Stormwasn’tgoing to point out how close they still were to each other. Linus had tugged him out of the ice cream shop by his shirtsleeve, but he hadn’t backed away. And so they were close enough that he could feel Linus’ warmth.
The professor dropped his gaze, suddenly. “I didn’t get a chance to say it before, but... Thanks.”
“What for?”
“Taking care of me. When I was sick.”
Storm tried not to squirm. He didn’t want Linus asking how he had gotten into the apartment. “You’re welcome. Are you feeling better?”
Linus nodded. “Just a bit of cough left, but I’m much better than before.”
“Good.”
They stood together, the rumble of traffic filling the silence. Storm almost asked if Linus had noticed his absence from his classes over the past few days. But that was a dangerous subject—he didn’t want to lie about having graduated already.
From Linus’ own classes, no less.
What if Mrs. Bentham told Linus? Because Storm, in his panic, had forgotten thatpeople talked to each other.
Before Storm could panic further, Linus gave a hesitant smile. “I should head back in before everyone starts wondering where I’ve gone.”
“Your ice cream’s probably melted,” Storm said.
They looked at the pink goop in his paper cup.
Linus winced. “Here, let me get you a new scoop.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Consider it an apology for taking up so much of your time.” Linus smiled wryly. “Besides, Mom doesn’t charge me for ice cream.”
“Is it really an apology if it costs you nothing?” Storm grinned.
Linus scrunched up his face—looking absolutely adorable. “Do you want a second scoop, or not?”
Gods, he was a delight. Storm hid the flutter in his chest and scooped some melted ice cream into his mouth. It was still good. “I’d love to try a different flavor.”
“Well, follow me.”
Storm barely swallowed his reply; that he would follow Linus to the ends of the Earth.
Back in the ice cream shop, Linus headed behind the counter.
Mrs. Bentham arched an eyebrow, her gaze darting back and forth between them. Storm tried not to blush.
“What flavor would you like?” Linus grabbed a fresh paper cup.
“Surprise me.”
Linus hummed and picked up an ice cream scoop. Then he reached into a cooler, his arm flexing as he dug easily into a tub of colorful ice cream.
It was... kind of hot, the way he moved.
“Here,” Linus said, sliding it over the cooler.
“Thanks. You help out here a lot?” Storm blurted.
“When I was younger, before I became a professor. This shop’s been around for decades.”
