Page 75 of Sliding into Love
North is staring at his hands, a small smile playing at his lips before he seems to remember where he is and schools his expression back to neutral.
Interesting.
"Where were we?" I ask, pretending I didn't just witness whatever that was.
"HR paperwork," North says, his voice slightly higher than before.
"Right." I pull up the employee onboarding portal on my computer. "Let me get you set up with an account. You'll be able to complete most of the forms online, but you'll need to come in tomorrow to finish the process and get your badge."
As I walk him through the next steps, I can't help but notice the way he keeps glancing toward the door, like he's hoping Gillies might come back. And the way his hand keeps moving to his phone in his pocket, like he's resisting the urge to… what? Look up more information about the player he just met?
I've seen this before. The instant attraction, the pull that's impossible to ignore. I'm living it myself with my little menace. Even when I tried to fight the feelings because I thought he’d still be an asshole, I couldn’t deny Kenny had my full attention.
But North has a lot on his plate right now. He has a brother to take care of, a new job to start, an entire life to rebuild. And Gillies, for all his charm and talent, is still figuring himself out too. He's focused on baseball, on being the best player he can be. I’ve not gotten the vibe he’s ready to settle into a serious relationship.
Still, I can't deny there was something there. Something potent and undeniable.
"All set," I tell North once we've finished the initial setup. "HR will send you an email with the next steps. Plan to be here tomorrow around ten. Should take about an hour to get everything finalized."
"I'll be here." He stands, extending his hand. "Thank you, Royce. Really. This means everything."
I shake his hand firmly. "Just do good work and take care of your brother. That's all the thanks I need."
He nods and heads toward the door but pauses in the threshold.
"That player. Gillies. Is he… I mean, does he…" He trails off, clearly unsure how to phrase what he wants to ask.
"He's a good guy. One of the best we have. Professional, dedicated, treats everyone with respect."
It's not exactly what North was asking, but it seems to satisfy him. He nods again and disappears into the hallway.
I sit back in my chair, pulling out my phone to text Kenneth.
Royce: Just hired North. Gave him the data analyst spot. He starts tomorrow.
Kenneth: That's great! I think he broke Gillies. He hasn’t stopped describing what North looks like. I don’t have the heart to tell him I walked North to our office.
Royce: You should have seen how they looked at each other. It was adorable.
Royce: I kind of hope something happens between them.
Kenneth: You're good at this, you know. The whole taking care of people thing.
I smile at my phone.
Royce: Learned from the best.
Kenneth: Your parents?
Royce: Them too. But I was thinking about you and all the little things you’ve done for me recently.
There's a longer pause before his response comes through.
Kenneth: Your Majesty, you can't say things like that when I'm supposed to be working.
Royce: Why not?
Kenneth: Because now all I can think about is coming down there and kissing you.
