Ezra Gets a New Job
Book 6.5
My crossover game is on point in this one! Find out who Ezra meets when he looks for a job in this fun short, starring Ezra and Holden from Love and History, Book Six of The Script Club series.
Happy reading!
Lane and George
Chapter 1: Holden
“You’re pacing.”
“I know, I know.” Ezra stopped in the middle of our bedroom and shook his arms like a swimmer preparing to dive into the deep end. “Sorry. I have a lot of energy.”
I pushed my glasses to the bridge of my nose and set my laptop on the nightstand. My boyfriend needed my attention more than my students did at the moment. “Don’t apologize. It’s a big day. But you’ve got this.”
He shoved his hand through his hair, nodding like a puppet. “You’re right. Yeah. I do.”
I frowned when he resumed his trek from the desk to the window and back again. I shamelessly ogled his broad shoulders, tapered waist, and sexy bum. In usual Ezra fashion, he was dressed in boxer briefs and nothing else, so the view was pretty darn nice. But the poor guy was kind of a mess. I could practically feel the tension emanating from him.
“Ezra.”
He pushed the drapes aside and glanced at his watch. “I think I have time to do a few reps at the gym and maybe go for a run.”
“You literally just got home from the gym.” I joined him at the window and snaked my arms around his torso.
“An hour ago. Another workout might be good for me. Yep. That’s what I’ll do.” He kissed my forehead and stepped aside. “Love you.”
I raced to the dresser and made myself into a human X, blocking him from his T-shirt drawer. “Don’t do it. Exercise is not the answer.”
Ezra snickered. I couldn’t blame him. I was fairly tall, but Ezra was a six-foot-four wall of muscle. Moving me was the equivalent of a lion swatting a mouse away.
“Oh, yeah? What is the answer?” He set his hands on my hips and hooked his thumbs under the elastic of my pajama bottoms.
I stifled an unseemly moan when he lowered the fabric and ghosted his finger along my crack. “I was thinking we’d conduct a special practice interview.”
He barked a laugh and smacked my rear end. “I don’t think so. Geez, I thought you were going somewhere sexy with that.”
I wiggled out of his hold and hurried to the door, peeking around the corner to make sure we were alone. It was just a habit at this point. On any given Tuesday morning, Noah and Tommy were at work by now, and I was going through class notes, then heading to campus to teach. And Ezra…well, Ezra was looking for a job.
He had a temporary part-time job with the divorce attorney his friend Cole worked for. They were interested in hiring Ezra full-time but according to him, that sounded depressing. “Fucking depressing” were his actual words. Along with…
“Babe, they had me go through a contract for a couple who was in the process of raking each other over the coals. Nitpicking everything they owned—who bought it, who saw it first, who got to keep what—and that was before they got to Fido. That right there is soul-sucking BS. Yeah, I get it. That’s life. But if I’m going to write legal documents or litigate for a firm that handles high-level contracts, I’d like it to be for something interesting. And a little more…glamorous.”
Like entertainment law.
Today’s interview was his third with Hughes, Kelleford, and Mendez-Sullivan, a high-profile LA firm that specifically dealt with production contracts for studios. Apparently, they worked with various unions representing actors, writers, etcetera. They’d recently won a huge contract for the studio responsible for the Baxter Chronicles, a wildly popular action-adventure franchise.
This job was right up Ezra’s alley. I hadn’t seen him this excited about an opportunity in ages.
He’d met two of the partners so far—Hughes and Kelleford—and liked them both. And he liked their vision. It was a young, progressive firm that cared about queer and cultural representation. In fact, two of the partners were queer, one was black, one was married to a Latino man, and all three were either family men or about to start a family. The youngest partner, Mendez-Sullivan, was flying in from DC today for a series of meetings—one of which was Ezra’s interview.
And yes…I really, truly hoped that the meeting would go well, because worrying about it wasn’t healthy. See, Ezra tended to go overboard with physical exertion to counter stress. He didn’t just go to the gym. He went to the gym, ran five miles, and went to lacrosse practice. Every darn day. That couldn’t be good for you, could it?
“What if we do a special sexy interview?” I suggested.
Ezra waggled his brows. “I’m listening.”
I closed our door, then perched on the end of the bed. “I’ll ask a question, and if I like your response, you may choose one article of clothing for me to remove from my person.”
“Reverse strip poker.” His grin spread like wildfire across his handsome face. “You know me well.”
“I do. It worked when you were studying for the bar.”
