Nine

J immy dropped his hands and stepped back, crashing into the display. Nova reached out to steady him, but he shied away from the man's touch. Nova grimaced and stepped back, running both hands through his hair.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy. So fucking sorry."

Just two seconds ago, Jimmy had felt the same rapturous bliss he'd experience floating in the ocean beneath a sky full of stars. He'd spent every free moment between that night and this one fantasizing about Nova and the things they could do together. Jimmy hadn't allowed himself to believe the attraction was mutual, but even an inexperienced guy such as himself recognized Nova's flirtation. It didn't take a rocket scientist to recognize the shuttle launch pressed against his ass.

Now, Jimmy felt like he'd been battered against rocks. He opened his mouth to speak, but it felt as dry as a desert. Jimmy swallowed hard and managed a whisper. "Why didn't you tell me? All this time…" He couldn't finish his thoughts. Jimmy had been frantic with worry over who might've found the damn list and the repercussions it might have on his professional or personal relationships. And Nova had had it all along.

Jimmy's heart pounded while waiting for an answer. The truth was both a relief and an agony. At least the list wasn't in the hands of a coworker who could make his job uncomfortable. Still, Jimmy's overactive imagination pictured Nova lying in bed laughing over his inexperience. As soon as the thought popped up, Jimmy swatted it away. The man wouldn't be wrestling with his conscience over hurting him if Nova were the kind of person to mock someone's dreams and goals. Whatever his reason for keeping quiet, he hadn't done it to be cruel. Of this, Jimmy was sure.

"I should've told you sooner. My actions are unforgivable, and I'm sorry." The corner of Nova's mouth began to twitch, and he shoved both hands into his pockets. Jimmy recognized his signs of distress. And though he had every right to be angry, he didn't want Nova getting riled up before a big press event. His posture grew more rigid with each passing second until Jimmy worried Nova might shatter.

"It fell out of my notebook in her class," Jimmy said. "I'd worried your mom had found it when she paid me a visit at the newspaper office the next day. I nearly died of mortification until she extended her dinner invite." Jimmy took a deep breath and shook his head. "Jesus. I've been obsessing about where the damn thing could be. I'm mortified that you saw the list but also grateful you're the one who found it."

Nova expelled a deep breath, and his stiff posture eased a little. "I didn't want to embarrass you. I wasn't sure if you were even aware the piece of paper had fallen out. The list wasn't dated, so it was impossible to know when you'd even written it."

Jimmy recalled the individual goals he'd written. His face got even hotter, and his chest grew tighter until it felt like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. "Because I'm twenty-six years old and should've experienced most of those things already?" Jimmy finally said. "No wonder you were repulsed by your mother's matchmaking attempts."

"You misunderstood," Nova said, stepping forward. He reached for Jimmy but suddenly dropped his hands as if he thought better of it. "I wasn't repulsed."

"You were embarrassed just now with Brett too," Jimmy stated. "That's why you referred to me as Mr. Alsop from Savannah Morning News ."

Nova released a harsh breath. "It was a knee-jerk reaction caused by guilt," he explained. "I hated that I knew your secret and was uncertain how to handle the situation. Hurting you is the last thing I want to do."

Releasing a sigh, Jimmy said, "I thought I'd feel better if I found out what happened to the damn thing, not worse."

He rubbed his hand over his heart as he let his vision go out of focus. How was Jimmy going to explain his sudden disinterest in continuing to work on the project Natalie had pitched? She wasn't the kind of person to let things go, and Jimmy didn't want to cause trouble between mother and son. Maybe he could find a way to continue working with Natalie in person but communicate with her son via email or text.

"Jimmy."

Though Nova's voice was gentle, Jimmy still flinched. He'd forgotten how close they stood to each other. Eager to put distance between them, he took a step to the right. Nova placed his hands on Jimmy's hips before he could get too far. Jimmy stared at a spot on the taller man's chest instead of looking into Nova's too-blue eyes.

