Page 21 of Not Dating Material

“I’ve heard that before.” He tilts his head, still looking at the screen. “It’s good, but it’s no sex fantasy.”

I eat my laugh and nudge him. “Go away, I’m working.”

Seven crosses to his desk and falls back into his chair. He’s got a three-screen setup, gaming chair, and his desk forms a large L. Ever since I set up my workstation in here, I’ve been curious about what he needs all that for.

He pulls his headphones on before I can ask.

Even with him working and me apparently working, I can’t stop throwing quick glances his way. His hands drum out the tune to whatever he’s listening to between typing, and every now and then, he’ll release a muffled laugh or scoff.

I could go and get my noise-canceling headphones as well, but I’m way too interested in whatever he’s doing. Watching him, without him knowing I’m watching him, is like an anthropological study. A Seven in the wild. Relaxed and open and … sexy. So sexy.

I shouldn’t interrupt. Obviously. He’s wearing headphones for a reason. But whatever he’s doing isn’t work. So would it really be rude to say something? To creep up on him and read over his shoulder?

I chew on my bottom lip for a moment before finding his social media profile and opening the chat box. If he’s busy, he can ignore me.

Me:

What are you doing over there?

Seven:

Are you messaging me from across the room?

Me:

Are you ignoring my question from across the room?

Seven:

Never you mind, Tiny.

Me:

Ah, so it’s something embarrassing?

Seven:

Well, it’s not tentacle porn so I didn’t think you’d be interested.

Me:

I’m beginning to suspect you’re the one with a thing for the strange appendages.

Seven:

I’m an open-minded guy.

Me:

I’ve noticed.

His loud laugh crosses the space between us.

Me:

My curiosity is hurting. You don’t want to hurt me, do you?

Seven:

---