Chapter Text
Chapter Nineteen: Boss Mode
Nick wasn’t sleeping well. He didn’t know what time it was, but his back was sore from the hard sofa-bed, and his head was throbbing. His heart was too, of course. Charlie was on the same page as him when it came to their relationship status which had made the conversation slightly easier but not the situation.
Suddenly the door to Charlie’s room opened. The pinkish early morning sun came through before the man himself emerged, dressed in a dark grey, long-sleeved running top and black shorts, trainers and headband on. Nick sat up, squinting as the light hit his eyes. Charlie was carrying his clothes for the day in his hands.
“Err, hey,” Nick began, “what time is it?”
“Nearly six,” Charlie replied. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“Yeah, mine wasn’t great.”
Charlie paused in the doorway of his room, but then placed his outfit on a chair. Then he strode purposefully towards Nick and crouched next to the side of the sofa-bed.
“I’m going to be in boss mode today,” Charlie said softly. “Something Ben said made me realise Mary is gunning for the Walters Project too, and I’m focussing on that.”
“Makes sense. That project is kind of your Mount Everest,” Nick replied. “Are you okay though? I mean… are we okay?”
“Yeah, we are, but I need to be the boss right now, for a bit of distance. Do you know what I mean?” He touched the back of Nick’s hand with his own, and the spark Nick felt had him sitting bolt upright in the bed.
“Yes, totally,” Nick agreed. “What do you need me to do?”
“I’ve emailed you a list, but you are absolutely, categorically not allowed to start it until after breakfast.”
“Why?”
Charlie tilted his head, and then stroked Nick’s hand again.
“Because you need some proper sleep, sweetheart,” he murmured.
“’Sweetheart?’” Nick’s voice caught in his throat.
“I keep saying it, don’t I? So much for distance,” Charlie replied with a little snort that endeared him to Nick even more. “I promise I won’t say it in front of other people.”
“That’s okay,” Nick whispered, blinking as the full power of the Charlie Spring Blue Eyes pierced him. “You know I like it but probably best it stays between us.”
“Yeah.” Charlie suddenly stood up. “Anyway, I’d like you to sleep for two more hours in the big bed while I go for a long run and a coffee,” he said authoritatively. “We’ll meet the others for breakfast at 8.30, and then I need you to start the list while the rest of us go to TICAE. You can join us there when the tasks are done.”
“Sure, boss.”
“Thanks, Nick.” Charlie walked over to the front door, then turned. “See you later.”
He disappeared out of the door.
“Bye Charlie,” Nick murmured into the empty room before getting up and getting into Charlie’s bed. It was still warm, and Nick was comforted and soothed by Charlie’s deep citrusy and musky scent that lingered on the soft sheets. He buried himself under the duvet, only just remembering to set an alarm before he fell into a deep sleep.
When Nick woke to the blare of his alarm, he became aware of the sound of an English-language news programme playing in the lounge, and the smell of coffee. He got up, rubbed his face and walked into the lounge area. Charlie was drinking black coffee while sitting on the sofa, the pillows and duvet piled next to him. He was dressed in his Paul Smith fitted grey suit with his pink Ralph Lauren polo and matching pink Converse.
“Hey,” Nick said as he padded over to the coffee machine. “You put the sofa-bed back.”
“Yeah. I had a lie down on it after my run and, God, whoever said it was decent must sleep on the floor usually. Your poor back!”
“At least it’s only one more night,” Nick replied.
“There’s not a chance you’re sleeping on this again,” Charlie replied briskly. “We are going to be working our arses off on Walters from the moment we get back home, Nicholas, and I need you fighting-fit.”
“You weren’t kidding about ‘boss mode,’ were you?” Nick laughed and was rewarded by Charlie grinning over the top of his coffee mug. “But you can’t afford to have a bad back either.”
“See if they have any spare rooms tonight,” Charlie instructed. “People are starting to leave as it’s the last day of TICAE.”