"My mother didn't want to fix us up simply because you're a Pisces and I'm a Capricorn. She saw that I couldn't tear my eyes off you during her class." Jimmy slowly lifted his head. Nova studied his expression and scowled. He was terrible at hiding his emotions, so Jimmy imagined he was broadcasting his skepticism. "It's true," Nova said. "From the moment you bounded into the room, something about you called out to me. I have no idea what my mom even said to make the entire classroom turn and look at me. Do you remember the moment?"

Jimmy swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course. You were looking right at me."

"You were the only one I saw that night. I can't put a name to what I feel when I'm near you. It feels like a gravitational pull."

"An invisible string," Jimmy whispered.

Nova's fingers flexed against his hips. "Yes."

Jimmy canted his head. "But how can you still feel that way after reading my stupid list?"

Cupping his face, Nova stroked his thumb over Jimmy's cheek. "The list isn't stupid. It's brave."

Jimmy scoffed and tried to step away, but Nova moved with him, refusing to break their connection. Something shivered through the taller man, matching the internal quaking Jimmy felt in his core. He tried to break eye contact, but Nova notched Jimmy's chin back up.

"Knowing what you want from life and making a plan to achieve it is brave," he said. "I'm forty years old and still have no clue what I want from life. I've never been in love, and I've only had sex with one man."

"Really?" Jimmy asked. "You never loved Scott?"

"Oh, I do love Scott, and I always will. He's been my best friend for thirty years. Watching him interact with Kai, though, has made me realize that we were never in love. I refuse to regret the years I spent with him because our relationship has made me a better man."

"Plus, you have Millie as a result," Jimmy said.

Nova smiled. "I can't imagine a life without our little girl, but I realize now I need more for myself. You make me want to start a list of my own."

A slideshow of possibilities played across Jimmy's mind. "You just don't know what you want to put on it yet?" he asked, tilting his head and pressing against Nova's warm palm.

The older man shook his head. "You're not the only one who needs an epic journey of discovery this summer. I didn't realize just how badly I needed one until our late-night swim. I felt like I was experiencing it for the first time too. It made me want to help you scratch other items off your list."

Jimmy's brow rose. "What exactly are you proposing?"

A smile curved Nova's lips. "I know how I want to respond. I'm just not sure I should."

"Is this coming from the same man who pressed up against me just a few minutes ago and told me it was okay if I touched it?" Jimmy asked.

Nova took a shaky breath and lowered his head, stopping to hover his lips over Jimmy's. "I was acting on instinct."

"Don't stop now," Jimmy urged.

Nova was so close that his breath ghosted over Jimmy's lips. If he stuck out his tongue just a fraction—

An abrupt knock on Nova's door broke them apart. Swearing, Nova reached for Jimmy again. "I want an epic adventure too."

"What exactly does your journey entail?" Jimmy asked. Nova's cheeks flushed pink, and Jimmy couldn't help but poke him a little. "I mean, you've seen mine. Is it fair for me to enter this arrangement blindly?" Jimmy shook his head. "I think you should show me yours."

"Oh God," Nova groaned.

"Um, Dr. Skye," Brett said through the closed door. "I'm really sorry to bother you, but the press corps is starting to arrive. Dr. Knight is looking anxious because you're not there."

"Buy me a few minutes, Brett," Nova called out.

"Sure thing." It was impossible to miss the humor in the assistant's voice.

"Dr. Knight?" Jimmy asked.

"He's head of the entire science department at the university, which makes him my boss," Nova said.

"Drs. Knight and Skye, huh?"

"A common joke amongst…just about everyone," Nova replied dryly. "I better go. Can we talk about this later?"

Jimmy nodded, but before Nova walked away, he said, "Wait! I accept. I'm there for whatever adventure you're seeking. Just tell me ahead of time so I can bring the appropriate supplies."

