Thank you all for the great support to this story!
Another chapter with words in bold-italics denoting Will's thoughts :)
Please read and review!
Sonny is rubbing his chin, keenly looking at one of the drawings that he had asked the illustrator to redo.
Will and two of his colleagues are seated opposite to Sonny. While the others are waiting for Sonny's response, Will is admiring Sonny's handsome features.
Though Will is not involved this project, he was asked to be present as part of the training.
"Ok. I'm still not satisfied. Even though it's a light peck on the cheek, it is required to look more dramatic. May be we need to correct the angle of the hero's chin" Sonny sounds serious.
"Well, it's irony that when you are kissing someone, you can't properly see each other's reaction" Paul grins.
"Yeah, that's true…maybe we need a real example here" Sonny gently pulls Paul's hand.
"Ok. Sharon, I'm going to kiss Paul now. Look at it carefully and take a mental note" Sonny says and pecks Paul on the cheek.
Really, Sonny? Can't you see me, all hot and bothered for you?
Sharon nods her head excitedly, while Will is on the verge of pushing Paul away and crashing his mouth on Sonny's.
"Thank you, JK, as much as I'm not attracted to you" Paul the straight guy wipes his cheek.
Sonny sits closer to Will "There should be perfection even to these little details… you get it Will?"
"Yes" Will says softly. The smell of Sonny's aftershave is having a great effect on him, southward.
Will and his team are relaxing at the office cafeteria.
"Will, sorry to hear about the mean and jealous coworkers at your previous office. Didn't they know that a book doesn't sell only because the editor is the son of the CEO of the publishing company or the author is popular or the covers are attractive? It's sad that they completely forgot the readers" Sarah says.
The others nod in agreement and cheer Will up.
"Thanks for the support, guys" Will says shyly.
Will turns a little to see Sonny opening the glass door, smiling at him. He gets butterflies in his stomach as Sonny walks toward him. This reminds Will of the days in Salem… when he would be eagerly waiting for Sonny to show up in the library…
Suddenly, Sonny is stopped in his tracks by a hand wrapping around his waist.
It belongs to Brian.
Will's smile fades when he sees Sonny grinning and playfully shoving Brian's hand as the hunk whispers something straight in Sonny's ear.
What the hell! Only a day ago, both were at each other's throat. And now…exchanging sweet nothings?
Will's face hardens as Brian pulls Sonny's hand and drags him out of the cafeteria.
"Brian and his ways…" Joy laughs as he turns his gaze from the two to his colleagues.
So, it's universally known that Brian is a total jerk.
Will knows that it's not an uncommon thing for coworkers, especially men, to acknowledge each other by unintentional intimate touch. But still, Will is not able to swallow the fact that Sonny is allowing a totally brazen guy like Brian gain an upper hand. Also, Will's anxiety level is up wondering to what extent Sonny's relationship with Brian is.
Could Sonny be one of Brian's conquests?... Ok. Shake that negative thought out.
Will submits his first project plan. It's quite late, around 10.00 pm. He boards a train to his home because his car is yet to arrive. There are numerous companies in the area in which his office is located, and most of the people prefer to take the train route as it's the easiest and quickest.
Upon reaching his destination, Will steps down and turns to his right to see Sonny alighting from the next compartment.
Sonny immediately spots Will and waves at him.
"Hey, how did I miss seeing you at the station?" Will gives a radiant smile.
"The train almost started when I rushed in" Sonny grins.
"Ok... You usually take this route?" Will asks.
"No. My car has gone for service. It'll be back tomorrow…. The project coordinator sent me a mail saying that he will be reviewing your plan tomorrow" Sonny says.
"I'm quite nervous about it" Will rubs his palms together.
"I know it's your first assignment. But don't worry, Will, we are there to help you out" Sonny presses Will's arm.
Will thanks Sonny by placing his hand on Sonny's.
They stare each other for a few seconds, after which Sonny releases his hand.
Will had seen Brian flirting with Sonny for the second time. His mind has been wavering like anything. For a moment he thought of getting some information from Sarah, but he felt that to be inappropriate. But now is the right time to get it out of the horse's mouth.
"So, you and Brian Jones are good friends? I didn't know until this afternoon" Will curiously looks at Sonny's face.
"Yeah, we are best friends. He was my college mate but senior to me by a year" Sonny smiles gently.
"Oh". Now, this is effing unbelievable! Anyway, I can't help it but I desperately hope it's nothing more than friendship between you two.
Both of them walk in silence for some time.
"Only now I realize that you are an inch taller than me. I remember you were about 5'7" back then…" Sonny stares at Will's head.
Will's eyes rove over the entire length of Sonny's body. "hmmm yes. My grandma Kate was a little worried I wouldn't qualify as a model for her clothing line. But the truth is I never took part in that even after reaching 6 feet" Will giggles.
"That's interesting!" Sonny's eyebrows shoot up.
"You seem to have transformed from a skinny to a muscle guy…what's your workout regimen?" Will pinches his lips.
"Well, I'm Greek. So…" Sonny teases.
Will goes in front of Sonny and walks backward. "Oh come on, Sonny! Whether Greek or Latin, you don't get that body easily. It's just that you don't want to reveal the secret."
"Hey, it's not like that. I was joking. In fact, I do hit the gym twice a week…Now come this way, there is a barricade" Sonny pulls Will to his side.
"What are reading these days?" Sonny asks.
"Ah...the old magazines published by our company, for technical reasons, even though I'm not a bit interested in those mushy-mushy stories. What about you?" Will gives a crooked smile.
"Pickwick Papers...it might seem odd to you, but these days I read a lot of quirky humor" Sonny laughs a little.
They chat more about their hobbies on the way.
"There's a client visit tomorrow. I will be going early. By evening, I will go through your report and let you know" Sonny says standing in front of Will's house.
"Ok, thanks" Will leans forward and surprises Sonny by placing a quick peck on his cheek.
"Um…thank you. Have a good night and… sweet dreams!" Sonny smiles nervously.
"Good night, but there's no one to have sweet dreams about…" Will grins widely.
Point made.
"Then, I guess, I'm not alone" Sonny eyes twinkle and he turns away.
Yay!
(to be continued...)