Page 3 of Total Creative Control

Lewis blinked, thinking back on the comments he’d read this morning. “That… actually sort of makes sense.”

“You should see how much fanfic that group has produced, just based on that one episode,” Aaron added eagerly. “It’s probably the single biggest—”

“I never read fanfic,” Lewis interrupted flatly. “It’s practically piracy, not to mention being derivative rubbish.”

Aaron’s eyes widened at that. He opened his mouth as though to say something, then closed it again, perhaps thinking better of it.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then the door opened, and Sophie poked her head around the gap. “Me again. We do seem to be having a Wi-fi issue right now, though it’s just affecting this floor, which is super weird…” She made a face.

Lewis waved his hand. “It’s okay. I don’t need to set up that Twitter account anymore.”

For a moment, Sophie looked taken aback. She blinked. “It’s—you don’t?”

“No. Though, obviously, I will need to use my computer at some point, so maybe you could try and hurry IT along on getting this fixed?”

“I—that is—yes. Yes, absolutely.” She gave Lewis a blinding smile, then turned her gaze to Aaron. “I’ll pop back to check on you in a little while. In the meantime, I’ll leave login details for your PC on the desk outside and my direct line number, okay?”

“Uh, great, thanks,” Aaron said, watching her go.

The door clicked softly behind her.

“So, I assume you have all the relevant PA skills?” Lewis said.

Aaron turned back to face him. “Of course,” he said. “I’ve been doing this sort of temping for quite a while. On and off, while studying. I’m pretty good at fitting into new environments.”

“Good,” Lewis said. “That’s good. And you obviously know a lot aboutLeeches.”

Aaron grinned. He had a great smile, boyish and charming.

Undeniably, he was a very attractive guy.

Lewis frowned at that unbidden thought and said abruptly, “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”

“Of course not,” Aaron said, still smiling. “Fire away.”

Lewis cleared his throat. “Are you gay?”

Aaron blinked.

“I mean, you can tell me to fuck off, if you like,” Lewis went on quickly. “I’m pretty sure HR would have my balls for asking you, but I do have pretty good gaydar, and itisrelevant.”

“Relevant to what?” Aaron said faintly. “What does my being gay have to do with this—With anything?”

“So youaregay,” Lewis said. He nodded to himself, considering that, then added, curiously, “Do you find me attractive?”

Aaron gaped at him. “Oh my God,” he said. “Are you one of those blokes who think all gay men are panting after every straight guy they meet? Because I can tell you—”

Lewis waved his hand, cutting Aaron off. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m gay myself. No, I was asking because—”

“You’re gay?”

“Yes,” Lewis said, dragging the word out, amused by Aaron’s expression.

“So, wait, why were you asking me if…?” He trailed off, seeming baffled.

“It’s best to be clear from the outset about these things. Especially if you decide to stay on.”

“Whatthings?” Aaron blinked. “Wait, stay on? I only just got here. I was told this posting was just for this week.”