Nova expelled a sharp breath, then laughed. "Appropriate supplies?" Jimmy's face felt hot enough to melt an iceberg. Did Nova think he meant condoms, lube, and handcuffs? Handcuffs? Where the hell had that come from? "I'm dying to know where your thoughts went just now." Nova's voice was thicker and raspier than Jimmy was used to, but he liked it a lot. What would his morning voice sound like? Would he get a chance to find out?

Jimmy felt lightheaded just thinking about it. "I meant sunscreen, hat, a bottle of water, and maybe a protein snack for endurance," he said.

"Yes, endurance is good," Nova agreed, crowding into Jimmy's space once more. "Maybe we should have an in-depth discussion about what we both want to gain from this arrangement. I have no idea how late this event will run, so maybe we can meet for breakfast tomorrow morning."

Jimmy had no clue what was going on between them, but he decided to push ahead instead of turning away. "Breakfast is my favorite meal."

Nova smiled and looked like he might kiss Jimmy for real, but another knock interrupted them.

"I'm afraid I must insist, Dr. Skye," came Brett's muffled voice. "So sorry."

"Go," Jimmy said, shooing him toward the door. "We'll chat later when it doesn't wreak havoc on your assistant's mental health."

"Thank you," Brett called out.

Nova let out a cute little growl and dropped a quick kiss on Jimmy's lips. "That'll have to do for now. See you out there."

The caress was brief, minuscule even, but Jimmy felt it to his core. He pressed his fingers to tingling lips and watched Nova quickly exit the office. Expelling a breath, Jimmy slumped back against the cart with the model. His elbow hit the black button, and he heard a mechanical whir. Jimmy turned in time to see the telescope disappear back inside the miniature observatory. A second later, the retractable roof closed.

If only Jimmy could get his hormones under control so easily.

Jimmy chose a front-row seat in the theater. His gaze immediately pulled to where Nova stood with a group of men and women who Jimmy assumed were key players in his department. As a voyeur of humanity, he would typically enjoy looking around the room to observe the way people interacted with one another. This time, Jimmy only had eyes for Nova, who seemed equally aware of him. He'd been in the middle of a conversation when Jimmy entered the theater but had looked in his direction as if he felt Jimmy's presence. Though he continued conversing with his colleagues, Nova's gaze would roam to him every few seconds.

Gravitational pull indeed.

If Jimmy permitted himself to think too hard or too long about their epic summer adventure, his insecurities would find a way to ruin things before they had a chance to take off. So he didn't think about it. Negative thoughts would float up every now and then like unwanted balloons, and Jimmy popped each one. Instead, he focused on the warmth and tenderness he'd felt in Nova's touch, and the sincerity he'd witnessed in the man's gaze and heard in his voice. And what about the way Jimmy's lips still tingled half an hour after the briefest of kisses? Yes, those were much more pleasant thoughts to fixate on than wondering what in the hell someone like Jimmy could offer an accomplished man like Nova.

The low hum of activity quieted when an African American woman approached a podium that hadn't been there during Nova's private tour.

"Good evening," she said into the microphone. "I see several unfamiliar faces this evening, so please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dr. Rebecca Grimshaw. I'm an alumna and the current president of Georgia Southern University. Before returning to my alma mater, I spent three decades working with NASA, so it is my great honor to announce a wonderful partnership between two of my favorite things—science and education. None of this would be possible without the hard work and determination of two wonderful men. Dr. Christopher Knight, who oversees the entirety of our science departments here at Georgia Southern." Dr. Grimshaw paused as the blond-haired man beside Nova raised his hand. "And Dr. Nova Skye, who is an esteemed professor and director of both the physics department and planetarium." Nova raised his hand and smiled at the crowd, but his eyes were locked on Jimmy. "Without further ado, I'll let these gentlemen tell you all about our big plans."

Dr. Knight stepped up to the podium next and spoke about how they obtained the grant and what the partnership meant for their university students and the science community as a whole. He kept his part brief before introducing Nova.

