Big Boss

by jewelstor

Summary:

“Do I make you nervous, Nick?”

He watched his throat as he swallowed. Their gaze broke and Nick was now staring down at the pile of papers in front of him, fidgeting his fingers.

He was nervous.

Charlie cocked his head while he waited for an answer. He would wait all night if he had to. A cold, hard tone echoed through the room.

“Charlie, I’m your boss.”

Charlie let out a breath while he crossed his right leg over his left knee, leaned back into the chair and allowed his body to relax. Nick was eyeing him and he could feel a smirk creep on his face. Nick might be the boss, but Charlie had all the control and they both knew it.

Notes:

Hi friends, we're back!!

CEO Nick Nelson sounds so hot and I needed it in my life. I kept listening to the song "The Big Boss Song" by Noah Davis and all I could think about was Nick and Charlie so thus this fic idea was born.

Writing this so far has been so fun to add in my own personal experience working in an office. By the first chapter can you tell that I've been an admin for years? ;)

I'm so excited for you all to read this, let me know what you think!

Chapter 1

“Okay so just to make sure I have this clear–the audit reports need to be submitted by Thursday morning, my investor meeting with James is now a lunch meeting on Friday, the 401k reports need to be reviewed and approved by…the 1st, the purchase orders need to be submitted to Elizabeth today, and I still need to sign off on the new hire paperwork?” Nick looked up at Clara with a bewildered look that she was used to seeing every day.

 

“Yes, you got it!” she chirped without looking up from her laptop that she was furiously typing onto, “Except one more thing–It’s Sanjay’s birthday tomorrow. So we’re having an office party in the afternoon and you need to make an appearance. Ya know, being the boss and all.” 

 

Nick brought his rough calloused hand up to rub his bearded chin while he looked down at the to-do list he had scribbled onto the notepad below him. 

 

Fuck, I’m tired. 

 

“Yeah, okay–thanks. I’ll be there, just uh–send me a calendar invite please.” He sighed deeply before managing to plaster a weak close- lipped smile on his face as he looked up and made eye contact with the brunette sitting across from him.

 

When Nick first landed the promotion he was terrified. He knew he could do the job but he would be a liar if he wasn’t nervous at the thought of managing a life with his brain living in a million places at once. He knew then and there that he would need help so the first thing he did when he got the keys to the big tenth floor office was submit a job posting for a full time Executive Administrative Associate salaried at 70k a year.  

 

He couldn’t afford a high turnover rate at the company in general, but especially with his admin. He needed someone with high organizational skills, someone that he could rely on and could essentially be his second brain. When he interviewed Clara, he knew he found the one. 

 

Now, he basically owed everything about this company to her. He wouldn’t be the Chief Executive Officer he was without her and her skills working behind the scenes making sure this company ran like a well oiled machine. 

 

Clara stood up from the black leather chair she was sitting in, and closed her shiny silver laptop. As she stood up she cleared her throat and took her glasses off. Nick was still sitting at his large oak desk that was in the center of the room, looking down at his notepad. He was looking right through it, his eyes glazed over just for a moment. 

 

“Nick, are you okay?” 

 

He pushed out a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut. After blinking several times and a quick shake of his head he was back to the present. 

 

“Yep–I’m fine, thanks.” He could already feel the migraine coming on.

 

Clara glanced at him once over and turned on her heels to make her way out of the office. She knew better at this point than to push when he didn’t feel like talking. So instead of nagging to figure out what’s wrong, she simply said “Don’t forget to drink some water, and actually go home tonight. You can’t be a good boss if you’re dead tired.” She closed the heavy metal door, leaving Nick to himself. 

 

He chuckled softly while he let his shoulders relax. He tried to remember the last time he drank something that wasn’t coffee or something out of a vending machine and dammit , she was right.

 

***

 

“Hey Nick, I still need that new hire paperwork signed off.” Clara leaned against the doorway. She had her hands full, carrying a large box while her black frames were starting to slip down the bridge of her nose. 

 

“Oh shoot–uh, yeah sorry.” Nick was in the middle of typing up an email when he broke his trance and looked up at her. “You need some help?” 

 

“Eh, I’ll be alright. Just send me that document as soon as possible please ,” she said in a sing-songy tone,  “I need to get it to HR by today if we want him to start before the next payroll period.” She walked off to the nearby empty office, letting her voice trail off.

 

“Right okay, yes …sending….to you….now.” Nick’s eyes darted back and forth between his two monitors as he went back into his email inbox to search for the message that was sent last week after their meeting. Somehow the last seven days flew by and Nick had no idea how it was already Monday again. 

 

He raised his voice so she could hear him through the wall. “So uh this new guy, what’s his name again?” 

 

The two of them were used to having conversations like this as the executive wing was rather small with only Nick’s, Clara’s, and the currently vacant office in this part of the building. Their wing was closed off by two heavy oak doors so it was rather quiet and private, which was much needed some days. Most days, really. 

 

“ Charlie Spring! ” Clara shouted from next door. Nick could hear her rummaging around in the desk, the familiar clang of metal file cabinet doors opening and closing, and the rolling chair moving across the hard floor. He figured out that Clara was prepping the empty office. 

 

See, normally Nick would be in charge of interviewing and hiring an executive position, but he decided to delegate and asked Clara to take care of it for him. He trusted her and her judgement to make the right call, so even though he had never met this Mr. Spring , he was certain that having another person around to help him run this company would do wonders for both his mental and physical health. 

 

Nick electronically signed the document, sent it back to Clara and figured it was time to take a break. He leisurely got up from his chair and meandered his way next door to see what exactly she was doing. Nick was now the one leaning against the doorframe when he found her busy organizing the large cabinet with various office supplies. She had opened the blinds and Nick’s eyes started to squint looking out at the sunny view. 

 

A concrete jungle staring back, with a bustling city below them, and he had never felt more alone. 

 

“So, Charlie Spring huh? First name Charles?” 

 

“Uh yeah, but he prefers Charlie. Smart guy, I think he’ll do well.” She turned around and put her hand on her hip while leaning against the desk. 

 

“I trust you. I am gonna need to meet with him though–” 

 

“I already got it taken care of,” she blurted, “You’re going to lunch–you two have a reservation at Melio’s downtown at 12:45,” she went back to organizing the desk that was in front of her while continuing her ramble, “Oh, and I removed the 2 o’clock meeting with Accounting from your calendar. It was just a department monthly meeting. I can get you the minutes, but I figured a long lunch with your new right hand man was more important.” She looked up at him from where she was kneeling down and wiping out the inside of the cabinet drawers. “Is that okay?” hesitancy coated her voice. 

 

Nick was once again pleasantly shocked by how much she had thought through everything. “Oh yeah, that’s fine–d-don’t worry about it. Thank you for doing all that, seriously. Yes, a long lunch with Charlie will be fine, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about.” 

 

***

 

Nick slams the screaming alarm clock off and looks forward at the red numbers glowing back at him. 

 

5:30am. 

 

A collection of movements begin that he has done so many times they are muscle memory at this point. He pulls the heavy duvet off of him and chills run through his body as the morning air hits his bare skin. Half awake, he makes his way to the other side of the room to his en suite. 

 

Brush teeth. 

Shower. 

Get dressed. 

Comb hair. 

 

He manages to get through his morning routine without turning his brain fully on, and after several minutes of silence he finally makes his way down the stairs to the kitchen. One smoothie and one shot of espresso down the hatch and he’s awake enough to see straight and to form full sentences. Good timing since today is the day his new Chief of Staff starts. 

 

***

 

“Clara, what’s his onboarding schedule look like today?” Nick was scrolling through emails on his phone, trying to organize his life.

 

“Uh, my whole day is blocked for him actually. I’m gonna meet him in the lobby at 9, give a tour and then I’m taking him to security so he can get his permit and badge. You guys have lunch–I’m assuming you’re driving?” She raised her brow in a look of question which he followed up with a nod of agreement. “Okay and in the afternoon I’m meeting with him to give him a run down on the next few months of projects and then I’ll probably give him some time to set up his office.” 

 

Nick stuffed his phone in his trouser pocket and looked up at the ceiling. “Hmm, okay that sounds good, that should work.” He looked down and smiled at her, showing his appreciation. 

 

“Thank you, again. I know he’s in good hands if you’re around. When I meet with him  I’ll go over some expectations and things, but uh, yeah that all sounds great.” He started to walk back into the hallway before he thought of something, “Hey, actually can you bring him to my office around 12:30? We should probably have a meeting spot before lunch.” 

 

Clara was in the middle of taking a sip of her coffee when she gave him a thumbs up. 

 

***

 

“Hi, Charlie?” Clara was standing in the middle of the atrium lobby holding a coffee in her left hand while squeezing a red binder under her arm, and stretching out her other hand.

 

“Hi, Clara –so nice to see you!” Charlie Spring walked forward, hearing his dress shoes clack on the tile floor below him while he shook her hand. He felt his dimpled cheeks squeeze up at the recognition of the woman he interviewed with. “How are you?’ He chirped warmly. He was trying his best to make the best first impression. 

 

“Good Morning! I’m doing great! I got you a coffee– a mocha. Is that alright?” She glanced down, gesturing toward the warm cup she was holding. 

 

“Oh-oh my gosh, that’s so nice of you–thank you so much!” Charlie let out with a warm chuckle of disbelief while he accepted the pleasant surprise. 

 

Clara repositioned the binder so it was now in her hands and when she looked up so they made eye contact he noticed that she looked… nice . Just as nice as she did when he met her for the first time a few weeks prior.

 

“Consider it a happy first day treat,” she gave a toothy smile and it immediately made Charlie feel more at ease. “So you'll mainly be with me today, but you do have lunch scheduled with boss man, and then you’ll have some time this afternoon to set up your office.” 

 

“Oh okay, that sounds great! Um, it’s Nick Nelson, right?” he said between sips, letting the sweet coffee cover his tongue. 

 

“Correct. He’s busy in meetings this morning so you won’t see him until around noon, but he’s great, you’ll love him.” she said over her shoulder while leading them both through the lobby to the elevators. 

 

Charlie started following behind her feeling like a lost duckling. Feeling nervous again, he repositioned the straps on the backpack he was wearing. It was a nice pack–sleek, black leather. It was a gift from his sister when he finished grad school and he figured it was nice enough to bring on his first day. He was only now slightly regretting it as he wasn’t sure how long it would be until he could set his bag down and it was already digging into his shoulders. 

 

As the two made their way into the elevator and up to the 8th floor they exchanged pleasantries. 

 

“How was the drive in?” 

“Oh not too bad. The commute is actually shorter than my last position.” 

“Oh that’s nice! What about parking, was that a pain?”

“Indeed it was, but I was able to find a spot. I can get a closer parking spot right?”

“For sure! We’ll go visit the security office to get you all set up, no worries.” 

“Ah, okay great.” 

 

He was about to ask if they could stop by his office first when the elevator doors opened, revealing a vibrant red wall with a large wooden sign with lights behind reading

Riverstone Financial Consulting . 

 

Below the sign was a front desk accompanied by a younger man wearing a light blue button up and a plaid tie. 

 

“Hey Clara, how are you?” he beamed while looking up from the laptop he was typing on. 

 

“Hi Bradley–this is Charlie Spring. He’s our new Chief of Staff. He’ll be up in the executive wing with Nick and I, but today’s his first day so I’m showing him around a bit.” 

 

“Hi, how ya doin?” Charlie said as he took the man’s hand in for a shake. He noticed the handshake was a bit weaker than he was expecting. Bradley seemed much younger, probably just out of uni, or maybe still studying. 

 

“Bradley is one of our interns,”

 

Called it. 

 

 “He’s been with us for a few months, but he normally helps cover this front desk on a rotating schedule with a few of our other interns.” Clara explained while glancing between the two of them. 

 

“Well, it’s great to meet you! I’m sure I’ll see you around soon.” he smiled back feeling a sense of achievement already. 

 

Charlie wasn't a cocky guy per say, but he also knew that he knew his shit. He’d been in a Chief of Staff position before, he’s climbed the corporate ladder, and he was damn good at reading people. It was all part of the game that this society forces us to play. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how to get it. If that was considered cocky, then so be it. 

 

Charlie and Clara continued on to make their rounds within the three top floors of the building that the company owned. The plan was to stop by and do a quick introduction of each department, leading up to the finale being the wing where Charlie would see his own office and meet his boss for the first time. In a few hours he managed to meet the rest of the interns, and the staff for the Accounting, Human Resources, Financial Advising, Capital Campaign, Purchasing and Security departments. All these departments would now directly report to him and it was only a bit of a whirlwind. 

 

Charlie was already growing sick of hearing his own voice introducing himself, and he knew he wasn’t going to remember anyone’s name or job position. It would take weeks, even months for him to get fully immersed here, but that’s all part of the job. 

 

Coffee cup drained, headache growing and stomach rumbling, he thanked the gods above that it was almost time for lunch. But now that meant putting on another good first impression for his new boss. 

 

He was only able to do a minimal amount of research on Mr. Nick Nelson because the man is virtually off the grid social media wise. The only thing he could find was the company directory page which only lists his education and work background, all of which being Riverstone Financial. His photo was even outdated and he looked young–too young to be a CEO. 

 

Clara explained in his interview that he’s apparently been very busy lately and that he needed all the help he could get, hence the job posting. Charlie would act as a liaison between the staff and leadership, while also providing leadership support in a way that goes beyond administrative duties that Clara would take care of. So in a workabout way, Charlie was now one of three people essentially running this company. 

 

No pressure or anything. 

 

“Alright, and through these doors is the executive wing. It’s pretty quiet back here, which is nice some days. We have our own private amenities and of course our offices.” 

 

Clara explained while they approached two large black metal doors that butted up against a small lobby area that looked like it belonged in an interior design magazine. This office space area was significantly nicer than the rest of the offices he had seen. The lighting was lower in a way that made you feel relaxed, like a luxury hotel lobby. Clean, a nice subtle smell of something cologne like, and it was serene. Charlie assumed it was where guests waited before their meetings with Nick. He could tell by the large, suede tufted chairs, abstract wall art, and coffee table books that this was a place that needed to impress, and that it did.

 

Small bubbles of nerves ignited in Charlie’s stomach as Clara opened the doors and they walked down an equally nice hallway. They passed by a conference room that had frosted glass walls and a killer view of the city. A full break room that was nicer than his own kitchen, and a set of private restrooms. Even though the executive wing was smaller, it was just as maze-like with the turns and long walkways. He was sure he’d need a map of this place for the next few weeks. 

 

They turned around another corner and met with the first office space, another with glass frosted walls. They passed by it quickly but Charlie could see a matte silver name plate mounted on the hallway wall reading Clara Willis, Executive Assistant . 

 

A few more steps down the hall and Charlie saw another black metal door. It was closed and had a shiny name plate plastered right in the middle. 

 

Mr. Nicholas Nelson, CEO

 

From behind the door he could hear muffled talking. The voice sounded deep, or maybe he was hearing multiple voices? Clara’s voice ripped through his thoughts when she gestured toward a door that was directly to the right of Nick’s office.

 

 “Alright, and here we are at last!” She opened the matching door and Charlie took in the view, “She’s all yours. I set up as much as I could, but feel free to make it your own.” she smiled while pushing up her glasses and stepping to the side to let Charlie through the threshold. 

 

Inside the roomy office there was a large wooden desk pushed up against the corner accompanied by two monitors, a laptop and a docking station. Two tall bookshelves were on the opposite side of the room with a metal cabinet just beside them. A window taking up almost the whole adjacent wall looked out above the city and Charlie could feel a spike of elation fill his body. 

 

“Oh, very nice! Uh, thank you! Thank you, this is amazing.” 

 

This office was nice, nicer than he’s ever had. He finally took his backpack off his shoulders and set it down on the large cushioned chair that sat next to the desk. He rolled his shoulders back and stretched his neck as he felt some pressure relief off his upper body.

 

“Alright, so you guys have lunch soon, so I’ll let him know that you’re here. Oh, also–sorry this is for you.” she handed him the red binder that she’d been carrying around all morning. 

 

“Oh, okay um–” 

 

“Sorry, I should have given it to you earlier. It’s just some basic information and resources about the company. There’s some training materials in there as well–ya know the basics. It’s nice to have a printed version sometimes.” she gave a sheepish smile while making her way to knock on Nick’s door. 

 

“T-Thank you!” he raised his voice slightly as she disappeared from his sight. He set the binder on the desk and made his way to meet her in the hall when he was stopped in his tracks by a large body standing in front of him. 

 

“Charlie Spring! Hi, how are you? I’m Nick Nelson.” 

 

Charlie realized he was looking directly into someone’s chest. As he shifted his vision up he managed to take half a step backwards to gain some bearings. His brain fizzled as it tried to catch up to what was happening in front of him. 

 

A hand. 

A handshake. 

Shake the hand in front of you, Charlie. 

 

“Uh–hi, y-yes that’s me.” He let out a forced breath that he tried to disguise as a laugh. He reached out his right hand to greet the one in front of him and he was met with a large, warm, strong grip.  

 

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Nelson.” he said as he looked up into big brown eyes. They had a slight crinkle around them as he smiled, but Charlie noticed they looked tired. 

 

“ Please , call me Nick.” Charlie didn’t know what to say so he just smiled. He was trying to take it all in. All of him in. They dropped their handshake and Charlie’s hand suddenly felt cold. Nick clapped his hands together before looking down at the silver watch on his left wrist.

 

“So, we should be going soon, we have a reservation here in a bit. Charlie, I’ll give you a few minutes but come by my office and I’ll lead us to the car.” he said enthusiastically with another crinkly eyed smile on his face. 

 

“Yeah okay. Just let me run to the restroom and I’ll be ready.” Charlie started to make a step forward then realized he had already forgotten where the restrooms were in this wing. Clara must have noticed his hesitation because before he could even ask, she was  pointing in the direction with an understanding smile. 

 

Once Charlie was behind the closed door of the private room he looked at his reflection in the mirror and let out a noise that was somewhere between a giggle and a gasp. He felt a heat growing in his cheeks and he felt giddy. 

 

Shit.  

 

Nick Nelson was not what he was expecting. His photo online really needed to be updated because he did not look like that anymore. He was older, much older. He was still young, but he definitely wasn’t in his twenties. The tiny glimpse he managed before his brain stopped working he saw that he had shiny auburn hair, similar to his eyes. Freckles everywhere, a toothy smile and a slight dimple. Unfortunately, he was very handsome.

 

Okay, so maybe admitting your new boss is eye candy isn’t the best thing, but they were all adults here. He could appreciate an attractive person without being weird about it. It didn’t mean anything. Charlie’s thoughts were swirling while he washed his hands trying to get his mind straight again. 

 

“Okay, no worries. Just go out there and have lunch and be normal. It’s fine. He’s your boss, don’t make it weird.” he mumbled to himself while drying off his hands and raking his curls back into place. With a rigid breath he straightened his gray blazer and headed back toward the office. 

 

***

 

“So Clara tells me that you were able to meet everyone this morning?” Nick asked as they waited for the elevator.

 

“Yeah, she took me around. Lots of people here, I’m sure it’ll take me a while to remember everyone’s names.”

 

The elevator door opened with a sharp dinging noise and they stepped inside. Nick pushed the button to “P1” which Charlie could only assume was meant for the parking garage. The realization hit that he would be a passenger in Nick’s car, and his heart sank to his stomach. 

 

“Oh that’s alright, it’ll come with time. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be a part of your hiring process and we couldn’t meet sooner, but I’m sure that Clara took good care of everything.” he turned toward Charlie and had a warm smile. It was genuine and he looked like he meant what he said. 

 

“That’s okay, I completely understand. She mentioned that things had been busy lately so I didn’t take it personally." he let out a playful chuckle, “But yes, she’s been amazing, she really knows her stuff.” 

 

Nick was now looking down at his feet with both hands in his pockets. He seemed a bit awkward, like maybe he didn’t know what to do with himself. “Yeah, she’s great. We’re very lucky to have her around. She takes good care of us.” he looked up and Charlie felt his own smile grow genuine as they made eye contact. 

 

It trailed on for just a hair too long to be what he’d consider normal. Like a magnet he couldn’t look away, didn't want to look away.  He would have lingered on what this meant but the elevator door opened to the cold, concrete underground garage. He stepped aside and let Nick lead the way while he listened to the jingle of his keys in his pocket. 

 

The only sound was coming from their shoes hitting the pavement before he heard the beep of the horn as the car unlocked. And of course , Nick drove a shiny black Mercedes. 

 

Charlie followed Nick’s lead and opened the passenger door and climbed into the luxury car. Settling in his seat, he buckled the seat belt and straightened out his trousers. He was fidgeting now and an awkwardness filled the cabin. Maybe it was all in his head? Nick seemed fine, maybe he was overthinking this. 

 

He glanced to the side and saw Nick plug in an address into the GPS that was on the dashboard of the car. The black leather interior that surrounded him was quite lavish. Not a surprise though, of course a CEO would drive a nice car. It was spotless and it smelled new, like it just got detailed. It was so clean Charlie wondered if maybe it was a rental. Quiet thoughts stormed his mind as Nick started to pull out of his reserved spot and out into the light of traffic. 

 

“So, have you ever been to Melio’s? It’s an Italian place downtown–one of my favorites.” Nick’s deep voice boomed throughout the small space they shared and it was coating Charlie's ears like his favorite song.

 

“Uh no actually, I don’t spend much time downtown…but I love Italian, so I'm sure I'll like it.” Charlie was looking out the window, trying to avoid eye contact, fingers still fidgeting. A subtle queasiness was growing in his stomach and suddenly lunch didn’t sound appetizing anymore. 

 

Fuck, why am I so nervous? Calm down. 

 

Looking at the GPS ahead of him, Charlie saw that the drive to the restaurant was only 12 minutes away. Somehow, that felt like an eternity when he didn’t know what to say. 

 

A quietness filled the car as Nick continued to drive down the road. Turning the corner and allowing the steering wheel to slide through his palm, Nick could feel himself masking. Turning into someone he’s not. He was the boss, a leader. Someone who had all the answers and who had to be confident. He couldn’t be nervous right now, even though the man next to him seemed to have no idea that he was. Nick has met with all sorts of people over the years, but none of them looked like him. He took a deep breath and reeled back his thoughts. 

 

No. Not now. 

 

He cleared his throat as he plastered a smile on his face and carried on their conversation. 

 

“So, tell me, what brought you to Riverstone?” 

 

He could feel Charlie’s body tense only a few inches away, like the question caught him off guard. 

 

“Oh, well before, I uh, I was a Chief of Staff previously at a Real Estate company in Kent–I was there for about 4 years. I recently relocated to the Cambridge area, and when I saw this job posting, it was just good timing.” 

 

“Oh very nice! Wait, are you from Kent?” Nick was trying to make eye contact while driving and he was finding it increasingly difficult to pay attention to the road.

 

“Yep, born and raised.” Charlie chuckled and it was such a nice noise. “Glad to be out though, I was there far too long.” his voice started to sound more relaxed which only made Nick more antsy. 