“And if they don’t?” Nick asked, wondering how sharing a bed again might go. The last time had been… interesting, Nick thought, a small shiver skittering down his back at the memory.
Charlie put down his coffee cup, picked up one of the pillows next to him, and hugged it to his chest. “Guess we’ll be building a pillow wall.”
They both laughed, but Nick felt a nervous knot tie up his tummy.
“I’d better get ready. Thanks for insisting I get that extra sleep in your bed.”
Charlie nodded and hugged the pillow tighter. “You’re welcome,” he murmured. “I’ll, uh, head downstairs now. Darcy collects novelty keyrings, so I’ll have a look at some of the shops on the street before breakfast. I’m sure one of them will have a tacky toy ring of some sort.”
“Okay…”
Charlie was up and out the door lightning-fast, the pillow he was hugging tossed on the floor, leaving Nick staring after him for the second time that morning. Nick picked up the pillow then quickly got showered and dressed to join everyone for breakfast. When they all left for the expo, he decided to work from the hotel café, and as soon as he was settled, brought up the list Charlie sent him.
Jobs for Nick today:
- Check RAPT software to see who has accessed Walters Project notes other than me in the past six months. Text me if Robbie McKay did. V important because the 3 month gardening leave period is coming to an end next week.
- Email Walters PA Marie and confirm arrangements for their visit in Aug.
- Email all Hub architects (not interns or associates) and include James McEwan as he starts with us on Monday. Arrange meeting in the big boardroom for first thing Monday re Walters Project.
- Send all Hub architects (not interns or associates) my designs from the Walters Project bid last year, and my most up to date plans (from April before we went to Madrid). Tell them to look at them before meeting on Monday as I want everyone’s ideas.
- Arrange a meeting with Youssef Farouk and your friend Tara can come too. We need to meet asap re Robbie. Send invite to Tao and Aled too but they don’t need to come if they are busy
- Email James McEwan for a separate induction meeting on Monday.
- Groceries - make sure there’s lots of cinnamon cereal, bananas, frozen cheese and tomato pizza (the basic kids’ kind), carrot sticks and that spicy bacon and tomato pasta thing you make.
- Email Tori and Darcy re food arrangements for Walters visit. Make sure they liaise with Walters’ PA so all the events run perfectly. Everything needs to be PERFECT!
- Book me (and yourself, if you want) hair appointment for a day or two before Walters’ visit, at Guildhall Barbers. Make sure it’s with Husni himself and not one of his associates. We need to look sharp!!
- Call the cleaners to arrange a deep clean of the farmhouse and offices the day before Walters visit.
- Please can I exploit your stellar research skills and ask you to find out everything about the Walters family that you can? We need to play to their values.
- I can’t remember if you’ve booked a restaurant for everyone tonight, but I think I’m going to struggle to eat out. Is there somewhere nearby that can deliver pizza or pasta?
Nick sighed loudly, which caused the barista to look up from their magazine. Charlie wasn’t kidding about ‘boss mode’ with this list. Nick ordered a coffee and then opened RAPT to complete the first task.
“Oh fuck,” he whispered to himself as he opened the audit trail for the Walters Project, then picked up his phone.
Charlie Boss
N: Robbie accessed Walters Project files eight times the day he left and downloaded all your up-to-date designs before his access was terminated.
C: That absolute fucker. Ben was so smug when I bumped into him. I bet Robbie’s gone straight to Mary with MY designs.
N: This is why you want to meet with the whole Hub on Monday? To decide on a new strategy?
C: Yeah. We need every fresh idea we can get.
N: I’m on it, boss.
C: Thanks x
N: xx
C: xxx
N: Resisting the urge to do xxxx
C: You just did! xxxxx
N: Stopping now!
C: Hahaha
Nick managed to put his phone down and focussed on getting the rest of the tasks done, including confirming with Marie Martins that the Walters party would still be coming to visit SXL on 3rd August.
“Ahh, yes, Nicholas, we are looking forward to the trip,” Marie told him. “ Malheureusement , the trains are on strike, so we will be driving now. Will you be able to find us parking for two Range Rovers?”
