Nothing to Gain (Learning the Ropes #2) - E.M. Denning Page 0,37

the food court and a hotdog so big he thought he’d be full for a week. He used the mirror in the men’s room, which was thankfully deserted, to apply his lip gloss. He had time to swing by Brett’s work on the way back to campus without being late for his study group, and he wanted to surprise him.

By the time he arrived at the cafe, Linden felt convinced he’d been stupid for ever being afraid of this. No one cared that he wore a bit of lip gloss. And sure, they couldn’t see the bangles wrapped around his wrist because they were hidden under his hoodie, but Linden knew they were there.

Linden arrived at the cafe and slipped in through the door after a customer left. The cafe was warm, and blessedly not busy. Brett stood behind the counter and Linden watched for a moment, lost in the vision of Brett’s lean muscles in motion as he scrubbed at something behind the counter.

Linden let himself smile as he strolled up to the counter. “What’s a guy gotta do to get service around here?”

Brett’s head snapped up. “Hey. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“I’m a ninja.”

“French Vanilla?”

“Please, and a half dozen of those double chocolate cookies.” Linden couldn’t really afford them, but he was going to see Dante later, and lately that meant going to Zane’s. Not that Linden minded much. He hated being stuck in his dorm room too often. The bare space made him feel lonely. Call him clingy, but he needed to be around people.

“Are you in a hurry?” Brett asked as he whipped up Linden’s coffee.

“Not especially, why, do you have a break coming?”

“I do, actually.” Brett handed Linden his coffee, then used tongs and put six cookies in the bag. “Hey, Eric,” Brett called toward the employees only area. “I’m taking my fifteen.”

Eric came out from the back, and Brett disappeared. He appeared a moment later and motioned to Linden.

“Come sit in the break room with me.”

Linden did as Brett asked. If Eric minded, he didn’t say anything. Did he know Brett didn’t make him pay for the coffee or the cookies? The thought of Brett getting in trouble made his stomach clench.

The minute he was through the door marked employees only, Brett kissed him. Linden was so shocked he almost forgot to kiss him back. Before Linden could sink into the light-headed feeling that kissing Brett always gave him, Brett pulled away.

“You’re wearing lip gloss.” Brett kissed the corner of Linden’s mouth. “Looks pretty.”

The compliment hit Linden with a blast of warmth right to his heart. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Brett cupped Linden’s cheek and stole another kiss. “What brings you by today? I didn’t think I’d get to see you.”

Linden followed Brett over to the small table shoved out of the way into a corner. Two chairs sat tucked under the table, and Linden pulled one out for Brett. “I had time before my study group, so I hit the mall.” Linden reached into his pocket where he’d stashed his purchases instead of carrying a bag, and pulled out the small bottle of body spray. “I noticed yours was almost gone.”

“You’re going to spoil me.” Brett took the bottle with a half smile. “I’d put some on, but I don’t wear scents at work. But you’re very sweet.”

Linden loved the way Brett looked at him, like he was worth seeing, worth looking at. It made him want to blow off studying, and Dante, and everything else, and drag Brett home and lose himself in his mouth, his arms, his touch.

Linden cleared his throat and forced himself to get his mind out of the gutter. “I could come over later, after I visit Dante for a bit. You know, remind him I still exist. He’s been pretty wrapped up in his boyfriend.”

“Are you sure? We’re open late tonight and I know you have an early class.”

“I want to see you.” Linden’s pout was only a little exaggerated.

“I want to see you, too, but I don’t want you to run yourself down.”

“Sleep is for the weak.”

Brett scowled, and Linden rolled his eyes. Linden secretly loved how much Brett cared about little things, like how much sleep Linden got.

“Okay. I'll tell you what. I’ll go to study group and catch up with Dante, and if I’m tired, I’ll go home and I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch before your shift. Which, are you going to get in trouble for giving me free shit? I don’t want Eric to