“Between me and Reed?”Gavin scoffed. “What are you, a teenage girl? We’re not passing notes during study hall. Not even my type, as you’ll recall. Even if he weren’t straight and married to a woman.”
“Right.” Jackson sighed. “Forget I said anything.”
Gavin frowned, but he nodded and turned to leave. “Later, boys.”
“Gavin is gay?” Park asked when Gavin left. “Did I know that?”
“Did you? It’s not a secret.”
Park just laughed and shook his head.
“So how do you want to play this?” Jackson asked.
Park grimaced. Martha walked over before he could respond. She gave Park a tight hug and said, “Glad you’re okay. We were all really worried. How’s your wrist?”
“A little sore, but I’m okay. What’s going on?”
“Well, I’m giving Dee and Dum the night off. The hotel called in more security todeal with the press, and since Tucker has been arrested, we figure that’ll be enough for tonight. The rest of the staff is staying here tonight, but everyone’s going home tomorrow. But if you’re staying, I can stay, too, if you want.”
“Nah, go home. Once the press loses interest, I’ll be fine here until I find another apartment.”
“So you’re definitely moving?” Jackson said.
“I can’tlive at my place again. Even if I got that stain out of the floor, I’d still know it’s there.”
Jackson ran his hand up and down Park’s arm. Everything felt surreal, but now that the fear had passed, exhaustion remained. Jackson could practically feel the energy leeching out of him. He looked forward to falling asleep with Park.
Martha watched Jackson, and then said, “And you, Mr. Kane.Will you also be joining us tonight?”
“Looks that way. Is that a problem?”
“Not for me.” Martha grinned. “Most of the staff is here tonight, so I don’t think it will seem strange to anyone else.”
“I kind of wish everyone here didn’t know about me being here, though. Or why I’m here, which I assume they’ll figure out,” said Jackson.
“Get used to it, buddy. We’ve still got a monthof campaigning left to do. And if you become a fixture—”
“We haven’t really talked about it, Martha,” Park said. “A man obsessed with me just tried to kill me in a hotel men’s room. Can we deal with everything else tomorrow?”
“Fine,” said Martha. She pointed at Park. “But we will be discussing this.”
They stood around chatting for another minute before Martha excused herself. Justas Jackson decided to talk Park into bed—not even for sex, just because Park also looked exhausted—Reed came into the lobby. He carried a duffel bag and futzed with his phone, but he stopped when he saw Jackson. He walked straight toward where Jackson stood with Park.
“Kinda crazy out there,” Reed said, handing over the duffel bag. “Good thing I didn’t put anything scandalous in the bag. Securitysearched me pretty thoroughly. I had to make up a pretty elaborate story about why I was here.”
Park’s eyes went wide. “What did you say?”
Reed waved his hand. “Hello, again, Parker Livingston. I understand my good friend Jack is quite smitten with you. Don’t think that’s enough to get my vote.”
“Okay,” Jackson said, “that’s enough of that. Thank you, Reed. I appreciate your help.”
“De nada.” Reed looked around. “This is a nice hotel. I don’t think I’ve ever been in here before.”
Reed seemed determined to make a pest of himself, so Jackson said, “Thanks, Reed, but I’ve got it from here.”
“Ah.” Reed winked at Jack. “I’ll see you tomorrow, right? If your dick doesn’t fall off, I mean. From all the sex you’re about to have.”
“Goodbye, Reed.”