“Not a problem, Marie. We will clear space for you in our staff car park which is secure,” Nick replied, making a note to email Priya to block off two spaces the evening before the Walters arrived. “Is there anything else you think we need to know ahead of your visit?”
“Je ne croix pas,” she replied. “My bosses are looking forward to seeing your premises and meeting the team.”
“We’re looking forward to meeting you too,” Nick said, before adding, “ Cette réunion, et bien sûr ce projet, sont extrêmement importants pour mon patron. Donc, si je peux faire quelque chose pour que les choses se passent bien, je veux le faire pour lui. ” (This meeting, and indeed, this project are really important for my boss. So if I can do something to make things go well, I want to do it for him)
Marie paused, and Nick heard her sigh down the phone.
“Je connais ce sentiment. Je dirai que la famille est tout pour mes patrons. Ils recherchent une famille à qui confier ce projet. ” ( I know the feeling. I will say that family is everything for my bosses. They are looking for a family to give this project to.)
“Je comprends,” Nick replied. “I hope that they will see how much of a family we are here at SXL.”
“Bien,” Marie replied brightly. “See you next month, Nicholas.”
“ A bientot , Marie. Au revoir .”
Nick put the phone down and stood up to stretch his legs but immediately sat down again when he spotted Ben in the lobby at the reception desk. The lobby was fairly empty and Ben’s grating voice carried over to the café.
“The room’s bloody awful!” he cried. “It’s tiny with no view. We want it changed. Now.”
The receptionist kept a neutral expression.
“We will have an eighth-floor suite with a view of Gendarmenmarkt available in one hour for the additional cost of two hundred and thirty Euros per night,” she said calmly.
“Additional cost?” Ben whined. “What? You won’t upgrade us for free? We are loyalty club members!”
“Sir, you paid for a standard room on an event rate. As stipulated on the booking, we do not offer complimentary upgrades on event rates.”
Ben is a shithead, Nick thought.
“Fine, we’ll take the upgrade,” Ben replied, brandishing a credit card. “But we want to be moved in the next hour.”
“Very good sir.”
Nick waited until Ben had paid for his suite and stomped out of the lobby before approaching the reception desk himself.
“Good morning, sir, how may I help?” asked the same receptionist who had just served Ben.
Nick was about to ask her about the room he knew they would have because of Mary and Ben upgrading, but the words died in his mouth as he remembered waking up with Charlie, being in his arms. He would be sleeping in his own bed tomorrow night, by himself. Sharing a bed with Charlie, even with a pillow wall, was better than being in a different room tonight.
“Oh, uh, I’m in suite 710,” he began. “Please could we have some more coffee pods?”
--
There was no other way to describe it. Being at TICAE without Nick sucked.
Charlie wandered listlessly around the exhibition hall, occasionally stopping at interesting displays, collecting the odd free pen or keyring; he had quite a collection for Darcy now. He went into a couple of the workshops and lectures, but after about an hour, he came out of the hall to get a coffee at the kiosk by the entrance.
“Having a bad day, Charles?” asked Isaac, coming up behind him, a well-thumbed copy of House by Tracy Kidder in his hand. “You look tired, pal.”
“I’m bloody exhausted,” Charlie admitted. “It was not a restful night.”
Isaac pulled Charlie out of the line for coffee and onto a nearby bench before pulling out his phone.
“I think we need to video call Tao and Aled,” he murmured. “Something big is happening, isn’t it?”
“How do you always know that?” Charlie replied.
Isaac shrugged. “It’s a gift. Now let’s text the guys, and I’ll get us some coffee.”
He fired off a text in their group chat, and by the time he was back on the bench with their coffees, Tao and Aled were ready to FaceTime.
“What’s up?” Tao asked. “How’s TICAE?”
“TICAE’s been good, but I had a run-in with Ben,” Charlie explained.
“What?” chorused Tao and Aled.
