The Functional Arrangement

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Marcus and Morgan stepped out of the Starbucks together, the Boston city lights glowing brightly against the night sky. Marcus immediately noticed that it was starting to snow out, and he shoved his hands in his coat pockets, wishing he had brought his hat and gloves with him.

Morgan had begun to walk down the sidewalk, but suddenly stopped, turning back around to face Marcus. "Wait... I just realized something."

"What?" Marcus asked. Was she having second thoughts about what they had just agreed to?

"If we're going to present ourselves to the world as a couple, we're likely going to have to kiss in front of people," Morgan said, staring at him with wide, worried eyes.

Marcus raised his eyebrows. He hadn't expected her to say that, but he realized she was probably right. "Oh. Well, I suppose we might, but it's not a big deal. Most couples don't engage in a ton of PDA, so we can just pretend to be modest about it."

"But aren't you going to be playing up the 'uber-romantic boyfriend' role for my coworkers to see?" Morgan pointed out, making finger quotes. "That would indicate we're super into each other, and so it's only natural we would have to play up the PDA in order to be convincing as a couple falling in love."

Marcus couldn't help but smile. "And you think we won't convince people if we aren't all 'kissy face' around each other?"

"Honestly yeah," Morgan said, looking a bit worried. "Is that going to be a problem?"

"You really don't think I can play the role of a doting, loving boyfriend? I have to say, I'm offended - I can assure you I am an excellent kisser," Marcus said confidently, taking a step closer to her.

"It's not just about acting the part," Morgan pointed out, her hands on her hips. "It's about chemistry. People will be able to tell if we're just going through the motions of kissing if it'll look mechanical. We'd have to convince people we're kissing because we're actually in lo-"

Morgan was cut off by Marcus suddenly leaning in and pressing his lips to hers in a forceful yet tender kiss. Morgan froze for a moment or two before slowly relaxing, settling her hands against his chest while Marcus's arms went around her waist, holding her close. Neither of them seemed to notice the pedestrians walking past them on the sidewalk or the light dusting of snow drifting down from the sky above as they kissed, their lips moving against each other in a sensual dance.

Marcus held Morgan closer as he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, and she responded by lightly nipping at his lower lip, causing him to smile against her. Morgan smiled too, and they finally pulled away, still standing only a couple inches apart as they gazed into each other's eyes.

"What was that you were saying about chemistry?" Marcus asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

"Um... I forget," she mumbled, her eyes gazing back into his. She smiled. "I think this arrangement could definitely work out well."

Marcus laughed. "I'm glad you think so. Does this mean you do think I'm a good kisser?"

"Definitely not bad, but I still can't say for sure if all your kisses will be that good," Morgan pointed out. "I think you and I could definitely convince people we have chemistry, though."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Marcus smiled. "And I agree, I think this arrangement could work out well for us."

"So what's the game plan?" Morgan asked, and the two of them resumed walking down the sidewalk. "What's our first move as 'the hot new couple'?"

"Well, I was planning on picking you up for lunch at your office tomorrow," Marcus said, thinking. "But I just remembered I have a lunch meeting with a client. We might have to hold off for another day, but I promise I'll think of something."