“So, Noah,” Raja said, lounging back in his chair, one arm over the back of Kat’s, the other hand resting on his ribbed stomach. “Lew showed me your socials, and I am seriously impressed with what you’ve built.”
“Uh, thanks, Roy.” My sweet puppy blushed.
I had shown him and told him about our fake relationship.
Just so he’s prepared.
“We’d like to offer you a brand deal with APC.”
“You what?” Noah gaped at my brother, then looked around at me.
“We introduced a human line this autumn, because the fantastic humans on our team”—Roy pointed at Hugh and Declan—“were drowning in our clothes. And we would love to work with you.”
“Okay,” Noah hedged. “That, uh, that sounds amazing, Roy.” A cautious smile pulled on his full lips.
“We had a look at your media kit,” Neda added, “it’s not a handout because you’re Lewis’ boyfriend.”
I’d just taken a sip of water and spluttered.
“What?” She raised an elegant eyebrow at me. “Iwould be wondering if that was the case.” Neda shrugged. “Our brains are like that. I have ADHD, too. And I’m just saying: We were super impressed and think you’d be a great fit for our brand.” The female Orc returned Noah’s smile.
“Thanks, Neda. Yeah, I don’t want any handouts, but I’d love to work with you. I borrowed one of Lew’s hoodies and it was so comfy. Huge, though.”
Kat giggled. “They’re more like dresses on us, right? I mean it’s handy.”
“Right?” Declan chimed in. “It’s super cute, too.” He snapped his mouth shut with a squeak as all his colleagues turned their heads in unison to look at him.
“Hypothetically speaking,” he squeaked and a crimson blush crept up his neck. Roy had told me about the intensepersonal trainingDeclan seemed to enjoy from Emilio, the Jaguar hybrid who worked for him. I suppressed a smile.
“So, we made a human line so you wouldn’t have to steal your hypothetical big boy’s clothes anymore.” Raja was plainly trying not to laugh. “And we would be honoured to give you free rein of this rack over there. Mercury prepared that for you. Plus a fee for your service, of course.”
Neda pulled a plastic sleeve from a folder in front of her and handed it to Noah who skimmed the contract and suddenly gaped. “You made a mistake. There is a zero too many on here.”
“Not a mistake. That’s our offer. Do you take it?”
“You should,” Hugh advised, giving my puppy a little wink.
You are unfairly handsome, Noah Bright.
“Yeah, of course. I’m honoured. Thanks.”
“Awesome. Welcome to the family.” Roy handed him a pen, and watched him sign, then added his own signature. “The money will be in your account in a day. Just email me your details, okay?”
“Sure, I …. Thank you, Roy.”
“Don’t mention it. Or, well, yes, mention it.” My baby brother grinned. “I’m sorry I need to excuse myself for now. I have appointments all afternoon, but we’ll see you tomorrow? For dinner?”
“I hope we’re going to eat at Bagha.”
“Of course, Lew.” Kat, who had gotten up, too, nudged my shoulder. “Sharmin keeps asking when we’re bringing ‘the bright one’ with us again.”
“The bright one?” Noah said, tilting his head to the side.
“My middle name, ‘Aarush.’ It means ‘first ray of the sun.’”
“It fits.” He gave me a slow smile, then inched his chin over at the rack. “Can you help me pick?”
“Don’t forget to take the new winter coat, Lew. We need a few more,” Roy stopped in search of the right word.