“When, Charlie?” asked Isaac. “You were with us or with Nick for the whole of yesterday.”
“In the men’s room when we were getting dessert last night,” Charlie told him. “If Nick hadn’t come in, I think it would have gotten pretty nasty.”
“Shit, are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine, but you know how Ben is kind of stupid sometimes?”
“’Kind of?’ That guy’s got shit for brains,” snorted Aled. “What did he say?”
“He let slip that Mary’s been going after a big contract and has a secret weapon…”
“Oh fuck, you think that they’re after Walters, too? And Robbie’s gone over there?”
“Yep. Nick found out that Robbie downloaded all my designs before he left.”
“We need to talk to Youssef, ASAP,” began Tao. “Find out what our next steps should be.”
“Don’t worry. Nick’s on it,” Charlie said. “He’s sorting out a meeting with the Hub and one with Youssef for Monday so we can get focussed on the bid.”
“Oh, okay,” Aled said. “Sounds like you’ve already got things in hand, so why do you look so stressed now?”
“Um…” Charlie hesitated, but then decided to be transparent with his close friends. “You know how I have a big, stupid crush on my assistant?”
“Yes,” Tao said. “Very big, very stupid.”
“Very big, not stupid,” replied Aled. “He’s hot and he’s helped you be yourself again in a way none of us were able to manage… Oh God, what happened?”
Charlie glanced at Isaac, who nodded knowingly.
“Turns out my crush is, uh, reciprocated,” Charlie admitted. “We’ve become very close and basically had a date sightseeing yesterday—"
“Charlie, are you telling us you’re sleeping with your assistant?” Tao hissed. “Oh God, this is a disaster.”
“Calm down, Tao,” Isaac retorted. “It’s obviously more complicated than that, otherwise Charlie would be giddy right now, not stressed.”
“It is,” Charlie agreed. “Nick’s fresh out of a long relationship and very recently had a run-in with his ex as well. We’re in this place where we know we like each other but aren’t quite ready to go out yet.”
“And the stakes are high because of working together. You need Nick as your assistant and he needs this job,” Aled stated.
“Yep,” Charlie said. “He’s going to move out of our shared suite tonight, as long as there’s a hotel room available, which is the right thing to do, but I feel bereft at the thought. Guys, I like him so much. I haven’t clicked with anyone like this maybe ever.”
“Oh Charles,” Isaac replied. “That’s very romantic but I can see you need some practical help right now.” Charlie nodded. “If he doesn’t get a room tonight, how about he takes mine?” Isaac suggested. “It’s not like you and I haven’t bunked up before!”
“True,” Charlie said. “Anyway, I just wanted to let you know why I’m going to be extra crazy for a while.”
“Are you eating okay?” Tao checked.
“And just generally looking after yourself?” Aled asked.
“Yes, I am still eating and looking after myself. But my head’s really full and I’m restless.”
“You’re in pining-mode right now,” Isaac observed. “You aren’t going to settle until Nick gets here.”
“Maybe…”
Just then, Nick himself walked into TICAE, looking gorgeous in his black t-shirt and tan chinos. When he spotted Charlie, his face lit up with sparkly eyes, rosy cheeks and a sweet grin, and Charlie felt himself light up too.
“Guys, we’re gonna go,” murmured Charlie, unable to stop smiling back at Nick who was striding in their direction. “Thanks for the chat.”
“Okay, call us later,” Tao said.
“Bye!” Aled added, before hanging up.
Charlie stood up and brushed down his suit as Nick approached. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Charlie was greeted by a waft of Nick’s delicious mulled wine scent.
“Hey Nick,” Isaac said.
“Hey.” Nick didn’t take his eyes off Charlie though. “Are you all right?”
“He’s better now you’re here,” Isaac replied. “See yous two later.” With a slight chuckle, he walked back towards the exhibition hall.
“Yeah, bye,” Charlie said after him, but was caught in Nick’s gaze.
“I, uh, finished the list, boss,” Nick murmured in a husky voice. “Do you want me to go over things with you now or later?”