 

“Oh no way! I’m also from Kent.” Nick tried to make his voice level, but he wanted to know more, needed to know more. He could feel his voice grow more excited. “I grew up there, then I moved to Leeds for Uni. Been here ever since graduating.” he added while swinging into a parking spot just down the street from the restaurant. He moved the gear to park and took his foot off the brake as he let the car run idle. He turned his head to see blue eyes that lived below black curls and he had to stop his gaze from roaming over the rest of the face he was staring at. 

 

Charlie let out a surprised laugh while his hand made its way to the door handle. In a swift movement Nick followed his lead, removing the key from the ignition and getting out of the car. He could hear Charlie laughing and the tension between them was slowly melting as they walked down the sidewalk together. 

 

“Wow, small world. So you went to sixth form in Kent? Did you happen to go to Truham?” 

 

Nick felt his eyes go wide while he let out a loud shocked gasp. “ Yes, did you?”

 

“ Oh my god , yes!” Charlie exclaimed with a grin on his face. 

 

“Shut up. Sorry–oh my god.” Nick rubbed his hands over his eyes while he laughed. 

 

What is happening right now?

 

“Okay, so we both went to the same grammar school? How did we never see each other?” Charlie could feel his own cheeks blushing as he asked the question. Being outside, here with the rest of the world, the mood between them was feeling more friendly than professional. 

 

“I don’t know, but that’s insanely coincidental. I was at Truham… oh god …15 years ago now?” Nick said while opening the restaurant door for Charlie. Inside was noisy and bustling, filled with people having business lunches, obvious by the amount of blazers he was looking at. The aroma of garlic and onion filled his nose and his appetite was back. 

 

“So you’re a year older than me?” Charlie raised a brow.  

 

“Am I?” Nick retorted back, almost too quickly. 

 

That makes him 33. Huh. 

 

Nick flashed a bright smile and Charlie felt something swirl inside him. 

 

“Hello, good afternoon. We have a reservation under Nelson.” 

 

“Right this way, sir.” 

 

***

 

“So this might be a personal question, but I’m curious,” Charlie was rolling a rogue cherry tomato around his half empty plate with his fork while he looked up through his lashes. “How did you become the CEO?” 

 

“Oh, is this suddenly an interview now?” Nick laughed while taking a sip of his ice water. Charlie watched as the condensation on the glass coated Nick’s fingers, and then his lips. He could see the wetness glisten and he felt a buzz in his body grow against his will. 

 

“Sorry I just thought, ya know. We’ll be spending a lot of time together so best we get to know each other.” He put his fork down and repositioned himself, putting his elbow on the table and resting his chin on the palm of his hand. 

 

“No, that’s okay–I get it,” Nick smiled and leaned back in his chair. He cleared his throat and moved the cloth napkin that was on his lap to the tabletop. “It’s kind of a boring story really. I worked my way up–I started as an intern my senior year of uni, and then I got in full time as a financial advisor. I moved on to a department director, then to a partner. And now, we’re here. It uh, all happened rather quickly I will say. The advisor position, it was my first real job, and I wasn’t even sure if Finance was what I wanted to do, but I found I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed who I worked with and I just… stayed.” Nick paused but Charlie could tell there was more he wanted to say. 

 

“I also happened to get on well with Matthew– my old boss–er, the old CEO I guess. When Matthew first told me that he was retiring he essentially was giving me the position since I was the only other partner at the time. And that was three years ago now. So, yeah. That’s me.” His voice sounded deflated, like talking about his success exhausted him. 

 

“Wow. That’s… really lucky actually. Doesn’t it normally take people like their whole career to become the head of a company? No offense, but...you’re pretty young. It’s just very impressive that you got there so quickly.” He shook his head while scoffing  in disbelief. Charlie was looking down, fidgeting with his own cloth napkin now. “I’ll admit I was surprised when I saw you today. You look nothing like your photo in the directory.” Charlie let his thoughts slip out without thinking properly and he could feel his face burn. 

 

“Oh, yeah?” Nick’s voice dropped and was laced with something new, something made of velvet. The sudden change of tone surprised him and it felt oddly flirtatious. Blue and brown eyes locked again and Charlie felt a pressure growing around them. 

 

Is he flirting with me?

 

 As if Nick could read his mind, he looked away and cleared his throat like he was trying to shake something off. His voice changed back to normal as he grinned back up at him. Charlie noticed his eyes looked worried now, like they were holding a secret. 

 

“I’ll ask Clara to update that then.” he hummed while organizing the dirty plates in front of them. Nick reached into the inside pocket of his navy blazer and pulled out a leather wallet. Charlie watched as the afternoon sun reflected against his watch, creating a bright light that dared to blind him. He squinted, noticing all the freckles that dusted the back of his hand. He also happened to notice that there was no ring on his left hand.

 

Interesting.  

 

Nick pulled out a matte black card and set it on the edge of the table, messaging to the wait staff he was ready to pay. 

 

“Thank you for accompanying me to lunch today, Charlie. It’s been lovely.” Nick’s amber eyes glistened and it was the only thing Charlie could focus on, desperately trying to read them.

 

“Oh, yeah of course. Thank you actually–this place is great, I’ll definitely have to come back sometime.” 

 

“You must! I’m practically a regular here so maybe I’m a bit biased.” Nick nodded at the waitress that approached their table. She grabbed his card and returned quickly, leaving a copy of the receipt and a pen. Charlie looked at the paper, trying to make out the final price of lunch, just out of curiosity. He watched as Nick signed the check, and after some mental math Charlie had to suppress a gasp.

 

Nick left a £50 tip on a £50 bill.

 

***

 

Charlie was in the passenger seat again, watching as Nick plugged in the office’s address into the GPS. 

 

“I thought you went here all the time?” 

 

“Yeah, I do. Why?” Nick was moving his left arm behind Charlie’s headrest and turning his head, looking to back out of the parking spot. Charlie felt the voice in his throat catch as he stared at the perfectly exposed neck right in front of him. He was so close, he could just lean a few inches forward and touch the milky skin that taunted him. His eyes fell to the rouge freckles that creeped up the side of his neck. 

 

Did this man have freckles everywhere? 

 

Charlie cleared his throat while he broke his trance and looked ahead. Once Nick was back to his normal sitting position and they were on the road, he could form full sentences again. 

 

“I just–I noticed you’re using the GPS which I thought was odd since you said you’ve been here so many times before...” his voice trailed as he saw a dimple appear below  bearded cheeks. 

 

“You caught me.” Nick’s voice was velvet again and Charlie ran cold. “I know exactly where the restaurant is, but I plugged it into the GPS anyway to make you more comfortable.” 

 

Charlie didn’t understand. He racked his brain trying to piece together whatever it is that was happening right now. 

 

“Wait, wha-”

 

“Some could say I have control issues. I like knowing what’s coming up, what the next step is. In life, work, everything. I just figured I’d give my guest the same luxury.” 

 

If Charlie wasn’t already sitting he’s sure he would feel his knees buckle. The amount of care, consideration, and pure charisma this man had already shown in the few hours he’d known him was impressive. Almost too good to be true. Charlie must have sat silent for a beat too long because Nick kept looking over at him waiting for a response. 

 

“Are you okay?” They came to a stop light and Nick looked over, genuine concern painting his face. Charlie felt himself melting into a puddle right on the leather seat. 

 

“Yeah, I’m–I’m fine, sorry.” He gave a reassuring smile and saw the worry in Nick’s brow disappear. “ Thank you. That’s just…very thoughtful. It’s surprising I guess.” He looked out the window, avoiding the heavy weight of the presence next to him. 

 

He could hear Nick let out a small puff of breath. 

 

“Consider me a surprise then.” 

 

Oh, that you are. 

Chapter 2

5:30am. 

 

Nick’s eyes are already open when his alarm goes off. He rolls over and pushes the “off” button before it can blare for a second time. Nick woke up ages ago, thoughts reeling.

 

A tornado of urges and wants mixed with mistakes and regrets stormed in his mind. 

 

Nick laid in bed, looking up at the ceiling. He pushed a deep breath out of his nose and remembered. 

 

A lump in his throat started to form and he could feel the wetness grow from behind his eyes. Alone, in the dark, he felt the streams of anxiety roll down his cheeks before he rolled over and buried his head in the pillow. 

 

***

 

“You came back!” The bright voice made Charlie jump in his desk chair.

 

“Oh– god , Clara. You scared me!” He let out a breath while turning in his chair to see her grinning in the doorway. 

 

“Sorry! I’m just so excited to see you again. Means we didn’t scare you off." She let out a giggle and just as Charlie was about to open his mouth to respond, Nick came around the corner to unlock his own office door. 

 

“Of course he came back! He’s stuck with us now.” Nick gave Charlie a wink, so subtle that he would have missed it if he wasn’t making direct eye contact. He watched as Nick’s cheeks turned red, like he was embarrassed at his own actions. 

 

Charlie gave a weak laugh as his brain was trying to keep up. Before he could say anything Nick disappeared into his office and closed the door.

 

“So, I see you’ve been setting up your space a bit!” Clara said, ignorant to what just happened behind her. 

 

“Uh, yeah. I brought in some stuff, already feeling more homey. “ he grinned with pride as he gestured toward the decor on his desk. 

 

“Oh, and who’s that?” Clara squinted while pointing toward the light blue picture frame.

 

“Those are my siblings, Tori and Ollie. We got that picture when I graduated from Uni.” 

 

“Aw, cute! Ollie could be your twin, seriously.” She let out a chuckle while crossing her arms. 

 

“Weird, I normally get that with Tori. We’re only a year apart.” Charlie crossed his ankles and felt some nerves melt off his shoulders. Talking about his siblings comforted him, almost like they were there with him. “So, what’s the plan for today, training wise?” 

 

“Well, I have a call scheduled this morning, so that’ll give you some time to just do your own thing. Kinda nice, you can have a slow morning–but I’ll come grab you around 10 and we can go over the projects that we’re currently working on.” 

 

“Okay, great. I guess I’ll just get my inbox and things set up.” Charlie looked down at his hands and he figured it was now or never. “Um…can I ask you a question? It might be kinda weird…” He felt his voice trail off, realizing how nervous he was. 

 

“Sure, what’s up?”

 

“So….Nick.”

 

Clara furrowed her brow and craned her neck forward in anticipation. 

 

“What do you…know about him? I guess–I don’t know, I can’t really get a good read on him.” Charlie let his eyes dance around the room, trying to make his awkward question seem as casual as possible. 

 

He watched as Clara’s eyes lit up as she took a step inside the office. She closed his office door and sat down in the chair next to his desk. Charlie felt a weight grow around them. 

 

“Are we gossiping about boss man?”

 

Charlie barked out a laugh. “Oh no! I just..I don’t know…he’s interesting. I just wanted some information I guess.” He was fidgeting now and Clara looked at him with a hunger in her eyes, like she was dying to talk about this. 

 

“Okay, I’ll tell you everything I know. But quick, because I gotta go soon.” 

 

Charlie leaned in slightly, desperate to hear what she had to say. 

 

“So I started this job about three years ago, Nick had just gotten the promotion, from what I’ve heard. So I’ve worked for him the whole time he’s been CEO. This whole time he’s been in this role he’s been a complete, total workaholic. I’m talking coming in early, staying late, cooped up in his office, the whole thing.” she took a breath to pause and Charlie felt giddy at learning this new information. “He’s a great guy, very nice, very charming. And I’m sure you’ve noticed by now he’s not bad looking either.” Charlie laughed again and he felt his face burn with heat. 

 

“Uh yeah, yeah I noticed.” he felt bashful, but Clara had a sly look on her face. 

 

“What?”

 

“Oh nothing…but don’t think I didn’t notice how you reacted when you met him yesterday.” she grinned and Charlie rolled his eyes. The professional walls between them had now dropped and it was fun. He felt like he had a friend. 

 

“Oh god, please . Sure, he’s handsome, but….it just, I don’t know, threw me off. His photo on the website is so outdated I wasn’t expecting this large, grown bearded man!” a warm deep laugh came from his throat and it felt good to release it. “Anyways, what else should I know about him?”

 

Clara was beaming now. She lowered her voice before continuing. “Well, he’s a pretty private person. In the whole three years I’ve worked with him I’ve never heard him talk about a partner or kids or his family or anything. No photos in his office, nothing. He’s definitely overworked and tired and I keep trying to get him to take breaks, but he’s stubborn as hell.” 

 

Charlie felt a weird feeling grow in his chest. The idea that this man who seems to be a walking dream potentially lives this life alone made his heart ache a bit. 

 

“But, yeah.. he’s very work focused, and sometimes can be kinda, I don’t know...guarded? Like he can’t let himself relax or something. But he’s seriously the best boss. I love my job and I love working here and I know you’ll love it too.” Clara’s big green eyes looked up at him and Charlie knew she was telling the truth. 

 

“Thanks, Clara. I appreciate you telling me. I’m really excited to be here, actually. And you guys have been great, I’m just–I guess a bit nervous? Which is odd, I’ve never really felt nervous about a new job before.” He started to chew on his bottom lip and Clara shot up from where she was sitting. 

 

“Charlie, you’re gonna do amazing, I promise. I wouldn’t have hired you if you weren’t the best of the best.” She gave him a smile and walked toward the door. “I have to go, but if you have any questions about anything, just send me a message. I’ll see ya later!” She closed his door, leaving him alone with the four walls. 

 

Charlie still felt a pang of sympathy in his chest thinking about Nick. Could he seriously be single? Charlie started to explore a thought that only lived in movies and romance novels. 

 

What if?…no, stop.

 

He could not be thinking about his boss like that. He just met the man, he hardly knows him. But from the little he does know, he knows he wouldn’t pass up the offer. If it ever  was an opportunity that is. 

 

Charlie sat up from the desk chair and walked across the room to the large window that overlooked the city. The morning sun was high in the sky and he was already feeling a little stuffy in his suit. He decided to take his blazer off when he heard a knock at the door. 

 

“Yeah, come in.” he raised his voice as he was wrestling with his jacket sleeves. 

 

He watched dark ginger hair peek from behind the door. 

 

“Hey, Charlie–good morning!” Nick opened the door fully now and was standing in the doorway. Charlie finally managed to get his suit jacket off and he was folding it preparing to lay it on his chair. 

 

“Hi, good morning–how are you doin?” Charlie smiled and was met with sparkling eyes behind brown frames.

 

“Doing well! I just wanted to see if you had a few minutes.” 

 

“Oh yeah, sure! What’s up?” Charlie felt a knot grow in his stomach. Looking at Nick again he seemed even more handsome, if that was even possible. 

 

“I just wanted to check in, see how your first day went.” Nick was smiling now, a small lopsided smile and Charlie felt his heart flutter. 

 

“Oh yeah, it was great. It went really well. Clara’s been so welcoming and supportive, and really everyone’s been great.” Charlie was trying to keep his voice level, but his whole body felt hot and it was starting to become very distracting. 

 

“Good, glad to hear that.” Nick paused and he let hesitancy hang in the air. He fidgeted with his coffee cup and looked down at the ground. He could still feel the heaviness of the memories hanging around him, making him tense. “Well, I don’t want to overwhelm you too much, but we should probably meet soon to go over some things.” 

 

Nick looked up slightly and watched as long slim legs sauntered toward him. His eyes roamed up Charlie’s body and he felt his throat go dry. 

 

“Yeah, definitely. Did you wanna talk in your office?” Charlie was standing only a few inches away now and Nick felt his heart skip a beat. 

 

“Ah, that’s alright, I-I actually have some meetings this morning. I’ll um–I’ll just put something on your calendar. Just wanted you to keep an eye out for it.”  Nick felt clammy all of a sudden and took a sip of his coffee, giving him something to do. 

 

“Okay…that sounds good.” 

 

Nick’s eyes wandered over Charlie’s face, watching a smile flash at him. His eyes darted down to his lips, and Nick noticed himself staring. He noticed Charlie was staring too. 

 

Does he? No…

 

Nick cleared his throat and made himself remember who he was, where he was. 

 

“Right, okay, well…I’ll schedule us some time and uh..I’ll leave you to it.” He let his voice trail off as he backed up into the hallway, darting his gaze toward the floor, feeling his face grow hot. He knocked on the doorframe once before walking away into his own office. 

 

***

 

How has it already been two weeks since Nick’s mind has been held hostage by curls and dimples? 

 

Work was already difficult as it was, trying to juggle all the deadlines and meetings and an overflowing email inbox. He felt like he was running a marathon that didn’t have a finish line. 

 

Everyone always needs something from him. Asking him questions, needing to chat in the hall, always following up. It was too much some days and all Nick wanted to do was hide away. 

 

But he couldn’t afford to hide away. He needed to be there, needed to do what was right. Charlie was beginning to make that extremely difficult. Knowing that he was on the other side of that office wall was torture. Close, but still too far out of reach. 

 

Nick feels himself give in, his thoughts becoming more uncontrolled as the days go by. He can’t help it when Charlie walks in the room he feels like he could die. Like everything else stops, his brain doesn't work. He doesn’t know how to form sentences, and everything fizzles. And then when Charlie smiles. God, when he flashes that smile, Nick can physically feel himself melt. It’s so obvious by now everyone probably knows. 

 

Fuck, I can’t do this. 

 

Nick is pacing now, thoughts scrambling in his brain. Stuck in his own world, how can he pretend that everything’s fine? That his every thought isn’t always consumed with him?

 

What’s Charlie wearing today? 

What’s he doing for lunch?

Is he in a meeting right now?

 

Jesus, he barely knows him. It’s truly pathetic, just like a lovesick obsessed puppy. Nick squeezes his eyes closed and forces himself to remember again. 

 

Like a punishment, he always goes back there. The empty, hollow feeling behind his eyes. The ache in his chest. Walking around in this world feeling left behind, feeling broken. It’s too much. It almost killed him. It is killing him, right here, right now. 

 

A knock at the door broke his thoughts and brought him back to the present. Still half in a daze he murmured “Come in.” After a beat, he heard the door unlatch and a familiar voice. 

 

“Nick, do you wanna go to lunch? I was thinking about trying that new sub place down the street.” 

 

He turned around and looked up to meet his favorite eyes. Like a puppet, like someone else controlling him, he couldn’t hold back his initial reaction. 

 

“Yes, please. Let’s go.”

 

Remembering was painful, but resisting this was too. He didn’t want to resist anymore.

 

***

 

“Hey! So sorry for doing this so late in the day but it was the only available time on my calendar.” Nick closed his office door as Charlie made his way to the leather seats that sat in front of his desk. 

 

“No worries, I understand. I don’t have any plans tonight anyways, so I can stay a bit late.” Charlie chuckled and sat down, crossing his legs. 

 

“Huh..no plans on a Friday night? Me neither.” Nick flashed a friendly smile and sat back down in his chair. He pulled out a file folder from his desk cabinet and opened it to the performance review packet that Clara had printed for him earlier. “I’ll try not to take too much of your time, but I do have some required things to go over, courtesy of HR. So let’s just go ahead and get started.” He looked up at Charlie and quickly broke eye contact. 

 

“Alright, so this is your 30 day performance review. I’m sure you’re familiar with this concept, but this is just something we like to do with all of our new hires. We’ll do another one at your 90 day mark, and then moving forward it will be annual.” Nick cleared his throat while grabbing a pen. He didn’t need to write anything down, but it gave him something to do with his hands. 

 

“I like to think of these more as a check in, just to see how you’re doing, where you’re at, and if there’s any questions or concerns you may have. Of course we have formalities,” Nick gestured down to the packet on his desk, “but for the most part, I like these conversations to be casual and an opportunity for you to discuss whatever is on your mind.” He looked up at Charlie, waiting for a nod of approval to move forward. Charlie only gave him a small close lipped smile. Nick suddenly felt very awkward and insecure,  even though he’s had this exact meeting with his staff countless of times. 

 

“So first and foremost, I’d just like to thank you for not only being here, but for how quickly you’ve been able to jump into the job. I hear your training with Clara has been going very well, and I can see already that you have a very strong work ethic and are a fast learner.” 

 

“Thank you. Yeah, training has been going well, and thankfully Clara and I have gotten pretty close so I feel confident that I can always go to her with any questions.” Nick watched as Charlie fidgeted in his chair and repositioned himself. 

 

Was he nervous?

 

“Good! That’s great to hear. Yes, you can always ask us any questions you may have, we’re to help and we–well, I want you to be successful in this position. Now, I know we haven’t had a ton of  time to meet 1 on 1, but I’ll start scheduling a weekly meeting so we have designated time to go over agendas and objectives and things.” 

 

Charlie nodded and he noticed he was smiling–or laughing? 

 

Was he suppressing a giggle? 

 

“Okay, so onto the HR requirements. Let’s talk professional development.” 

 

***

 

Charlie sat, watching Nick fidget with the pen in his hand, then the collar of his shirt, then his glasses. He was moving around an awful lot for someone who had surely done one of these meetings countless times in the last three years. If Charlie was a betting man, he would bet Nick was nervous. 

 

Charlie had an inkling that something unspoken was happening between them. It was subtle, but he would be a liar if he didn’t lay awake at night wondering what it all meant. The last month Nick has been nothing but nice toward him. Friendly, supportive, thoughtful. 

 

Surprising, too. 

 

Underneath all the pleasantries, there was something more. An iceberg of emotion lives within Nick, and Charlie hasn’t been able to dive under the surface to see it, but he knows it’s there.

 

He first noticed it when Nick offered to walk him to his car during his first week. He didn’t think much of it, just that they were both leaving the office at the same time, and parked in the same garage. 

 

Then when he brought him coffee, Charlie convinced himself it was because they were attending the same presentation from the interns. It wasn’t until he caught Nick’s eyes staring at his lips that he allowed his mind to wander. 

 

Paying attention to Nick’s body language has practically become his part time job. Charlie’s theory wasn’t solidified in his mind until he saw the way Nick’s cheeks flushed whenever he walked in the room. 

 

Charlie knew and unfortunately for him, he couldn’t ignore it. 

 

This wasn’t grammar school. They were both adults, fully grown men. And they could deal with this like grown men do. 

 

A terribly stupid idea grew in Charlie’s mind and he licked his lips. 

 

“You did a great job working with Elizabeth on that invoice report. I think in the future I’d like for you two to meet monthly to ensure that we’re meeting–”

 

“Nick, are you okay?” Charlie cut him off, making him drop his pen in surprise. 

 

“Uh–yeah? Um, w-why?” he looked up and Charlie watched as a blush stained his cheeks. 

 

A conviction burned inside his chest and he felt something take over, like an alter ego. If he did this, once he crossed this line, it was over. He could never go back. 

 

Charlie was feeling daring, dangerous. 

 

Fuck it.  

 

“You know your cheeks get flushed every time you see me.”

 

Just like a match, a flame ignited inside the brown eyes he was staring into.

 

Charlie’s whole body was full of warning signs. His morals and conscience were screaming and kicking from the inside while he made direct eye contact with the person that could ruin his reputation and his career. But fuck , it wasn't the only thing he could ruin. 

 

Charlie is a smart man. But he is also a desperate man with needs. He’s starting to believe that Nick is also a man with needs, with even more desperation. The air around them was made of stone and neither of them dared to move an inch. In a shallow voice Charlie’s voice cut at the tension. 

 

“Do I make you nervous, Nick?” 

 

He watched his throat as he swallowed. Their gaze broke and Nick was now staring down at the pile of papers in front of him, fidgeting his fingers. 