“True.” He motioned for me to continue. “Fire away.”
“All right. Let me think. Um…what attracted you to apply for this position?” Oh, that was a good one. I rubbed my palms together and inclined my head.
Ezra nodded thoughtfully. “Well, sir, there are a number of reasons. I have a thing for big brains and some geeky attitude. And I’m all about that ass. Plus, the sex is better than any I’ve ever—”
“Hang on a moment.” I put a hand up and scowled. “I was not referring to the boyfriend position. You’re not taking this seriously.”
“Sure, I am. It’s better if this is a combo professional-personal interview. And that was a good answer. Take off your T-shirt.”
I held his gaze, then shrugged, yanking my tee over my head. “Fine. Only because you complimented my brain.”
“And sex in general. That should earn me points.”
“Okay, next. What skills and strengths can you bring to this position? A legal position, that is,” I confirmed primly.
“Well, sir. I’m organized and I’m a quick learner,” he replied.
“That’s good.”
Ezra gestured toward my PJs. “Off, please.”
I wiggled out of my pajama bottoms. “Question number three.”
“Hang on, sir. I wasn’t quite finished. I was going to tell you a little about my skills. If I may?”
“Go on.”
He put his hands behind his back and leisurely strolled to the window. “When we first met, my fellatio skills were weak as fuck. I couldn’t deep throat to save my life, but with persistence and perseverance, I’ve become very good at sucking dick. I’d be happy to give you a demonstration.”
My lips twitched in amusement. “That’s a tad forward, Mr. Marsden. And personal. Let’s move on to the next question.”
“Boxers off, babe.” He hiked his thumb meaningfully.
“Then I’ll be down to my socks.”
“Mmhmm.”
“Fine.” I stripped my boxer briefs off, feeling ridiculously self-conscious in the “Genius at work” socks he’d bought me for my birthday last month. “Okay…what motivates you?”
“Easy. You.”
I smiled shyly. “Thank you, Mr. Marsden, but—”
“It’s true.” He kneeled at my feet and rested his big hands on my open thighs. “You inspire me, motivate me. You make me feel like anything is possible. I’ve gotten used to doing everything on my own, but…God, life is so much better with you.”
My heart expanded and somersaulted in my chest. I caressed his cheek lovingly and sighed. “You say some charming things. I love you.”
“I love you too.” He cupped my neck and drew me close, gently molding his mouth to mine.
The kiss was sweet and unhurried, as if the world had slipped away and it was just us. He massaged the inside of my thighs and pushed his tongue between my lips. The languid twist and tangle heated quickly, but that was common for us. Once we got started, we were greedy for more.
I scooted to the headboard, pulling him on top of me. We made out for a while, licking, sucking, and nibbling each other while our hands roamed familiar territory. I splayed my palms on his sides, then pushed his boxer briefs down and squeezed his ass. He sat up to remove them and yanked my socks off my feet. I opened my arms in invitation, but his eyes were glued to my cock.
“Are you going to show me your skills now, Mr. Marsden?”
“Yes, sir. If that’s okay with you.”
I licked my lips, wrapping my fingers around my base. “You may proceed.”
He gave a little shiver and bent to his task, twirling his tongue in a lazy circle. He batted my hand out of the way and took over, alternately stroking and licking my length. Slowly. Very slowly. I widened my legs and tugged at his hair. He was teasing me and kind of killing me. I hated to beg, but Ezra hadn’t been bragging about his fellatio skills. My man had become a master over the past few months.
He dragged his tongue over my slit and chuckled. “I told you I was good.”
“Mmm, yes. Your persistence has paid off, Mr.—oh, Ezra…”
He sucked my balls into his mouth, one at a time, then lifted them out of the way and licked my entrance. I hadn’t expected that. Sure, he loved rimming and gosh, he was so…so good at it, but his eagerness still caught me off guard sometimes. Like I couldn’t believe he wanted to do all these things with me. But he obviously did.
Ezra teased me, flicking his tongue over my hole as he jacked my cock. I was on the edge within a minute, writhing wantonly under him. He traded his tongue for a finger, and swallowed me whole, sucking like a man possessed as he stretched me open, grazing my prostate with each thrust. It was getting dangerous now. If he kept this up, I might lose control and—
“I wanna fuck you.” He leaned over to grab the lube from the nightstand drawer, uncapped it, and poured an obscene amount onto his hand. He slathered it over his cock and my entrance, adding a single digit…and another.
