Twenty-Three
"O kay, take a few steps to the left," Nova whispered in Jimmy's ear, sending a shiver of need down his spine. "We're nearly there."
Even though Jimmy trusted Nova implicitly, it felt extremely odd for his boyfriend to guide him through the planetarium with his hands over Jimmy's eyes. "You could've blindfolded me or just asked me to close my eyes. I wouldn't have peeked."
"I wanted to touch you," Nova said huskily. His fingers trembled against Jimmy as if to emphasize the man's longing. "My insane work schedule this past month hasn't allowed me to get enough of your skin against mine. And since we'll be joined by a few hundred guests shortly, I wanted a few minutes alone with you."
Jimmy sighed. How could he resist? "I want you to touch me too." He'd missed Nova like crazy the past four weeks. They'd texted several times a day and talked every night, but the telescope construction had taken over his boyfriend's life. As much as he loved hearing Nova's voice, nothing replaced the skin-on-skin connection.
"I feel like I've let you down."
"You have not," Jimmy replied. "You have so much riding on a successful launch, and I want to see each of your dreams come true." He meant every word. "The projects are complete, and all systems are a go. I'm so happy for you."
"This next month will be just as intense. The university wants to get a lot of use out of the new telescope to make up for their lost revenue over the summer. I swear things will level off soon."
"And I'm determined to be patient and supportive," Jimmy said. "I do have one question."
Nova chuckled. "Shoot."
"Would it be possible to steal a quick kiss or two?" he asked.
"Absolutely," Nova said with wicked promise dripping from his tongue. "Okay, one small step forward and stop."
Jimmy did what he asked, then waited. Nova removed his hands, but they didn't go far. His boyfriend dropped them down to Jimmy's chest and slid lower, pulling him flush against his body. Jimmy opened his eyes and blinked to adjust to the dark room. In front of him was a low desk with a few monitors and a panel of switches, knobs, and gauges. Above the setup was a large window overlooking the observatory.
"Are we in the cockpit?"
"Mm-hmm," Nova said as he nuzzled Jimmy's neck. "Would you like to launch the telescope?"
Jimmy pressed his ass against Nova. "Would I ever."
"See that black button?"
Chuckling, Jimmy said, "Why does this sound very familiar?"
"It was the start of something beautiful," Nova told him. "Touch it, Jimmy."
Swallowing back a moan, he pushed the black button. And just like with the replica he'd seen almost three months prior, the roof over the observatory opened, and the telescope in the center of the room rose through the ceiling. "Wow," he whispered.
Nova's fingers flexed against Jimmy's abdomen, and he took a shaky breath. "Do you like it?"
Jimmy turned to face him. "I think your Big Fucking Telescope is a sexy beast. I can't wait for your demo during the big reveal."
"Kiss me," Nova urged.
Jimmy rose on his tiptoes and cupped the back of Nova's neck. His boyfriend lowered his head and met him halfway. Their lips met in a playful, light kiss that turned hotter when Nova ran the tip of his tongue along Jimmy's lower lip. Cupping Jimmy's face, Nova deepened the kiss, and Jimmy slid one hand into Nova's hair, loving the silky slide of the strands between his fingers.
Nova pulled back before things could get too far out of control, but Jimmy left his hands in place. Fingers trembled against Jimmy's face, and he wasn't sure if it was a sign of passion or distress. He'd seen both the past month, and while one was definitely preferred over the other, Jimmy adored all the pieces that made this amazing man.
"I've missed you so much," Nova whispered. "Next month will be nuts, but I promise to carve out more time for us."
"The success of our relationship doesn't rest solely on your broad and oh-so-sexy shoulders, Professor." Jimmy massaged Nova's scalp and could see the tension draining from his features. "I l—"
The door opened, and a shaft of bright light cut across the control room.
"Oops," a woman said.
