She sees him as he rushes past, grabbing his arm. “Hold on. Look at you! You want to go in looking like that?”
“Like what?”
He’s a mess after staying overnight in the lab. His hair is askew and his collar is rumpled. His tie…oh, his tie. She knows he’s playing ignorant. No one but her ever sees him like this. He just likes to be preened.
So she smiles at him and straightens his collar, fixes his tie, and runs her fingers through his hair. It earns her a contented sigh and that cute little smile that she’s certain is only for her. He leans forward slightly, and there’s a moment where she thinks he might kiss her.
But he restrains himself yet again, nods his head as he murmurs a thank-you-very-much, and dashes out of the room.
The love of such a small gesture makes his heart race, and she’s so lovely. So wonderful. He’s tempted to stay in the office again overnight for another preen, but honestly, one could only be a mess so many times in a row. Shame.