“Now,” Charlie said. “I’ve got no concentration for the exhibits right now.” He finally broke from Nick’s gaze and looked around. “Is there somewhere more private near here that we could go?”
“There’s that little lake we passed on the way into the centre,” Nick suggested. “We could go for a walk?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
They headed out of the door Nick had just entered through and along a busy road for a couple of minutes before ending up at a bit of parkland by a lake.
“This is pretty,” Charlie said, “smaller than the park we were in yesterday.”
“It is,” Nick agreed. He pointed at a bench opposite the water, shaded by a large oak tree. “There?”
“Sure.”
Charlie followed Nick to the bench but didn’t sit down straight away, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he debated how honest to be.
“Is this not okay?” Nick asked. “We can go elsewhere.”
“It’s fine, I just...” Charlie wrapped his arms around himself. “I’m tired and overstimulated and in danger of breaking ‘boss mode.’”
“Oh.” Nick moved so he was in front of Charlie. “You know that you don’t have to be in boss mode, right? You can just be Charlie.”
“But Charlie is a mess right now,” Charlie murmured. “I know we talked last night about staying platonic for the time being, and I completely agree, but now that I know for sure you like me back, all I can think about is being with you.”
“I know, darling, me too,” Nick whispered, stepping a little closer.
“Don’t call me that if you expect me to function at all,” Charlie said with a dry laugh. “It absolutely melts me.”
“What do you think ‘sweetheart’ does to me?” Nick replied with a small shake of his head. “I’m glad you gave me a list of things to do this morning.”
“See, ‘boss mode’ is helpful.”
“Okay, maybe,” Nick conceded. “How about this?” He glanced at his watch. “For the next few minutes, no ‘boss mode,’ and we’re just going to hug. Then we can get back to it.”
“I don’t think I could ever turn down the offer of a Nick Nelson Hug, boss mode or not,” Charlie said.
“Come here.” Nick’s voice was croaky as he placed his large hands around Charlie’s slim waist.
Charlie melted against Nick’s chest, then tucked his face into his neck, and couldn’t help but let out a tiny purr as Nick’s arms enveloped him and he was held tight. All the tiredness and stress and worry just melted away.
After a minute or two – Charlie couldn’t actually be sure – one of Nick's large hands stroked up Charlie’s back and lost itself in his thick, sable curls. Then Nick was the one letting out cute noises, a soft, low hum that made Charlie’s fingers and toes tingle.
“God, Nick...” Charlie groaned eventually. “I want more, sweetheart.”
“Me too, baby,” Nick mumbled, and Charlie felt a whisper-brush of lips against his temple. “I’m going to get the crap in my head sorted, I promise, and then I’ll be yours.”
“’Baby?’” Charlie said.
Nick’s arms around Charlie tensed, and he tried to step back but Charlie didn’t let him, wrapping his arms around Nick’s shoulders and bringing one of his legs between Nick’s.
“Char, I’m sorry, it just slipped out...”
“’Char?’”
“Oh, bloody hell!” Nick exclaimed.
Charlie burst into peals of laughter, and a second later, Nick joined him.
“Oh my God, Nick!”
“God, why am I so embarrassing?” Nick adjusted his position so he could bury his face in Charlie’s shoulder.
“I think we both are,” Charlie said, stepping back slightly so he could stroke the back of Nick’s head. “God, I want to kiss you so bad right now,” he added.
“Me too, but we’d be starting something we can’t finish here,” Nick replied.
“Totally,” Charlie agreed, then sighed. “We should get back to work,” he said, snapping back into boss mode.
“One more minute,” Nick said, clinging on. “Please, Charlie, Char, baby, darling… whatever you want me to call you.”
“And I thought I was going to be the clingy one!” Charlie giggled. “All of those names are good, but…” Charlie tilted his head so he was whispering in Nick’s ear. “I think ’baby’ is best saved for the bedroom.”
Nick raised his head and his face was overtaken by a wicked grin. “Good to know.”
