Jake looks around the room and spots Liam standing with a few of the other people Jake oversees. As Jake watches, Liam looks up and over, and their eyes meet. Liam smiles faintly, and Jake can't help smiling back.

He regrets smiling when Liam says something to the two women he's with and starts walking towards Jake. Jake's trying to think of a way to get out of this situation before it happens. Unfortunately, no escape plan comes to him before Liam's right in front of him.

"Hi," Liam says, running a hand through his hair. He really is very cute.

"Hi." Jake doesn't think he's ever sounded more awkward. He's used to being in control, commanding, both in his professional and private life. But he doesn't feel either of those things right now. He feels like a schoolboy whose been caught doing something he shouldn't. He's waiting to be told off.

"So that was really you at The Thorn last Friday? It was my first night there. I usually go to the Red Curtain, but my friends had heard The Thorn was a fun place to spend a Friday night." Liam says it casually, clearly not shy or embarrassed.

It's not like they've never talked before. They've known each other for a year, but Jake never imagined talking to Liam about what their preferred BDSM clubs were, so he's feeling tongue-tied.

"Yeah, that was me," Jake says just as the receptionist, Katie, almost knocks over the Christmas tree. Somehow it stays up, only losing a few decorations. Katie doesn't seem to notice, leaving the baubles on the floor as she goes to get another drink.

"You looked good," Liam says, biting his lip, blushing slightly.

Jake thinks of how he looks in the office: shirt, tie, neat brown hair, glasses on. Friday night had meant contacts, leather pants, and a leather harness.

"Thank you. You looked great." Jake looks around, hoping no one is paying them too much attention.

As far as Jake is aware, Liam is open about his sexuality. It's not a secret he's gay. Jake's sexuality isn't a secret exactly, but he's pretty sure that not everyone he works with knows.

"Thanks. I had no idea, you know? That you were a Dom. But it makes sense, now that I've seen you in that environment. You're very commanding, dominant without being bossy." Liam glances around, like maybe he doesn't want to be overheard either.

"I keep that kind of stuff out of work as much as I can, but it's part of my personality, so I guess it shows through a little. I didn't know you were a sub," Jake says, loosening his tie just a little.

Liam smiles. "I've been going to clubs since I was too young to be in them."

"Maybe the office Christmas party isn't the place to be talking about this," Jake says, increasingly aware of all the people milling around.

"We could go to your office," Liam suggests.