 

He was nervous. 

 

Charlie cocked his head while he waited for an answer. He would wait all night if he had to. A cold, hard tone echoed through the room. 

 

“Charlie, I’m your boss.” 

 

Charlie let out a breath while he crossed his right leg over his left knee, leaned back into the chair and allowed his body to relax. Nick was eyeing him and he could feel a smirk creep on his face. Nick might be the boss, but Charlie had all the control and they both knew it. 

 

After a beat of silence he could hear his own voice grow coarse. 

 

“I’m aware.”

 

Nick let out a ragged breath and his jawline twitched. He was looking everywhere now,  trying to avoid eye contact. Trying to avoid the temptation. 

 

“ Charlie . We–I can’t–” he let his voice trail off as he threw his glasses on his desk and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He let out a deep breath and mumbled under his breath. “ Fuck ” he was practically panting now and Charlie almost felt bad for him. 

 

He would have an ounce of sympathy if not for the countless number of stares and glances that lasted too long to be professional. All the non accidental brushes of the shoulder while walking in the hallway, and the obvious flirting that Nick had been shelling out to him the last month. All which held an unspoken intention. From day one there had been an unmistakable spark between the two of them, but Charlie had been trying to convince himself that it was all in his head. But they both knew it wasn’t. 

 

Charlie found it somewhat amusing the internal debate Nick seemed to be having in front of him. His own confidence was soaring and he was going to get what he wanted. Only because he knew Nick wanted it too, he just wasn’t allowed to ask for it. 

 

Charlie stood up from the leather chair and walked beside Nick’s desk, slowly making his way behind him. Nick was normally taller than him, but in this sitting position Charlie had the upper hand, and oh was he going to take advantage of it. 

 

Standing directly behind Nick’s right shoulder, he stretched his arm out and placed his right hand on the desk, leaning down allowing his chest to brush against Nick’s back just slightly. Caging him in, he could feel Nick’s body shudder at the contact. Charlie leaned forward, dropping his head low near Nick’s ear.

 

“But I thought I’ve been such a good boy?”  

 

Nick’s whole body was trembling and he leaned back in his desk chair, pushing his shoulder into Charlie’s chest. The warmth of the contact made his own breath stutter. 

 

Nick let out a small laugh of disbelief and bit his lower lip. He dropped his head to his chest and he was looking down at his lap. Charlie let his eyes follow Nick’s gaze down to see the growing bulge in his trousers. Charlie had to suppress a smile knowing the physical reaction Nick’s body was having to just his words. The power Charlie held was palpable, and he was already addicted. 

 

The desk chair rolled backward as Nick stood up quickly, forcing Charlie to take a step back. A thrill ran up his spine and his body was hot with anticipation. Nick took a few steps forward and Charlie lingered behind, giving him space. He watched as broad shoulders grew tense under black fabric.

 

Nick remained turned around, and he was taking his time while he leisurely rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. He was shaking his head and muttering something to himself that Charlie couldn’t make out. 

 

“Charlie, answer me this.” There was a pause as he stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders back. “What exactly did you think was going to happen?” 

 

His tone was different. A hint of tease ran off his sharp tongue and Charlie’s heart fluttered at the realization. They were playing a game. 

 

Nick was taking control now, but soon Charlie would have it again. Taking the bait, he crossed his arms across his chest and took a step closer to the back that was still facing him. 

 

“Well, I thought you’d tell me the truth.” 

 

Nick spun around on his heels and now they were standing mere inches away. Charlie’s chin turned up to make eye contact. 

 

“The truth ? And what would that be?” Nick’s brow was furrowing but there was a glint of something dangerously lustful in his eyes as they darted back and forth. After a beat of silence Nick dropped his gaze to his lips, like he always did.

 

“That you’ve wanted me since the moment you met me.” 

 

Nick’s pupils grew to saucers and Charlie felt his own dick twitch in his trousers. Charlie watched as Nick’s jaw clenched and let out a breath through his nose. He scoffed and turned his head to break their gaze. 

 

“ Hypothetically , what would you suggest I do if that was true?” Nick was acting non committal now, and it was pissing Charlie off. And also turning him on past the point of no return. Charlie decided if Nick wanted to play this game, he’d put the ball back in his court. 

 

He took another step closer and their chests were nearly touching. He could feel Nick’s breath and the scent of sandalwood invaded his senses. He took his time to answer, letting his eyes wander down the sturdy chest that was in front of him. Noticing the contrast of the black fabric against the fair skin, with a peak of freckles creeping up his neck.

 

“Then I would say…you should kiss me.” Charlie’s voice was rough, but quiet. Like it was holding a secret that was meant only for Nick.

 

Nick’s gaze darted back up to Charlie’s eyes and he inhaled a slow breath while rolling his bottom lip in between his teeth. The tension between them was red hot and it was starting to break. Barely hanging on, it was stretching too thin. It was only a matter of seconds now. Nick felt the world stand still as they both stood there, eyes speaking a sinful language between them. 

 

Silence filled the room again and Nick was staring at his lips again. If he did this, once he crossed this line, it was over. He could never go back. 

 

“Oh fuck it” Nick growled before grabbing Charlie’s face by both of his hands and crashing their lips together. 

 

A sweet symphony of breaths and grunts filled his office and just as quickly, Nick was guiding them toward the center of the room. Charlie met the table and he pushed himself up to a sitting position, parting his legs to let Nick slide in the space between. He wrapped his calves around Nick’s legs, trapping him close. 

 

Their embrace was messy, needy, and animalistic. A clash of lips, warm breath and teeth  made the room spin. There was nothing about this that was slow or romantic or tender. It was pure lust, full of angst and danger. They shouldn’t be doing this, but it feels too good to stop. 

 

Charlie felt a tongue run along his lower lip and by instinct his fingers grabbed the black tie Nick was wearing, and wrapped it around his fist, pulling him even closer. Nick pulled at the nape of Charlie’s curls, and now they were so close he could feel the warmth of Charlie’s dick through his own trousers. Their tongues danced and Nick was tasting every inch of the mouth that he’d been staring at for weeks. 

 

He was biting on Charlie’s lip so hard he felt a moan release from below him. The sound was intoxicating, but it was wrong. Alarms were going off in Nick’s mind and he felt like he was drowning. Dizzy and lightheaded, he pulled back and tore his lips away before his dick could protest.

 

“Fuck”   he gasped as he lept backwards and turned around. He ran his hands through the back of his hair and made a beeline straight to the window to gain his bearings. He was panting now, and his eyes squeezed shut as he felt the cool glass under his fingertips. He could feel his throat close up, his ears were buzzing and something in his stomach curdled. 

 

Charlie let out a whine when he opened his eyes and realized that Nick was across the room. The space between them felt too big and the room felt too cold. 

 

“Nick I–” 

 

“No.” 

 

Nick was facing him now and his eyes were full of fire, but they were glowing a different shade of red. 

 

“Don’t say anything.” 

 

Nick’s jaw clenched and his chest was puffing up and down. A threatening silence coated the room and Charlie couldn’t breathe. 

 

“I think it’s best if you go now.” Nick croaked.

 

Charlie suddenly felt small, like he was a teenager again. Frail and afraid, he felt like an imposter standing in this high rise office. A rock sunk to his stomach and a lump dared to form in his throat as his actions caught up to his psyche. Feeling paralyzed, he stared ahead and Nick’s glare didn’t dare to wander. 

 

Charlie’s feet finally became unglued and he scurried toward the door. His fingers touched the cold metal of the doorknob and reality came crashing down around him. 

 

Walking past the threshold, he closed the door without glancing back, walking to his own office. He quickly grabbed his phone and his backpack and darted down the hallway, glancing toward Clara’s empty office. Once in the elevator he checked his phone to see the time. 5:23pm. He had been in Nick’s office for over an hour. 

 

The elevator doors pinged closed and he was sure this would be the last time he would ever see the executive wing.

Notes:

Things are developing...

Follow me on twitter @jewelstor for updates!!

Chapter 3

Charlie was a mess. In more ways than one.

 

He spent all weekend glued to his phone checking his email, positive he would find a termination letter from HR. There was no way he could go into the office on Monday morning and pretend like everything was normal. Right? 

 

Sunday night came around quickly and Charlie was a nervous wreck, full of energy and nothing to do with it. After one more check of his inbox and finding nothing, Charlie couldn’t sleep. Mind racing, he laid in bed, trying not to remember. 

 

He tried thinking of what other companies he could apply to assuming his reputation wasn’t completely tarnished. He tried thinking of a plan to finally unpack the last few boxes left in his closet. He tried thinking of what he could have for lunch tomorrow. No matter where he tried forcing his mind to go, it always floated back to the same thing. 

 

He tried really hard not to think about it. 

 

The way Nick looked at him with those big brown eyes. Or how Nick’s voice sounded right before he leaned into the kiss. Charlie felt a heat grow under his duvet. As much as he knew he fucked up, he couldn’t deny that it was hottest thing that’s happened to him.  

 

Charlie felt his hand wander down his body as he closed his eyes and replayed Nick’s words. 

 

 “Charlie, I’m your boss.”

 

He wrapped his hand around himself, imagining it was Nick’s hand instead. He remembered the way his fingers ran though his curls that sent a chill up his spine. He remembered how good he tasted, how warm he felt with his hands on him. Charlie had spent all weekend trying not to think about it, but it was always there, replaying in his mind. 

 

Here, in the dark, he worked himself until he felt the familiar buzz in his body run all the way down to his toes. With an arch of his back, he was too far gone to come back. With a stifled back moan, Charlie felt himself lose control and then his mind was reeling again.

 

He remembered how Nick looked after the kiss. Those eyes did not belong to Nick Nelson. Like someone else had possessed his body, he looked like a stranger. 

 

Feeling a different kind of chill run through his body, Charlie got up out of bed and into the shower to clean himself up. He was still reeling when he stepped out of the warm water and toweled dry. He looked at himself in the foggy mirror and had to accept reality. 

 

I’m getting fired tomorrow. 

 

***

 

Charlie pulled into the parking garage and his heart stopped when he saw Nick’s car just across the way. 7:33am. 

 

Clara was right, he does get here early.  

 

Getting out of the car and walking to the elevator he could feel a bead of sweat already form on his forehead. Was his key not going to open his office door? Would all his stuff be boxed up waiting for him in the hallway? What if there was a big sign on his door that said “FIRED”. Okay, maybe he was overthinking. He checked his inbox again this morning and still nothing from HR, or Nick. 

 

Walking into the executive wing, it was quiet. Eerily quiet. He crept down the hall, trying not to make any noise. Clara wasn’t in her office yet, and Nick’s door was closed. He paused, straining to make out any voices, but he was met with silence. Quickly, he stuck his key in the lock of his office door and turned. 

 

Oh thank god. 

 

Once he was in his office he closed the door and let out the breath he was holding. Everything in his office looked the same….okay maybe he was really overthinking now. He shook off the irrational thought and set his stuff down beside his desk. He logged onto his computer and checked his inbox again, still nothing. Right now he was safe in his office, in his own little bubble. He stayed quiet to see if he could hear anything through the shared wall that led to Nick’s office. Nothing. 

 

As far as Charlie was concerned, today would be a typical Monday, and he would proceed as normal. Looking at his calendar he had blocked off some time to catch up on emails concerning projects, he had a meeting with the head of Accounting at 11am, an all staff meeting at 2pm, and– 

 

Oh fuck.

 

Charlie sees a new block on his calendar that wasn’t there on Friday. A 4:30pm block reading “1:1 Nick/Charlie”. 

 

Charlie felt his heart rate rise. Why the hell is Nick wanting to meet with him at the tail end of the day? Charlie isn’t an idiot. He knew they’d have to talk about it eventually, he was just hoping he could live in denial for a bit longer. Today was going to be a long day. 

 

***

 

4:20pm. 

 

Charlie has managed to get through the day with everything as regular as could be. He saw Clara, and they made their usual conversation. They were proper friends now, normally eating lunch together. They went out for lunch today and the distraction helped, but Charlie still had this unwavering guilt in his stomach. 

 

The staff meeting was normal, nothing out of the ordinary. However Charlie hasn’t seen or spoken to Nick at all today. He’s betting now that it was on purpose. Charlie has access to view his calendar, so of course he snooped and the only thing he had scheduled was their meeting. What was Nick doing all day then? 

 

Minutes dragged on and Charlie could feel his palms get clammy. With all this nervous energy he decided to get up and start gathering his things in case this was going in the direction he assumed it was. Taking his degrees off the wall he started to feel a lump in his throat. 

 

Regret coating his body, he felt ashamed. Here he was once again, ruining a good thing because he got too confident, too cocky. How stupid could he be? Thinking that his boss would be okay with him making a move on him? Totally inappropriate behavior and definitely a fireable offense. Besides, he had only worked here a month. Surely the company could let him go clean and he couldn’t fight it. 

 

Charlie stood and stared out the window, savoring the view. With glazed over eyes, the tall buildings went out of focus and he was now looking back at his own reflection. Stressed eyes looked back at him, preparing for the worst. 

 

***

 

“Come in.” Nick let his voice boom so Charlie could hear through the closed door. The shrill of the knock made a chill run through his body and he could feel the nerves grow in his stomach. He couldn’t afford to be nervous, not now. 

 

Nick stayed sitting in his desk chair, typing up an email, trying to look busy. He didn’t want to intimidate Charlie, but he wanted him to know he was serious. He forced his eyes to stay glued to his monitor when he heard the latch open and he felt Charlie’s presence walk through the threshold. 

 

“Door open or closed?” Charlie asked, his voice weaker than normal. 

 

“You can close it, that’s fine. Thank you.” Nick was sweating. “Go ahead and have a seat at the table, please.” 

 

He watched as Charlie made his way to the table at the center of the room. The table where he first tasted him. 

 

Focus, Nelson. 

 

Charlie sat down, and his body looked rigid, like he was nervous. Nick avoided making eye contact and he shuffled with the papers on this desk. He straightened them, stapled them together and grabbed a pen. He pushed his chair out from under him, standing up to walk over to meet Charlie. He decided to sit at the head of the table, and looked up to meet blue eyes directly across from him. 

 

Charlie’s eyes held a desperation that Nick knew all too well. 

 

“Charlie I wanted to meet today to go over some things. I know we’re all busy, so I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me. So, what I have here is–” 

 

“I’m so sorry.” Charlie blurted. 

 

There was a silence that lingered and Nick could only scoff slightly. 

 

“Why are you apologizing?” 

 

“I'm so sorry for what happened. I shouldn’t have–it was completely inappropriate and I understand wholeheartedly if you never want to see me again.” Charlie was talking quickly, fumbling over his words like they couldn’t escape his mouth fast enough. His eyes were downturned toward the table and Nick felt like his chest was caving in. 

 

“Charlie, what are you talking about?” 

 

“Th–what happened on Friday…I-I kissed you?”

 

Nick scoffed again and he ran his tongue in front of his bottom teeth. He let silence linger between them before he took a deep breath. 

 

“Charlie, I kissed you .” 

 

He watched as Charlie’s jaw hung open, but only for a moment. Eyes darting around the room, he watched as Charlie’s mind was trying to put together the pieces.

 

“But I…wait–are you…are you gonna fire me?” 

 

Nick could only bark out a laugh now, caught completely by surprise. 

 

“ No , of course not! I’m not firing you, Charlie. I could never.”

 

 It was Nick’s turn to avoid eye contact now. He looked down at the papers below him and he felt a blush creep on his face.

 

“I’m actually here to propose something.” He clenched his jaw and looked back up to a concerned face. 

 

“I…Charlie… I like you. Okay? I think you’ve obviously figured that out by now, hence what happened last time we were together.” Nick paused and smirked to himself. “But, I am your boss. I am your superior and that puts us in a tricky situation.” He cleared his throat and continued, feeling nerves bubble up his whole body now. 

 

“I spent the weekend thinking, and I propose an arrangement. If you’re interested, I think this could work in both of our favors.” He watched as Charlie raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. 

 

“Nick, what? I’m–hold on. What are you suggesting?”

 

He looked directly into blue pools and bit back his hesitancy. It was now or never. 

 

“I’m suggesting that if you agree to it, we could start a mutually consenting, mutually benefitting sexual relationship. Privately, of course.” 

 

“Wait– what? ” 

 

Nick let out a deep sigh and pushed the packet of papers toward the other end of the table. Charlie sat up in his chair and reached out his fingers to grab it. Nick watched as his eyes scanned across the paper quickly. Several seconds passed by and the only thing Nick could hear was Charlie’s inaudible whispers as he read to himself. 

 

“You can take your time to think about it. But if you agree, I think we should discuss boundaries.” 

 

“Boundaries?” Charlie’s voice quavered and he looked up with furrowed brows, clearly confused. 

 

This must be how Clara feels in our meetings. 

 

Nick chuckled to himself and stood up, slowly pacing in front of the window. 

 

“Listen. I know this might come off as crass, but I think we both know what we want, so let’s stop pretending.” 

 

Charlie looked stunned, speechless even. Nick turned around, hands on his hips while waiting for a response. “Well?” 

 

It was Charlie’s turn to scoff. 

 

“Are you seriously suggesting that I sign this...this… sex contract with my boss?” 

 

Nick cocked his head and raised his brow. 

“And how do I know you won’t fire me eventually?” Charlie crossed his arms and there was a defensiveness in his voice.

 

“It’s all in the contract, darling.” Nick watched as Charlie’s expression changed. Hard rigid eyes melted and a flush ran up his neck, telling Nick everything he needed to know. 

 

Charlie felt hot. He turned his head, re reading the contract again. 

 

This contract hereby states that the two parties of Nicholas Nelson and Charles Spring consent to a mutually benefiting, private, physical relationship that will not under any circumstances interfere with the productivity or effectiveness of their professional working relationship at Riverstone Financial Consulting….....if at any time any of the parties decide to terminate the agreement, it shall not affect the previously established professional relationship…....no parties are at liberty to discuss this agreement with any persons outside of the below stated names….

 

Charlie looked up and saw Nick standing there, still staring at him. 

 

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” 

 

Nick shook his head and stifled back a laugh. Charlie watched as pressed navy trousers walked toward him. He looked up and saw Nick towering over him, pupils  growing to saucers and burning holes through him. The heat of Nick’s eyes held a heavy weight and Charlie felt weak. 

 

“Weren’t you serious when you came on to me?” he smirked and Charlie tore his gaze to look at his lips. Faces inches away now, Charlie remembered what it felt like to have those lips on his. 

 

“Okay, so let’s say I agree. What are the boundaries?” His eyes followed Nick as he retreated and moved back toward the window. 

 

“Well for one, it would be totally private…secret. We would maintain a professional appearance at the office and we would continue working our jobs as normal…and act normal in front of our colleagues of course. No one can know.” 

 

“Okay, and what else?” Charlie could feel his heart thumping in his chest. 

 

“As far as I’m concerned, this relationship would be solely physical. I’m not…I don’t want you to feel pressured that this has to turn into anything more.” Charlie felt his forehead crease.

 

“I know that sounds–look I’m not a jackass, okay? I mean, there’s obviously something happening here, but it would be unfair of me to assume that you’ll...” 

 

“I’ll what? Fall in love with you?” Charlie let the sarcastic tone fall off his tongue.He was feeling defensive again, but he didn’t know why. 

 

Nick felt his throat go dry. He looked up at hard eyes and felt waves crashing over him. 

 

“I’m not saying that will happen, Charlie, or even that I’m expecting that..I’m just…I’m just saying I’m okay if this is purely physical. Like I said, mutually benefiting. No strings attached, that whole thing, if–if you want.” 

 

Nick was putting this whole thing in Charlie’s court. It was up to him, he had all the control here. Charlie sat and stared up at the ceiling, thinking to himself. 

 

Is there even a possibility that he could fall in love with Nick Nelson? He barely knew him, not personally anyways. Charlie needed more information. 

 

“Are you clean?” Charlie’s voice broke the silence.

 

“Uh–yeah, yeah of course. Are you?” Nick cleared his throat several times, like the words got caught before he could get them out. 

 

“Yeah, my last test was a few months ago. I haven’t, uh, been with anyone since I moved here.” He suddenly felt embarrassed talking about this with his superior. “What about you, when was your last test?”

 

He watched as Nick’s face twisted into something somber. His eyes glued to the floor, he was swinging his foot back and forth, restless.

 

“Um…it’s been a while,” he laughed, a small, sad laugh to himself. He watched as Nick ran his hand through his hair. “Charlie, it’s been a long time since I’ve… been with anyone. I can assure you, it’s okay.” 

 

Charlie felt his heart ache. So his theories were true. Nick Nelson, this tall, beautifully handsome, kind, ambitious, gracious man was single. And has been single. Has he been single this whole time? Charlie’s thoughts wander back to the conversation he had with Clara about never hearing about a partner the whole time she’s worked here. 

 

“Nick…if you don’t mind me asking...how long has it been?” 

 

Nick scoffed and whipped his head around to avoid Charlie’s eyes–like he was embarrassed. 

 

“I just–I figured if we’re gonna do this, we should be honest with each other. We should know these things. Talking about it doesn’t mean–” 

 

“Three years.” Nick looked up, staring directly into Charlie’s eyes. His jaw tensed and he was breathing shallowly, as if he was trying to hold back his own emotion. 

 

Charlie felt like he just got slapped. 

 

Oh . 

 

Stunned, he sat there, not knowing what to say. He swallowed, and decided he needed to select his next words very carefully. He figured humor was the best way to cut the tension. 

 

“Soo…the job really is that demanding, huh?” 

 

He saw Nick let out the breath he was holding and let out a deep chuckle, clearly in surprise. They both laughed, and it echoed in the room. It was a beautiful sound, the two of them comfortable like this. As their laughter died down, a different kind of tension was filling the air now. 

 

The thrill of the situation was settling in and Charlie pondered. Seconds felt like eons as he weighed the pros and cons of this arrangement. 

 

He could be getting regular sex, allowing himself to retire lonely nights in the dark with his hand. But also, he would be having sex with his boss, literally the man he works for. Surely this is violating several sexual harassment laws. What if Nick uses it against him? But Nick seems just as desperate, hell he wrote up a whole fucking contract. Maybe they both were just the right amount of desperate for the recklessness of it all to feel right. 

 

A familiar confidence ran through his bones and he decided then he wanted to play.

 

“Okay, so what if I want to fuck in the office?” His boldness left Nick biting back a laugh. He watched him smile and look up at the ceiling, thinking of the perfect response. 

 

“The doors have locks.” 

 

Charlie felt his dick fill in his trousers as he slowly stood up. He watched as Nick started to step backward, arms now crossed over his chest. Charlie dropped his voice and he felt it go hazy. 

 

“And what if…I want to fuck during office hours?” His eyes were dancing down Nick’s body as he walked closer. Nick took another step back, shoulders now touching the glass window. 

 

Nick felt his own voice thicken as it caught in his throat. He wasn’t expecting Charlie to respond so quickly, but given what he knew about him, he wasn’t sure why he would expect nothing less. Charlie obviously knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to take it. 

 

“Well then…I guess you’ll just have to be quiet.” He tried to keep his voice level, but he heard it crack. 

