Page 73 of Sliding into Love
Lovers,absolutely.
Something more than either of those labels but not quite ready to put a name to it yet.
A week of stolen kisses in empty hallways, of Kenny falling asleep on my couch while I work late, of learning exactly how he takes his coffee (two sugars, splash of cream, but he'd drink hot chocolate every morning if I let him). A week of falling deeper into a balance that simultaneously terrifies and exhilarates me. A week since I pretended not to know about his injury just so I could get his side of the story, a moment I couldn’t pass up since I want to know everything about him.
It’s an addiction at this point.
"Your Majesty?"
I look up to find Kenny leaning against my office doorframe, a familiar sight that still makes my heart do a stupid little flip. He's in a navy suit today, tie slightly loosened because it'salmost lunch, and he always loosens his tie around this time. I've learned his patterns, his habits, the small details that make him who he is.
"Yes, Little Menace?"
"North is here to see you. I think he wants to take the job offer." He steps further into the office, his expression carefully blank.
I suspected he’d show up. To be fair, I didn’t think it would take this long.
"Send him in," I say, straightening the papers on my desk and switching into professional mode.
Kenneth nods, then pauses. "You want me to stick around?”
It's a simple question, but the consideration behind it makes my chest warm. He's asking if I need backup, if I want his support, without making assumptions about what I can handle on my own. He’s been doing this more since the game.
"I've got this," I tell him. "But thank you for asking."
He gives me a soft smile—the one he reserves just for me—and disappears back into the hallway. A moment later, a familiar young man appears in the doorway.
North is tall and broad, with the same sharp features as his brother but without Tollide's easy confidence. He looks tired, has dark circles under his eyes, and his clothes are clean but worn jeans and a button-down that's seen better days. There's a fragility about him, like he's holding himself together through sheer force of will.
"Hello Mr.—err, I’m not sure what to say actually?" he says, his voice uncertain.
"Royce is fine." I stand, gesturing to one of the chairs across from my desk. "Have a seat, North. Can I get you anything? Water, coffee?"
He sits carefully, as if he's afraid he might break the furniture. His hands fidget in his lap. "No, thank you. Iappreciate you seeing me without an appointment. I know you must be busy."
"It's fine. Kenny said you're here to talk about the job offer?" I settle back into my chair, keeping my posture open and non-threatening. This man is nervous enough without me adding to it.
"Yes, please." He takes a breath, steeling himself. "I need a flexible schedule. Something that will let me take care of my brother."
"How is he doing?"
"Better. Physically, anyway. The doctors say he's healing well after the surgeries, but…" North's jaw tightens. "He needs help. With everything. Physical therapy appointments, follow-ups, just getting around the house. I'm all he's got right now, and my current job—well, they're not exactly understanding about me needing time off. They’ve already been pissed that I've been gone for this long."
I nod, already running through options in my mind. We have several positions that could work, depending on his skills and availability.
"Remind me of your background? Education, previous work experience?"
"I have a bachelor's degree in business," he says. "I've been doing data entry for the past several years, but like I said, they won't work with me on taking the time off I need anymore."
"So you’d say your computer skills are pretty good?"
"Proficient in Microsoft Office, some experience with database management. I’m good with all the basic programs, plus I'm a fast learner."
I pull up our current openings on my computer, scanning through the list even though I already have an idea of where I want him. "We have a few options that might work. There's a part-time position in our ticket office—primarily data entry andcustomer service, flexible scheduling. The pay is decent, and the hours can be arranged around your brother's appointments."
North leans forward slightly, hope flickering in his eyes.
"I also have an alternative depending on how much sports knowledge you have," I continue. "This would be more varied work that involves analyzing plays and evaluating data sets with the coaches and players to help us play at our best level."
