Be My Travel Husband

The first client that Rowan had assigned to him worked for a popular clothing design district where they were struggling in connecting to the public. They had many old minds on the staff, and they did not want to hire younger people, afraid they would take over the whole business. Ageism was real! They desperately needed help in connecting to the people in a more modernized way without being shoved out of the business.

As old men who were afraid of being thrown out to the graveyards, they were desperate to make a good impression toward the young man who would help them be great. So, they created a small show wherein they could show off their business line. Mannequins were set up in the room showcasing off the designs and work they had done. There was a table for snacks and refreshments as well. Other businesses were allowed to come by. There was a lot of effort put into the show! It would not go to waste. They would push it as much as they could.

It made Sage realize that in the business world, Rowan was a lot more popular than he expected. While the event allowed other people to come in, it had originally all been done for Rowan's visit. It was impressive.

Sage mainly kept his head down and followed Rowan, feeling like an obedient puppy surrounded by hound dogs. He held onto his arm, hooked in his, and walked with him. His gaze kept looking over at the business consultant, wondering if he was going to comment, but Rowan's lips were sealed shut. He seriously observed the outfits on the mannequins.

"Do you know anything about fashion?" Sage suddenly asked him after a few minutes of watching Rowan carefully gaze at the clothing.

"Huh? No. Not a clue."

"Then how do you suppose you're going to help?"

Rowan smiled, and Sage spotted the dimples pinching his cheeks again. There was no hint of fear on his face. He was not afraid of his task at hand even though he knew nothing about the field of clothing! Meanwhile, Sage got a glimpse into the world of business and understood none of it. He had begun to grow irritated and annoyed being surrounded by strangers and confusion, so he spoke up to divert the thought in his mind by questioning Rowan.

"You're curious about what I'm going to do, but won't that be boring for you to watch, Doctor?" Rowan asked, teasing Sage about his curiosity. Nonetheless, he explained: "Right now, I'm getting an idea of their business," he said. He reached forward and pinched the fabric of a men's shirt dressed on the life-sized doll. His fingers rubbed the soft fabric. "They have a good material here, the design is nice and modern, and the make is well done. I know nothing of fashion, and I don't presume you do either, but don't you agree with these basic evaluations?"

As a doctor, Sage could tell the stitching was quite good. The fabric felt comfortable, and the style fit with what was seen being worn by the younger generations as well. On the other hand, as the elder brother of a sister who owned a fashion line, he also knew that Rowan's assessments were correct. So, he nodded in agreement.

"They have everything they need for their products," Rowan said. "All they need is something to stand on. With the newer generation, the older generation cannot afford to stand and shout out until someone hears. No one is listening outside anymore; everyone is online." He pulled out his phone and jiggled it in the air with a smile and dimples, saying, "This job is a piece of cake. I just have to teach them how the internet works, how to create and manage a social media platform, and they're golden."

Sage was a little impressed, but after a moment of thought, he figured that it was Rowan's job to do this sort of thing, so he merely nodded at Rowan and hummed in agreement. He couldn't help but throw in his two cents on the matter: "Teaching an older generation how to work technology is easier said than done." He had dealt with how the older doctors of the hospital hated the newer technology. It had been a struggle and a major step for them to agree it was the best idea to switch to a more computerized system.

Rowan saw no issue with the competition. He smiled, dimples clear, and shrugged as he tugged Sage along.

Once Rowan had made a full trip around the room and glanced at all the mannequins, an older man walked up to him. He had a completely white beard and a bald head. His posture was hunched, and he appeared so old that he had begun to shrink. Seeing Sage beside Rowan, his pale face turned a little red. Suddenly, he reached for his hand to grab and kiss!

Sage bit his tongue and shifted closer to Rowan. He was supposed to not have any lines, but he wanted to snap! "Don't touch me! Who do you think you are!?"

"Ah, Mr. Lume, please, he has a germ issue. He's got a small case of mysophobia," Rowan swiftly lied. His arm wrapped around Sage to stick him close to his side, which was warm and comforting compared to the cold and disinteresting aura coming from Mr. Lume. Without much room for anything else, Sage found himself attached to Rowan's side.

Sage was only supposed to talk to Rowan, so he lifted his head and whispered to him, "I'm going to kill him if he touches me."

