Page 85 of Under Construction

"And now?"

"Now I think you might be changing the industry." Chris's dimples appear. "Don't let it go to your head."

The professional praise ignites a particular thrill Dennis hasn't felt since his first building rose from paper to reality.

Chris believing in his vision means more than any investor's approval—not that he'll ever admit it.

He's about to say something embarrassing when Jason bursts in.

"Inspection results!" He waves papers excitedly, then pauses. "Why does it smell like—"

"What did they say?" Dennis cuts in quickly.

Chris's shoulders shake with silent laughter.

"Passed everything." Jason's grin turns knowing. "Apparently our site manager's attention to detail really impressed them."

"Just doing my job." Chris slides off the desk, professional mask back in place. But his hand brushes Dennis’s shoulder as he passes. "Someone's got to keep our architect in line."

They celebrate that night at Chris's place, takeout containers scattered across his floor while they review the inspection notes.

"Look at this," Chris says, pointing to a comment. "Innovative use of sustainable materials demonstrates industry-leading potential.'" His voice carries genuine pride. "They're talking about you."

"Talking about us," Dennis corrects without thinking. "Couldn't have done it without you."

Chris goes quiet. When Dennis looks up, Chris is watching him with something soft in his eyes.

"What?"

"Nothing." Chris sets the papers aside. Pulls Dennis into his lap instead.

Dennis’s hands rest around Chris’s automatically, their fingers intertwining themselves.

"Just like hearing you say that."

"Say what?"

"Us."

Dennis turns to face him. His knees bracket Chris's thighs, takeout forgotten.

The word hangs between them—us—leaving questions Dennis doesn’t quite know how to answer.

"The inspector also said—" Dennis starts, mouth dry, trying to redirect.

"Shut up about work." Chris's hands slide under his shirt, calluses catching on smooth skin. "I want to focus on something else."

"Like what?"

"Like how you look when you're proving everyone wrong." Chris tips Dennis’s chin up with two fingers, tracing his nose along Dennis’s jaw until his lips find the hollow behind his ear. "All confident and competent. Makes me want to wreck you."

"Thought you wanted to support my genius," Dennis gasps as Chris’s fingers undo the top buttons of his shirt, easing the fabric off one shoulder.

Chris leans in, his lips brushing against the exposed skin before his teeth sink in, making Dennis hiss, and leaving a bite where it’ll stay hidden beneath tomorrow’s clothes.

"Supporting doesn't mean I can't mess you up a little." Chris's teeth graze his collarbone. "Especially when you get all authoritative in meetings."

"That turn you on? Me being bossy?"

---