“Come on, sweetheart,” Charlie said. “We’ve got a contract to win.”
“Ahh, boss mode is back.” Nick reluctantly let go of Charlie but immediately took hold of his hand instead. “Bench?”
“Yes.” Charlie allowed himself to be led to the bench, and took a seat. “So how was Marie Martins?”
“Good,” Nick replied, “she basically said that the Walters are looking for a family firm because family is very important to them.”
“That’s good to know,” Charlie said, leaning back against the back of the bench. Nick leaned back with him.
“Is Mary Reed a family firm?” Nick asked.
“Yes it is,” Charlie replied with chagrin. “Mary’s obviously the boss, but her son and daughter from her first marriage work there as an architect and office manager, and her younger brother is their BIM lead.”
“What happened to her first husband?”
“He died in a car accident when Mary was in her forties,” Charlie replied. “Obviously we don’t have a generational thing going on, so how can we show that, even though we’re not related, we’re like a family at SXL?”
“It’s a found family,” Nick said simply. “And your actual sister and cousin are catering. Maybe they should be at the dinner party at the farmhouse, not just serving.”
“And Tao and Elle, Aled and Dan and Isaac, too,” Charlie realised. He cuddled against Nick’s side. “Thanks, Nick.”
“You’re welcome, boss.” Nick covered Charlie’s hand, and Charlie rested his head on Nick’s shoulder.
“Did the hotel have another room for you tonight?” Charlie asked. Nick didn’t reply straight away and Charlie lifted his head. “Nick?”
“I-I didn’t ask before I left,” Nick blurted. “Sorry, Charlie! I was going to, but I kept remembering how nice it was waking up with you and when I got to the desk, I ended up asking for coffee pods instead.”
“That’s okay,” Charlie replied, thinking of Isaac’s offer. The thought of Nick sleeping in a different room made his head and heart ache. “Pillow wall, then?”
“I guess so.” Nick picked up Charlie’s hand and kissed his knuckles.
--
Nick didn’t understand most of their presentations, but he could tell from Charlie’s proud expression that Aleena and Connor had done well. Charlie was exhausted though and Nick just wanted to pick him up and carry him home straight after. However, as it was the last day of TICAE, and the team were not going to the event’s formal dinner-dance that evening, Charlie elected to stay for the final networking session. The team also finished compiling their list of potential projects for the following year.
“I can’t wait to go for a swim, then eat my bodyweight in food,” Connor said as their taxi trundled away from the convention centre. They had just waved Judy off to the airport; she was returning to Bath early because her daughter was performing in her school concert. “TICAE has been great, but it’s a lot to take in.”
“One hundred percent,” agreed Aleena. “What are your plans for dinner, by the way? There’s supposed to be a great street food market not far from here.”
“Yeah, I’d be up for that,” agreed Connor.
“Room service and a book for me,” Isaac replied straight away. “I have socialised more in the past three days than I did all last month, loves.”
“I’m afraid I’ve got to pass, too,” Charlie said, yawning slightly. “Lots of emails to catch up on that can’t wait ‘til next week.”
“Nick?” asked Connor. “Street food and some beers?”
Nick shook his head. There was no way he was going to pass up any opportunity for alone-time with Charlie.
“Sorry, mate, but when Charlie’s busy, I am too,” he said, raising his hands in apology.
“Ahh, no problem.”
Connor glanced at Aleena and a small smile lifted at the corner of his mouth; Nick suspected that he was happy to have time with her by himself.
The hotel was noticeably quieter upon their return, and beside him, Nick saw the slight dip in Charlie’s shoulders, relaxing as they walked through the quiet lobby. They made it back to the hotel suite and as soon as the door to the outside world was shut, Charlie was in Nick’s arms.
“This okay?” he mumbled against Nick’s collarbone. “I don’t know... I feel like your hugs give me peace.”
“Me too,” Nick replied. “Anytime we touch, really.”
“Yeah,” Charlie agreed, moving his hands from Nick’s chest and winding his arms around his neck. “Holding your hand always makes me feel safe.”