“I’m ready.”
“That’s it. Tell me how much you want it. C’mon.” He tapped his slick hard-on against my thigh as he pistoned his fingers in and out…in and out.
“Now. Please.”
He grinned. “I love it when you’re bossy. Get on your knees.”
I obeyed, unthinking, wincing when he pushed his way inside. He slowed down, running a soothing hand over my back and along my sides as he hummed a gorgeous chorus of sweet, dirty nothings. “You’re so tight. I love this fuckin’ hole. This is mine. You’re mine. So hot, so…”
I lost the words after a while, but I was in tune with the cadence, arching to meet every rock and roll of his hips. He set a steady pace at first, and his hands were everywhere…in my hair, on my cock. Not too rough…just firm and commanding. I loved the way he seemed to know exactly how to drive me wild.
Like now.
Ezra draped himself over me and laced our fingers. He licked the shell of my ear as he pumped his hips…faster. And harder.
“Oh, yes. Yes. That’s…there.” I slipped my hand between the tight press of the mattress and gripped my cock, stroking myself in time with each thrust. I was close. So close.
“I’m gonna come inside you, baby. I’m gonna…”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Ezra growled, snapping his hips double time before falling apart with a roar. I felt him pulse and fill me…and that was the end of me.
The sound of our ragged breathing echoed in our room. I didn’t want to move. He was the best blanket ever—warm and snuggly. This was good.
He slowly disengaged and rolled out of bed. I heard the door open and his footsteps pad across the floor into the hall. He returned with a washcloth a moment later and tenderly wiped the mess of sweat and cum. I turned to my side and pointed at the wet spot.
Ezra cleaned that too, tossed the cloth over his shoulder willy-nilly, and dove into bed, pulling me against his chest.
“So…did I get the job?”
I laughed.
“Most definitely. You’re the best applicant by a long shot.”
“You mean the only applicant,” he corrected with a mock glare.
“Yes. My one and only.” I traced his stubbled jaw and smiled. “Ezra, be yourself. You’re smart, talented, confident, qualified, and you’re willing to learn. They’d be lucky to have you as an employee.”
His nostrils flared as he released an unsteady breath. “Thank you.”
“It’s the truth. Remember it.”
Chapter 2: Ezra
Smart, talented, confident, qualified…
I wasn’t sure any of those attributes fit in my current state. My pulse was unsteady, and my stomach churned uncomfortably. I fiddled with my tie, checking my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the 405 freeway. Holden said I looked handsome, and the way he sort of blinked a few times before he got the words out made me think he meant it. That was good, but brains mattered more here.
I had to impress the fuck out of Matthew Mendez-Sullivan. I hoped I could remember my name, let alone anything about the law.
“Mr. Mendez-Sullivan is ready to see you now, sir.”
I followed the smiling middle-aged woman with sleek black hair and red glasses into an executive suite with stunning views of LA. I could see the ocean from the west-facing window and the cluster of high rises downtown to the south. The office itself was stylish and modern with minimalist art on the walls, a contemporary leather and steel seating area, and a ginormous glass desk.
“Hey, there. I’m Matt.”
Okay. I wasn’t really prepared for Matt. Don’t get me wrong.
I’d done my homework and stalked him on the internet. I knew he was an athletic, good-looking guy in his mid-thirties—tall, dark-blond hair, blue eyes, and a killer smile. I knew he was married to a stylist or a designer and that he and his husband lived in Maryland. I also knew he was a well-respected lawyer with an impeccable reputation. I was expecting to be slightly intimidated by his success. I mean, c’mon…most people didn’t make partner at major law firms in their thirties. He had to be special. And I had no doubt he was all that and more.
I guess I didn’t expect him to be so…approachable and friendly. I literally felt my shoulders lower into place when I shook his extended hand.
“Ezra Marsden. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“Call me Matt.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he motioned to the chair across from his desk. “Take a seat. I’m sorry I’m the last of the partners to meet you. I’ve had a few things going on at home, and I haven’t been able to travel as much.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope everything’s okay,” I said lamely. Yikes. Don’t go personal, Ezra. He doesn’t fucking know you.
Matt didn’t seem bothered. He rested his forearms on his desk and leaned forward. “Everything’s great, actually. My husband, Aaron, and I are deep into the surrogate-slash-adoption process and things are finally starting to look up.”
“That’s great. Congratulations.”
