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Coury got it. Glover was good-looking and a world-renowned paleontologist. That’s what Liam found attractive.
Coury was a dinosaur with a walnut-sized brain by comparison. The way Professor Glover commanded Liam’s attention like this . . .
Liam wanted to thank Glover. He didn’t say as much, but the way he wriggled on the edge of his seat said everything.
Coury wanted to zip up the aisle before someone asked him a question. Maybe if he used the bathroom while Liam waited, they’d be done when he got back?
The clapping trailed off and he reached back for the program on the chair. When he turned again, Glover was walking their way.
His stomach dropped an inch.
Glover smiled and gave Coury a nod before facing Bright Eyes. “I see you had company in the front row, Percy.”
A laugh. “It took a bit of getting used to.”
Glover turned his gaze on Coury. “Nice to see you, Mr. Henderson. I shouldn’t be surprised that one of the handful of students who got an A on today’s quiz would attend.”
“What?” Coury looked at Liam, whose smile widened. “I did?”
“You very much did,” Glover said. “Well done.”
“Actually, Liam helped me study. I would’ve failed without him.”
“Oh?” Glover smiled at Liam. “Callaghan Glover, pleasure to meet you.”
“Um, Liam Wright, sir. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Percy smirked at his husband. “It appears that Liam is the real fan. Although his boyfriend is taking your class.”
“Boyfriend?” Liam and Coury said at the same time.
“No, Liam’s not my boyfriend. He’s way out of my league.” The attempt at self-deprecating humor landed like an anchor. “But he’s a really great friend—he’s tutoring me so I’ll pass.”
Percy crooked his head curiously. “Huh. Terribly sorry.”
Glover patted his husband’s shoulder; the look he shared with Percy promised he’d have fun teasing him about this later.
Glover’s lips hitched briefly, then he addressed Liam. “Boyfriend or really great friend, you must know the material if you were able to help Coury do so well.”
If they’d been home, Coury would have whooped at the top of his lungs.
“I don’t know about that, sir. But I really love the subject.”
Coury bumped his shoulder against Liam’s. “And he knows how to teach even a Neanderthal like me.”
Liam blushed again. “He’s being a goof. Teaching him was easy.”
Glover stared at Liam for a second, and then smiled. “Well, Mr. Wright, I’m taking applications for a research assistant if you’re interested.” He pulled out a business card from his coat pocket and handed it to Liam. “Email me your resume and I’ll set up an interview.”
Liam’s hand shook as he accepted the card. “Thank you, sir. I will.”
Liam’s smile was the best part of Coury’s night. He couldn’t wait to see his face if—when—he got the job.
Chapter Six
Liam
“You’ve got this,” Liam said. Coury didn’t need a tutor, he needed encouragement and a little help. “There isn’t much I can add to what you already know.”
“I doubt that. It’s your teaching that’s gotten me this far.”
“Actually, it’s your studying. I’m not sure why you think you won’t get this material. You’re doing great.”
“Maybe, but please don’t bail on me. We have another test and a paper due in four weeks. I need good grades before baseball starts.”
Baseball might be the reason Coury’s grades were below his true ability. “I promise I’ll keep working with you, but that’s enough for today.”
“Great. I’m studied out.” Coury shut his book. “How’d the interview with Glover go?”
Liam exhaled. “Good, I guess.”
“That’s not the resounding ‘hell yeah’ I expected.” Coury leaned back and stretched. “What happened?”
“Nothing bad. I just thought he was going to quiz me on how much I knew. He only asked a few questions about the subject matter. Then he started asking about school in general. What classes I’m taking, where I live, how I ended up with a Neanderthal for a friend.”
“I hope you told him I was your community service project.”
“Yep.” Liam grinned. “And I told him you were a really good friend who gave up a frat party to take me to the lecture.”
“Turns out the lecture was the better of the two options. Luke said the party sucked. Two people puked in the great room, and a fight broke out over a girl who was using the one guy to make her ex jealous.”
“The lecture for the win.” He held out his fist and Coury tapped it. “Glover said I was the last person he planned to interview. He’s making a decision this weekend.”
“Saved the best for last.” Coury smiled and flashed two thumbs up. “We’ll need to celebrate on Monday, won’t we?”
“If I get the job, for sure.”
“When you get it. Think positive, my incredibly brilliant friend.”
Friend. He’d said it a few times now. It made Liam feel light, like laughing a lot. “Right. We’ll celebrate Monday. Still up for a run?”
