, and when he turned, I saw the dazed smile on his face.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your apartment, Malcolm,” I said. “We’re still going to help you out.”
He nodded quickly. “I know,” he said. “I’m just glad you’re helping Gunner out, too. I’m a lot less anxious about the trouble he’s going to get into now that you’re looking out for him.” He wiped his hands on a towel, then turned to face me fully. “Looking out for us, I mean.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Looking out for both of you.”
And then Malcolm did something that totally knocked me off my feet. He leaned forward, placed his hands on my shoulders, and rose up to meet my lips in a long, slow kiss. His body melted in my embrace, and his light beard felt soft against my skin.
“I’ve been waiting to do that,” he said softly.
I grinned, then pulled him close to me again, planting another quick kiss on his lips. “You never stop impressing me, kid.”
“You, too, Maddox,” he answered.