 

He felt Charlie’s body heat radiate; he was so close now. He swallowed as he watched Charlie’s mouth come close to his neck. Drawing in a deep breath, he fluttered his eyes closed and let his mouth open just slightly as he let out a breathy sigh. 

 

“ I’ll have to be quiet?” Charlie’s breath was hot as he let out a low laugh that left Nick with chills. 

 

“God, you’re so annoying.” Nick huffed as he pulled Charlie closer by his waist, letting himself fully lean into the window. 

 

“Guess you’re gonna have to get used to that.” Nick felt his breath as his mouth trailed up past his jaw and towards his lips. He felt Charlie’s fingers wander down to touch his belt, hearing only his heavy breaths and the metal as it unbuckled. 

 

“Charlie–” 

 

“Shhh…you have to be quiet, remember?” Charlie whispered into his mouth while he worked his fingers to unbutton his trousers and pull his zipper down. Nick was whimpering quietly under his touch and Charlie felt his own dick grow harder at the noise.

 

He shoved his hand to the front of Nick’s bulge, feeling it over his briefs. He was already hard as a rock, and as Charlie massaged, he craned his head back. Echoing in this high rise office above the rest of the city was Mr. Nicholas Nelson, falling apart under his touch. What a fucking sight. 

 

Nick was already coming undone and Charlie was barely touching him. He lurched forward to meet his lips and he felt a groan vibrate back in his mouth. The delicious taste of Charlie’s tongue and his hand working him was too much. He was so pent up he knew it wouldn’t take much. Just daydreaming about their kiss before was enough to get him through the last two nights. It was enough of a taste to finally block out the other memories. 

 

“Charlie I’m–” 

 

Before he could even finish his sentence Charlie was pulling him fully out of his briefs, the cool air hitting his bare skin. He shivered when he felt Charlie’s lips pull back and he watched him kneel down. He looked down at the mop of black curls below him as he raked his fingers through them. “Fuck ” he breathed in between gasps. 

 

“Wouldn’t want to get cum on your pretty suit now would we?” Charlie smirked up at him, eyes sparkling through dark lashes.

 

Nick watched as Charlie licked up his length, stopping at the head to fully wrap his lips around him. Charlie looked up while he took him fully in his mouth. It was warm, wet, and everything he needed. “ Oh Jesus Christ ” Nick felt his knees buckle and he pressed a hand onto the window behind him to hold himself up. Charlie’s tongue was making quick work and all he could do was hold on for dear life. 

 

“Cha–m’not gonna last” he mumbled, brain already floating. He could barely form thoughts, let alone full sentences. His head rolled back and hit the glass, and he could feel the condensation under his hot palm, making his grip slick. He was slipping and losing control both mentally and physically.

 

He felt the tight pressure build as Charlie continued to work him, mouth not slowing down in the slightest. The debauched noises coming from below were enough to make his head spin. Nick let out a pathetic moan when he felt himself float over the edge.

 

His back arched as he brought his other hand to the fluffy curls and pulled. He felt the strands between his fingers and he squeezed harder. Charlie’s head jerked, and Nick watched as Charlie swallowed him down with a loud groan. Charlie continued to swallow while groaning and he was getting louder. The sounds echoed in the room and Nick was starting to wonder if they were finishing at the same time. Charlie finally let off with a popping sound, and pulled back, panting.

 

“Fucking hell” Nick was still holding himself up, legs made of jello. Charlie was still kneeling on the ground, cheeks flushed and eyes watery. He looked wrecked, even though Nick had hardly touched him. 

 

“Charlie, that was–did you–”  

 

“ Fuck , yeah..” His chest heaving as he caught his breath.

 

“Holy shit.” 

 

“I know.” Charlie started to laugh between his breaths, an uncontrollable giggle escaping from his throat. Nick watched with only slight concern as he got himself decent again and straightened himself up. 

 

“Why are you laughing?” Nick asked while fixing his belt. Charlie was standing up now, looking at him face to face. 

 

“Just…I knew you’d have a big dick but I wasn’t expecting it to be that big.” Charlie laughed again watching Nick’s face blush at the compliment. Nick stepped closer now, planting another kiss on his lips, tasting himself. 

 

“Yeah? Well, you seemed to handle it pretty well.” his voice low and husky again. Charlie broke their kiss to walk back to the table. Silently, he grabbed the pen and flipped the contract to the last page, signing on the line next to his printed name. He looked up at Nick with a devilish grin. 

 

“Oh, I can handle it. And I intend to show you, many, many times.”

Notes:

Hey so what the fuck??? lmao this fic is slowly consuming my every thought and I'm obsessed and actually very proud of it, so if you hate it please don't tell me. The sex contract? Yeah hot af I'm not even sorry about it.

The first time I've ever written smut and I'm only slightly nervous but I'm actually so excited and want to write more!

For inquiring minds, Chapter 4 is half way written, and I plan on continuing to work ahead.

Follow me on twitter @jewelstor for random updates and I'll see you in a week with the next one!!

Chapter 4

The next three weeks were full of everything out of Nick’s fantasies. 

 

Secret glances, whispered breaths, hushed moans. Locked doors, and the taste of each other's lips and the skin below their trousers made it easier for him to get out of bed each day. Knowing what the touch of Charlie’s skin felt like. How his eyes squeezed shut when Nick tugged on his curls. Hearing his muffled groans when they have to be quiet. 

 

Charlie had a way to him, Nick was finding out. A quiet confidence, knowing exactly what he wants and how to take it. Nick can’t resist it and Charlie knows it too. Something about it makes Nick fold every time, no matter how hard he tries to be the boss. He can't help but love not being the one to call the shots, but just giving Charlie whatever he wants. 

 

Nick has too much control all day long in his meetings and stiff suits, but he knows that when Charlie is on the same side of the closed door, he can let go. He can let it all go, the ego, the assumptions, the responsibility, the thinking. He can let it all go and let Charlie take him just as he is. 

 

Over the last few weeks Nick can feel the corkscrew in his stomach slowly coming undone, one that’s been causing an ache in his side for so long he thought it was permanent. Anytime he met Charlie’s glance he could feel it, the cold part of him unthawing and getting warmer. 

 

It was dangerous really, just how much control Charlie had over him. Nick was a bad liar, and he was even worse at lying to himself. The only thing he could do at this point was hold on, enjoy the ride and hope.

 

Hope to god that maybe one day, he could tell Charlie the truth. 

 

***

 

Nick’s eyes are glazed over as he scrolls through his email inbox that has exploded over the last hour. 

 

A deep sigh falls out of his mouth when he leans his head back to rest on his chair. 

 

“That doesn’t sound good.” Clara was standing at the doorway of his office, coat on and hands full. Between her purse, lunch box and computer bag, Nick swears it always looks like she packed for a three day trip when she comes into the office. 

 

He glanced over at her and gave a sheepish smile. 

 

“Is this killing you too?” he whined while running his hands over his face. He felt his shoulder tense when he lifted his arm, a sure indicator that he’d been sitting for too long. 

 

“Yep, every year. You know you think we’d get better at planning this by now.” Clara chuckled as she re-positioned the purse on her shoulder. “We should really hire an event department, make them deal with this.” 

 

“Oh yeah, and payroll people to what, plan this one event a year?” He scoffed and pushed his chair back, turning to fully face her. “Maybe one day, but for now, it’s just us.” He gave her an appreciative smile and he felt his eyes grow heavy. 

 

“What do you got going on this weekend? And don’t say you’re working.” She flashed him a playful smile and pointed a finger at him, as if threatening him was going to stop him from working. 

 

“You know he will be!” Charlie raised his voice from his office, piping into the conversation. He also had his office door open, hearing everything. 

 

Nick could only laugh as he was getting called out. He crossed his arms, stretching his legs out before he raised his own voice back so Charlie could hear. “This has to get done, and we only have two weeks. But thank you everyone for your concern!” He smiled to himself and checked the time. 5:12pm. “Now, please, go– go and enjoy your weekend and don’t think about this place.” He waved his hands as to shoo her away, playfully. 

 

“Charlie, don’t let him stay too long, alright? We need him functioning next week.” Clara giggled while backing up into the hallway. 

 

“Will do, boss.” Charlie chuckled while he finished typing up an email. 

 

“Bye guys, see you on Monday.” She turned and walked down the hall. 

 

Moments later, the doors to the wing latched closed, leaving them both alone.  

 

Nick turned in his chair, going back to his inbox, trying to focus. Quiet filled the wing, the only sound coming from the clack of keyboards. Nick furrowed his brows as he worked through composing the rest of his to-do list for the next few weeks. 

 

Approve and sign off current budget reports

Compile expected budget portfolio for next fiscal year

Compile donor allocation report

Review compensation survey 

Write survey report 

Review client reports and data from past year

 

Nick looked at the ever growing list and dropped his chin to his chest. Clara was right, he needed to take a break and stop. This was getting too much. 

 

He felt the familiar tightness in his stomach and the tension in his neck grow. Every year this was his least favorite part of the job, trying to justify his company, showing it’s worth–showing his worth. 

 

Why did I take this job?

 

He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to keep his spiraling thoughts at bay. He was in the middle of taking another deep breath when he heard footsteps coming up from behind him. He smiled to himself, eyes still closed. 

 

“I can tell you’re thinking too much.” A low husky voice whispered low next to his ear. He felt warm hands trail up his arms and to his neck, slowly massaging away his tension. 

 

Nick let out a groan and threw his head back, letting it roll to the side slightly. It wasn't meant as an invitation, but Charlie took it as one. 

 

Charlie lowered his head and planted small kisses to the neck below him. He moved slowly, sucking slightly right behind Nick’s right ear. 

 

“Charlie…stop…” Nick breathed, eyes still closed. 

 

“You know, you’re awfully weak at fighting me.” Charlie murmured with a small laugh. He continued to massage his shoulders, now bringing his thumbs to the back of Nick’s neck. “You’ve worked hard all day…let me take care of you.” He pressed a kiss to the back of Nick’s head, inhaling the coconut scent of his hair. 

 

“No…no...this has to get done, seriously. We’re running out of time.” Nick’s eyes were opened now, and he cleared his throat. Trying to escape from Charlie’s touch, he rolled his shoulders back and shook his head. He watched Charlie walk out from behind him, sitting in the chair right in front of his desk. 

 

“Okay, you have a point. So, let’s make a deal. Let’s order some dinner at least, and then we’ll get back to work–promise.” Charlie’s eyes were genuine, and Nick felt his heart swell. 

 

“Okay, deal.” He smiled back and there was an idea that sparked in his mind. An idea he’s had before, but has always been too nervous to suggest. 

 

“D’you wanna...maybe…go back to mine for dinner?” He watched as Charlie furrowed his brow, just a hair. “Just–I mean…this desk chair is starting to get uncomfortable and it might be easier to work if we–” 

 

“Yes, Nick. I’d love to go back to yours. Let’s go.” 

 

Nick felt his face turn up into a smile, a genuine one. Something he’s been doing a lot more lately. 

 

***

 

Charlie stood next to Nick in the elevator, feeling a strange combination of emotions. This wasn’t the first time they’d been alone, nor the first time they’ve been in the elevator together. Charlie looked up and when they made eye contact, they both glanced away, nervous. 

 

Fooling around in the office was one thing, there was a certain safety to it being in their bubble, in their boundaries. But once Charlie went home alone it almost was as if it never happened. 

 

Now, leaving together, going back to the same place, to Nick’s house . This was something different. A wall was coming down, and it was nerve wracking.

 

“So, do you wanna ride with me?” Nick’s voice interrupted his thoughts, wrapping around him like honey, sticky and sweet. It hadn’t occurred to him yet the logistics of how he would be getting to Nick’s house. 

 

“Yeah, sure.” Charlie looked up and saw Nick slightly biting his lower lip. 

 

Charlie looked back in front of him, staring at the silver reflection of the closed elevator doors. Two bodies, blurry, illuminated by the led light above them. Charlie inhaled sharply when he felt a touch, the slightest almost invisible touch grazing his knuckles.  

 

Moments later, the door pinged open and the rush of the cool evening air bit his skin. It was mid November now, making the sun set sooner. Even though it was barely 5:30pm, darkness creeped in the sky. The mostly empty garage made their footsteps echo and Charlie felt a rush wash over him. 

 

“We’ll just pick up your car later–s’that okay?” Nick said while opening his car door and putting his bag in the backseat. 

 

“I won’t get a ticket, will I? For being parked after hours?” Charlie opened the other side  door and took his backpack off, setting it down next to Nick’s. 

 

“Nah, not with the executive pass. You can park here anytime.” 

 

“Even overnight?” Charlie raised his brow, making Nick chuckle. 

 

“Yeah, even overnight. But we won’t need to worry about that because we’re working , remember?” He said before sitting down behind the wheel. 

 

“Oh I know, just…getting information for later.” Charlie smirked and Nick rolled his eyes. 

 

“You’re a menace, you know that?” Nick grinned while getting comfortable in his seat, putting his seatbelt on and turning on the car’s GPS. 

 

Charlie watched as Nick typed in an address into the GPS–his address. 

 

Charlie sank into the passenger seat and laughed to himself. 

 

“What?” Nick looked over while backing out of the parking spot. 

 

“You did it again…you put in your address.” 

 

“Yeah, so what?”

 

“Nick, you put in your own home address. Why?”

 

“You know why, I already told you.” 

 

“Oh my god, you’re the menace.” Charlie rolled his eyes and laughed to himself. 

 

They fell into a comfortable silence as Nick drove down the street. The only light that was coming into the cabin through the tinted windows was the faint light from the buildings and billboards as they drove downtown. As they merged into the highway, Charlie glanced at the dashboard and saw that Nick’s house was 24 minutes away. 

 

Sitting here in the low light, hearing the hum of the road beneath them, Charlie’s courage peaked. 

 

“Can I ask you a question? It’s personal.” 

 

There was a silence that wrapped around him and Charlie started to cringe to himself. 

 

“Of course. What’s up?” Nick’s voice was level, but it was traced with something Charlie couldn’t quite pick up. 

 

“Why do you…um. I guess I don’t really know how to say this without sounding like a prick,” Charlie fidgeted with his fingers and looked down at his knees. “Why do you feel the need to have so much control?”

 

Like a tape on rewind, memories flashed. Blurry and sped up, Nick couldn’t catch them if he tried. He remembered what he was like before, how he used to be different. How he used to feel different. 

 

He let out a deep sigh while he looked over his shoulder before changing lanes. He repositioned his hand on the wheel, and let his other hand come to rest in the center of the console. He cleared his throat before he continued. 

 

“I wasn’t always like that.” He turned his head once again and quickly made eye contact  before turning back to the road. “It protects me, I guess. Gives me a purpose, like I know it’s something I’m good at.” 

 

“Protects you from what?” Charlie asked. His voice timid, like he was afraid to speak. 

 

“From people…from getting hurt.” 

 

Charlie looked at Nick, seeing only his profile as his eyes remained on the road. He studied his eyes, seeing now how guarded they truly were. 

 

What happened to you?

 

He felt a warmth burning in his chest. It was overwhelming how quickly it was growing. Charlie let the silence in the car linger around them, not knowing what to say. He looked down and saw Nick’s hand still resting in the center console. He pushed out a breath while he reached out and held it.

 

***

 

The darkness was closing in around them now as the car was rolling down the street in a very tidy neighborhood. Charlie looked out the window with curiosity, stomach flipping knowing he was about to see more into Nick’s life. Charlie was nervous, but he also felt a sense of pride that Nick was trusting him.

 

They drove up to a large two story home that looked surprisingly cozy. Not at all what Charlie was expecting. 

 

Nick opened his garage and pulled the car inside, trapping the two of them in darkness. He turned the car off and Charlie felt his skin tingle. He followed Nick’s lead and they collected their bags from the back seat in silence. Attempting to break the tension, he decided to speak up. 

 

“What do you wanna order for dinner?”Charlie was putting his backpack on trying to ignore how uneasy he felt, being a stranger in this space. 

 

“There’s a nice Thai place not far from here. I’m sure we could just order that for delivery–if that’s okay with you?” Nick walked in front of him, leading the way to the inside of the house. 

 

“Yeah, that sounds great.” Charlie followed him close behind, feeling a tense energy grow in him once Nick opened the door and flipped the lights on. 

 

As they walked inside, all of Charlie’s senses felt like they were coming home. Warm lighting emphasized the softness that surrounded him and it smelt… like Nick . The familiar scent that he’s inhaled many times while dragging his lips on his skin. It was here, all around him now. It enveloped him like a hug and comfort found his body almost too quickly. 

 

 As he took in his surroundings, it felt like a proper home with life and memories, not something out of a magazine or a bachelor pad. Walking through the hallway into the main living space, the first thing Charlie noticed was a piano in the corner. 

 

“Woah, do you play?” 

 

“Uh, a little, but not really. It’s mostly there for looks these days.” Nick rubbed the back of his head, chuckling to himself. 

 

“That’s cool. Ya know I play the drums?” 

 

“Wait, really?” Nick’s eyes were full of life, as if he had just woken up.

 

“Yeah, I used to play a lot more when I was younger, but I’ve always enjoyed it. I was even in a band when I was at Truham.” Charlie chuckled to himself, feeling himself relax.

 

“That’s…really cool, Charlie.” Nick was smiling back at him and Charlie felt a pressure grow around them. 

 

“So should we order the food now? I’m starving.” 

 

***

 

Two hours later Nick was sitting at his oak dining table, laptop open, surrounded by take out boxes half eaten with a Charlie Spring next to him laughing at the noodles that he just dropped on his lap. 

 

“Chaaarlieee, shut up.” Nick laughed as he tried to get himself cleaned up. “These are new too, oh my god .” Charlie was cackling harder now and it sounded like music to his ears. 

 

“Okay I’m calling it, you’ve officially had too much wine, you’re cut off!” Charlie giggled with flushed cheeks. 

 

“ What, me? I’ve only had one glass!” Nick stood up now, trying to wipe away the sauce from his trousers. He could feel the heat from the alcohol staining his cheeks now, and he hates that Charlie might be right. He didn’t drink often, but tonight felt like a good occasion. 

 

“Okay, let me change out of these and I’ll be right back.” Nick turned to make his way out of the kitchen when he felt a tug on the back of his shirt. He looked down to see Charlie’s fingers clinging onto him. 

 

“Wait..” Charlie stood up and he looked into hazy eyes. “Can I come with you?” Charlie’s voice was hoarse, almost a whisper. 

 

The tone in the room suddenly changed and Charlie’s pupils were already blown. The feeling he’d been trying to ignore all day was creeping back in now. Nick looked down at his lips, then over to the table. 

 

“Charlie….we still have work to do.” He whispered back, eyes fluttering back and forth between blue eyes. 

 

“Nick, did you really invite me back here just to do work?” Charlie looked up at him while his hands roamed up his biceps. Nick felt a slight squeeze and he looked down. With Charlie’s touch on him it was hard to resist, even though they were both fully clothed.

 

“You promised.” Nick was looking down at his lips again. 

 

“I did, and we did get work done, didn’t we?” Charlie was smirking now, running his hands up to the back of Nick’s neck, latching his hands together. 

 

“Yeah, but–”

 

“Nick. Do I have to beg?” Nick felt the heat in his cheeks grow hotter and it spread to his whole body. The room stood still as he swallowed, brain forgetting how to form words. Charlie looked down at his lips and smiled, understanding exactly what he needed. 

 

Charlie leaned closer now, lips grazing his jaw. Standing here in the kitchen, in the true privacy of his home, he had Charlie all to himself. The thought was only merely terrifying. As if Charlie could read his mind, he started kissing his neck with wet, hot kisses. Nick let out a sigh and leaned his head to the side to allow Charlie more room. 

 

“Nick…take me upstairs…”

 

Nick’s hands found purchase on Charlie’s waist, and he was gripping harder now, feeling the warmth of his body under his dress shirt. Nick let out a low groan as he felt his eyes roll back.

 

“Again...” Nick sighed. He heard Charlie let out a small hum before sucking on his neck again, this time grazing his teeth on his hot skin. 

 

“ Please, take me upstairs…so I can fuck you.” 

 

Nick’s dick was straining against the tight fabric of his trousers and it was borderline painful now. He was panting and before he could think twice he kneeled down and grabbed Charlie by the back of his legs. He hoisted him up and his hands were holding him up by the back of his thighs, feeling his legs wrap around his waist. He let out a grunt and heard Charlie gasp as he moved them both out of the kitchen and up the stairs. 

 

Nick pushed the door to his dark bedroom open and once inside, pressed Charlie’s back up against the wall, still holding him up. He pushed his head forward, sucking on his lower lip making Charlie whine from underneath him. Charlie breathed heavily against his mouth as his hands moved down from behind his neck to the front, loosening his tie. Pulling at the fabric and working his fingers to unbutton his dress shirt, the movements were quick and uncoordinated. 

 

Nick’s shirt was unbuttoned and the air breezing across his chest made him let out a whiney moan against his will. He could taste the red wine on Charlie’s tongue and it was making him feel even buzzier than before. He gripped Charlie tighter behind the thighs and lifted him higher as he broke his contact from the wall and carried him over to the bed, laying him down on his back. 

 

“Fuck, Nick–” Charlie breathed as his head hit the soft duvet below him. He was already arching his back when Nick’s lips traced across his neck, biting into his skin. 

 

“ Oh my god. ” he whispered, feeling his voice shake as Nick worked his own dress shirt undone, practically ripping it open, exposing his chest. It happened fast, faster than Charlie could  keep track of. He was feeling the heavy weight of a bare chest on top of his and the warmth that covered his body sent electric shocks down to his toes. 

 

“Is this what you wanted?” Nick huffed into his chest, moving his head lower while he licked and nipped the sensitive skin of his abdomen. 

 

Charlie couldn’t form words, he could only let out a broken sound that he didn’t recognize. Nick’s warm breath was getting hotter now and Charlie looked down and watched as he unbuckled his belt with one hand, while the other hand worked his own erection, like he couldn’t wait a second more to feel himself. 

 

“ No. ” Charlie managed to huff out in between gasps. He pushed himself up on his elbows and looked at the man standing in front of him. His eyes had adjusted to the room, the only light coming from the hall. Nick’s shirt was on the floor now, and his face and his chest were flushed. He looked achingly, beautifully handsome. 

 

“No, c’mere.” Charlie breathed as he lifted himself up and grabbed Nick’s face to embrace in another kiss. He tasted his tongue, moans falling out of him. He let them both fall back onto the bed and he managed to flip them over, now straddling Nick’s hips in between his legs. 

 

“I told you, I was gonna fuck you , remember?” Charlie whispered into his mouth. 

 

Charlie felt as Nick huffed out a noise somewhere between a laugh and a groan, while throwing his head back into the bed. His hands made quick work unbuckling Nick’s belt and getting his trousers and briefs down his legs and onto the floor. Charlie backed up and lowered himself so he could take Nick in his mouth fully. His lips had barely made contact when Nick was already moaning, echoing in the room.

 

Charlie hummed and felt Nick’s hips jerk forward, making him gag on his length. Charlie blinked back the tears that were forming and he continued to work Nick at a pace that was sinful. 

 

“Charlie, please. ” Nick gasped, sweat beading up on his forehead already. He was so tense he felt like he was going to explode. He needed more friction, more pressure. He needed more. 

