but even sober he would have been overwhelmed. Maybe his existence in Chicago was kind of a grind, and maybe he’d been a little—well, a lot—lonely. But at least he’d possessed a predictable routine. Now in the space of only a few days, he’d learned that Romeo wasn’t an asshole and was, in fact, sweet and fun to hang out with. Teddy had gone hiking, sprained an ankle, failed to get out of an escape room, ridden in a Rolls Royce, eaten escargots, been to the top of the Space Needle, had tea with Joyce Alexander, and placed his and Romeo’s jobs in jeopardy. And, oh God, he’d kissed Romeo.
“Workplace romances are a bad idea,” he finally whispered, almost hoping Romeo had fallen asleep.
“I guess.”
“That won’t be an issue when I get us fired. Or if Reddyflora goes belly-up because of me.”
“You’re not—”
“And my pledge to give up romance in favor of work, that wouldn’t apply anymore either.”
With a sigh, Romeo rolled over to face Teddy and settle a warm hand on his bare shoulder. “Are you intending to fail tomorrow’s test?”
“No. Just trying to see the silver lining.”
Romeo replaced his palm with his lips and gave Teddy a dry little kiss. “Go to sleep, Teddy.”
“Can’t. Mind’s too swirly.”
Romeo’s answering chuckle warmed Teddy like an electric blanket on his soul. “Figures,” Romeo said. “Even your thought waves have interesting patterns.”
If only the patterns weren’t so confusing.
* * *
Teddy woke up too early, spent half an hour doing a gentle workout in the fitness center, and snagged coffee and bagels before returning to the room, where Romeo had just emerged from the bathroom. Droplets glistened on his skin, and he was wearing boxers again.
“How’s your head?” Romeo asked, taking his coffee cup with a smile.
“Fine. Two drinks get me wasted, but I don’t get hangovers.”
“Lucky!”
“I guess.”
Romeo strode to the closet and peered inside for a long moment before turning to make puppy dog eyes at Teddy. “Help.”
It wasn’t especially difficult to pick out an outfit among Romeo’s three new ones. Teddy suspected the request was more about making him feel useful than getting Romeo suitably attired, but he played along. Naturally, Romeo looked delicious in his new cashmere sweater, but he eyed the scarf doubtfully. “It’s not that cold outside.”
“Good, because that’s not going to keep you warm. It’s there for form, not function.” Teddy fussed with the silk folds around Romeo’s neck. “You didn’t protest yesterday when we bought it.”
“I guess I got...caught up in the moment.”
Teddy straightened a tassel. “If you don’t want to wear it, don’t. You look fantastic without it. But go see yourself in the mirror first.”
Romeo obediently crossed the room. He stood awkwardly in front of the mirror at first, but then his shoulders loosened and his expression relaxed. “I look good.”
“Duh. But do you feel good? The point of clothing shouldn’t be to impress other people; it’s to make you feel great.” He laughed self-consciously. “Sorry. You didn’t ask for a lecture.”
“I gave you one of Mama’s sayings last night, so that earns you a lecture in return. Tell me something, though—what made you choose this scarf for me?”
“It’s pretty.” After a pause, Teddy decided to reveal the whole truth. “It’s a little feminine, I think. Not something many men would wear. But on you...it emphasizes your broad shoulders and nice muscles and makes you appear brave and adventurous and unique.”
Romeo dropped his gaze to his feet. “I’m not any of those things.”
“I disagree. But more importantly—when you wear that scarf, do you feel brave and adventurous and unique?”
“I guess...yeah. I do.” Romeo straightened his stance and raised his gaze. “I really do.”
He kept the scarf on.
They met their driver promptly at nine, and this time Teddy recognized the route. They were returning to Joyce’s house. He wasn’t sure whether that was a good or bad thing, but at least outdoor activities had been ruled out. That was a decidedly good thing because it was raining steadily, leaving the world awash in grays and muted greens.
Joyce greeted them at the door and ushered them inside. As soon as Romeo took his coat off, she made a delighted cooing noise. “That scarf! It’s as if it were made for you, darling!”
“Teddy picked it out for me.”
She gave Teddy an approving nod. “Well done! I’m not sure it’s something I’d have been brave enough to try, but the two of you have pulled it off so well.”
Teddy basked a little in the praise—from Joyce Alexander!—as she