“It wouldn’t be much of Lionheart’s choice if we went tomyfrat party.”
He got an elbow in the side and flinched involuntarily. “Oh shit, Coury. I’m sorry. Did I hit your injured side?”
“It’s fine.” Coury breathed in deep to be sure. “I’m just babying it.”
“No. I need to be more careful.”
“Stop.” He put his hand on Liam’s leg. “It’s an oblique muscle. You can’t hurt it with a little elbow. No more stressing. Enjoy tonight. You deserve it.”
Liam kept his gaze on Coury’s ribs for a second, then nodded. “Okay, but thank you. Again. You’re right, I really want to see this. If I’d known Dr. Glover would be teaching this semester, I’d have waited to take the class from him. You’re so lucky.”
Dr. Glover, in a dark gray suit, walked past before Coury could answer. He stopped less than two feet from them and gave Bright Eyes a smile that suggested they knew each other—well.
Dr. Glover raised his head and addressed the room. “If everyone could take their seats, we can get started.”
* * *
Coury felt lost when he stood and clapped with the others. He’d understood more than he expected, but paleontology wasn’t a passion for him. Liam, however, had listened with rapt attention. Coury could’ve taken his clothes off and danced in front of his chair and he doubted Liam would have torn his eyes from Professor Glover. He half-expected him to throw himself at the guy.
Coury got it. Glover was good-looking and a world-renowned paleontologist. That’s what Liam found attractive.
Coury was a dinosaur with a walnut-sized brain by comparison. The way Professor Glover commanded Liam’s attention like this . . .
Liam wanted to thank Glover. He didn’t say as much, but the way he wriggled on the edge of his seat said everything.
Coury wanted to zip up the aisle before someone asked him a question. Maybe if he used the bathroom while Liam waited, they’d be done when he got back?
The clapping trailed off and he reached back for the program on the chair. When he turned again, Glover was walking their way.
His stomach dropped an inch.
Glover smiled and gave Coury a nod before facing Bright Eyes. “I see you had company in the front row, Percy.”
A laugh. “It took a bit of getting used to.”
Glover turned his gaze on Coury. “Nice to see you, Mr. Henderson. I shouldn’t be surprised that one of the handful of students who got an A on today’s quiz would attend.”
“What?” Coury looked at Liam, whose smile widened. “I did?”
“You very much did,” Glover said. “Well done.”
“Actually, Liam helped me study. I would’ve failed without him.”
“Oh?” Glover smiled at Liam. “Callaghan Glover, pleasure to meet you.”
“Um, Liam Wright, sir. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Percy smirked at his husband. “It appears that Liam is the real fan. Although his boyfriend is taking your class.”
“Boyfriend?” Liam and Coury said at the same time.
“No, Liam’s not my boyfriend. He’s way out of my league.” The attempt at self-deprecating humor landed like an anchor. “But he’s a really great friend—he’s tutoring me so I’ll pass.”
Percy crooked his head curiously. “Huh. Terribly sorry.”
Glover patted his husband’s shoulder; the look he shared with Percy promised he’d have fun teasing him about this later.
Glover’s lips hitched briefly, then he addressed Liam. “Boyfriend or really great friend, you must know the material if you were able to help Coury do so well.”
