Free Remove the Empty Spaces by T.A. Chase

happening any time soon.”
    Adrien pouted. “Why not? As long as we lock the door, no one will know.”
    Ion gave Adrien an incredulous stare. “Seriously? The way you shout and grunt when we have sex? I doubt very much they’d be able to ignore that.”
    “Honey, I can be quiet given the right incentive,” Adrien informed him.
    Ion chuckled. “I’m sure you can, but not here and not now. While we both know you promoted me before we ever even kissed, there would be others in this company who’d accuse me of sleeping my way to this position.”
    “Is that why you want to keep our relationship a secret? Because you’re afraid of what people might think?”
    Ion couldn’t tell how Adrien thought about that. There wasn’t any inflection in his voice. After reaching up to touch Adrien’s face, Ion trailed his fingers over Adrien’s cheekbones.
    “I am worried, but not for myself. I don’t ever want you to get the reputation that you could be influenced by personal connections to make business decisions.” Ion smiled. “You’ve never done it before.”
    “Do you ever plan on telling anyone?” Adrien asked.
    Nodding, Ion pushed up on his toes to brush a kiss over Adrien’s lips. “One day soon, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops. I’m not ashamed to be dating you, Adrien. Not one little bit. I’d just like to wait a while longer, and make sure we’re going to last before making a public announcement.”
    He stared at Adrien, hoping he understood what he was trying to say. Finally Adrien sighed.
    “All right, but even though we’re keeping it a secret, you’re not allowed to see other men.”
    Like that would happen. Adrien’s command caused a tidal wave of happiness to rush over Ion. While he’d known Adrien cared for him, he’d been afraid Adrien would want to see other people to maintain their cover.
    He wrapped Adrien in a tight embrace before whispering, “My body is reserved for you. It’s a secret I’ll find very difficult to keep.”
    Ion kissed Adrien, and as it deepened, he couldn’t help smiling inside. Who would’ve thought find a solution to a plant closing and saving jobs would lead him to the possible love of his life?
    When Adrien slid his hands around Ion’s waist, Ion stepped back and shook his head. “We really can’t be doing any of that in the office.”
    “No one will care,” Adrien said.
    “We’ve already discussed it. You might think they won’t care, but I guarantee you, the ones who wanted my job will care, and they’ll gossip about how I got the job.” Ion took another step back, trying to remove the temptation of Adrien’s body and lips. “I should get back to my new office.”
    Adrien didn’t look happy. “I guess so. What time do you get home from class?”
    “Ten.” Ion reached the door, then turned to look at Adrien. “Why?”
    “I thought I’d come over, and spend some time with you. Is that okay?”
    Ion smiled at the hesitant tone in Adrien’s question. He probably never felt nervous about anything in his life, yet he was worried Ion might say no about him stopping by later.
    “If you come around ten-thirty, I should have my notes written up by then. We can make out on the couch.” Ion winked, then left.
    “You shouldn’t tease the boss man,” Patrick said.
    “I think he needs to be teased, at least when we’re alone together. I wouldn’t dream of doing it here while we’re at work. He’s the boss, and deserves my respect.” Ion grinned. “Oh, can we meet for dinner tomorrow? I have class tonight, then someone’s coming over.”
    Patrick’s eyebrows shot up, and his gaze shot over to where Adrien left his office. “Oh, right. Sure. We’ll meet up for food tomorrow, and you’re going to spill your guts about this whole thing.”
    Adrien nodded at them both, but showing no more interest in either of them than he would’ve any other day. Ion forced himself not to stare at Adrien’s ass as he strolled down the hall towards