Jimmy straightened in his chair as the tall man approached the podium. "Good evening. This is such an exciting event for our university, and I'm grateful you've all joined us."

He tried to focus on what Nova said and made out phrases like "climate change impact" and "water vapor content" and something about a "very large telescope," but Jimmy's attention kept getting snagged on Nova's lips. He kept wondering what they would feel like pressed against various parts of his body. Jimmy tucked his finger inside his collar and pulled his shirt away from his skin. Either the room had gotten sweltering hot or his brain was on the verge of overheating.

Luckily, the lights went down, and Nova stepped away from the podium to join Drs. Knight and Grimshaw at the far side of the room while the projector fired to life. Jimmy saw the university logo, reminding him of the moment they'd almost kissed in this room. He felt Nova's fire-and-ice gaze on him and lowered his head to make eye contact. Was he remembering too? Jimmy got his answer when a teasing smile lifted one corner of Nova's mouth. They continued staring at one another until the recording finished and the lights came back on.

Brett wheeled the cart from Nova's office through a side door a moment later. The model was draped in a white sheet, and Jimmy found himself holding his breath while waiting for Nova to push the button. What if his elbow jab had broken something? Jimmy had to sideline his panic to take a breath because Nova went into great detail about the upgrades they were planning, including the phases of construction the planetarium would undergo.

Push it . The thought cast Jimmy right back into Nova's office when the bigger man's body had bracketed his. Warm body heat had seeped into his skin, making Jimmy come alive in ways he'd never felt before, not even when he had wrapped himself around Nova in the ocean. Their first embrace had been a result of Jimmy's fear. The one in Nova's office was initiated by—

Oohs and aahs from the gathered press corps jerked Jimmy from his daydreams. Everyone rose to their feet and moved closer to get a better look at the model. He hung back, smiling as the journalists asked Nova numerous questions. When one curious reporter stepped away, another moved in to take their place. Throughout it all, Nova's gaze would collide with Jimmy's periodically, and they'd exchange a private smile. The university president and department chair joined him, and it became clear that the press event wouldn't wrap up quickly.

When he caught Nova's attention once more, Jimmy held up his hand and gestured that he'd call him later. They had an adventure to plan after all. Disappointment registered in the man's eyes, but he nodded and smiled. Happiness buzzed through Jimmy's body as he backtracked through the planetarium to the front door, but his euphoria died a sudden death after his attempt to start his ancient Buick failed. He didn't even hear so much as a clicking noise when he turned the key in the ignition.

"Shit."

Luckily, Jimmy had a roadside-assistance plan, but how long would it take them to get out there? And were there limitations for the towing distance? Georgia Southern was almost an hour away from Savannah. Besides, he'd feel silly calling for help if he were just dealing with a dead battery. Jimmy kept a set of jumper cables in his trunk. He just needed someone to give him a charge. And if the problem was more serious, Jimmy knew he could probably finagle a ride home with Nova and arrange for the tow in the morning.

Decision made, Jimmy climbed out of the hot car and hoisted himself onto the hood. He stretched his legs out in front of him, rested against the windshield, and gazed up at the sky. It was a cloudless night, giving Jimmy a fantastic view of the stars. He mapped the Big Dipper and Little Dipper, then searched his memory for the other constellations.

"Is everything okay?" Brett asked.

It wasn't the masculine voice Jimmy had wanted to hear, but he smiled at the man as he approached. "I'm fine. Just waiting for Nova to jump me."

Brett's eyebrow shot up as a slow grin spread across his face. "I like you, Jimmy," he said as he walked backward. "You're good for him." Nova's assistant chuckled, then turned around and continued across the parking lot.

"I meant my battery," Jimmy called out. Brett laughed harder and shook his head.