Nick leaned down and touched his forehead to Charlie’s.
“Feels like... recharging,” he whispered.
“I like that,” Charlie murmured back. “Recharging. That’s what we’re doing right now.”
Nick wasn’t sure how long they stood like that, but after some time, Charlie’s breathing slowed and his lean body sagged against Nick.
“Charlie, are you falling asleep?”
“Mmm... maybe,” Charlie’s voice was definitely sleepy.
“Okay, darling.”
Nick lifted Charlie off his feet, scooped an arm under his knees and carried him to the bed, before placing him down gently. He pulled off his shoes and jacket, then covered him with the throw at the end of the bed.
“Sorry,” Charlie mumbled as he turned onto his side. He opened one eye. “So tired.”
“You didn’t sleep last night, Char,” Nick replied. “No sorries for being shattered now.”
“I want you to shatter me,” Charlie whispered, “nothing else should make me this tired but you on top of me.”
Charlie’s unexpected words sent crackling sparks of arousal shooting through Nick.
“Charlie... what?”
But Charlie was now fully asleep.
Nick exited the bedroom, trying not to dwell on mental images of Charlie under him, spread open, ready to be filled... He decided to distract himself with work instead.
An hour later, Nick was getting bored of doing note-keeping reviews, and starting to get hungry. He was about to wake Charlie up when his personal inbox pinged with an email from his letting agent.
Dear Mr Nelson
As per the terms of your contract, the landlord reserved the right to re-advertise for new tenants or sell the property you currently occupy, if rental arrears are more than sixty days outstanding. We relayed your mitigating circumstances, including your commitment to a debt repayment plan and changes to your income, to the landlord. However, they have sold the property privately and this sale is expected to go through by the end of August. Therefore, we regret to inform you that you have two months from today to vacate the property.
If we can be of any assistance in helping you search for a new home, please do not hesitate to contact us ...
Nick’s eyes filled with tears at the realisation that despite now having the means to pay off his debts completely in just a few weeks, he would have to leave his home. Just then he heard noises from the bedroom; Charlie was getting up.
He quickly dried his tears, shut his laptop, grabbed some joggers and a t-shirt from his case and ran into the bathroom. When he emerged after a punishingly hot shower, Charlie was sitting on the sofa. He was wearing his Foo Fighters t-shirt and a pair of baggy knee-length jersey shorts that made Nick want to dip his hand under the soft material to feel Charlie’s svelte thighs.
“Hey, did you have a good nap?”
Charlie nodded and patted the seat next to him. Nick dumped his clothes on top of his case and sat down.
“How are you?” Charlie asked. “You didn’t sleep much either last night.”
“It’s definitely catching up with me,” Nick replied, hoping Charlie would mistake his state for tiredness not stress. “Did you still want pizza or pasta tonight? There’s a place nearby that delivers if you don’t want to go out.”
“Delivery sounds good.” Charlie brought his knees up onto the sofa and curled against Nick’s side. “Is this okay?”
Nick lifted his arm and wrapped it around Charlie’s shoulders, then brought his other hand across Charlie’s legs before hugging him even closer.
“So okay.”
Charlie slowly stroked down Nick’s hard chest, grazed the hem of his t-shirt and ran his hand back up until he reached the collar.
Nick was mesmerised by Charlie’s finger travelling up and down.
“And this?” Charlie asked. “Is this okay, too?”
Nick’s eyes fluttered shut as the heat from Charlie’s touch penetrated through his thin top.
“You are seriously making me want to kiss you.”
“I want you to kiss me,” Charlie replied. “I want that so badly.” His eyes widened and he clapped his other hand over his mouth. “Oh Nick, I didn’t mean that to come across as pressure. We said we’re not ready and need to work through some stuff…”
“Charlie…” Nick murmured.
“I guess I’m so used to telling you what I need that I didn’t think…”
“Charlie.”
