Chapter 25 #2
I've seen this before. The instant attraction, the pull that's impossible to ignore. I'm living it myself with my little menace. Even when I tried to fight the feelings because I thought he’d still be an asshole, I couldn’t deny Kenny had my full attention.
But North has a lot on his plate right now.
He has a brother to take care of, a new job to start, an entire life to rebuild.
And Gillies, for all his charm and talent, is still figuring himself out too.
He's focused on baseball, on being the best player he can be. I’ve not gotten the vibe he’s ready to settle into a serious relationship.
Still, I can't deny there was something there. Something potent and undeniable.
"All set," I tell North once we've finished the initial setup. "HR will send you an email with the next steps. Plan to be here tomorrow around ten. Should take about an hour to get everything finalized."
"I'll be here." He stands, extending his hand. "Thank you, Royce. Really. This means everything."
I shake his hand firmly. "Just do good work and take care of your brother. That's all the thanks I need."
He nods and heads toward the door but pauses in the threshold.
"That player. Gillies. Is he… I mean, does he…" He trails off, clearly unsure how to phrase what he wants to ask.
"He's a good guy. One of the best we have. Professional, dedicated, treats everyone with respect."
It's not exactly what North was asking, but it seems to satisfy him. He nods again and disappears into the hallway.
I sit back in my chair, pulling out my phone to text Kenneth.
Royce: Just hired North. Gave him the data analyst spot. He starts tomorrow.
Kenneth: That's great! I think he broke Gillies. He hasn’t stopped describing what North looks like. I don’t have the heart to tell him I walked North to our office.
Royce: You should have seen how they looked at each other. It was adorable.
Royce: I kind of hope something happens between them.
Kenneth: You're good at this, you know. The whole taking care of people thing.
I smile at my phone.
Royce: Learned from the best.
Kenneth: Your parents?
Royce: Them too. But I was thinking about you and all the little things you’ve done for me recently.
There's a longer pause before his response comes through.
Kenneth: Your Majesty, you can't say things like that when I'm supposed to be working.
Royce: Why not?
Kenneth: Because now all I can think about is coming down there and kissing you.
Royce: So come kiss me.
Kenneth: We're at work. We’ve already broken the rules once today.
Royce: Your point? If we broke them, there’s no reason not to do it again.
Another pause.
Kenneth: On my way.
I set my phone down, unable to suppress my grin. A moment later, Kenny appears in the doorway, looking both determined and slightly flustered.
"You're a terrible influence," he says, closing the door behind him.
I stand, moving around my desk to meet him halfway. "Am I? Because you didn't have to come down here."
"Yes, I did. You know I can't resist you." He cups my face in his hands, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone.
"Good." I pull him down for a kiss, slow and deep, tasting the coffee he had earlier and a flavor unique to Kenneth. When we pull apart, we're both breathing harder.
Kenneth's hands slide down to my waist, holding me close. “You’ll never guess what Gillies said right before I came here.”
“Could be anything. Why don’t you just tell me since I likely won’t guess right.”
"He told me he saw North, and it was 'love at first sight' or some shit. His words, not mine. Well, not exactly his words—he said he felt like he got hit by a truck, which I think is his version of the same thing."
"Interesting." I rest my forehead against his. "North seemed equally affected."
"I agree with you. A connection between them would be good. I think they might need each other."
"Who knows? They both have a lot going on. But…" I pull back to look at him properly. "I didn't think anything would come of us either yet look where we are now."
Kenneth's expression softens. "Yeah. Look where we are."
He kisses me again, softer this time, and I let myself sink into it. Into him. Into this thing between us that's becoming more real and more important every day.
A sharp knock on the door makes us spring apart like teenagers caught making out.
"It's not locked!" I call out, straightening my clothes even though they don't need it.
The door opens to reveal Bellamy, who takes one look at us and raises an eyebrow. "Am I interrupting?"
"No," Kenny and I say simultaneously, which only makes us look more guilty.
Bellamy's expression shifts from amused to knowing. "Uh-huh. Sure." He steps fully into the office, closing the door behind him. "So are we doing this? Are we acknowledging what's clearly happening here, or are we going to keep pretending you two aren't involved?"
My stomach drops. I knew we'd have to have this conversation eventually. Bellamy's too observant not to notice, but I'm not sure I'm ready for it.
Kenny, to his credit, doesn't panic. He just looks at me, waiting for my lead.
"We're…" I start, then stop. What are we exactly? How do I explain this to my brother when I'm still figuring it out myself?
"We're together," Kenneth says firmly, his hand finding mine. "If that's a problem—"
Bellamy interrupts. "You're both adults, Kenneth's technically stepping down anyway, so there's no conflict of interest. And honestly, I haven't seen Royce this happy in years, so if you're the reason for that, I'm all for it. I can let the past go. For now."
I blink at my brother, caught off guard by his easy acceptance. "Really?"
"Really." He moves closer, his expression softening. "Royce, you've spent so long putting everyone else first, making sure the family's taken care of, proving yourself over and over. If Kenneth makes you happy, then I'm happy for you. Both of you."
Something tight in my chest loosens. I didn't realize how much I needed his approval until this moment.
"Thanks, Bell," I say quietly.
"However," Bellamy continues, his tone shifting to big brother mode, "if you hurt them, Kenneth, I will make your life very difficult. Just so we're clear."
Kenneth says, squeezing my hand. "Crystal clear. But you don't have to worry. I'm not going anywhere."
Bellamy studies him for a long moment, then nods. "Good. Maybe lock the door next time you're making out in the office. For everyone's sake."
He's gone before either of us can respond, leaving Kenny and me standing there, still holding hands, processing what just happened.
"Well," Kenneth finally says. "That went better than expected."
I turn to face him fully. "Yeah, it did. You really meant that? About not going anywhere?"
"Every word." He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "You're stuck with me, Your Majesty. Better get used to it."
And despite all my reservations, all my fears about what this means and where it's going, I find myself smiling.
"I think I can manage that, Little Menace."
He grins, pulling me close again. "Good. Now, about that locked door suggestion…"
I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "We have work to do."
"You're no fun."
"I'm plenty of fun. Just not in the office during business hours."
"What about after business hours?"
I give him a look that promises exactly what he's hoping for. "After business hours, you're all mine."
The heat in his eyes makes my stomach flip. "I'm counting down the minutes."
"Me too, Little Menace. Me too."