Nova spun around and placed himself between Jimmy and the door, but not before Jimmy caught a glance of a smiling Rebecca Grimshaw, the university president, and a sour-faced man he'd never seen before.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Dr. Skye," Dr. Grimshaw said, "but I wondered if I could have a quick word about the order of events tonight." Jimmy was relieved to hear humor in her voice instead of displeasure.
"Of course," Nova replied. "I'll be right there."
The door closed, and Nova turned to face him again. Jimmy expected to see distress etched on his handsome features, but his boyfriend was grinning from ear to ear. "Close call," Nova said. "I was seconds away from doing something a little dirtier."
"Oh? Like what?"
"I'll have to show you later," he replied, backing away from Jimmy and tugging him toward the door with him.
Jimmy snorted. "Tease."
They parted outside the control room, and Jimmy returned to the lobby where the other guests were milling around. The event was being hosted in a few phases, which Jimmy had thought was a bit pretentious, but Nova had told him academic life was a giant clique and called it high school on steroids. The first part of the evening was a guided tour for faculty and their invited guests and the media. They'd kick off the evening in the planetarium theater and end in the observatory where they'd unveil the BFT. Phase two was a dinner for faculty and their esteemed guests, and the final phase was a private cocktail celebration for faculty members.
Nova had expressed excitement for all but the last part of the evening. He'd never said as much, but Jimmy had a feeling he didn't care for many of his colleagues, though he spoke highly of the planetarium staff. But the Big Fucking Telescope was a big fucking deal, so Nova was obligated to attend.
So far, Jimmy didn't recognize anyone other than Nova's assistant, Brett. He knew Dave and Natalie would be attending, as would his mother and grandmother, but he hadn't spotted any of them in the crowd. Jimmy bounced around between displays and kiosks, his heart sinking as he read about the upcoming programs and events at the planetarium. Busy wasn't even close to accurately describing Nova's future schedule. Jimmy mentally grabbed his collar and gave himself a good shake. They'd find a way to make it work.
The crowd continued to grow as other friends and family arrived as well as the press. Nova hadn't found him by the time the event started, which meant the conversation must've lasted longer than he'd anticipated or more problems had arisen. Jimmy hoped nothing rattled Nova's calm. His guy loved things neat and orderly and well planned, especially something as crucial as his BFT reveal.
The theater was as impressive as he remembered and large enough to seat everyone. As with the press event months earlier, Dr. Grimshaw addressed the crowd first, before Drs. Knight and Skye spoke. The program that played on the dome-shaped projection screen was much longer this time and went into great detail about what they hoped to accomplish with the telescope. They also projected actual images the BFT had already captured and the data it collected.
By the time the attendees walked to the observatory, it was dark enough outside to get an excellent view of the stars through the telescope. The guests made the proper noises of appreciation and excitement when the roof opened and the telescope rose through the opening. Nova's voice came through the speakers embedded around the room, and Jimmy saw him in the control room where they'd exchanged a brief kiss. From his command center, he explained how the guests could view the star the astronomical society had pegged as the next supernova.
"There hasn't been a stellar explosion in the Milky Way since 1604," Nova informed the crowd, then went on to explain how long a supernova lasted and described the permanent black hole left in its place.
Jimmy knew the telescope's prowess was much more potent than the one Nova had at home, but the clarity made him feel weightless as if he were levitating.
"Whoa," Jimmy said as he stepped back from the telescope. "Amazing." He wanted to take another look but moved on so the next person in line could take their turn.
He followed the crowd back to the lobby where the faculty's friends and family waited for the celebration's next phase. When Jimmy arrived, he spotted a familiar blonde angel in a frilly white dress and a pair of cowgirl boots. Millie stood between two handsome men who were looking around the room in search of something or someone. Jimmy had interacted with Kai a few times over the summer, so he assumed the other man holding on to the blonde angel was her papa, Scott.
Millie turned her head in Jimmy's direction, and he knew the moment she spotted him. Her cornflower-blue eyes grew as round as saucers, and she started to jump up and down. June Bug yelled his name and jerked free from Scott's and Kai's grip, then launched herself across the room.