Rowan nervously laughed in reply, unsure of what to say given he could see and understand both sides.

He could see Sage's side: being grabbed by another man he didn't know to try and make a move on him was something anyone would be uncomfortable from. Regardless of whatever gender combination it was, it was weird and intolerable. But he could also see Mr. Lume's side as well. That Sage presented himself as a beautiful husband, and it was hard to restrain from expressing admiration.

Thankfully, Rowan wasn't a sick pervert. He hadn't even let Sage know how attractive he thought he was; he had a chance to tell him when they were in the inn room, but he bit his tongue, finding himself unable to word himself properly. If he couldn't say it, there was no way he would be able to make such a bold move as Mr. Lume had. Rowan had manners, unlike some older men.

"What did he say?" Mr. Lume questioned.

For a second, he stammered, and then he said, "Just that he wishes to turn in for the night. His last shift was a late one, and I fear he's not very good at sleeping during car rides. I hope that leaving so soon won't be too much of an issue.

Mr. Lume's face fell. Rowan was leaving so soon?! After he had set everything up for him to see… He attempted to get Rowan to stay. "It's a shame. I know my wife had said that she thought your partner was quite beautiful and wanted some conversation."

"He's a shy one and doesn't talk much. I fear the conversation would be a bit one-sided.

"I looked over everything here. I have a good idea of what needs to be done. My husband here wishes to leave, so I must leave," Rowan began to say. Very professionally. His words were smooth and said with confidence. He did not trip once, nor did he falter, and he still had his handsome smile on his face with pierced cheeks. 

Rowan turned his face, and his lips brushed gently on the top of Sage's head. The doctor froze. "Sweetie Sage here is a workaholic. He almost needs to go back to work. I'll work on a list when I get to our inn room and show you what I've come up with first thing in the morning."

On one hand, Mr. Lume was stunned. Rowan had assessed so much in so little time. As shocked as he was, he was incredibly grateful. He shook Rowan's hand and thanked him, wishing him a safe drive. On the other hand, Sage could not move. There were at least two things he wanted to say, and at most five. However, Rowan's arm around his shoulder tugged him away to leave the venue.

Only when they got back in the elevator and let the doors close did Sage let go of Rowan. He let out a large huff.

"I'm sorry," Rowan said. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"It's fine," Sage muttered. What did he expect when he had said he would pose as Rowan's lover? His lips simply brushing on the top of his head was nothing to worry about. It was acting after all. "'Sweetie Sage'?" he asked.

For the first time, Rowan showed some embarrassment. The red on his cheeks clashed with his complexion. He stammered a bit before he managed to say, "I, sorry. It was, I was trying to, you know, be husbandly."

"That's not a word," Sage deadpanned.

"Somewhere in a poor translation of languages it probably is."

The jokes diffused any awkward air. Sage scoffed and turned his head, feeling his shoulders relax.

"Sage." Rowan turned serious, so Sage looked over at him. His eyes were dark and staring at him deeply. Sage felt like Rowan looked different. Not in a bad way. He was still handsome, but he made a feeling in Sage's gut move differently. "Back out now if you want to before we're too far into this trip. I'm serious."

The doctor took a moment to think. He would find a lot more comfort back in the hospital that he was familiar with, but then again, what kind of new experience would it be if he gave up a week in? Working as a travel doctor was something that had been on his mind for a long time. It was paid for completely by Rowan's company, and the hospital did not have to pay for a single cent other than Sage's time. To turn it down would be idiotic. 

Sage decided his answer and shook his head. The three-month trip was long, but Sage had his reasons. "It's fine. I'm not leaving."

"You deserve it," Rowan suddenly said. "A type of break, you know?" he added. "When I told Bella that I needed help, she begged me to take you on this trip. She told me how much you worked and felt like you needed it, seeing it could serve as a working vacation.

"I agree. From stories I've heard, you work hard, Sage. No one can secure a position so young like you have without both raw talent and hard work combined."

Sage curled his bottom lip and peeled his eyes away. Rowan's look was too much. "I didn't ask for compliments."

"I don't wait to be asked for compliments; I give them when I see fit." Rowan took a deep breath. If the elevator wasn't completely silent, Sage would not have heard the other whisper: "I promise, Sage, I'll treat you the best during these three months."