His CEO's Hired Boyfriend

Ch. 7: Loopholes

Clark's POV

I lost myself in the moment of guiding Elias.

Calling him "love" was nothing but a slip of the tongue. I'm sure he wasn't expecting to hear that, which is probably what made him trip up and find himself in my arms.

Now I can't tear my gaze away from his parted lips.

The urge to kiss him is overwhelming, the need threatening to consume every atom in my body. Damn the rules. I want him. I want to kiss him.

And I think he wants me to do it, too.

How else am I supposed to interpret it as he licks his lips for a second time? Hell, professionalism flew out of the window when he started to fall. I ran quicker than I ever did before in my life just to save him because a part of me didn't want to see him get hurt.

Besides, we're faking it as a couple, right? It wouldn't be unusual for me to kiss my partner after saving him from what could've been a nasty fall. It's a natural reaction. I bet Emily and David would do the same if they were in our shoes.

"Clark..." Elias' grip tightens on my arms.

"I know," I whisper back. I feel it, too.

I swear I see my own desire mirrored in his pretty brown eyes. His breathing quickens, a sign I take as positive, and I lean in closer because fuck it. I'm going to kiss him. His eyes flutter shut, mouth ready and waiting. He would've pushed me away by now if he didn't want me to do it.

"Ahem."

The sound of Raye, our overly energetic workshop host, clearing her throat makes Elias and I spring apart like we've been doused in a bucket of ice water. The spell is officially broken.

"Thank you, Clark and Elias, for that, uh, wonderful demonstration," she says, her face flushed. "Okay! Let's, um, let's all get back on track, shall we?"

I can't help but roll my eyes. Elias looks equally flustered, his cheeks darkening in color as he reverts to avoiding my gaze.

Great. We're back to that again.

As the workshop continues, I find it nearly impossible to concentrate on Emily and David as they poorly make their way through the course. Their communication is shit compared to me and Elias. Not that I really give a damn about that right now because my mind keeps replaying that failed kiss. I can't get over the sultry look on Elias' face as he waited for me to make the move.

The way his lips parted slightly in invitation was enough to send blood rushing to my lower half. But how he feels right now at this moment, I can't tell. I just hope he doesn't have any regrets.

I've never been this impulsive with anyone before. What the fuck has gotten into me?

I clench my fists by my side, trying again to regain control of my thoughts and emotions. This is a business arrangement. A business arrangement.

A business arrangement...maybe if I say it enough times, I'll start to act more with the head on my shoulders versus the between my legs.

I can't let my attraction to Elias fuck up my plans. I tell myself that over and over, but even as I refocus on the workshop, I still can't shake the feeling that I need more from my partner. Another touch, a proper taste. I glance at Elias. Our eyes meet, and the air between us once again crackles with the desire we both want to confront but can't.

This is a business arrangement. A business arrangement. A business arrangement...

When the workshop eventually ends, everyone heads inside the main building. Emily and David are up ahead chatting and laughing, but Elias and I remain quiet, lost in our own heads.