“Nothing’s happened yet, but after months of uncertainty, I think we’ll be dads sooner rather than later. Kind of daunting.” He sighed as he sat back in his chair. “Let’s talk law, shall we?”
He launched into the standard spiel about Hughes, Kelleford, and Mendez-Sullivan’s direction and chatted briefly about my experience at my internship. It was pretty basic stuff, but I admit, I had a hard time keeping my smile in check when he asked what skills I’d bring with me if I were to join their team. Damn it, Holden. I had no idea how I replied, but I was grateful when he moved on and talked about the firm’s meteoric growth over the past year.
Matt was honest about the workload—significant and sometimes overwhelming—and detailed the confidentiality clauses involved in taking on high-profile clients.
“We’re going to handle the production contracts for the next Baxter film. I actually went to the studio to sign it, ’cause they’re too busy and they don’t care if we charge them triple for the commute. I met a couple of mega movie stars. Mega. That part is fun, but other than to say I’ve met them, I really can’t talk about it. Trust me, it’ll drive your family crazy,” he assured me.
I shook my head. “Yeah, that’s not an issue for me. My family is spread out all over the place. My boyfriend is my family.”
Matt cocked his brow. “Boyfriend. That’s cool. Do you mind if I ask how long you’ve been together?”
“A few months. I’ve known Holden for much longer. We were roommates first. We still are but, it’s different. I mean…obviously. He’s a scientist and a professor at Caltech and—” Oh, boy. I was officially babbling now. I gave an awkward half laugh and cleared my throat. “Yeah.”
“He sounds like a great guy.”
Okay, it was hot in here. That had to be why my face felt like I’d opened an oven in the Sahara. I tried to play it cool, though. I gave a lopsided grin that turned into a megawatt one in seconds flat. “He’s the best man I know. Sorry, I don’t always know when to curb my enthusiasm…or when not to gush about Holden. I’m new at being out, and I have to tell you…your firm’s diversity and inclusivity appeals to me on a personal level.”
He inclined his head and smiled kindly. “I’m glad to hear that. And I know how you feel. I’ve been there. I think you’ll fit in very well here, Ezra.”
“Sir?”
He snickered. “Just Matt. I’d like to offer you the job. How soon can you start?”
* * *
I got the job. A dream job.
No, it wasn’t my original dream job, but this one might be better. It was kind of exciting to learn a new facet of the law led by a team of partners I respected and who I was pretty damn sure weren’t interested in playing mind games to test their junior associates’ loyalty. Sure, the hours and scope of work were intimidating, but the money was better than good. I could buy Holden a new car.
No, he wouldn’t let me. But I could start a house fund. He’d be into something he could contribute to. We’d move out of the old house in Pasadena, rent something of our own for a while; then I’d buy him a place with a nice yard and plenty of space for telescopes and…
My mind was running so fast, I was hardly aware of my surroundings. I had a vague thought about stopping by the market when I realized the university was a block away. I veered right and miraculously found a parking spot on the street. I shrugged my suit coat off and loosened my tie before scrolling Holden’s number.
I knew his schedule, and he didn’t have a class now. Of course, he might have to tutor or go to a meeting.
He didn’t.
He met me on the steps of the Physics building, clutching a top hat to his chest. “Are you okay?”
“I got it. I got the job.”
Holden dropped the hat and flew into my arms, peppering me with a thousand kisses and sealing his mouth over mine. He came up for air, grinning like a loon. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks.” I kissed his knuckles and met his adoring gaze with one of my own. “I was thinking on the way over here that it’s better than what I thought I wanted. A different direction, a different…everything. It fits. The way you fit.”
He lowered his eyes sweetly, then beamed at me. “You’re going to do amazing things, Ezra Marsden.”
“You know what? I am. And you know how I know?”
“How?”
“ ’Cause I have you.” I pushed his hair from his forehead and kissed him again. “Fuck, I love you. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know that you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I love you too.” He gave a dramatic sigh as he glanced up at the heavens, and stooped to pick up his hat. “Your timing is perfect. It looks like it’s going to rain.”
I followed his gaze, listening with half an ear as he outlined his schedule. One more class today and one tutoring session. What did I want for dinner? Did I mind going to the store? I nodded agreeably but took a moment to send a prayer of thanks to my dad, who I was fairly confident was with me right that second. I felt a wave of gratitude and love wash over me. He might not understand it, but he’d like this path I was on.
New beginnings could honor old ways without repeating mistakes. It was all about love and a chance to create a new history. With Holden.
