Page 71 of Mercury Rising

“That’s good to hear,” Gavin said. “Now you can get back to what you do best.”

“Gavin!” Nick cut in.

“I meant his blogging or whatever it is you do. Sorry, it came out wrong.”

Mercury bristled at the tone that he was certain had come out exactly as intended. However, today Gavin’s jealousy would not dampen his mood. What he really wanted to do was jump into Nick’s lap and kiss those luscious lips as many times as possible.

“I like to think I have many talents, Gavin,” Mercury said when it appeared Nick wasn’t going to follow up on his annoyance at Gavin.

He took his seat and grabbed a logbook from the satisfyingly smaller pile. He had certainly made an impact on those.

As usual with Gavin in the room, a dismal atmosphere swirled around. Mercury had no intention of getting into an argument with him. That would mean Nick would have to get involved and it would be unfair to put him in that position.

After about fifteen minutes, there was a furore outside. It sounded like Olena and Anna were squabbling about something.

“Gavin. Go and see what’s going on, please. It’s a bloody madhouse today.”

“Sure.”

Gavin left the room, seemingly oblivious to the impact he’d had. Mercury breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed behind him.

“Are you okay?” Nick asked.

“Yeah. I’ve dealt with snarkier queens than him.”

Nick turned round. “You think he’s gay?”

“Oh please, he practically drools every time he’s in a room with you.”

Nick spun the chair that Mercury sat on so they faced each other.

“I don’t know what’s happened but I appear to be having quite the effect on men these days,” Nick said.

“Oh, Mr Campbell. You are incredibly potent.”

“I should have defended you better. I’m sorry.”

Mercury shook his head. “No, you shouldn’t. Us being together is blurring the lines of professionalism enough. I can handle him. Have no fear.”

Nick grinned. “You’re sexy when you’re fired up. Quickly, show me that ankle of yours. I’ve never seen it naked.”

With a chuckle, Mercury raised his trouser leg. “Pervert.”

Nick stroked Mercury’s skin. “Who knew I had an ankle fetish.”

“I’ll let you have a closer inspection later,” Mercury replied. “Are we still on for a wild night out tonight?”

Nick sat back. “Absolutely. You sure you want to go round here? I would think there are far more exciting places where you live.”

“Of course I do. Anyway, Mother is preparing a surprise party for some friends tomorrow. Oh, and we’re invited, by the way.”

Fear flashed in Nick’s eyes. “Both of us?”

Shit, is it too soon?

“Uh-huh,” Mercury said, carefully. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I can make an excuse.”

“I think it’s technically treason to let down a national treasure like Madeline Morrison.”