Chapter 2: Building Tension
Derek paced the confines of the supply closet like a caged jungle cat, his heart throbbing to a fevered rhythm. "What are the chances we'd both leave our cell phones at our desks?" adam asked trying to lighten the mood. Sweat droplets traced their way down his temple and cheekbones, shimmering in the dim light.
Derek halted his prowling, turning to lean against the wall of shelves with a sigh. "Pretty slim, but here we are." Their eyes met, a strange tension crackling between them.
Adam broke eye contact first, glancing down before tugging at his shirt collar, pulling it away from his chest. Derek tracked the movement with rapt attention, a sudden tension urging his pants to grow tight.
"Fuck, it's hot in here." His voice barely above a whisper.
Adam shuffled uneasily on his feet, a slight blush creeping up his neck. "I don't think the AC ever makes it this far, and I never wear deodorant, so..." he trailed off, wincing slightly as if waiting for Derek's outrage. Instead, Derek grinned wolfishly.
"Oh, yeah? We have that in common," Derek revealed. "I've always hated the fake smell of it—" He stopped himself mid-thought when their eyes locked, a silent question passing between them. A bead of sweat ran down his temple, then traced the strong line of his jaw, dropping off to land silently on his shirt.
Derek released a languid shuttered breath followed by a low, rumbling growl. "It's going to smell very manly in here by the time someone finds us." Adam laughed, relieved. "How long do you think that will be?" Adam asked, a tremor in his voice.
An almost undetectable glint of challenge entered Derek's icy blue eyes, "Honestly, probably not until tomorrow morning."
A sudden heat surged between them as the realization sunk in. They would be stuck together in this supply closet, hidden from the outside world, for hours and perhaps even the rest of the night.
"So, tell me about yourself, Adam." The words came out as more of a command than a question. "You're a junior accountant for the company, but there must be more to you than that."
Adam hesitated, as though searching for the right words, but Derek cut in again. "I guess I'll start, I spend a lot of time hanging out with my gay rugby team." His voice was suddenly low and husky, making Adam feel like he should be able to see it coming at him, thick and heavy with heat.
"Training four nights a week and games on the weekends take up most of my time. I love the aggression on the field and the comradery off the field to unwind."
Adam licked his lips unconsciously. He was so close to Derek that he could see every bead of sweat running down his neck, visible even in the dim supply closet. The scent of Derek’s musky natural scent was teasing his nostrils, making him want to be closer.
Derek saw the way Adam was looking at him, heat radiating from his gaze.
"Oh, that's awesome." Adam knew it was his turn to reveal his sexuality. "My friends and I mostly just go to circuit parties."
Derek laughed, "A circuit queen without deodorant? Shouldn't they kick you off the dance floor?" Derek asked, smirking.
Adam's cheeks flushed, his eyes flicking away. "It hasn't been a problem."
Derek's gaze intensified, his voice deepening to a low growl. "So, we both like being surrounded by sweaty, horny men?"