Through the bustling kitchen, you squeaked a quick, “Behind,” as you passed. A large, tattooed hand planted a light smack to your ass. It was a mindless thing that he’d done a ton of times at home whenever you’d pass him in the kitchen wearing only one of his tees. But right now, you weren’t at his apartment, and this wasn’t his kitchen. You two weren’t in the cozy atmosphere of the apartment, and everyone had just seen that.

Everyone froze, and the busy kitchen stilled. Sydney’s eyes widened, jaw hung open, as Tina crossed her arms and Marcus stood, dumbfounded.

Richie was the first one to speak up. “What the fuck, Cousin, that’s not cool.”

Carmy’s head was in his hands, face turning bright red as he tried to say, “Guys, it’s not li—”

“Not like what, Carm?” Syd asked. Tina pulled you closer to her, defensively, away from Carmy. “Because this seems an awful lot like harassment.”

Richie continued his scolding. “You’re the fuckin’ boss. What were you thinking, slapping the kid’s ass?”

Your face paled at Richie’s recollection of the event. “Guys, stop, it’s fine,” you muttered, voice cutting through the chaos. Carmy ran a hand through his hair, mouth still open.

Tina began her angry rant with a, “Jeff,” and the rest was very fast, angry Spanish.

“We’re together, alright,” you cut her off, hands up in surrender.

Moving next to an overly embarrassed Carmen, you ran a comforting hand over his forearm, watching the revelation of your relationship hit everyone.

Richie frowned, slinging an arm over Carmen’s shoulder. “Cousin finally got a girl and didn’t tell me about it.”

“We,” Carmy corrected, “didn’t tell anyone about us.”

Syd spoke up. “But, like, how long has this been going on? Because that was way too comfortable to be new.”

Speaking for the first time, Marcus narrowed his eyes, agreeing. “Yeah, how long has this been goin’ on?”

“Six months,” Carmy muttered quietly, looking down at you.

“Six months?!” Sydney’s eyes widened.

“You’ve been lying to us for six months?” Richie interjected.

“Not lying,” you answered. “Just… withholding the truth.”

Everyone took in the news before Syd raised her voice, saying that we still need to prep and to get moving.

Carmy pulled you away from the crowd into the office. “M’sorry, I didn’t mean t’do that out there,” he breathed, hands running up your sides.

“I know.” Your arms circled his neck. “They were gonna find out anyway.”