Alone again, Jimmy stared up at the sky and allowed his imagination to run wild. Maybe it was a bit presumptuous, but Jimmy had a pretty good idea which of his goals Nova was most eager to experience with him. Before long, he transitioned his thoughts to constructing a list of goals for the sexy scientist and wasn't at all surprised when none of the activities involved clothes, although some were conducted outdoors.

Jimmy heard footsteps approaching and knew without looking who they belonged to because every hair on his body was standing at attention. He kept his gaze on the sky, and a few minutes later, Nova's face appeared over him. Oh yeah. He could get used to this view.

Nova smiled. "Are you waiting for me?"

"Yep." Jimmy sat up and turned his body, dangling his legs over the side of the Buick. "I have a problem."

Nova stepped forward, placing his palms on the hood and leaning closer. "How can I help?"

"I need you to jump me," Jimmy said breathlessly.

"Oh?" Nova asked, then smiled.

Jimmy cringed. "Jump my car. Well, my battery, to be specific." Nova's smile stretched wider. "I have a service, but I thought we'd try this first before calling them."

"Do you have cables?" Nova asked.

Nodding, Jimmy said, "In the trunk."

"I'll go get my car, then."

Jimmy wanted to call Nova back when he left, but what would he say? Instead, he slid off the car, retrieved the cables from the back, and popped his hood. Nova pulled up a moment later, and Jimmy gestured for him to pop his hood also. Nova did, then slid from the car.

"Need help?" he asked.

"I don't think so." Jimmy connected one end of the cables to Nova's battery and the other end to his.

"You look like you have experience at this," Nova remarked.

"If you think Bonnie is rough, you should've seen my first car," Jimmy replied. He walked around to his open driver's door and dropped down in the seat. He turned the ignition and heard a clicking sound, which was an improvement. Poking his head out of the car, Jimmy said, "It's working. Let's give it a few more minutes to charge, and I'll try again."

"Maybe we can discuss plans for tomorrow while we wait," Nova suggested.

Jimmy slid from the car and looked at the situation in front of him. "I have a new item to add to my adventure list, and I think I should tackle it as soon as possible. It's something I've never done before and could use some guidance if you're up to the challenge."

Nova smiled and stepped toward him, resting his hands on Jimmy's hips. "I'm all ears."

Twisting at the waist, Jimmy patted the Buick and said, "I think it's time Bonnie and I broke up." Nova's shoulders shook with silent laughter as he realized he'd been well and truly played. "Oh, did you think I was talking about something naughtier than car shopping?" Nova tipped his head back and laughed heartily at Jimmy's antics. "I mean, I guess buying a car could be sexy if you're in the market for a sports car. I was thinking more along the lines of a Subaru."

"They get excellent gas mileage and have more pep than you'd expect," Nova replied. "I'd be more than happy to tag along with you to shop for cars."

"Perfect," Jimmy said. He reluctantly pulled free of Nova's embrace to check the status of his battery.

This time when he turned the key, Bonnie roared to life. Nova let out a cheer, then disconnected the cables from the cars and shut the hoods. He returned the jumper cables to Jimmy's trunk before coming back to the driver's window and ducking down so he and Jimmy were at eye level.

"I'll follow you home to make sure you get there safely," Nova said. "Call me in the morning when you wake up. I'll treat you to breakfast, then we'll head over to the Subaru dealership."

There was so much Jimmy wanted to say, but he wasn't sure where he would even start. So he said, "Sounds like a plan. Sleep well."

"Sleep well," Nova returned. He straightened to his full height, then strode to his car.

Jimmy took comfort in seeing Nova's headlights in his rearview mirror during the hour-long drive to Savannah but was disappointed when he didn't pull into his driveway. Nova idled at the curb until Jimmy got safely inside. Damn. He'd hoped for a goodnight kiss. Had Nova changed his mind about their joint adventure during the trip back to Savannah?

Just like earlier, Jimmy popped the negative thoughts with a sharp pin as soon as they manifested. He couldn't allow his insecurities to tether him to the ground when he was ready to soar.