 

“What do you need, baby?” Charlie’s voice was syrupy and it made Nick’s head spin. 

 

“I need more, I just need–” 

 

“Do you need me inside of you?” Charlie looked up with a devilish grin, eyes hooded with lust. He was sucking on Nick so beautifully now he couldn’t do anything but nod enthusiastically. 

 

“Yes, please Charlie. Oh my god , please just fuck me.” He cried out while Charlie continued to work his length with his palm now.

 

“I’d love to, darling, but I need lube. Do you have any?”

 

Nick’s eyes flew open and he leaned over to the nightstand and fumbled through the top drawer. He found the bottle and practically threw it in Charlie’s direction. He looked back and with unfocused eyes he could only make out the silhouette of Charlie’s body. He could see that he was fully undressed now and sounded wrecked, gasping for breath. He watched as Charlie’s arm moved up and down, and he could hear the slick sounds of the lube on his skin. Nick felt a wave of nerves crash around in his stomach when he realized what was about to happen. Something that hasn’t happened in a long time. 

 

“W-wait–hold on.” He blurted, feeling a heavy emotion grow in his chest. He leaned up onto his elbows and looked ahead. 

 

“What’s wrong, are you okay?”

 

“I um– fuck –I’m nervous,” Nick scoffed, feeling embarrassed. “I haven’t done this in a long time.” Nick felt the emotion grow behind his eyes and dammit this was not the time for a breakdown. He could feel the vulnerability seeping out of him and he felt even more naked than he already was. 

 

“Hey, that’s okay,” Charlie’s voice was soft and full of nurture. “We can go as slow as you need. Have you been prepping yourself lately?” 

 

“Yeah, I–that’s why I have the lube,” Nick felt the urge to explain, wondering if his earlier admission made this seem like a lie. “Charlie, I haven't been sleeping with anyone but you.” 

 

“That’s not–Nick I wasn’t worried about that. I just want to make sure you’re okay, that it doesn’t hurt you.” Nick felt something wave over him, warm like a blanket. The genuine feeling of reassurance, something foreign to him. He was still avoiding eye contact when Charlie’s soft voice brought him back. 

 

“Can you look at me?” 

 

Nick looked up to a face that felt like home. 

 

“I got you, I promise.” Charlie smiled, and seeing his dimples made everything else feel okay.

 

 Nick let out a deep breath and gave a small nod before laying on his back. He felt his shoulders relax back into the mattress and he let his mind go back to the present. 

 

“Okay, I’m ready.” He whispered.

 

Charlie kneeled on the edge of the bed, leaning over Nick’s body. He started slowly, kissing his way up the strong muscular thighs to his stomach and up to his freckled chest. He felt Nick let out a small strangled groan as he felt his dick graze over his body. He continued to kiss up his chest marking his skin as he sucked harder. Charlie was careful to never leave marks on his neck, but now that he had full access to the rest of his body, he wanted to take advantage. 

 

“Please, touch me.” Nick whined. The tension in the room was taught again and Charlie chuckled to himself. He hovered his hand over Nick’s cock and missed, moving down in between his legs. His fingers were still covered in lube as he started to work him open. 

 

“Is this okay?” He whispered in Nick’s ear. 

 

Nick jerked and gave a sharp inhale. Charlie’s fingers were warm, but the pressure was surprising. “Yeah, j-just go slow.” 

 

The pressure below kept growing and Nick felt his legs fall open against his will. He was getting warmer and he felt the familiar spark growing in his toes. He was huffing now, sucking in as much air as he could. Charlie kept kissing his chest, now his tongue licking up the side of his neck. A chill ran through his spine and he let out a deep moan. Charlie’s breath was hot and he was starting to squirm under his touch. 

 

“Do you want me to stop?” 

 

“No, fuck , no–” Nick was feeling restless under his touch and he needed more. “I’m ready, Charlie, I need–god please I need to feel you inside of me.” He was pleading now, practically begging. 

 

Charlie broke his lips from Nick’s skin while he slowly removed his fingers. He chuckled while lining himself up. 

 

“Good, because I’m going to fucking ruin you.” 

 

His voice cut through the air like a knife and when he pushed forward into Nick they both moaned in unison. Like a beautiful harmony it echoed in the room filling all four corners. The pleasure was so overwhelming Charlie’s arms were shaking while he hovered over Nick’s chest. He began to slowly move forward, feeling Nick stretch around him. 

 

“God, you’re so tight.” 

 

Nick was having an out of body experience. 

 

His mind was whirling and his chest was heaving and he couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t control what his body was doing, there was too much to react to. The sensation was so overwhelming it made him want to cry. He felt Charlie fill him completely and he let out a silent moan, body feeling shocked with pleasure. 

 

“Is that good?” Charlie whispered into his mouth, just barely audible. 

Nick could only let out a strangled groan as he rolled his head to the side. He could feel his fingers gripping the fabric below, desperately trying to hold on to something. 

 

“Baby, are you okay?” Charlie asked again, voice louder. 

 

Nick looked up and opened his eyes, feeling blindsided.

 

“Yeah, yeah I’m good–sorry. It’s just,” Nick swallowed, trying to catch his breath and his thoughts. “Shit, Charlie. Move, please I need more.” 

 

He watched as a smile crept on Charlie’s face before he leaned down to plant a kiss on his lips. Their lips crashed together while Charlie rocked in and out of him, eliciting uncontrollable moans from both of them. Lips, tongues and teeth crashed into each other as their movements got messier and more uncoordinated. 

 

The room was filled with sounds that were filthy, full of grunts and the sound of skin. The bed creaked as their pace sped up and the air grew thicker with their cries. It wasn’t slow or rehearsed, much like every other time they’ve embraced, it was full of hunger. 

 

“Charlie, oh god I’m gonna–”

 

“You gonna come for me? Do it baby, please, I wanna feel it.” Charlie’s words were laced with something desperate as he bit down onto Nick’s shoulder making Nick dig his fingernails into Charlie’s back while he scratched. The reciprocated pain allowed their pleasure to dive head first as they rode the wave together. 

 

“Holy shit” Charlie panted as he felt himself coming down. His chest was plastered to Nick’s, their sweat mixing below them to create a musky scent that would surely stain the sheets. Nick threw his head back, looking up at the ceiling, feeling Charlie above him. 

 

“So…. baby ?” Nick chuckled while trying to catch his breath. He felt Charlie nudge him and bury his head into his neck.

 

“Oh shut up, you know you like it.” 

 

Nick wrapped his arms around Charlie’s middle, squeezing him against his body. Charlie looked up again and their eyes met, all playful or teasing energy gone. Eyes speaking before their voices could, Nick felt like Charlie knew exactly what he was feeling. 

 

“Yeah…I do.” Nick whispered and it felt like an admission. An admission that maybe this wasn’t just casual. Maybe this was something else, something neither of them wanted to admit. 

 

Nick looked down at his lips and dived forward, licking into his mouth with more purpose this time. To not just taste, but to imagine. Imagine what it would be like to have this not just at work. As their lips worked in tandem Nick felt himself thawing at a pace that he couldn’t control. 

 

As their lips parted and Charlie rested his head on top of Nick’s chest the world stopped spinning. Together in this bed, in this room, in this house, it was just them. 

 

Nick wished it could be like this forever.

Chapter 5

Notes:

Hey friends!

This chapter is full of angst and a little bit of smut. It's gonna get messy 😅

So excited for you all to read!! I've been working on Ch 5 and Ch 6 for the last few days and it has literally poured out of me. The next two chapters are very Nick centric and we're gonna learn a lot more about him and his past.

“Hey Nick, are we using our donor funds to pay for Matthew’s travel? He just emailed me asking about reimbursement.” Clara’s voice cut through the air and Nick swore he could feel his heart stop. 

 

Brain short circuiting it took him a minute to remember where he was. He was sitting at the conference table in his office at his weekly meeting with Clara, going over last minute details of their donor event. 

 

Hearing Matthew’s name being said so casually in conversation, it shouldn’t surprise him anymore, but it does. The man was the old CEO, his old boss–of course he would come up every once in a while. And every year he attends this event, even in retirement. Every year Nick has to paint on a smile and try to forget. Every year Nick has to push it all down and pretend it never happened. 

 

“Uh–yeah that’s fine, we can reimburse him. Just use the same account we pulled from last year.” Nick chewed on the inside of his cheek, the anticipation gnawing at him. 

 

“When is he here? Did he send you his flight information yet?”

 

“Yeah he’s flying in on the 4th and leaving the 6th. So he’s here just for the weekend.” 

 

Oh thank god.  

 

“Okay…okay good.” Nick felt his heartbeat come back to normal, but he still wasn’t satisfied. Before he could think about it too much more he heard a knock on his office door that broke him out of his panic. He turned around in his chair to see Charlie opening the door and poking his head in. 

 

“Hey, you wanted me to join?” 

 

Nick racks his memory from earlier that morning messaging Charlie asking to join the meeting at 11am so all three of them could be on the same page. 

 

“Yeah, take a seat. We’re just going over stuff now.” 

 

Charlie sat down in the chair perpendicular to him and he felt a slight blush rise to his cheeks. Even though they made a deal, it was still hard to concentrate on anything when he was around, especially when Charlie kept thinking about how Nick looks when his CEO mask comes off. 

 

Nick cleared his throat before continuing.

 

“So I know we’ve mentioned it before, but every year we host an event for all of our current donors basically as an appreciation for their contributions and for supporting the company. We supply them with all kinds of reports on our funding and how it's allocated and our current clients and their stats so they can see exactly where and what their money is going towards.” 

 

“It’s also an excuse for them to reunite with all their old Uni buddies.” Clara pipped in with a chuckle. 

 

Nick looked up with a weak smile. 

 

“Yeah, kinda. But mostly, it’s an opportunity for us as leadership–mainly me I’ll add– to show how the company has grown within the last year and our predictions for future growth. Matthew, the CEO before me, started this event. This year will be the sixth time we’ve hosted it and they love it, so we continue to do it. We do it in early December so that any new contributions for the new fiscal year can be submitted to Accounting by the start of the new year. Most of the time during this event we get new or renewal donation contracts.” 

 

“Even though it’s a pain in the ass.” Clara mumbled while looking down at her laptop, typing furiously. Nick couldn’t help but laugh, feeling his chest loosen. 

 

“Very true, that it is. But anyways, Charlie, I wanted to formally ask you to attend the event with me. Typically I go alone, but since you’re our new Chief of Staff, it’ll be good to have another leadership role there representing Riverstone.” 

 

Charlie looked back and there was a flicker of confusion that laid under his lashes. 

 

“Doesn’t Clara need to go too?” 

 

“Nope, I get that evening free thankfully, but I do help with all the logistics like booking the venue, making travel arrangements for guests and all that. I do everything to make the event actually happen and Nick provides all the data they want.” Clara looks up with warm eyes and Charlie looks between her and Nick, like a child in the middle. 

 

“Alright, well no problem. I can be there.” Charlie gave a reassuring nod to Nick and he watched as the tension in Nick’s brow melted. 

 

“Okay, great. Consider it a date then.” Nick fidgeted with his blazer and looked down at his own laptop while Charlie watched as a slight smile crept on his face. Charlie glanced over at Clara and she was in her own world, he could see her brow furrowed as she scrolled through her inbox. 

 

“So, while I’m there is anything specific I need to be doing? Any tasks that I’m responsible for?” 

 

“Mainly just be another face for the company and get to know the donors. Most of these people have been in the business for decades and they have connections that fund a majority of our services we offer to our clients. It's a way we can keep our salary competitive because we have access to two buckets of funds–profit and donation.” 

 

Charlie felt a shock of nerve grow in his stomach. 

 

“They’ll be thrilled to see our leadership growing though, it’s a good look for the company. Means all our hard work is paying off.” Nick gave a reassuring smile and Charlie nodded. 

 

“It’s a good networking opportunity for sure. I would take advantage of it. Besides, free drinks!” Clara added with a wink, making Charlie laugh away his nerves. 

 

“Okay, great. Let’s do this.” 

 

***

 

One Week Later 

 

“You seem stressed.” 

 

Nick looks up from the salad he was lazily eating and caught Charlie’s eyes. 

 

“What makes you think that?” 

 

“Well for one, you keep sighing on your lunch. I’m sure your lettuce is soggy by now.” Charlie chuckled while taking a sip of his tea. 

 

They were taking a working lunch in Nick’s office, going over the client reports one last time before the event that evening. The afternoon sun was shining through the blinds making the room stuffy and warmer than normal. Nick gave his salad a dirty look and pushed it away, blowing out another deep breath. 

 

“Well this salad sucks and I’m hot.” 

 

“You’re also getting grouchy.” Charlie teased. 

 

“Shut up.” Nick laughed while biting his lower lip. 

 

Charlie wiped his mouth with his napkin before standing up from his seat. He walked behind Nick and in a swift motion grabbed the front of his unbuttoned blazer and pulled it off, wiggling it loose as it caught on his watch. 

 

“If you’re so hot then maybe you should take this off.” He let his voice drop, making the energy in the room shift.

 

Nick could only respond with the huff of a laugh. Truthfully, the thrill in his stomach was taking the place of any words he could compile together. He loved when Charlie got like this, taking control. He watched in awe as Charlie leaned over him, mouth mere inches above his. Nick licked his lips in anticipation as he watched Charlie loosen his tie and fold down his shirt collar enough to leave a nip of a kiss. 

 

“You’re so stressed about tonight...” Charlie continued to kiss his neck, smiling to himself when he heard the breaths below him speed up and become more erratic. 

 

“Let me help.” Charlie whispered into his ear before lightly biting the edge of it, making Nick grip his desk chair with white knuckles. 

 

Within seconds Charlie had Nick’s belt undone and his trousers unzipped and he was dropping to his knees. 

 

“Fuck–” Nick was already tugging on his curls and throwing his head back. His mind was floating and all the stress, responsibilities, and burdens melted away, leaving his skull full of nothing but him.

 

Charlie

Charlie

Charlie

 

His touch, his skin, his scent, his everything. It was encapsulating him and Nick was seeing stars. 

 

Charlie’s jaw ached as he worked the length in front of him and he could tell Nick was getting closer to the edge. He started to run his hands up his thighs, feeling them tense and squeeze under his touch. Just as Charlie was going to grab Nick himself he heard a loud knock on the door. 

 

Fuckfuckfuck

 

Charlie’s heart fell out of his chest as he sprung backwards and stood up, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. 

 

“ Shit –fuck–” Nick whispered, jolting up and trying to straighten his trousers. “Uh–h-hold on, just a sec.” He practically shouted while standing up out of his chair. They made eye contact and Nick’s eyes were blown out and his forehead was laced with sweat. Charlie fixed his curls and turned away, walking toward the window. He wiped his mouth with his thumb while he heard Nick clear his throat and open the door. 

 

“Yeah?” Nick was out of breath, and Charlie kept his back toward the door, trying to look casual. 

 

“Hey, sorry to interrupt but I’m on the phone with the venue and they need to know what time you plan on being there–like you guys specifically so they can make sure your reserved table is ready.” Clara looked up at Nick and saw that his eyes were full of shock, and he was flushed. “Wha–are you okay?” 

 

“Uh–yeah, sorry, just–we’ll be there at 7.” 

 

“Okay, I’ll let them know.” Clara walked away and heard Nick let out a deep sigh before closing the door again. But this time, she heard the lock turn. 

 

When Charlie turned around and made eye contact, they both gave a surprised breathy laugh. 

 

“Shit, that was a first.” Nick rubbed the back of his head and looked up at the ceiling in disbelief. 

 

“Are you okay?” Charlie walked toward him, wrapping his arms around his neck. 

 

“Yeah.” Nick brought his lips up into a lazy kiss that made his head float again. 

 

“Tonight’s gonna be just fine, alright? I promise.” 

 

Charlie watched as brown eyes turned stormy again. He felt helpless realizing that there was a mountain of stress living inside of the man in front of him, and he had no way to fix it. 

 

***

 

Nick looked in the mirror and he smiled. He looked–

 

Well, he looked really fucking good. 

 

He wasn’t a self conscious guy per say, but tonight, he felt good. Good, for his standards at least. The stress was still there, but knowing it was slowly coming to an end made the storm clouds dissipate slightly. Maybe it was knowing that he was going to have Charlie by his side. Maybe it was because the numbers for this year were good, promising for a good response from the donors. Maybe it was because he knew he’d be getting a little buzzed tonight. 

 

A perfect storm coming together creating a lightness on his feet. He looked ahead while he straightened his sleeves. His black suit was sharp, with oversized lapels that he paired with a white striped tie. It was subtle, but just enough of a design to make it look interesting. With a clasp of his favorite watch and a slip of a ring, his look was complete. He checked his hair in the mirror one last time before flipping the light off and leaving to pick up Charlie. 

 

***

 

Charlie watched as the room started to quickly fill with people as they flooded the main floor of the venue. The room was large, full of leather bar style booths and a full bar. A swanky place, it was the perfect space for a bunch of overgrown finance bros. Charlie watched as they started to mingle with loud cheers and Clara was right. This was just a big reunion for them.

 

Nick looked over at Charlie as they walked toward their reserved table, feeling butterflies in his stomach. He was dressed in an equally sharp black suit, paired with a black mock neck shirt that was tight to his body, hugging him in all the right ways. Nick had to choke back a gasp when he saw him for the first time. Charlie typically wore grey or navy suits, so seeing him in an all black get up was something. Nick was already imagining getting him back to his place and imagining all the things he’d do to him once alone. 

 

Nick’s thoughts were forced at bay when he felt a slap on his back and a loud voice boom in his ear. 

 

“Nicholas Nelson, how the hell are ya!” 

 

Charlie watched as Nick’s face painted on a polite smile as he hugged the older gentleman. The older man had salt and pepper hair, a thick mustache and was a few inches taller than Nick. He wore a navy pinstripe suit and he smelled like cigars. 

 

“Matthew, how are you? So good to see you!” Nick turned toward him and he felt his jaw tense at the contact. It's been a long time since he’s seen Matthew. A year to be exact and he felt the exact same way he did the last time he saw him. 

 

Nick turned toward Charlie and gestured to him. 

 

“Matt, this is our new Chief of Staff, Charlie Spring. He started with us a few months ago.” 

 

Charlie leaned forward to shake his hand and was met with a thick calloused hand that had a strong grip. 

 

“How are ya, Charlie? I’m Matthew Morris, Nick’s old boss, Riverstone’s last CEO.” 

 

Charlie felt a lump grow in his throat at the realization. 

 

“ Oh nice to meet you! I’ve heard such good things.” Charlie lied through gritted teeth. He hadn’t heard good things, in fact, he hadn’t heard anything at all. 

 

He had no reason to dislike this man, but the vibe he was getting was odd. He seemed controlling, overwhelming as if he demanded everyone’s attention. Nothing like Nick. Charlie's eyes flicked over to Nick to see that his smile had faded and his eyes were darting around the room as if he was trying to escape this conversation. 

 

“So how have you been liking it so far at Riverstone?”

 

“Oh it’s been great, everyone’s been wonderful and Nick’s been a great leader, taking me under his wing as I learn the company.” Charlie grimaced as he played the part and he watched as Matthew constantly broke eye contact as if he was bored of their conversation. 

 

“Yeah? Well that’s great to hear. Nicky here has always been a good one–I’ve always trusted him.” Matthew grabbed Nick by the shoulder and pulled him into an awkward side hug, one that made Nick cringe back a smile. “Yeah me and this one, we go way back.” His loud voice booming through the air.  

 

They both looked in Nick’s direction, waiting for an explanation. After a beat of a second, Nick caught on that he was supposed to explain just how he knew Matthew. 

 

“Uh, Matt hired me as an intern, and he was my boss up until I took over, so he’s uh…literally showed me everything I know.” Nick rubbed the back of his head and Charlie felt his brow furrow at the half ass explanation. 

 

“Oh don’t be so blasé! I’ve known him since he was in Uni way before he started working for me. Practically raised the boy myself!” Matthew laughed an obnoxious laugh and Charlie’s eyes darted back and forth between the two of them, catching the way Nick wiggled his way out of Matthew’s embrace. 

 

“Yeah, it’s definitely been a wild ride. Anyways, uh, please excuse us–we need to make the rounds if we wanna get any new contracts out tonight.” Nick gave a fake smile and patted his shoulder as a goodbye. Before Charlie could give a proper goodbye Nick was grabbing his arm and leading them to the bar. 

 

“One whiskey straight please–put it on the Riverstone tab.” Nick said to the bartender, tapping his fingers on the wooden oak they were leaning on. 

 

“Nick what was that? Are you okay?” 

 

“What? Yeah everything’s fine, don’t worry about it.” Nick was slapping the counter with a rhythmic beat now and shifting his weight between his feet, obviously restless. The bartender sat down the glass and with one swift motion Nick downed the brown liquid in one gulp. 

 

“Fuck that’s good.” He said to himself. 

 

Charlie was completely taken aback. He watched as Nick bounced on his toes looking around the room frantically, as if he was trying to look for someone. He grabbed Nick’s forearm that was resting on the bar and squeezed. 

 

“Nick, what’s going on?” His voice firmer now. 

 

Nick looked over and met his stormy grey eyes and he felt his stomach sink. He couldn’t do this. Not now, not here. 

 

“Charlie, I said everything’s fine.” He ordered another shot and took it down before leaving Charlie alone at the bar. 

 

***

 

Charlie watched all evening as Nick mingled and made conversation. Spreading a fake smile everywhere he went, watching as his eyes hollowed out the moment no one was paying attention. Charlie did his own networking, taking the opportunity to meet several donors that had been faithful to the company for years. A lot of these men were Uni buddies, but most of them were past and present colleagues of each other. All running in the same finance circle, it was as if they knew everyone. 

 

As the evening went on the picture became clearer why this event was so important to Riverstone’s future. Charlie wanted to do his best so he put on a smile and shook hands. Introducing himself and making conversation, putting on a good first impression. It was easy really, but in the back of his mind, he kept wandering back to Nick. 

 

What was going on with him? 

 

The crowd applauded as someone handed Nick a microphone, allowing him to address the crowd in full. 

 

“Hello everyone, thank you so much for attending tonight! I know some of you have traveled to attend, and we’re so thankful that you’re here.” Someone in the crowd interrupted to let out a loud whistle that had the crowd grow into another rowdy laughter and applause. Nick continued to speak to the crowd briefly about sales and yearly numbers. It was clear that this speech was meant to be quick and not a business presentation. After many whoops and whistles and pats on the back, Nick handed off the microphone to a wait staff member and Charlie watched as he got roped into another conversation, his back turning. 

 

Charlie felt a burn of annoyance in him, he just wanted to get Nick alone to talk to him. It’s clear that something’s been bothering him and Charlie was starting to think it was more than just this event. He walked across the room back to the bar to get another glass of wine when his eye caught a tall brunette man standing at the end of the bar all alone. Just standing, watching the crowd of people mingle. One glance over and Charlie noticed he didn’t have a name tag on, and he didn’t recognize him. 

