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I shrug. “What am I supposed to say?”
“Well, let’s start with your blush.” My cheeks heat again, and I sip my tea so I can look at something other than his all-too-knowing eyes. “Yes, that one. What’s that about?” He’s wearing a shit-eating grin, so I’m certain he already has a good idea.
Before I can answer, Tadhg steps into the kitchen. ‘How is Jocelin?’
‘He’s doing much better. It was a bit of a shock at first, but he’s past that and more curious about what really happened.’
‘So he’s on leave for now?’ I nod. ‘Well, hopefully he doesn’t lock himself in his loft. He should get out and keep himself busy.’
I rub my neck and feel my cheeks blazing. With my somewhat slow ASL, I manage to explain. ‘He’s not actually staying at his place. His parents came into town, so they’re staying there.’ Under the intensity of their expectant stares, I cave. ‘He’s staying with me while they’re in town.’
Tom frowns. ‘Why didn’t his parents just get a hotel room instead of making him find someplace to go?’
Tadhg gestures to get his attention. ‘I believe what Gunnar isn’t saying is that he and Jocelin have taken the next step in their relationship.’ He turns to face me, smirk firmly in place. ‘Right?’
Tom cocks an eyebrow at me, grinning wolfishly. ‘Oh, really? Not my place to tell you how to manage your days off, but if asked, I’d say that’s an excellent use of your free time. Explains the whole relaxed look about you, too.’ He turns to Tadhg. ‘Do you think he’s going to get anything done today? Or is he going to moon at his desk and be all distracted?’
‘Distracted would be my bet. And tired. Very tired.’ He turns to me. ‘Unless you two managed to get some sleep yesterday or last night?’
I clear my throat, unsure that Jocelin would like to be the topic of conversation like this. But I’m fully in the middle of it now, and the only way out is through. ‘As I’m sure you know, Jocelin let his parents know what happened at work, and his mother insisted on coming to visit.’
‘So sleepovers and meeting the parents.’ Tom winks. ‘Thingsaremoving along quickly.’
Tadhg leans against the counter and cocks an eyebrow. ‘And how did that go? Meeting the parents.’
I cover my embarrassment with my own smirk and look him right in the eyes. ‘Not too badly, considering the first time they knew I existed was when they discovered me wrapped around their son, both of us asleep and naked.’ That takes a lot of fingerspelling on my part, but I get my point across.
Tom throws his head back and laughs wildly. ‘No! God, Gunnar, you know how to make an impression!’
‘It all ended well, though. They insisted we go to dinner last night. Things started off a bit rocky, but I think it’s fine now. Jocelin’s father seems great, and I think he likes me. The best I can say about his mother is that I’m pretty sure she doesn’t hate me at this point.’
Quinn walks into the now crowded kitchen, a grin on his face. ‘I wondered where everyone had got to. Then I heard Tom’s laugh. What am I missing?’ He fills a coffee mug and hands it to Tadhg, then makes himself one.
‘Gunnar was just giving us some of the details about his days off.’ Tadhg’s eyes sparkle playfully over the rim of his cup.
‘Oh? I thought you were with Jocelin.’ It’s obvious the moment he catches on. ‘Oooh.’ Quinn blushes to the roots of his hair but grins impishly at me.
Laughing, Tom grabs my shoulder and squeezes. ‘I think we’ve embarrassed Gunnar enough for one morning. We probably should all get to work.’
I give him a grateful look and hurry back to my desk. I’m just opening my current project when Tadhg wanders over and places a hand on my shoulder. ‘Thank you for taking care of him.’
‘Thank you for letting me.’ Remembering how devastated Jocelin had been makes me frown. ‘He needed someone there. I’m glad it could be me.’
‘I am too. And I’m happy you’ve hit it off. I know you both, and you are a perfect match. I should have thought of it myself. But you’re together now.’ Tadhg pins me with a penetrating look, and slows his signs even more, so I understand what he’s telling me. ‘If you hurt him, I’ll take it very personally. I understand not everything will be smooth sailing. But he’s a close friend, and a real sweetheart. If you break his heart, we’re going to have a problem. Understand?’
I nod. ‘Yes. Understood.’
Tadhg pats my shoulder. ‘Good man. So, he’s staying at your house until his parents leave?’
I fidget under Tadhg’s knowing smirk. ‘Yeah. Any chance I can work from home this afternoon? I’m not sure how comfortable Jocelin will be by himself all day in my house, when we haven’t really spent a whole lot of time there.’
He doesn’t hide his grin. ‘Sure. Not a problem. If I need you, I know where to find you.Tryto get some work done this afternoon, though.’ He winks at me and walks into his office.
Only slightly embarrassed now, I take out my phone and send Jocelin a text.
Me: Got the OK to work from home this pm
Me:See u around 1?
