TJ

 

 

Should we run? Should we try to hide it? Should we pretend nothing was going on?

Some of them whisper to each other, others grin like crazy, and some just seem unimpressed.

Beau slides up from the side and nudges me. “Dude …”

“What?” I say. “We were just taking a piss. It’s a unisex toilet.”

“Uh-huh …” He winks, and then he speaks out loud. “Everybody knows.”

“What?” Lesley’s eyes widen, and her fingers quickly unravel from mine.

And suddenly, everyone begins to cheer.

Like out loud and with clapping.

I have no idea what’s going on.

“Fuck, yeah!” one of the co-workers yells.

“Way to go, TJ!” another one yells.

To the left, two exchange fist bumps, and to the right, one gives money to another. They actually bet on when we’d be having sex. Seriously.

“You’re not kidding,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“No, obviously,” Beau says, sighing. “Honey, we’re not blind. Everybody knew what was going on between you two. We could see it from a mile away. You two sneaking off, looking at each other like two damn lovebirds. It was sickening!” He rolls his eyes, making me laugh.

“And here I was thinking we could keep this a secret,” I say, gazing at Lesley.

“Honey, don’t worry,” Beau says, patting me on the shoulder. “We’re all just happy you finally found each other.”

“Fucking finally!” one of the co-workers shouts, making us all laugh.

“But … you all know he’s my boss. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to get a raise or something,” Lesley says.

“Of course not,” Beau says. “We all knew from day one you two were going to end up together.”

Lesley frowns. “How?” And she looks at me like I have the answers.

I shrug. “He’s a magician.”

Beau laughs. “Damn right, I am. But I’m not the only one who noticed.” He glances at Gillian and the others.

“We were all rooting for you.” Gillian smiles. “Although, I was quite worried at times.” She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Which was unfounded, of course.” I guess she’s trying to make up to Lesley.

“Thanks,” Lesley says.

“But still, I kinda messed up …” I say, clearing my throat. “Who here saw that newspaper?” I ask the room.

Everybody raises their hand.

I close my eyes and sigh.

“Don’t worry about it.” Beau places his hand on my arm. “We don’t care. We already knew you were a pervert.”

“Thanks,” I say, snorting.

“You’re welcome.” Beau winks, making me roll my eyes. “But anyway, stop worrying about it.”

“I still need to say this to everyone,” I say, raising my voice so everyone can hear. “I just want to apologize for what I’ve done. I put you all in a bad position, and that was never my intention. Everything that article said was a lie except for the panty hoarding.”

Gasps echo through the room.

Lesley entwines her hand with mine again, and it gives me the courage I need to continue.

“Yes, I bought panties. No, I didn’t steal them. I got them legitimately. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve got needs.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Lesley adds, smiling at me.

I continue. “But I’m not a bad guy. I’m just a guy who’s trying to make his pops proud. Who’s trying to continue where he left off. To make this company the best there is. To make our customers as happy as they can be. And to keep you, my employees, happy.”

Everyone’s quiet now, and I know I’ve been talking for a while now, but it does feel odd. Like I’m on a podium finally revealing my true self.

“However, hoarding panties has nothing to do with that. My private life and business do not affect this company, and they won’t. Ever. I almost lost this company today, but it’s thanks to her that I get to stay here and help you achieve the best you can,” I say, swallowing away the lump in my throat. “And I’m not ashamed to admit that I love her.” I gaze into her eyes as I say this. “I love this woman more than anything.”

The blush on her face makes me feel like I’m capable of anything, and I don’t stop. I need to get it all out there. So I direct my attention back to my employees. “And if any of you have a problem with that, you can tell me now.”

It’s quiet for a second. Too quiet. And in it, I find the acknowledgement I’ve been looking for all this time.

“It’s okay if you’re against it. Because I know she is my intern, and that it might not seem kosher.”

Still, no one says a word.

“But I love this woman, and nothing will change that. And if you would prefer for me to resign, then please let me know, and I’ll do it.”

“What are you doing?” Lesley whispers.

“Just let me do this,” I whisper back, waiting for anyone to speak up.

“I don’t think it matters, TJ,” Beau says. “Everyone already knew, and they’re fine with it.”

“Yeah, what are you talking about, TJ? We already knew you were a perv. No need to shout it from the rooftops,” one of them says, and they all laugh.

“So … you’re all okay with this? With us?” I point at Lesley.

“Sure,” Gillian says. “As long as you’re being safe.”

“And just as long as you don’t start sexing up the work floor,” another one says, and that even made me laugh.

“We won’t,” Lesley says, licking her lips while her face turns even redder.

“Great. All settled then?” Beau says, folding his arms.

I wrap my arm around Lesley’s shoulder and pull her closer. “Well, I’m happy you all took it so well.”

“Could’ve gone worse,” Lesley says.

“But don’t get all sappy around us, okay?” Beau cringes.

“Right.” I release Lesley again and hold up my hands. “Okay, show’s over, everyone! Back to work.”

As I try to walk off, a hand smacks my ass, and I turn around to see Lesley giggling.

“Sorry, couldn’t help it.”

“You just had to do it, didn’t you?”

“Obviously, since we’re now officially a couple.”

I raise a brow and turn around to face her again, and I grab her chin. “Oh, really? So I get to call you my girlfriend now in front of everyone? Officially?”

“Only if you don’t embarrass me. Because if you do, I will pretend I don’t know you.”

“What? You mean I embarrass you?” I joke, and I’m just about ready to moon the fuck out of everyone here, but Lesley’s hand on the waist of my pants stop me from doing just that.

“Showing my ass to the world. Now that would be embarrassing, wouldn’t it?”

“Not like you haven’t done worse,” she quips, making me grin.

“Fine, I’m a bastard. Sue me.” I pull her close.

“Maybe I will … Mr. Panty-snatcher.” Her hand dives into my pocket, and I’m barely able to keep her from grabbing my cock along with her panties.

She quickly tucks them away before I can grasp them. “You know what happens when you don’t give those back, right?”

“Do tell,” she taunts. “Because I think you’ve stolen enough of my panties for now.”

“Oh, no, I’m not even close to being finished with hoarding your panties yet,” I murmur. “And I will get them from you …”

She narrows her eyes. “You can try.”

I get up close and in her personal space, grinning like the motherfucker I am. “Oh, gladly.”

“Get a room!” Beau yells from behind his desk.

“Yes, please!” Gillian adds. “I’ve heard and seen too much already.”

We both burst out into laughter … and afterward, I lock my mouth with hers, finally claiming her for real.