 

“Thanks, love.” Charlie told the bartender as he grabbed the wine glass from her. He took a sip of the red liquid and turned around, facing the crowd again, eyes trying to find the familiar mop of auburn hair. Just as his eyes were about to lose focus, he heard a deep voice coming from his left side. 

 

“So, what company are you with?” 

 

The voice startled Charlie, making him jump a bit. He looked over and saw piercing green eyes staring back. The man was wearing an all black get up, and had long brown hair that was tied back into a bun. He had a sharp jawline, and he looked dark and dangerous. He was objectively very handsome, but his presence was making Charlie nervous, like he was being hunted.

 

“Oh uh–Riverstone.” Charlie watched as his brows raised as if he was surprised. 

 

“Really? I thought Nick was the only leadership over there?” The man leaned on the bar now, taking a sip of his drink. Something dark with a smoky scent. Charlie felt his brow furrow at the mention of Nick’s name. This was Riverstone’s event, figures most people here know who Nick is, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it still does. He doesn't like the way he says his name. Thick on his tongue, like he knows him well. 

 

“I just got hired on, I’m the new Chief of Staff. Charlie Spring.” He extended his hand out to shake and Charlie felt a jolt sting his hand at the contact. 

 

“Jasper Morris. I’m here as a plus one actually.” 

 

The last name sparked recognition in Charlie’s brain. 

 

“Wait, any chance you know Matthew Morris? He’s the previous CEO.” 

 

Jasper laughed and it was a low, deep laugh that sounded sexy at first, but it was laced with something that made Charlie’s bones chill. 

 

“Yeah, actually he’s my father. That’s who I’m here with.” 

 

Oh? 

 

“Oh , okay. Well, it’s nice to meet you.” Charlie gave a tight smile and an awkward silence fell between them. Charlie turned around to go back to scanning the crowd, trying to find Nick but was met with no luck. By this time of the evening, the crowd had grown a bit rowdy, the volume in the room rising and the waitstaff walking around offering hors d'oeuvres made it hard to keep track of anyone in the room.

 

Charlie took a large swig of his wine and licked his lips, tasting the sweet flavor on his tongue. He could feel eyes on him and he glanced over to Jasper staring at him. 

 

“So Charlie Spring, how long have you worked with Nick?”

 

Charlie felt a rush of heat grow on his face. Jasper’s stare was heavy and it was intimidating, almost like he was trying to dig something out of him. 

 

“Um, just a few months now.” Charlie broke his eyes away again, feeling uncomfortable he shifted on his feet. Looking down at his fingers holding the glass, he could still feel eyes on him. 

 

“Do you like working with him?” 

 

“What?” Charlie looked up now, surprised that he would ask such a question. There was no tease in his voice, Jasper just looked back at him with a cocky intense stare. Like he knew all the answers, Charlie felt cornered. 

 

“Actually, um, I’m looking for him, so sorry, but–” 

 

“Jasper.” Nick’s voice boomed through the small space they shared and Charlie looked over to see eyes that were flashed with fire. 

 

“Nick I’ve been lookin–” 

 

“Jasper what are you doing here?” Nick said tightly with a chilling tone Charlie's never heard before. Nick wasn’t even looking at Charlie, his gaze was burning straight into the man in front of him.

 

Jasper chuckled and stood up straight. He walked forward and Nick immediately took a step backwards. 

 

“ Nick, it’s been so long–” 

 

“I said, what are you doing here?” Nick's voice grew louder, he was practically seething.  

 

“Wha- you’re not still mad are you? Look I know it's a surprise but Dad brought me, he thought it might be nice for us to reconnect.” 

 

Nick’s face twisted in disgust. “Reconnect? I don’t– no. I don’t want anything to do with you.” 

 

“Oh come on, don’t be like that, I just want to have a good night. Look, I was even making friends! Charlie and I are already old pals.” Jasper looked at him while flashing a bright smile and Charlie felt his stomach turn. 

 

Nick looked in between the two of them and caught how Charlie’s brow furrowed in confusion. Nick felt a burning passion light inside of him. Hot and fiery, he didn’t feel like himself. Maybe it was the booze, maybe it was the smug look on Jasper’s face. All Nick knew was that he had an overwhelming urge to protect Charlie. 

 

“Don’t talk to him, don’t bother my staff, and don’t bother me. You’re not welcome here.” His voice was stern and he watched as Jasper’s eyes turned a dark shade of emerald. Before he could give Jasper a chance to protest, Nick looked toward Charlie and gestured to him to walk with him. 

 

“Charlie, can I please talk to you in private?” 

 

Charlie felt a whiplash of emotion, he had no idea what was going on. His shaky fingers made quick work of setting his glass down as he followed Nick out of the room. He looked back over his shoulder as they navigated the crowd and he watched Jasper stand at the bar, head low and eyes staring straight at them. 

 

Nick felt like he was going to throw up. Shaky with rage burning inside him, he was going to explode. He needed to get Charlie away, he needed to get away. He just needed a second to process, then everything would be fine, he’d go back to his normal self. He looked back to make sure Charlie was still following him through the crowd and once they made it out into the hall, the temperature drop in the air instantly made Nick calm down. 

 

“Come on, follow me.” Nick grabbed Charlie’s hand and let them down a long hallway that was lined with sconces illumination warm light. This part of the venue was quiet, Charlie assuming where employees worked, away from the main event space. They continued to walk down the hall and turned the corner where they met a large brown wooden door. Nick shoved the door open leading them both inside. 

 

It was dark inside, but there was a faint light coming from the wall mounted sconce just above the door. They were inside a storage closet. Lined with shelves holding tablecloths, decor, and signage. It was clean, and they stood on top of a cold concrete floor. 

 

“Nick what the fuck is going on? Who was that?” Charlie watched as Nick stood in front of the wall, hand leaning up to support his body weight as he let his head fall. He was breathing heavily, and he kept muttering to himself. 

 

“Please tell me what’s going on, Nick!” Charlie pleaded, hearing the desperation in his voice. 

 

Nick turned around and found Charlie’s eyes in the low light. Standing there together, he felt an enormous wave rush over him. 

 

“Charlie, look at me. I promise I will tell you everything, but I can’t right now. Now here.” 

 

Nick’s tone was stern, hard and cold like a true boss. Charlie has seen his layers peeled back, but this one, this is one he’s never seen. Nick’s always soft with him, always kind and genuine. Charlie felt a panic rise in his throat. 

 

“I don’t understand, why are you acting like this?”

 

Nick rubbed his eyes shut and blew out a breath. He felt anxiety whirl in his chest, making everything in his body tight. He felt shaky, he felt out of control. He lurched forward and grabbed Charlie’s face with both of his hands, locking their gaze together. 

 

“I can’t tell you right now. Just please– please, just tell me something,” Nick’s eyes darted back and forth and they were glossy with emotion. “Please tell me the truth. Did Jasper try to make a move on you?” 

 

The question shook Charlie, he wasn’t expecting that. Nick’s eyes were desperate and wild, like there were a thousand emotions behind them just waiting to spill out.

 

“Wha–no, he just introduced himself.” 

 

“ ohthankgod ” The words pouring out of his mouth with relief, Nick signed and leaned forward, clasping their lips together in a hot, frenzied kiss.

 

Nick’s palms were hot on Charlie’s face and he felt his fingers tug into his hair, pulling hard. Charlie gasped in between kisses as Nick pushed them both against the wall with force. The kiss was primal. Protective, like Nick had something to prove. 

 

“Tell me Charlie, what are you?” Nick broke contact and ran his tongue up the side of Charlie’s neck, feeling a shiver roll out of his body.

 

Charlie’s eyes heavy with pleasure, he rolled his head as he tried to see straight. 

 

“Tell me you’re mine.” Nick’s voice was raspy and low, hot in front of him. Charlie pushed back and embraced in another kiss, now biting and sucking on Nick’s lower lip, making him practically growl. 

 

“I’m yours…I promise.” Charlie said between pants of breath. He grabbed onto Nick’s waist, gripping through the thick fabric of his suit jacket. Charlie dipped his tongue into Nick’s mouth and let out a soft moan when he felt the taste of whiskey on his breath. The suit, the alcohol, the power in Nick’s voice, it was a new side of him and it was intoxicating. Charlie knew that whatever this was, he wasn’t going anywhere and that he trusted Nick. 

 

“Baby I promise, I’m yours for as long as you want me.” 

 

Nick pulled back and chuckled, pulling Charlie hands from his waist, and pushing them above his head against the wall, pinning him down. Nick parted his legs with his knee and pushed his hips forward with a grinding motion that made Charlie gasp. 

 

“You’re not going anywhere, I can promise you that.” He leaned back in for a kiss, crashing their mouths together. “Char, I want you all the time, every minute of every day.” 

 

Charlie felt his knees go weak at the pet name. He locked eyes and watched as Nick unbuckled his belt and began to unzip his trousers. He watched as ginger hair moved down and he felt the cool air hit his skin as Nick took him out of his briefs. He was already painfully hard and it was pathetic really, just how gone for him he already was. 

 

“ Nick”

 

The feeling of Nick’s mouth on him was so intense, he almost couldn’t stand up straight. Charlie was grasping at the walls, at the shelf that was next to him, at Nick’s hair, at anything. Anything to tether him back to reality. Desperate and possessive Nick wasn’t something he’s seen before but holy shit did it do something for him. He could feel Nick’s mouth vibrating with moans below him and the feeling paired with the sucking and licking was too much. He knew he wouldn’t last long, not at this pace. 

 

Nick worked him at a speed that was determined, laced full of want and need. Nick needed Charlie to know how much he wanted him, how much he needed him. He could feel the pressure growing in his own trousers, but this wasn’t about him. This was about Charlie, and he wanted to give him whatever he wanted

 

“Touching you is my favorite thing to do.” Nick said in between breaths. He pulled off just enough to look up at through his lashes and Charlie groaned at the sight. He bit his lip to suppress the loud moan crawling up his throat while he caressed the side of Nick’s face. His eyes didn’t break contact as he watched Nick take him in his mouth again, fully, working him up and down. He watched as the tongue he just tasted moved against his length and the lips he just bit wrapped around his head. Charlie moved his fingers and he traced himself through Nick’s cheek and then he felt it. 

 

He felt Nick swallow as he came down his throat. 

 

***

 

Minutes later Charlie was raking his fingers through his curls and straightening his trousers while Nick wiped his mouth with a spare table cloth found on the shelves. 

Charlie’s knees still felt wobbly and he was trying to catch his breath while Nick looked unbothered. 

 

“What was that about?” Charlie whispered, making Nick whip his head around. 

 

Nick looked him up and down before giving him a lopsided smile. His eyes looked different now, more relaxed and sincere. 

 

“I just…needed to show you how much I want you. I only want you, Char.” He whispered before nodding his head toward the door. 

 

“C’mon, we better make our final appearance.” Nick grabbed Charlie’s hand and walked them both down the hallway, dropping their hands once they got back into eye distance of the crowd. 

 

Charlie looked ahead and saw Jasper and Matthew walking toward them. He immediately felt his blood run cold and he looked toward Nick, who’s smile was now melting from his face. 

 

“Well, Nicholas, it was a pleasure, as always.” Matthew boomed. The party goers inside were getting quieter as the evening was starting to die down and guests were leaving. People were lingering outside of the main room and out into the parking lot. The main doors opened and closed, letting in a rush of cold December air run through the lobby. 

 

Charlie looked ahead at Jasper and saw that his previous dark eyes were still just as dark, but now his jaw was clenched and was staring Nick down. Charlie looked over and noticed that Nick’s hair was a bit disheveled and the collar of his dress shirt was wrinkled, more than normal. His cheeks were flushed and it was obvious now, in normal lighting that Nick looked fucked out. 

 

Nick insisted that he was okay and that Charlie didn’t need to reciprocate anything, claiming he just wanted to take care of him and they’d have plenty of time later when they got home. Charlie didn’t want to fight him, but now he’s wishing he kept him in that closet to avoid whatever this interaction was.

 

Nick raised his hand to give Matthew a final handshake and the atmosphere grew painfully awkward. 

 

“Well, it was nice meeting you Charlie, I’m sure you’re in good hands with Nick.” Matthew was interrupted when Jasper let out a loud snicker. 

 

“Yeah, I’m sure he is.” Jasper rolled his eyes and Charlie felt his cheeks run hot. 

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nick crossed his arms over his chest and took a slight step forward. 

 

“Oh I think you know exactly what I mean.” Jasper sneered.

 

“That’s rich coming from you. You actually think you have any room to–” 

 

“Boys, c’mon please, let’s not do this right now–” Matthew tried to interject.

 

“No, because why did you bring him here? You really thought I’d want to see him, after what he did to me?” Nick was almost shouting now, the tension rising too quickly for any of them to take a hold of it. 

 

“Nick, that’s not–” Matthew tried to cut in.

 

Jasper took a step forward closer to Nick and the two were head to head. “Oh please, you really need to get over it. Or maybe that’s what you’re trying to do, seeing that you’re clearly fucking your staff.” 

 

Charlie felt his mouth gape open and he felt paralyzed with fear. He watched as Nick’s jaw tensed and his cheeks flushed. Seconds felt like minutes as time stopped and Charlie stopped breathing. The tension was tight and was covered in gasoline. One flick of a match and they were all up in flames. 

 

“You are no longer welcome here. Leave. Both of you. Now. ” Nick said through gritted teeth. His voice was level and hauntingly low and Charlie could barely hear it over the background chatter. The look on his stone cold face was chilling and Charlie felt helpless as he stood there and watched as Nick stood his ground. 

 

“C’mon Jasper, let’s go.” Matthew grabbed his arm and led them out of the front doors. 

 

Nick stood there, fists now squeezed, knuckles white. Charlie felt tears start to well behind his eyes. He was hesitant, but he landed a soft hand on Nick’s shoulder. 

 

“Are you okay?” He whispered. 

 

Nick turned his head to look at him and for the first time since he first met Charlie, he didn’t know what to say. Afraid, he just shook his head and turned around, walking out the front doors. 

 

***

 

Charlie was stunned. 

 

Did Nick really just walk away from me?

 

Desperate for answers, he followed Nick out the doors to the parking lot, feeling a slap to his skin when he stepped out into the cold. He could feel the bitter air rush into his lungs as he took a breath and he felt the chill take over his body. He looked around in the dark trying to find Nick. After a few moments he saw him, walking toward the car. Charlie chased after him, gaining on him enough to grab the back of his arm. 

 

“Nick, please talk to me!” He pleaded as he caught up to him. 

 

Nick turned around and he couldn’t help the tears that were already streaming down his face. Feeling embarrassed, angry, confused, and every other emotion in the book. He wanted to disappear. This wasn’t supposed to happen, he didn’t know how to fix it. 

 

“Charlie, I can't talk about it right now.” Nick’s voice was cracking, and it made Charlie’s heartbreak. 

 

“Baby, what is going on, please tell me. God, I’m begging, let me help.” He grabbed Nick’s hand now and wiped away the tears that were running down his cheek. Nick let out a breath and he could feel himself shaking. From the cold or the adrenaline, he wasn't sure. 

 

“What happened with Jasper? Why was he acting like fucking prick? Nick I-I’ve never seen you like this before–god, baby you’re distraught. What happened?” Charlie was trying his best to console him, but he was at a loss. 

 

Nick felt another tear roll down his cheek at the thought of admitting it out loud. Admitting it to Charlie, his Charlie. He let out another deep breath when he looked up into the blue eyes that he knew he could trust. He would give anything to Charlie, and he knew that right now he needed to give him the truth. He closed his eyes and steadied his voice, preparing for the beginning of the end. 

 

“Jasper is my ex husband.”

Notes:

IM SORRY FOR THE CLIFFHANGER

Ch 6 will be coming soon I promise!

Chapter 6

Notes:

heyyy....soo...the chapter is finally here! The big reveal, the messy ugly truth. *nervous laughs*

This whole fic has been leading up to this chapter, revealing the shit show that is Nick's past. Friends, it's a tough one. I broke my own heart writing it, and truly was like damn who hurt me lmao. I want to make it clear there is NO angst between N&C. Only with Nick and Jasper. This story has a happy ending, so stick with it. I'm pretty sure there's only one chapter left (idk though I could add more, not sure. Ch 7 still has yet to be written).

BUT ONE MORE THING. I'm literally moving halfway across the country in like 4 days so my life and my brain is a fucking mess so ch 7 might take a bit longer for me to get out. But I promise it's coming. This fic has been my favorite thing I've written and I'm so proud of it so I'm not abandoning it.

Okay I'm done yapping, get your tissues ready.

***

 

Charlie sat in the passenger seat while Nick drove them home. 

 

Head whirling, thoughts spiraling, Charlie was trying to fit all the pieces together. 

 

Matthew was his old boss. 

Matthew’s son is Jasper. 

Jasper is his ex husband. 

Ex husband. 

 

Nick kept looking over at Charlie who was staring right into the dashboard. Nick had no idea what he was thinking, but he knew he deserved an explanation. Nick drove them in silence until they pulled into the garage. Once their seatbelts were unbuckled, Charlie was the first out the car and into the house, leaving Nick behind. 

 

Charlie walked into the kitchen, got two glasses out of the cabinet and found a bottle of wine in the fridge. He sat both glasses down on the counter and poured himself a full glass, taking it all down in one sitting. Nick watched as he set his keys down on the counter and kicked his shoes off. He took his suit jacket off and loosened his tie while he grabbed the bottle and took a swig while walking toward the kitchen table. If he was going to have this conversation, he was going to do it buzzed. 

 

Charlie had the same idea as he sat down next to Nick and poured himself a second glass, and Nick his first. After a moment of silence, Charlie looked at Nick and said “I’m ready, whenever you are.” 

 

Nick took a sip of wine from the glass and let out a deep breath. His eyes stung from his tears earlier, and he knew there would be more. There always was. 

 

“First I just want to say I’m sorry. Charlie, I’m so fucking sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I-I promise I was going to–eventually. I just…needed more time.” Nick’s eyes met Charlie’s and he knew he needed to keep going. 

 

“I’ll start from the beginning. It’s kind of a long story.” Charlie nodded and crossed his hands, getting comfortable. 

 

“I met Jasper in my first year of university. We had an econ class together and that’s how we met. We were just friends, nothing out of the ordinary.” Nick took another deep breath, already feeling shaky. 

 

“So, during my first term I joined the rugby team, and I got closer to a few guys. One of my best mates, his name is Luca, he was actually already friends with Jasper. They went to the same grammar school, funny enough.” Nick paused and scoffed at the realization. 

 

 “Anyways, we all started to hang out a lot, and I….I started to get this crush on Jasper. I already knew I was bi…I had come out right before moving to Leeds. ” 

 

Nick stopped to reminisce. He remembered staying up late in their dorms, the three of them watching movies and playing video games. He could feel his eyes getting misty remembering the happy memories. 

 

“It was silly, really, I was so obsessed with him. Jasper actually ended up joining the rugby team later in the season and the crush just got bigger. I didn't do anything about it, I-I just convinced myself he was straight. At the end of the season he told me that he was gay. Charlie…it was like my dream was coming true, as stupid and childish as that sounds. Imagine that…this guy I had s uch a crush on also liked boys. I was over the moon, and when I finally told him I liked him, he told me he joined the rugby team just for me.” 

 

Charlie felt a tug on his heart. He could see how Nick’s eyes lit up talking about it. It was sweet. But there was a shadow under his eyes and he knew that this sweetness wouldn’t last for long. Like a horror movie he knew there was a bad ending. 

 

“I remember feeling like I was floating, like this amazing guy had been by my fingertips this whole time and was into me.” Nick took another sip of wine and rubbed his eyes with his palm. 

 

“After that, we were inseparable. All of our friends thought we were annoying because we just became…Nick and Jasper. Like it was predictable that we were always together. The whole time our relationship was magical, it really was. I don’t know if it was just young love or what, but… he was my everything. My first boyfriend, my first relationship, my first everything. Charlie, I lost my virginity to him, I mean,” Nick scoffed to himself as he explained. “I was so in love with him. I was head over heels, it was pathetic.” Nick felt his voice crack in the silence. He could feel the ghost of his past self surrounding him and it gave him goosebumps.

 

“Jasper was a year ahead of me and he studied business too. When it was time to find an internship, of course he went to Riverstone. Now Matthew…he’s a great guy–or was, is? I don’t know anymore. But…I met him before Jasper and I even started dating, during one of our rugby matches. He would come to every home game, always the loudest in the stands. Always the first to congratulate us and to just….be there. Charlie, I–my own dad…” Nick squeezed his eyes shut and leaned his head back. 

 

“God, this is such a fucking mess.” He muttered to himself while rubbing his eyes. 

 

“My dad’s a dick. He divorced my mum when I was young and then only came around a few times a year my whole life. Never gave a shit about me, never knew who I really was. I haven’t even spoken to him since I was 17. Anyways, that’s a whole other story, but…Matt...he was like a dad to me, from the very beginning. I just always felt so comfortable around him, and like he actually cared about me and who I was as a person. When Jasper and I got together, it just got so much better. I finally felt like I had a place, like I had these people in my life that truly loved me and cared about me. They were like my family.” 

 

Charlie watched as Nick’s hands started to shake. He leaned forward and grabbed them and squeezed, making Nick look up and give a small weak smile. 

“When Jasper started working at Riverstone, Matt asked me if I wanted to work there too for my internship. Call it nepotism, it kind of was. But it was a good opportunity, and I already knew Matt so I figured why not? So I got hired on at the beginning of my senior year, and I loved it. I worked with Jasper every day and I saw Matt all the time. It was like my life was perfectly intertwined and it just revolved around them. After Jasper graduated we moved in together. We got our first flat and… god, we even got a dog together. Like…we were a little family.” Nick could feel more tears well behind his eyes and he blinked them away. 

 

“After a few months he decided he didn’t want to work for his dad anymore so he took the references and got a job at a consulting firm. I stayed at Riverstone and Matt and I got even closer. We truly became good friends? Family? I don’t know what you’d call it, but I think in some ways that bothered Jasper. Like maybe he felt weird that I was getting so close to his dad. But he was my boss, and maybe in some ways, he felt like a father to me too?” Nick dropped his head to his chest and sighed, feeling defeated. He felt like a balloon that someone let all the air out. His limbs tired and achy, he wanted to melt into the floor. 

 

“When I graduated, Matt offered me a full time job and of course I took it–that was the start of me at Riverstone. About a year after I graduated Jasper proposed. We were so happy, it was like a dream. My life felt so perfect and I remember feeling so lucky that I got to wake up everyday and live life with him. ” Nick took a break to take some deep breaths and finish off his glass of wine. He wiped his face with his hands and continued. 

 

“We got married a year later and we bought this house.” 

 

Charlie felt his heart stutter. 

This house. It was theirs.  

 

Charlie’s eyes bounced around the room, and he could imagine it clear as day. He could see them coming home together, making dinner, eating together in this kitchen. He looked at the frames on the wall. The plants. The fridge magnets. All these things that were part of a home. Their home. Charlie felt his stomach sink when he remembered his first time here, when he saw the piano. Dusty, in the corner, Nick said it didn’t get played much anymore. 

 

Oh god.  

 

How much of this house was still a part of them ?