Jimmy squatted down and met her with open arms, scooping her up into an embrace as he rose to his feet. Millie wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him. She smelled like sunshine and lavender, and tears filled his eyes. They hadn't seen her in nearly three weeks. "I've missed you so much, June Bug. Daddy didn't tell me you would be here."
"That's because he doesn't know," her papa said as he and Kai joined them. "We wanted to surprise him." The man extended his hand. "I'm Scott, and you must be Jimmy." He was blond like Millie and handsome beyond words. Scott's smile was friendly, and his dark blue eyes were warm.
Jimmy shifted Millie over so he could shake his hand. "It's good to finally meet you, Scott." Then he and Kai exchanged warm greetings.
"Nova is going to love this surprise," he told them.
"Speak of the devil," Scott said, pointing over Jimmy's shoulder.
He turned around in time to catch Nova's reaction when he saw Millie, Scott, and Kai.
"Daddy!" Millie yelled loud enough to disrupt everyone around them. Screw anyone who couldn't appreciate her joy at seeing her father on his big night.
"My baby girl," Nova said, catching her when she canted toward him. "I've missed you so much." Tears pooled in his eyes when he looked at Scott.
"Surprised?" his ex-husband asked.
"Floored. I can't believe Millie was able to keep this a secret from me."
Scott laughed. "That's because we didn't tell her until we were on our way to the airport."
"Good thinking," Nova said, then hugged his best friend and Kai. "It means the world to me that you're all here."
Scott smiled. "There's nowhere else we wanted to be. And I expect you to return the favor when my movie premiers."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," Nova said.
There was so much affection between the two men, but Jimmy didn't feel the least bit intimidated. Jimmy saw a completely different light in Nova's eyes when his boyfriend looked at him.
"I take it everyone has already met?" Nova asked.
Before anyone could answer, Natalie spotted the gathering and her only granddaughter. "Millie June," she called out. "How's my precious angel?"
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Millie yelled, squirming for Nova to put her down. The little sprite dashed toward her grandparents as soon as her feet hit the ground.
Natalie hugged Scott and Kai while Dave shook their hands. Then Natalie turned her full attention on Jimmy. "I haven't seen you in way too long. Just because Nova's busier than Midas counting his gold doesn't mean you and I can't have lunch or dinner together."
"What about me?" Dave asked.
"Fine, you can come too," Natalie told him.
"I'd love that," Jimmy said. "I have a special gift for you." The sextant he and his grandmother had found at the garage sale had turned out to be the real deal. It took some time and elbow grease, but it looked beautiful. Nova had assured him Natalie would love it.
"Your company is the only gift I need, sweetie," she said before kissing his cheek.
Jimmy spotted his mother and grandmother and waved them over. After introductions and small talk, the large group entered a banquet room in the back of the planetarium that Jimmy hadn't seen before. On the right side was a lovely buffet setup, and on the left were long tables adorned with name cards for the faculty. The center area was filled with round tables for the rest of the guests to eat and converse. None of the tables were large enough to accommodate all of Nova's friends and family, so they sat as close as they could. Natalie joined Jimmy and his guests while Dave sat with Scott, Kai, and Millie.
Dinner at these types of things tended to be bland and boring, but the university had really put a lot of thought and effort into the menu, including galaxy-themed entrees, drinks, and desserts. By the time they finished eating, Jimmy's mother and grandmother were ready to get on the road.
"My night vision isn't what it used to be," his mother confessed.
"Would you like me to drive you home?" he asked.
His mother kissed Jimmy's cheek. "And have you miss a moment of Nova's big night? Heavens no."
"At least let me walk you out."
"That we can allow," his grandma said, looping her arm through Jimmy's. "Your guy is so smart and handsome."
"And kind," his mom added.
Smiling, Jimmy said, "He's all those things and so much more."
"Bet he's a good kisser," his grandma whispered.
"Mom," Jimmy's mother admonished. "He is, though, right?" she asked.
Jimmy laughed. "The best." At their car, he hugged them tightly. "Drive carefully. Text me when you get home."
