Delia’s Heartthrob

Gadzooks! Valentine's Day is fast approaching—what's a scientist to do? Edward knows naught of romance. Can steam power prevail over chocolates to win Delia's heart?

The stress of looming deadlines threatens to thwart any Valentine's Day plans Professor Edward Ockham might have for his assistant—and lover—Delia Bennett. Compounding the tension, Edward insists the two maintain professional restraint once the workday begins at the Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory. But testing erotic machines with a formal demeanor proves to be quite challenging for Edward—and terribly frustrating for Delia. Something's got to give. Will Edward find the inspiration to melt his icy reserve?

Delia's Heartthrob continues the Steampunk workplace-romance-with-a-rom-com-vibe as our nerdy engineer suffers a crisis regarding how best to woo his tantalizing assistant. The 6,000-word short is the second story in The Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles, a queer, polyamorous, Steampunk romance series of nine short stories set in an alternate Victorian world meant to be read in order.

The Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles

In an imagined Newcastle, England, circa 1878, Professor Edward Ockham toils in obscurity at the Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory, creating unusual machines with his partner Special Assistant Sebastian Broadchurch. Until Miss Delia Bennett joins the Lab, sparking unfamiliar desires and inspiring steamy inventions.

One Cheek Or Two? (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 1)

Delia's Heartthrob (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 2)

Swing Follies (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 3)

Before Delia, Part 1: The Revolution (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 4)

Before Delia, Part 2: The Partnership (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 5)

A Thrilling Combination (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 6)

That Perfect Fit (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 7)

[To Be Determined] (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 8)

[To Be Determined] (Ockham Steam-Works Laboratory Chronicles 9)