Steele walked inside the bullpen, making a turn towards their department, opting out of lunch with Ruxs and Green.
“You don’t want a burger, man?” Ruxs said, walking in the other direction.
“No, you guys go ahead. I’m still too traumatized from the Burger King incident.” Steele winked.
“Yeah, whatever.” Green waved him off. “See ya.”
No one was in their office when he walked through the double doors. Looking over Tech’s area, he saw his screens still on and a half-eaten container of yogurt and a few apple slices on a napkin. He turned in the direction of the equipment room, seeing the door was cracked. His balls tightened at the thought of what he and Tech had done last night. He wished Tech had made more noise, but the way he cried out his name when he orgasmed was forever branded in his mind.
When he walked inside, Tech was sitting hunched over a long spreadsheet, chewing on the end of an ink pen, his full concentration on the document. Steele didn’t want to scare him again so he—
“Good afternoon, detective,” Tech said in that soft bass that Steele was growing quite fond of, while still staring at his documents. He liked that Tech was picking up on his presence now.
“Hey. How’s it going?” Steele stood behind him, waiting to be acknowledged.
“Fine.”
Steele twisted his mouth in confusion. Was Tech still pissed at him? “About yesterday. I really am sorry. It was… that was stupid and childish. My ego took a hit, that’s all, and I reacted like an ass.”
“I liked your apology last night a lot better.” Tech smiled, finally turning around. Steele took his time looking his desire up and down, taking in the ivory skin contrasted by those jet-black glasses. He wore all black today, making his beauty glow even brighter. Those pink lips that he knew were as soft as cotton. His pants were corduroy and slim-fitted, but not too tight. The black 9mm and gold badge on his side added an air of danger to his sexy nerd. Tech was a fantasy out of every geek’s dreams. He wondered how the hell he’d get anywhere with him. Steele wasn’t dumb, by any means, but he wouldn’t say he was a genius. He had street smarts, survival instincts; he hoped that meant something to a man as brilliant as Detective Shawn Murphy. Because together, he thought they’d make one helluva team, especially after last night. He couldn’t remember being that hard or coming so fast.
“Stop looking at me like that,” Tech said, trying to cover his bashful smile.
“Like what?” Steele’s voice had gone husky from his lewd thoughts.
“Like you wanna eat me.” Tech laughed lightly.
“I think I do,” Steele growled, making Tech laugh even louder. He kept moving until he stood in front of him; Tech put his hand up and held him back from pressing his body against him. Tech had told him he couldn’t help how his body reacted to him… well, ditto. He wanted Tech in the worst way, but he knew he had to act with some tact and poise. He always hated those words.
“You’re going to get us suspended. Stay back. God made it clear there’s to be no inappropriate behavior in the office. Trust me, he means it. Ruxs and Green have been suspended like six times for screwing around in the parking lot, the locker room, twice in an interrogation room.”
Steele could definitely believe that. Those two were crazy about each other. “I’m not trying to get us in trouble. Besides, God and Day are out for the day. I just wanted to make sure my apology was accepted.” Steele ran his thumb across Tech’s smooth chin.
“It’s all good, alright. I understand if my rebuttal option pissed you off. I want you to know that’s not the only way I see you. I guess I’m trying to be careful.” Tech broke eye contact with him. “My option did sound a little slutty.”
“I don’t mind slutty.” Steele moved in closer, taking Tech’s hand and moving it around his own waist. “How about we slow things down a bit? Get to know each other. That way, we’re not constantly apologizing to each other. I won’t ask you out on any more dates… for now. And you don’t proposition me like a harlot.”
Tech scoffed and socked Steele in his stomach, a teasing glint of anger and amusement in those big brown eyes.
“Just conversations. Maybe a little light touching and flirting.” Steele licked his lips, moving back into Tech’s space. “Deal?”
“Yeah, deal.” Tech nodded. His shy smile quickly becoming Steele’s reason for wanting to be in the office.
“Okay, then. Since I think it’s gonna be quiet the rest of the day, how about I order us some food because I’m starved and it looks like you ate like an anorexic. Are you hungry? Just so I’m clear, this is not a date.” Steele put on his most professional corporate-like voice, making Tech rear back and laugh. “Two colleagues sharing a work related conversation over a meal. I can sit and watch you do what you do. Maybe learn something in the process, but understand. THIS. IS. NOT. A. DATE.”