Charlie stopped rambling and looked up with such beautiful, deep blue eyes, that Nick knew he would be giving Charlie whatever he wanted or needed.
“Yeah?”
Nick tilted his head slightly and brought the hand that was resting on Charlie’s knee into Charlie’s curls before using his other to nudge Charlie even closer.
“You’re so beautiful, darling,” he mumbled. “Tell me what you want again?”
Nick heard Charlie gasp, and pushed his hand further into Charlie’s hair, glancing at his full, pink lips before rubbing his fingertips against Charlie’s scalp.
“K-kiss. I would like you to kiss me, please.”
“Yes.”
Nick’s eyes fluttered closed as he dipped his head. Charlie’s fingers migrated up to his chin and goosebumps lifted all the hairs on the back of Nick’s neck as he surrounded Charlie’s warm, plump mouth with his own.
Fireworks exploded behind his eyes and he was sure that somewhere he could hear angels singing, as he slid the tip of his tongue between Charlie’s lips and flicked it against the top of his mouth.
Charlie let out a high-pitched moan and tilted his head up, deepening their kiss, exploring the depths of Nick’s mouth with his tongue. They kissed back and forth, exchanging tongues for a while, until Nick felt Charlie start to wriggle against him. Realising that he was a hair’s breadth away from getting hard as nails, he reluctantly broke their magic kiss.
“You okay, Charlie?” he asked, breathless.
Charlie looked wild. His hair was sticking out in all directions and his eyes were slightly deranged and glassy; he had never looked hotter to Nick.
“That was epic,” he croaked. “Best kiss of my life.”
“Couldn’t agree more… that’s kind of why I stopped.” Nick glanced down at his crotch.
“Good call,” Charlie murmured, glancing at Nick’s crotch too. “I guess ‘boss mode’ is well and truly over.”
“For today, maybe,” Nick said. “It was helpful earlier.”
“Yeah…” Charlie let go of Nick’s chin and shuffled away a little. “What now though? I’m still all twisted up with stuff Ben threw at me, and I’m guessing you’re the same with the things Jared said?”
“Yeah,” Nick agreed. “But it doesn’t feel like we can go back to being just friends and colleagues either, not after that kiss.”
“Maybe we should just take it really slow,” Charlie suggested. “Like, old-fashioned, get to know each other properly outside of work.”
“Charlie Spring, do you want me to woo you? Courting?” Nick laughed.
“Yeah, why not?” Charlie giggled. “Look, a lot of the crap I have to deal with is bedroom stuff. Ben wrecked my confidence there, so it would be good if we took a while to build up to that.”
“Same,” Nick admitted. “But I want to be with you, Charlie.”
“I want to be with you too.”
Nick lightly held Charlie’s forearms and tugged gently. Charlie immediately moved to straddle his lap and Nick wrapped his arms around his slim waist.
“So we’re dating? Slowly?” Nick clarified. “What about sleeping arrangements tonight?”
“Berlin bonus? Sleep in the same bed tonight, just sleep, but when we’re home, we don’t stay over after dates?”
The word ‘home’ reminded Nick of his bad news. He didn’t want to think about that, not yet.
“Pillow wall?”
Charlie bit his lip coyly and shook his head.
“Just us. I don’t think the pillow wall will survive my cuddle-monster tendencies,” he said. “But you need to wear a t-shirt. Otherwise my hands will go wandering!”
“Haha, okay, it’s a deal.”
Charlie grinned and curled against Nick, tucking his face against his neck.
“Amazing,” he murmured.
Later that evening, after they shared a mushroom pizza and spaghetti arrabbiata from a local Italian place, Nick and Charlie climbed into the same bed, no pillow wall in sight. Nick lay on his back and Charlie cuddled against him, resting his head on Nick’s chest as he wrapped his slim arm over Nick’s waist.
“Is this okay?” Charlie asked, nuzzling against Nick’s pec with his nose.
Nick felt all the stress seep out of his weary bones and his eyes started to droop. He tightened his arms around Charlie.
“So okay, darling.”
-cXc-