 

Nick cleared his throat and it brought Charlie’s gaze back to him. Nick’s cheeks were splotchy and red with glossy eyes. He looked wrecked, like a man that was once powerful was now beaten down. Sitting here crouched, Nick looked young. Like a small boy, afraid and tired. Charlie could feel the buzz of the alcohol as it settled into his bloodstream. Tongue tied, he stayed quiet so Nick could continue. 

 

“Both of our careers were doing very well, and of course Jasper’s family was already wealthy because Matt had already been the CEO for over a decade at that point. So we were doing good, really good. It was crazy, I was living this fairytale life. I look back and I can’t even believe that it was real, that it was my life. But, I fell in love with my job and then when the problems started.” Charlie scooted up his chair and leaned forward. 

 

“When I first became a financial advisor, I really really loved it. I was good at it, and people started to notice. I got promoted, and I kept moving up. I worked a lot, I mean, of course. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but it bothered Jasper a lot. He hated it so much. He….he would stay up, and wait for me at this very kitchen table….accusing me of cheating on him when I got home late. Like he couldn’t believe that I was genuinely working that much. It was so…weird. Like one day a flip switched and he was different. He wasn’t my Jasper anymore. We started to fight all the time, about stupid shit too, stuff that didn’t even matter.” Nick paused and looked up, staring at the walls around him. 

 

Charlie tilted his head and looked at Nick’s face. He could tell there was more, but he could see him holding back. He watched as Nick fiddled with his fingers and chewed the inside of his cheek.

 

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it and I think maybe he was jealous of me. That sounds shitty to say, but like…our careers were going in different directions and I was doing well. He had gotten a few write ups at work for just..stupid shit. Slacking off, missing deadlines, whatever. He was going through something I think. I don’t know…a post uni crisis or something, but he would never talk about it. He would just deflect and if I tried to talk to him about it, he would get angry and storm off to Matt’s. He never wanted to talk anything through. God, it was so frustrating. And honestly, I think I started to isolate a bit and overcompensate by working because it kept my mind busy. When I was at work I didn’t have to think about walking on eggshells in my own home and being on the edge of a fight everyday. It was exhausting and I felt like a prisoner in my mind and in my own fucking house.” Nick felt a burn in his chest as his anger grew. 

 

“But the longer hours I worked the more upset he got, about everything. He would get mad anytime I looked at him wrong, anytime someone even looked at me when we were in public. He got very controlling and like…possessive of me? Like he was convinced I was cheating on him or something. He didn’t trust me at all, and even wanted to track my location. Which at the time, I let him. I wanted to give him anything he wanted. I just wanted us happy again.” 

 

Charlie watched as Nick’s gestures got more lively. He could hear the passion in his voice and he would see his chest heaving as he remembered. 

 

Nick’s eyes darted back and forth as his mind started to remember the details. He could feel his stomach start to cramp and he felt like he was back there at that moment. 

 

“A few years had passed and I had been in talks with Matthew about him retiring and who would take over the company for him. It was crazy…there was so much change, and Matthew had told me that he was thinking about leaving the company to me. At the time I had only been partner for like a year, which was wild, I mean…that doesn’t happen, that’s not normal. But the idea of becoming a CEO, I loved it, but I was also scared shitless. I knew I could do it…in some ways it felt like I didn't really have a choice. I couldn’t say no to Matt, not after all he had done for me. And I was so focused on my career that I wanted it, even though Jasper and I were still struggling. We were even in couples therapy for a bit. It obviously didn’t work, but we were trying….or at least I was.” 

 

Nick’s voice wobbled and he paused to close his eyes and breathe. 

 

“I was hesitant to even take the CEO job because I knew it would just cause more issues with us. I was scared. I knew that the job was something I wanted, and it was an amazing opportunity for my career, but I had this marriage that was hanging by a thread. I felt like I had to choose and it was all so mixed that I felt like I couldn’t choose. Not properly anyways. I was torn up for months, secretly working on a plan with Matthew on how the transition would work. I wanted to have all the answers for Jasper before I told him, because I knew how defensive he would get about it. I remember Matt reassuring me, telling me that everything would be okay. I remember him promising me that he would talk to Jasper too and help him understand that this job wasn’t taking anything from him….I mean I admit, it was a weird situation. I worked for my father in law, and I was about to take his job. It’s not exactly normal, and I was already struggling with wondering if I was getting the job because I deserved it and not because of my connection. I was a mess and I couldn’t even talk to my own husband about it.” 

 

Charlie rearranged in his chair, and finished his glass of wine. He was trying to keep all of his thoughts at bay. He wanted to give Nick all of the time and space to explain everything. He’d been hiding so much away this whole time that Charlie was strangely eager to learn so much about him. 

“Time went on and Jasper and I had been getting on a bit better. Not amazing like it was at the beginning, but it seemed like the therapy was helping and we were fighting a bit less, and…um–” Nick felt his voice catch in his throat. Feeling embarrassed he felt his face go red as he stared a hole into the table, “we even started having sex again. I felt a bit better, that maybe we were making progress, so I told Jasper about the promotion at dinner one night. I was half expecting him to be happy for me, excited even. I knew that we had been in a rough spot for a while, but I was still his husband. I thought that he’d care.” Nick paused and he could feel a red ball of fury and heartbreak build up in his chest. 

 

“He looked me in the eye and asked me why I was punishing him.” 

 

Charlie felt himself let out a small gasp. 

 

“He told me that I was selfish, and that all I cared about was my career. He said that I was just trying to suck up to his father because I didn’t have my own. I…I remember he stood up from the table and threw his plate in the sink and it shattered. At that moment, I knew…I knew that we were over, like I could just feel it in my bones. Nothing felt right, and I was fucking terrified. He was so angry with me, he just left. I tried calling him and texting him, but he was gone. I remember calling Matt and he said he’d call Jasper and try to talk him down.” Nick bit his lip to stop it from trembling and he stared down at his ring finger, now bare. 

 

“It just felt like my world was crashing, and I didn’t know how to fix it. I didn’t have control over any of it. I mean, I could not take the job, sure, but…I wanted it. I wanted Jasper, too. Why couldn’t I have both?” Nick could feel warm tears streaming down his face now but he pushed through, continuing. 

 

“That night, I couldn’t sleep. I was so restless, I kept going back and forth thinking I needed to quit Riverstone and find a new job somewhere else. I would do whatever I needed to keep my marriage. Or at least I thought I would. I needed to clear my head  so I drove over to Luca’s house. Charlie, he was in our wedding…like, we were all still really close and I knew that he’d understand so I thought he’d be the best person to go to. He gave me a key to his house one time when he was on holiday, so I decided to use it that night.” 

 

Charlie felt his stomach turn. He knew how this story was ending and he wanted to scream. He closed his eyes and breathed, preparing for the worst.

 

Nick bit his lip harder and felt his face scrunch up as he tried to get the sentence out. His voice came out, but only in a whisper.

 

“When I opened the front door I found them together.” 

 

Charlie felt his heart stop in his chest. He could feel a tear run down his own cheek as he watched Nick play out the worst memory of his life right here at this kitchen table. Charlie had to control his breathing. He didn’t want to make this moment about him, he wanted Nick to continue, as painful as it was. 

 

Nick cleared his throat and he felt the ball of emotion grow bigger. Three years later and this was the first time he had ever said the words out loud. 

 

“I saw my best friend and my husband fucking. I– Charlie .” Nick let out a sob and leaned forward in Charlie's arms. 

 

Charlie caught him and felt his body shake as he cried. He rubbed his back in soothing circles and he squeezed his body as hard as he could. In that moment he felt all of Nick’s pain that he had bottled up, and he could feel it seep out of him. All of the second guessing, the doubts, the stress, the need for control, everything. Everything came together and Charlie could see it all now. Nick’s cries echoed in the room and Charlie felt silent tears fall down his own face into Nick’s hair. He tried keeping his breathing steady, but he felt his body shake against his own will. 

 

Feeling Nick fall apart in his arms, it was the ultimate vulnerability. Charlie knew that Nick was bearing his soul to him and was trusting him in a way that he hadn’t done since he was married, maybe even before then. They both sat there and Charlie held him for a long time. Minutes or hours, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that Nick had finally let it out. All the memories that had been torturing his peace, were now spoken. The world around them slowed like molasses, while the warm kitchen light hugged them while they cried. 

 

After a few more moments Nick sniffled and his breath finally steadied. His voice was scratchy now, but there was more to tell. 

 

“Jasper came back the next day and we fought. He told me that he and Luca had been together for over a year at that point. A fucking year, can you imagine that?” Nick laughed in disbelief, tears still in his eyes. 

 

“He said that it was my punishment for abandoning him. That I deserved it, and if I had just been at home with him then he would have no need to ch–cheat on me.” The words were painful coming out, even after all this time. 

 

“He moved out, took our dog, and served me with divorce papers all in the same day. We were together for just shy of ten years and just like that it was over.” 

 

Charlie felt more tears come out of him now, pouring out like a spout. 

 

“I figured out…what I thought was us doing better was actually him…just moving on. He was already with Luca by the time we started therapy. So all of it…it was just a big sham. Fuck , Charlie, I…what the fuck happened to me?” 

 

“Oh Nick.” Charlie couldn’t keep it together anymore. He leaned forward and cradled Nick’s face in his hands, leaning his forehead to his own. They sat like that for several minutes, while they allowed their emotions to take over. Charlie watched as teardrops fell and stained his trousers. He slowly pulled back and wiped away the rouge tears that were staining the freckled cheeks in front of him. 

 

“After that I thought about leaving, moving back home or something…but my life was here . My career was here. So, I took the job. I got the keys to my office the same day the divorce was finalized.” 

 

Charlie watched as Nick’s brown eyes grew dark and heavy. As all the pieces came together and painted the whole picture, Charlie’s chest flipped at the realization. He brought their hands together and squeezed.

 

“Baby…this whole time...have you been alone?”

 

Nick nodded and his brows furrowed while his lower lip trembled just slightly. 

 

“It’s been too hard. I can’t–Charlie…you’re the first…I haven’t let myself–” 

 

“Sshh..it’s okay. I understand.” Charlie squeezed his hand a little tighter now. 

 

“Nick, I’m so, s o sorry that happened to you. You…. god, you don’t deserve any of that. You didn’t deserve that.” Charlie leaned in to give him another hug and he felt Nick wrap his arms around his waist now. Charlie felt his warm touch and he knew that this man, this gentle soul, had endured so much pain and had held it for so long without allowing anyone to bear witness. Imagine holding all that pain everyday, having to wake up and be the boss, the one who has all the answers. All while you yourself are trying to figure it out. How to find yourself, build yourself up, build a new life. Trying to do it all with a broken heart. Nick had been broken this whole time and no one knew. 

 

Nick didn’t just lose his husband, he lost his best friend, his pseudo father figure, his dog, his family . He lost the things closest to his heart, the ones that make him feel whole. Charlie wanted to wrap his hands around his heart and cradle it forever. He wanted to protect him, to show him that love doesn’t have to be cruel. 

 

“How could he do that to me?” Nick’s voice was weak, pleading for comfort. “I was his husband, I was supposed to be his everything. Why…why wasn’t I good enough?” Nick sobbed again and fell back into his arms. 

 

“Nick, you listen to me. You did nothing wrong. Jasper was wrong, the whole time. Whatever personal shit he was dealing with, he should have brought it up to you instead of shutting you out. You should have been able to work it out together as a family. But… he was the selfish one. He took that from you, and you didn’t deserve that.”

 

“Funny…you sound like my therapist.” Nick scoffed with a thick voice.

 

Some of the tension in the room dissipated at the joke and Charlie felt a small laugh fall from his lips. 

 

“Charlie, I’m so sorry. I had no idea he was going to be there tonight. I mean, I knew Matthew would be there, he always is. But Jasper, god–” 

 

“Nick, stop, please. You have nothing to apologize for. I was just so confused all night, you were acting so different I knew something was wrong.” 

 

Nick looked up and met blue eyes that were puffy. 

 

“Charlie, I–” Nick felt hesitation coat his tongue. “Are you mad at me?” 

 

Charlie felt like he got punched in the gut. Nick looked up at him with big brown eyes and the emotion that washed over him was solidifying. 

 

“What, no, no, no, please don’t think that. I promise you, I swear to you. I am not mad. I was just worried is all. I–I care about you Nick...so much, and I got scared tonight that maybe I did something that caused all this. I didn’t know what was going on, and I’m just…I’m just glad you told me. Thank you for telling me.” Charlie hugged Nick again and he felt Nick pick him up slightly and sit him down in his lap. Nick hugged him tighter around his middle and buried his head into his neck. Charlie fell into the groove of his body and laid his head on top of Nick’s shoulder. 

 

Charlie traced the seam of Nick’s shirt with his finger gently while Nick squeezed him. The two embraced in a comfortable silence and Charlie felt the alcohol burn his cheeks. The emotions of the night mixing his thoughts, he felt dizzy. He felt overwhelmed and he felt his brow furrow. 

 

“Nick, please tell me the truth. I won’t be mad, I promise, I just wanna understand.” He whispered, making Nick pull back and look him in the eyes. 

 

“Are you…are you sleeping with me as a way to cope with this?” 

 

Nick’s eyes grew wide and he felt the blood rush to his cheeks in embarrassment. 

 

“Oh god, no, no Charlie! I’m so–have I made you feel that way?” Nick was panting, frantic now. 

 

“No! I just want to make sure. This is obviously a huge thing that happened, and you’ve gone through something horrible. I–I know it’s been a long time, but I know those feelings can stay with us, I know that. I just…don’t understand I guess.”

 

“Understand what?” Nick was squeezing Charlie tighter now. 

 

“Why am I the first one? Like…how, w–what about me…made you feel comfortable with…” Charlie let his voice trail off. He didn’t even know what he was asking. “I’m sorry, I’m not making any sense.” 

 

Charlie brought his eyes up to Nick’s and watched as his face softened and he licked his lips. He inhaled through his mouth, swallowing, and Charlie watched as his Adam's apple moved. 

 

“Charlie, I fell in love with you.” 

 

Charlie stared into weary, tear stained brown eyes. Eyes that were showing everything to him. Eyes that had seen things no one should ever see. Eyes that had cried rivers and that told the truth. The whole, ugly, vulnerable, scary truth. 

 

Eyes that he fell in love with. 

 

“Nick, I love you too.” 

 

Nick felt his heart open and he never wanted it to close. Charlie watched as his glossy eyes looked back and forth, like they were searching for reassurance. 

 

“Nick, I’ve been in love with you this whole time. I just…didn’t want to admit it.” 

 

“What, why not?” Nick whispered with a panic in his voice. 

 

Charlie bit his lip as he contemplated. He could go about this with humor or with sincerity. He decided Nick needed a little bit of both right now.

 

“Because…the contract,” Charlie let out a small breathy laugh and watched Nick’s face as he remembered. “I didn’t want to fall in love with you, it was supposed to be just sex. But it’s not just sex, and I don’t think it ever was. Nick, I’ve been obsessed with you since the day we met.” 

 

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” 

 

“Because you’re my boss . I’m not supposed to fall in love with you.” 

 

“Fuck that. I don’t care. Charlie, I love you, and…I want you. I–” Nick’s voice was cut short when Charlie pressed his lips to his. His lips were soft and tender, sweet and lingering like honey. Nick felt his chest bloom with hope as he dived head first into the deep end. 

 

Charlie kissed Nick’s lips like it was his mission. His lips held his tender heart and Charlie never wanted to let it go.

 

Nick held Charlie closer and trailed one hand up to cradle the side of his face. He deepened the pressure making a small whine come from the back of his throat. This kiss was nothing like the ones they’d shared before. Not fast, not needy, not desperate. Slow, and savoring like basking in the sunlight on a cold day. Nick was memorizing the way Charlie’s mouth felt on his. Warm, soft, sweet, and tender. His head was filled with syrup as he tried to taste all of him at once. 

 

“Charlie–” Nick whispered into his mouth. Eyes still closed, barely parting enough to get the word out. He held onto the back of Charlie’s neck and he let his fingers splay out, feeling his soft curls. He could feel his warm skin underneath his fingertips as he opened his mouth wider, slipping his tongue to taste all of the man in front of him that he loved. 

 

“Charlie, I love you.” Nick felt one last single tear fall down his cheek. Being truthful has never felt so beautiful and his emotions were running on high. Overwhelmed and feeling achy, his body needed more. 

 

“Nick, can we…can we go upstairs? Is that okay?” 

 

Nick took this opportunity at full force and wrapped Charlie’s arms around his neck, held his waist and stood up, picking him up. Charlie knew immediately then to wrap his legs around his middle as he was carried up the stairs. 

 

Nick took his time walking up the steps, careful not to loosen his grip on the back of Charlie’s legs. There was nothing to rush, only to relish. Relish in the warmth of the body pinned against his chest, of the lips caressing his, of the love that was radiating in this home. A home that once held resentment and untrust, loneliness and despair. A home with walls that watched Nick evolve over the years, watching him evolve once again. 

 

Once they made it into the bedroom Nick gently placed Charlie on the bed, taking his time to unwrap his legs from his waist as he laid his body weight on top of Charlie. Like a perfectly rehearsed song, they moved around each other softly. Hushed breaths and sighs filling the room, love poured out of them just like the tears they cried earlier. Nick was kissing the side of Charlie’s neck now, leaving small bites as he made his way down to his collarbone. “Is this okay?” He whispered into his skin. 

 

“Mhmm, yes. Nick–” Charlie grabbed Nick’s face and forced their eyes to meet. “I love you.” He needed Nick to know how much he loved him. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops. He wanted to take care of him and show him how special he was, how lucky he was to know him, to trust him, to love him. 

 

Nick’s fingers trailed down Charlie’s body and he slipped his fingers under his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin. He kept kissing his neck, now with more intent. Like his fingers were stuck to his body like glue, he couldn’t bear to move his touch. Nick bit the collar of Charlie’s shirt with his teeth and pulled it down to expose more of the soft skin below his jaw. Quickly nuzzling his head into the crook of his neck, he planted more kisses. Charlie’s body shivered in response, and he could feel his breath grow quicker and more taught. Heat grew between them and within seconds Charlie was working the small white buttons on Nick’s dress shirt open. Nick pulled his shirt off along with his tie. Nick was undoing Charlie’s trousers and pulling them down his thighs. Charlie pulled away just enough to quickly remove his shirt before reaching forward to unbuckle Nick’s belt, pulling his trousers to the floor, leaving them both in just their briefs. 

 

The cool air rushed over them and goosebumps covered their skin as they crawled back into bed. Nick pulled Charlie on top of his thighs and kissed his neck and chest with a reverence that was holy. Trailing his lips across his skin, he whispered into the dark. 

 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you before. I tried so hard to ignore my feelings for you, but I couldn’t. It was so fucked, I was thinking about you all the time, feeling so guilty like I was being a creep. I didn’t want–I didn’t want you to feel taken advantage of. When you first kissed me, I knew it was over for me, like I literally could not stop thinking about it and thinking about being with you . That’s why I made the contract. I wanted you to have control over everything.. I just…I just wanted you, however you would have me. I–Charlie, I’m sorry. I wish I had said something sooner. I….I’ve loved you this whole time.” 

 

“Shh it’s okay.” Charlie kissed his forehead, then his hair. Charlie closed his eyes and soaked in his words. He felt his chest open up and he felt the love pour into his body at a pace that was overwhelming. 

 

“I was so scared to tell you everything, I thought…I thought maybe you’d hate me.”

 

Charlie looked down at this freckled man who had shown every emotion under the sun in this one evening. He cradled the back of his head and with the steadiest, comforting voice he could find, he said “Nick, I don’t think there’s a universe in which I could ever hate you. I got you, remember?” 

 

Charlie lurched forward and sealed his words with a kiss that carried the same weight as the walls that Nick had been carrying all these years. No more would Nick have to carry it alone. Charlie was here, and he was here to stay. 

 

“I’m not going anywhere.” Charlie whispered into the dark room. 

 

“Say it again…please.” Nick whimpered. 

 

Charlie’s heart ached at the plea. How tender it was to be allowed to love this man. This man that had been through so much, that needed so much. Even through all the hurt, the burning, the bleeding. His heart is still open and it managed to fall in love with him . What a gift that Charlie would hold forever. And he would tell him, over and over again, however many times he needed to hear it. His love was not conditional. It was forever. 

 

“I’m right here, Nick. I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” 

 

Nick wrapped his hands around Charlie and squeezed. More than a hug, it was a promise. A promise and a thank you. Nick cradled Charlie’s back as he lifted him down into the mattress and shifted his body to lay beside him. He pulled the duvet over them and they laid there, basking in each other in the quiet still of the night. 

 

Charlie nuzzled against Nick’s broad chest and felt the warmth radiate from his body. Wrapped in each other, limbs tangling, it was just them. Naked truths spoken and a wash of relief was drowning Nick. He felt his body relax into the mattress and he closed his eyes. Feeling Charlie underneath his fingertips, he imagined them together, just like this, forever. No longer wishing, but seeing it. 

 

Seeing it and feeling a beautiful relief that his future was finally here.

Notes:

don't forget to follow me on twitter for updates on ch 7! @jewelstor

thank you for reading everyone, you're so special to me and I love you so muucch you don't even know. I love writing and I love Nick and Charlie and love the internet. Ugh, I'm emo.

Chapter 7

Notes:

SO SORRY for the wait. As some of you know I moved out of state and it took me a while to get my shit together and back into a routine. I've been writing for the last few days and now this story is officially complete! I've had so much fun writing it, and I appreciate every single one of you that took the time to read, leave a comment or kudos.

Not sure when the next one will come, but for now, enjoy your porn with some plot.

Charlie felt a pressure around his body and it was warm. 

 

Warm and cozy and he felt like he was dreaming. Feeling like he was floating, the room was still dark, but he could see the sun starting to peek through the curtains. He had no idea what time it was, but that didn’t matter. When he finally managed to open his eyes fully, he looked down and saw freckled fingers resting on his hip. 

 

Nick. 

 

Charlie’s mind felt fuzzy so he let his head fall back into the soft pillow. Last night he told his boss he loved him. And he meant it. 

 

And this morning, here he was, lying in his bed under his touch. 

 

Charlie felt his chest swell with emotion and he decided it was way too early to dwell on them, so he closed his eyes again and nuzzled back into the broad chest that he was leaning against. He wiggled his toes and nestled further into the duvet, feeling Nick’s body shift beside his. He felt a heavy leg wrap over him and pull him closer. Arms squeezed around him tighter, caging him in. Limbs tangled, just like the night before, and Charlie felt the exact same way as he did all those hours ago. 

 

***

 

Nick felt a pressure under his body, and it was warm.  

 

When he opened his eyes and saw black curls in front of him, he had to close his eyes again to take in the moment. 

 

Charlie.  

 

Nick pushed forward and dove his nose straight into the back of Charlie’s head, nuzzling the soft hair that was in front of him. 

 

For the first time in a long time, Nick’s heart felt like it was going to be okay. That everything that happened was in the past. Like he was chained to a wall this whole time, but then he found him. Charlie had the key and unlocked him, and set him free. 

 

He was finally free. 