"Who's the parent here?" his mom asked.
"Please."
"Fine," she said, blowing him a kiss.
Jimmy waited in the parking lot until they drove out of sight, then he went back inside. There were several clusters of people standing around and looking at the displays. One group stood out in particular because the man Jimmy had seen with Dr. Grimshaw was in the center of it. Unsure if the man would recognize him, Jimmy ducked behind another group standing nearby. That's when snippets of conversation stopped Jimmy in his tracks.
"Are you sure the guy with Dr. Skye was a student, Nigel?" a woman asked. "I'm not his biggest fan, but it hardly seems like something he'd do."
"I saw them with my own eyes, Sue," Nigel replied, his voice nasally and annoying. "Are you calling me a liar?"
"Of course not," Sue replied.
"That kid couldn't have been more than eighteen or nineteen," Nasally Nigel told them. "Dr. Asshole stepped in front of him really quickly so Dr. Grimshaw wouldn't see what he was up to, but it was too late."
Dread cramped Jimmy's stomach far worse than any flu he'd experienced. Hadn't he detected humor in Dr. Grimshaw's voice when she'd asked to speak to Nova, or had it only been wishful thinking? Pretending to be engrossed in the literature about various weekend camps, Jimmy turned his body slightly and stared down at the pamphlet in his hands until the letters blurred. Eavesdropping was so wrong, but he couldn't convince himself to return to the banquet room.
"Do you think this will prevent him from achieving tenure?" another man asked.
Nigel laughed, but it was completely devoid of humor. "I think so, Reg. Have you seen how distracted he's been this summer? It's been one fuckup after another."
"I'm not sure that's fair," Sue said. "I know morale is really down amongst his team, but Dr. Skye isn't to blame for construction delays that were out of his control."
"And the new telescope and all the theater upgrades were completed on time," Reg added.
"Oh, so you're now big fans of his too?" Nigel asked. Before they could answer, the jerk spoke again. "I'm telling you the golden boy is starting to tarnish. I think he's on his way out, and one of us will be his likely replacement. So maybe you want to snap out of your stupor and get on board with my plan." The only thing Nigel was missing was a diabolical laugh.
Someone bumped into Jimmy, knocking him out of his trance. "Sorry," he said automatically, even though he'd been standing in place.
The group separating Nigel, Sue, and Reg from Jimmy started to move on, so he needed to react quickly. His heart was pumping so fast and loud he couldn't hear himself think and relied on instinct. Instead of returning to the banquet room and seeking out his boyfriend, Jimmy pivoted and exited the building. Once outside, he slumped against a pillar until he could get his breathing under control.
Jimmy had known there were issues at work because Nova had said as much. The only details he'd provided were about his staff's silly fights over their favorite sci-fi shows and movies. Nova had never hinted he'd been struggling with focus or not getting along with fellow faculty members. He hadn't mentioned Nigel, Sue, or Reg by name or implied they were mounting a hostile takeover.
Nova had been juggling so much between Millie flying back and forth to California, the construction projects, and trying to make time for him. Had it affected his job performance? Was tenure slipping through his fingers? This opportunity was a dream come true for Nova, and Jimmy wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he messed it up for him. God, his heart squeezed painfully in his chest at the mere thought.
Jimmy knew he should plaster a smile on his face and go back inside and fake his way through the evening, but Nova would see through his act. This wasn't the right time or place for the conversation they needed to have, so he pulled out his phone and sent Nova a quick text.
Driving my mother and grandmother home. Neither see well at night. Congrats on the success of your launch.
Nova's response arrived as he reached his car. Drive carefully. I'll call you later.
Jimmy hoped he had a better grip on his emotions by then. He was in love with Nova and had been about to confess his feelings when Dr. Grimshaw and Nigel had interrupted them. Loving someone meant you wanted the best for them and put their needs first. For Nova, that was making sure the planetarium reopening exceeded the university's expectations. As for Jimmy, he'd put his faith in Nova…and the stars.