Before Hudson could protest, Elliot was out the door with his wash-kit in his hands.
He grunted.
Seven minutes later, Elliot returned. Hudson had to hand it to him—that was one quick shower.
Elliot crossed the room. Hudson grabbed the front of his T-shirt and pulled him down. He followed without resistance, which was new and significant. Hudson ran his hands up Elliot’s body and settled in his damp hair, drawing him in for a kiss.
When they were both breathless, they broke apart. Elliot’s forearms were bracketed on either side of Hudson’s head. “So… you watched me work.”
“I did.”
“And?”
“And, you had your serious face on.” Hudson’s hand found the hem of Elliot’s shirt. “I like your serious face.”
Elliot kissed his neck. “I always have my serious face on.”
“No, this is a specific one. The one where you’re three steps ahead of everyone.” He pulled the shirt over Elliot’s head. “It’s a good face.”
“You’ve been sitting in my room in the dark thinking about my face?”
“Among other things.”
“What other things?” Elliot asked in a low voice.
Hudson grinned. “Well. I was thinking—” Hudson slid his hands down Elliot’s back, feeling the shift of muscle “—that I’ve been very patient this week.”
Elliot snorted. “You’ve been the opposite of patient.”
“Professionally. I’ve been veryprofessionallypatient.” His hands reached Elliot’s boxer briefs. “Personally, I’ve been suffering.”
“Suffering,” Elliot said flatly.
“Tremendously.” Hudson slid a hand into Elliot’s briefs. “I think you should do something about that.”
“Is that right?”
“As my—” Hudson paused, fingers stilling deliberately on Elliot’s dick. “What do you call it? The person I’m doing. Repeatedly. We’re—” He gestured vaguely between them with his free hand.
Elliot narrowed his eyes.
“I’m only asking. What’s the word?”
“Hudson—”
“Because I really want to make sure I’m using the right terminology.” He resumed stroking Elliot with great innocence. “When I talk to Taylor for instance. What do I say we are?”
“This is not the time.”
“Seems like a great time to me.” He smirked up at Elliot.
“I’m not doing this here.”
“Okay.” Hudson pulled out his hand. Patiently waiting.
The silence stretched.
Elliot closed his eyes briefly. “You are genuinely the most?—”