 

Before, Nick couldn’t admit his past, he couldn’t escape the mess he made. The mess Jasper made. Nick felt like it had stained his whole life, his whole being. But Charlie was here now. Admitting everything, letting it all out, letting it go, Nick could finally breathe and he felt rested for the first time in years. A beautiful release that made his chest swell with emotion. He was exhausted, but he didn’t care. He needed Charlie to know. 

 

He could hear Charlie’s breathing, slow and even. He looked beautiful, laying there next to him, in his bed. 

 

Maybe it could be their bed one day. 

 

Nick sucked in a breath and closed his eyes again. He leaned down and pressed his lips to Charlie’s arm. Feeling his warm bare skin under his lips was enough to make him feel like he was floating. Nick squeezed his arm around Charlie’s torso even tighter while he continued to drag his lips across his arm, his shoulder, and up to his neck. He paused when he got to the back of his neck, staring at the splatter of freckles and moles that danced on his skin. Nick kissed every single one gently, as if he was thanking his creator. 

 

Nick felt Charlie squirm under him, and heard him let out a long drag of a breath. What a lovely way to start a day, Nick thought to himself. He smiled into the tanned skin below him and continued to press small gentle kisses, but now trailing up to the back of Charlie’s head and into his curls. 

 

Charlie stirred awake fully now and he could feel warm skin pressed against his own. Under the duvet, in their bubble, it was the safest place to be. Nothing could hurt them here. 

 

Charlie turned to face Nick and he was met with big brown eyes that made him melt. 

 

“G’morning.” Charlie whispered in the space that lived between their lips. 

 

Nick looked at Charlie’s lips and closed his eyes. 

 

“Good morning.” He hummed, his voice low and made of velvet. Nick leaned in and brushed his nose against Charlie’s, feeling his own breath hitch at the touch. He closed the space between their lips and pulled Charlie on top of him as he rolled back over to lay flat on his back. Their lips collided and the kiss was sweet and simple, like syrup. 

 

Charlie felt a giggle slip past his teeth and the sweetness slowly turned into something sharper. He felt his stomach flip and like a flip of a switch, he pushed his hips down against Nick’s and felt a surprisingly hard erection pressed against his. He felt the buzz of a moan behind Nick’s lips as he deepened their kiss. Opening his mouth slightly, he allowed his tongue to slip out slowly, and was met with the warm embrace of Nick’s mouth. 

 

Charlie moved his hand and gripped the side of Nick’s neck and pressed his nails into his flesh, creating a low groan to escape from this mouth. Nick’s large warm hands ran across Charlie’s bareback, creating a swarm of goosebumps to form behind their trail. Charlie lowered his mouth to the side of Nick’s neck and pressed a single kiss behind his ear before whispering in a low voice. 

 

“Should we talk about last night?”

 

Nick grunted and swirled his hips against Charlie’s looking for more friction. 

 

“What’s there to talk about?” He whispered into Charlie’s neck, sucking a bruise and making Charlie gasp. Charlie squeezed his eyes closed and had to take a deep breath to bring himself to reality. 

 

“I don’t know, I guess….I just..” Charlie let his voice die as Nick continued to suck bruises into the side of his neck and his chest. He could feel Nick’s teeth grazing over his shoulder and he felt chills and goosebumps run up his thighs. 

 

“I think we did plenty of talking, darling.” Nick huffed out a hot breath into Charlie’s ear and he let his teeth drag on his lower ear lobe. He grinned with satisfaction when he heard Charlie moan and push his hips down again. The feeling of his erection against his own now made his hips jerk up and they both let out a moan in unison. 

 

“Fuck, you’re so pretty when you sound like that.” Nick whispered while dragging his fingers through Charlie’s curls and tugging him down into another kiss. Open mouthed, wet, and warm, it was everything he needed. He wanted to devour Charlie. He already let his heart’s truth out, but now he needed his body to tell its own truth. 

 

He wanted Charlie. In a way he’s never wanted anyone else. Almost in a primal way, Nick was starting to feel desperate. He needed him. 

 

Nick slid his palms down to Charlie’s hips and squeezed, latching onto him. He rolled them both over so Charlie’s back was flat on the mattress and Nick slid his knee in between his legs, caging Charlie’s leg. He could feel Charlie arch his back up into him and wrap his ankles around his leg, caging him in further. 

 

“Charlie,” Nick whispered while looking up into his favorite blue eyes. “I love you.” 

 

Charlie’s eyes deepened with emotion and he looked up in adoration. 

 

“I love you too. So much.” 

 

“Let me show you, please.” Nick’s voice dropped along with his head, while he started grazing his lips over Charlie’s collarbone and down his chest.

 

“Show me what?” Charlie’s voice was just a breath. Barely tethered to the bed, he was already floating with desire. Nick’s mouth hovered over his nipple and the warm kiss that followed left Charlie gasping. Nick reached out and found contact with Charlie's hand. Closing the space between their fingers, embraced together and squeezing his hand, he looked up and spoke with a voice that was full of intention.

 

“Let me show you how much I love you. How much I love your body, the noises you make. I love everything about you, and I wanna see it, all the time. Let me see, Charlie.” 

 

Charlie was melting into the mattress at his tender words. He gripped the back of Nick’s hair and brought his face up to his, crashing their lips together. Charlie couldn’t help the whiney noise he let out at the taste of his tongue. His body was moving against his own accord, like it had a might of its own. Like it was trying to get closer to the man above him, the man he was in love with. 

 

Without using words, Charlie’s fingers found the waistband of his briefs and tugged them off quickly, leaving him bare under Nick. 

 

“Please–” his voice broke in a desperate moan as Nick continued to kiss him everywhere. His lips, his face, his neck, his collarbone, his chest, his shoulders. His kisses were searing his skin and Charlie was covered in goosebumps and small gasps kept escaping his lips. 

 

“Show me, Nick.” 

 

Nick’s mouth was already on Charlie’s hip bone when he was pulling his own briefs down. 

 

Feeling free and bare, Nick felt a chill run down his spine. He dipped his head down and took Charlie into his mouth, allowing a gasp to come from the mouth above. He took his time, licking up the length and paying extra attention to the head. Nick looked up into Charlie’s eyes right before he closed his lips around it and sucked. 

 

Charlie’s hips jerked and he threw his head back, hands flying to Nick’s hair. He felt the soft strands in between his fingers and he tugged, feeling his nails scrape along his scalp in the process. He felt the vibration of Nick’s moan on him, making him whimper at the sensation. 

 

“ Nick ” 

 

Charlie’s mouth could only form broken noises and heavy breaths. He could barely get his name out, but he wanted to say it, wanted to praise it. 

 

While Charlie was wanting to praise his name, Nick was wanting to praise his body. He felt insatiable, he needed more. He worked Charlie until his jaw ached, until there were tears in his eyes. The sweet sound of the skin underneath him, the groans coming from up above mixed with the feeling of the tug on his hair and the scratches on his shoulders was enough to make Nick feel like a God. He was making Charlie fall apart. 

 

Only he was able to do this, and only he was able to see it. Nick stopped when he could tell Charlie was close, but he didn’t want this to end yet.

 

“Char, baby, look at me.” 

 

Charlie opened his eyes and looked down, watching as Nick took him into his hand and worked him up and down. 

 

Nick looked into his deep eyes and he felt his own lashes flutter before he spoke. 

 

“Can I come inside you?” 

 

The words almost had Charlie choking on his own gasp. He felt a new heat grow through his body and he needed it. 

 

“Y-Yes–oh my god, yeah, please.” Charlie was whiny and he sounded desperate but he didn’t care. He was almost in tears from being so close to the edge, but he wanted more. He wanted more of Nick. 

 

 He watched as Nick fumbled in the night stand and pulled out the lube, warming it in between his fingers. Charlie had to take long deep breaths to calm himself down again. 

 

Nick was on his knees now, straightening up his abdomen and Charlie could see his long hard cock, dripping, waiting for him. Charlie felt an electric shock run through his body and Nick wasn’t even touching him.

 

“Fuck” Charlie whispered under his breath, low enough that Nick could barely hear it. 

 

Nick had a small grin on his face that grew even bigger when he watched Charlie drag his lower lip between his teeth just slightly. 

 

Nick leaned down to kiss the side of Charlie’s neck and the feeling of their bare skin touching made them both gasp in unison. Nick sucked on the side of Charlie’s neck until Charlie was squirming under him. Nick slowly moved his hand lower and over Charlie’s cock, passing it to go between his legs. 

 

“Open up for me, darling.” Nick whispered into Charlie’s ear and Charlie felt his legs fall open, almost too easily. 

 

Nick pressed a finger to him and Charlie felt his eyes roll back. Like a million matches lit his body on fire, he was hot. He was panting, sweating, and Nick wasn’t even inside him yet. He turned his head to take Nick’s lips into his own mouth. Nick continued to press into him and work him open while Charlie eagerly licked and nipped at his lips.

“Nick…I’m, please, please I’m ready.” 

 

Nick smiled into one last kiss before he removed his fingers and lined himself up. He looked down at Charlie one last time before he pushed in, moaning so loud it echoed off the bedroom walls. 

 

“Fuck, Charlie .” Nick threw his head back and squeezed his eyes shut. The warm pressure around him was overwhelming and as he pushed into him further, he could feel himself already getting close. 

 

“Fuck I’m not gonna last–”

 

“Me neither, just please, m-move.” 

 

Charlie leaned up and kissed the side of Nick’s neck while he plunged deeper inside of him and rocked. Their bodies moved together over and over again until they were both crying out moans of pleasure. Charlie’s fingers found their way to Nick’s back, and he scratched and gripped like his life depended on it. He knew the freckled skin underneath was turning red, but he didn’t care. The pressure he was feeling all over his body, he needed a release, in any way he could find. 

 

“Fuck, baby you feel so good.” Charlie whined out, eyes half open. 

 

“Charlie–” 

 

Nick was close and his vision was starting to go blurry. 

 

“Charlie, I love you.” 

 

Nick thrusted up into him once more before exploding inside, feeling his body melt when he felt Charlie’s release on his body. He let out a groan while he felt himself come down from the clouds and when he opened his eyes, he saw blue oceans staring back at him. 

 

“God, I love you too, Nick. I’ll love you forever.” 

 

***

 

5:30am.

 

Monday morning. 

 

Nick remembered and practically leapt out of bed. 

 

After all, he had a big day ahead of him. 

 

***

 

“So how did the event go? How was your weekend?” Clara’s voice was bright and chirpy, almost too chirpy for this time of the morning, but Charlie didn’t care. He felt his stomach twist remembering all the details of the last weekend. 

 

Nick gave me a blowjob in a storage closet, I found out he has an ex husband who was a dick and broke his heart. We confessed our own love to each other and we had mind blowing sex all day Saturday and Sunday. 

 

“It was fine.” Charlie sipped on his hot coffee and crossed his leg over his knee, trying to look casual. He was turning away from his computer now to face Clara standing in the doorway and he had to stifle back a chuckle at the thoughts in his mind versus what he was willing to share. 

 

“What? That’s all, just fine?” Clara raised a brow, looking unimpressed. 

 

“Yeah, it was fine…it was good . Venue was beautiful, food and drinks were great, I met a lot of people and networked. You were right, it was just a big reunion, but it was good. I think we got some contract renewals, but you’d have to ask Nick on those specifics.” Charlie gave a convincing smile and hoped that Clara would buy it. 

 

“Hmm…well good. I’m glad it went okay then. Nothing too crazy to report on, then?” Clara crossed her arms over her chest. 

 

“Nope. Normal evening.” Charlie stared into Clara’s light green eyes as he let a thick silence grow over them. He felt his smile grow into a tight line, feeling awkward he started fidgeting with his fingers. 

 

“You’re such a liar.” Clara blew out a breath and a laugh while she covered her mouth and closed the door to Charlie’s office. 

 

“If it was such a normal evening then why did I wake up to an email from Mattew Morris asking me to formally remove him from any future event invite lists?” 

 

Charlie felt his throat go dry and he felt the corner of his mouth start to creep up into a mischievous smile. 

 

“ And why did I get an email from Nick asking me to set up a meeting with the three of us and HR? Hmm? Seem normal to you?” 

 

Charlie let out a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling, avoiding Clara’s gaze. They both shared a giggle and Charlie bit the inside of his cheek, deciding his next move. His thoughts were interrupted when his phone went off and he saw he had a message from Nick. 

 

Clara looked at Charlie’s phone and then back at Charlie, watching as his eyes lit up at the message. 

 

“Are you and Nick….involved or something?” 

 

She watched as Charlie’s gaze shot up back at hers and his eyes went wide. 

 

“Wha– why would you think that?” 

 

She pretended not to notice how his voice shot up an octave and how his cheeks started to flush. She felt her own face twist up into a smile and she let out another small, playful scoff. 

 

“Well, for starters, I heard Nick lock his office door on Friday when I clearly interrupted something between you two. He looked….freaked out, like…he was getting caught or something. 

 

Charlie kept chewing on the inside of his cheek while he steadied his breath. 

 

“Also, both you and Nick have been looking cozy lately. Just the vibes are there, and I’m not blind ya know. I’m in meetings with the two of you all the time…it’s…kinda obvious.” 

 

Charlie choked out a laugh and cleared his throat. 

 

“Okay, well I choose to neither confirm or deny your suspicions. So there.” 

 

“Hmm….right. Okay, well I guess I’ll just wait and ask Nick then.” Clara gave him a small wink and opened the door, leaving Charlie in his office alone. He let out a laugh to himself and he felt himself beaming. He picked up his phone and typed out a message to Nick. 

 

Clara knows. Be ready for her interrogation. Also HR? What about keeping it a secret?

 

Charlie glanced at the time and saw that it was 8:23am. Nick was late, by his normal schedule. He thought about messaging him, asking him if he was okay. But figured Nick was a grown man, and had his own business to take care of. He’d see him when he got to the office. 

 

Charlie watched as his phone lit up again. He looked down and smiled when he read the message. 

 

I don’t want to hide anymore. Want everyone to know how much I love you. Be in soon, in a meeting right now. 

 

Charlie’s curiosity had officially peaked. He checked Nick’s calendar and didn’t see anything blocked off right now for a meeting. Meaning it had to be something last minute. Charlie felt a drop of uneasiness in his body but decided to shake the feeling away. He trusted Nick, and Nick trusted him. 

 

Nick loved him, and didn’t want to hide anymore. If Nick didn’t want to hide, then neither did he. 

Three Months Later

“Charlie, can you please send me the report after your meeting with Elizabeth? It’s on Tuesday, right?” 

 

Nick was sitting at the head of the conference table in his office, spinning his black pen in his fingers. His glasses were slipping down the bridge of his nose and he felt himself crinkle his nose in an attempt to get them back into position. He was busy looking down at his laptop, eyes darting between the time and his email inbox. It was almost the end of the day, and he had somewhere to be that he couldn’t be late for. His concentration was interrupted when he looked up to see Charlie giggle at him. 

 

“What?” Nick properly pushed his glasses back into place now, glancing between Charlie and Clara who were both staring at him. 

 

“Nothing…just…yeah I can do that.” Charlie bit the inside of his cheek and looked away quickly, avoiding his gaze. Nick could feel himself smile as he nodded and turned his attention back to his screen. 

 

“Well it’s almost 5, and I don’t want to keep us over time, so let’s call it, and I’ll see you all on Monday.” Nick beamed as he felt his cheeks grow warm, anticipation growing in his body. He was so excited, he had been looking forward to today for the last month, and to make it better, it was a total surprise to Charlie. 

 

Charlie closed his own laptop and pushed his chair out from the table. He stood up and walked past Nick, conveniently walking close enough for his blazer to swipe across Nick’s bicep. Nick could hear the footsteps of Charlie’s dress shoes on the hard floor as he kept walking back toward his office, leaving him alone with Clara. He looked up to see her giving him a lopsided smile. 

 

“What?” 

 

“You guys are so in love, it’s gross.” 

 

Nick let out a loud laugh and shook his head while closing his own laptop now. 

 

“Can I tell you a secret?”

 

“Oh god–what?” Clara stood up from her chair at the end of the table and walked closer to Nick. She could see the sparkle in his brown eyes and the light in his face was refreshing. She’d never seen her boss look so happy before. 

 

“Tonight, I um…” Nick turned around and looked toward his office door ensuring it was closed. “I’m closing on a house tonight. And I’m gonna ask Charlie to move in with me.” 

 

“Wha– Nick! ” 

 

“Shh…please, Clara–” 

 

“Oh my god, Nick. That’s amazing! You know I was just joking earlier about you guys being gross. It’s actually very sweet and I’m really happy for you. You know that, right?” 

 

Nick felt his chest swell with emotions and he had to blink back the tears that were daring to form in his eyes. In all the time he’s known Clara he never allowed her to get close, never allowed himself to tell her any personal information. Things are changing, he’s changing. 

 

“I do, thank you. Thank you so much, for everything, really. Not just with work stuff, but–you’ve always been there. I know I haven’t been super open about a lot of things, but…” 

 

“But nothing, no need to explain. I understand.” Clara looked up and gave him a sincere smile. Nick took a deep breath and let himself swallow back the emotion in his body. 

 

“Have a good weekend, Clara. I’ll see you on Monday.” 

 

Clara let out a small chuckle and stood up, grabbing her things. She walked by Nick and squeezed his shoulder as she headed toward the door. 

 

“Congrats, boss.” 

 

Nick closed his own laptop and looked out the large window that looked over the city. Seeing all the people down there, in those buildings and in those cars, walking the streets. 

 

He didn’t feel alone anymore. 

 

***

 

“You ready to go?” 

 

Nick was leaning on the edge of Charlie’s office door, watching him pack up his backpack. 

 

“Yeah. Are we going back to mine, or yours?” Charlie looped his backpack on his shoulders and handed his folded blazer to Nick to hold and carry for him. He dug his keys out of his pocket while they both walked out into the hallway. 

 

“I was thinking somewhere else actually.” Nick watched as Charlie locked the door and looked up at him with furrowed brows. 

 

“Oh? And what’s that?”

 

“Guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Nick gave a lopsided smile and leaned in for a quick peck of a kiss before turning and walking out of the executive wing. “Come on, I’m driving.” 

 

The two waited at the elevator together and Charlie’s brain was working a mile a minute trying to figure out what they were doing. 

 

“Are we going to dinner?” 

 

Nick only smiled and looked ahead at the shiny doors as they opened. 

 

“No? Okay…are we going on a date?” 

 

“Charlie,” 

 

Nick pressed the button to the parking garage and looked back at the eyes that were fixed on him. “You need to stop worrying so much. Just trust me.” 

 

Charlie watched as Nick rolled his shoulders back under his navy suit and still had that lopsided smile plastered on his face. 

 

“Whatever you’re planning Nicholas Nelson...it better be good.” Charlie rolled his eyes and let out a deep breath as they waited for the elevator to open its doors again. 

 

Once in Nick’s car, Charlie watched as he entered a new address into the gps. An address he didn’t recognize, that was on the opposite side of town of either of their places. He gave Nick a look and rolled his eyes while scoffing to himself. 

 

20 minutes later and they were in a neighborhood that was full of big tall trees that shadowed the road. All the houses were nicely maintained and charming. Like little cottages lining the road with white picket fences it looked idyllic. Charlie watched as he saw childrens bikes and tree houses in the backyards and big front porches on most of the homes. It looked cozy, and warm. Like a dream. 

 

Within minutes they were driving down a windy road and parking in front of a large two story brick home that had its own large front porch and a fenced in backyard. The house was lined with beautiful landscaping, red roses, and topiary trees lining the front porch made it look like something out of a story book. 

 

“Nick, where are we?” Charlie asked hesitantly as he followed Nick out of the car and in front of the house. There was already a vehicle parked in the driveway, a large black truck that Charlie didn’t recognize. 

 

Charlie watched as Nick walked right into the open garage, as if he had been to this house before. He heard Nick’s voice echo and as Charlie approached the driveway he watched as he shook a stranger's hand. 

 

“Thank you very much, I appreciate all your help with this.” Nick beamed at the tall man and he felt his heart thump in his chest.

 

“Anytime Nick, it was a pleasure. Enjoy, and have a great weekend.” 

 

Charlie watched as the man handed over an envelope to Nick and waved over to him. Charlie could only give a polite smile and a tiny wave back as he watched the stranger get in his truck and leave. 

 

Charlie waited until the truck was down the street and they were left in the quiet of the early evening. He could hear a few birds chirping from the large trees above them. The sun still in its early setting stage, sun rays were peeking through the clouds, making him squint. He could feel his cheeks get warm standing outside, and he looked over at Nick staring at him, still standing in the garage. 

 

“Charlie, I’ve been keeping a secret from you.” 

 

“Oh yeah?” Charlie laughed but he could feel his chest swell with anticipation. 

 

“I bought a house. This house.” 

 

Charlie could only let out a small noise of surprise. 

 

“You what?” 

 

“Baby, I know it’s a lot. But, remember that day when I was late to work? The day we had our meeting with HR where we officially announced our relationship? I was late that morning because I had a meeting with a realtor. I decided that day I was selling the old house and buying a new one. I’ve been working on it since, and…surprise. Today’s closing day at this house.” 

 

Charlie was smiling up at Nick and looked down at the envelope he was holding. He noticed the envelope was bulky, and he heard the sound of metallic clinging. He watched as Nick’s fingers worked the envelope open and fiddled with what was inside.

 

Charlie held his breath as he watched Nick pull out a small key ring with two keys on it. Nick undid the key ring and held one of the keys in his hand and handed it toward Charlie. 

 

“My love…move in with me?” 

 

Charlie looked up into his eyes and felt his own eyes well with tears. He could feel his breath stutter and he had to blink several times before he could respond. 

 

“Wait, Nick, I–” He swallowed hard, and watched as brown eyes darted back and forth between his own. 

 

“Charlie, I love you. I love you so much, and I want you all the time. We practically already live together, and I just–I just want you. I want to wake up with you, go to bed with you. I want to come home with you everyday. I don't want a 'mine or yours' anymore, I want an ours, together. I want everything with you.” 

 

Charlie could feel the emotion grow in his chest and he could barely get the words out before he was full blown crying. 

 

“Nick, yes, of course I will move in with you.”

 

“Oh my god,” Nick grabbed his head with both of his hands and brought their lips together in a kiss that tasted like a promise. 

 

Charlie pulled away first, sniffling and rubbing his eyes. He looked at the brass key that Nick was still holding and he grabbed ahold of it and closed his palm around it. He looked up and met Nick’s gaze. 

 

“I love you. And I cannot believe you bought a house and didn’t tell me!” He laughed and wrapped his arms around Nick’s neck, bringing him closer for another kiss. Nick wrapped his arms around Charlie’s waist and tugged him closer, tasting all of the love on his lips. 

 

“Can I show you the inside?” Nick whispered, eyes still closed. 

 

“Yeah…yes, please I wanna see.” Charlie opened his eyes and stepped back, allowing Nick to take the lead. Charlie moved the key to the front pocket of his trousers and watched as Nick did the same. 

 

Nick held out his hand and laced Charlie’s fingers with his own. Feeling the warmth against his palm he felt butterflies in his stomach as he led them through the door to the inside of the house, planting them right into a large open kitchen. 

 

He watched as Charlie’s eyes grew wide and a smile spread on his face. 

 

“Welcome home, baby.”