Page 105 of Mr. Perfect
Felix smiled. “I love you.”
A shiver rolled through Jude’s body. “I love you too. So fucking much.” Jude fully joined their bodies with one deep thrust. Brushing his fingers over Felix’s cheekbones, he said, “You’re more important to me than any scoop. Your heart is more valuable than any award.”
“Jude,” Felix whispered thickly, as tears formed in his eyes.
“You’re my home, Ace. That’s what I should’ve told you all those years ago.”
Before Jude, Felix hadn’t realized a person could be a home. Now he understood. Once Jude started moving inside him, the time for talking ended. Felix communicated by touching and kissing. He held on to Jude as if the man were his lifeboat in a riptide of chaos, and they clung to one another afterward like shipwreck survivors washed up on the beach. Jude nuzzled his neck, sending warmth throughout Felix’s body.
“I could stay like this all day,” Jude whispered in his ear.
“Me too,” Felix said sleepily.
He debated calling in sick to catch up on sleep but decided to go in after all. It was unlikely he’d get any real rest until he made a decision on what to do about Spencer. When Felix wasn’t thinking about his article, he was wondering when the news about the family would break. And what about the subsequent raids and arrests at Mercy’s home and businesses, as well as those of his associates? It was better to keep his mind busy so he didn’t drive himself crazy. Like Jude had said, he’d know the right thing to do when the situation presented itself.
Felix refilled his travel mug in the break room before continuing to his office. The familiar sounds of a bustling newsroom eased his tiredness, and he was glad he’d decided to work. He was even happier when he saw an email from Darnell Cahill in his inbox.
Felix,
My family met with Jose Ramirez last night and began the process for a posthumous pardon for my father. I think my mother has a little crush on the gentleman, which I thought you’d find cute. Please don’t tell her I said so. Even though I spent two hours in his company, I still find it hard to believe a lawyer of his stature wants to help us. By us, I’m including you, Jonah, and Rocky. We consider the three of you as part of our family, which is why we have insisted Mr. Ramirez include the terrific trio, which we’ve dubbed you, in any public appearances his office sets up. Maybe you want to appear on camera, and perhaps you don’t. We wanted you and your podcast partners to have the opportunity to choose your level of involvement since none of this would be possible without you.
The truth is, I’ve become a cynical man over the years, and the current climate has done nothing to allay my concerns for my children’s future. But thenSinister in Savannahcomes along and reminds me that we do have allies. People really do care about injustice and suffering. As grateful as I am for all you’ve done to restore my family’s name, I appreciate my rejuvenated faith most of all.
My mom’s birthday is in September, and we’d love for the three of you to attend her birthday celebration. I’ll send information once we have everything set up.
Our regards,
The Cahill Family
Felix blinked to clear the moisture gathering in his eyes. Then he reread Darnell’s message and didn’t bother to fight off his tears the second time through. He forwarded the email to Rocky and Jonah before replying to Darnell, thanking him for the update and the birthday invitation.
“Oh,” Jimmy said from the doorway. “Maybe I should come back later.”
Felix snapped his head up to meet his gaze. He rubbed his hands over his face and sniffed. “What’s up, Jimmy?”
The reporter lifted a sheet of paper. “I was just going to turn in my boot camp assignment.”
Felix quirked a brow and waved him into the room. Jimmy took a seat and Felix smiled when he noticed the young reporter’s improved posture. “You could’ve emailed it to me.”
Jimmy’s chin notched a degree higher. “I could have, but it would’ve defeated the purpose of the exercise. You wanted me to write my observations and feelings about my first boot camp lesson to build my confidence and also toughen my skin a bit, right?”
“Yes.”
Jimmy nodded. “I’m delivering the assignment in person so I can gauge your reaction as you read it.”
Felix figuratively tipped his hat to the man. “That’s a bold move.”
“It is,” Jimmy agreed. “I can come back later if this is a bad time. Looks like seasonal allergies are giving you fits.”
Felix appreciated the out but wouldn’t take it. “The red, puffy eyes are from lack of sleep, and the tears are from reading a touching email.” He held out his hand for the assignment, and Jimmy gave it to him. Felix studied the man over the top of the page for a few seconds before dropping his gaze to the document. He’d titled it: The Reluctant Mentor vs. the People Pleaser.
There was something I admired about Felix Franklin from the moment I met him, which says a lot because he’s as prickly as a cactus at times, as sly as a fox, and more perceptive than any one person should be. It’s an intimidating combination he wields like Thor’s hammer. He pulls no punches, gives no fucks, and demands the best from everyone in his purview. I always know where I stand with him. No false pleasantries and insincere platitudes. Some might find it caustic, but I find it refreshing.
You see, this man told me I’ve been coddled too long, and he was right. I was a sickly child, so my mother and grandmother overcompensated when I couldn’t do things other children could. As I grew older, I got physically stronger but weakened emotionally, feeling as if I couldn’t do or say anything without getting their approval. Don’t get me wrong, these wonderful women meant well, but sometimes children need to fall and get a little bruised and banged up. It’s how we learn and grow bolder with each success and failure.
What happens when we don’t get back on the bike after falling? We never learn the exhilarating pleasure of soaring down a hill on a warm sunny day. If left up to my mother and grandmother, I never would’ve ridden a bike after the first tumble, and I never would’ve experienced the rush firsthand. Of course, I wouldn’t have broken my arm in two places, either. You know what? It made me stronger. I just didn’t realize it until now.
Felix might be reluctant about mentoring me, but I have no doubt he’s the right person for the job. His style of coaching is direct but not cruel. He is patient when it’s warranted and reminds you he doesn’t have time for your bullshit when it’s not. He is both hard to please and generous with his praise. I thought those things were mutually exclusive, but they’re not.