“Consistency is a virtue.”
“No,” Jasper said, “consistency is a coping mechanism. Virtue is optional.”
Bennett paused mid-sip. “Do you always psychoanalyze strangers before breakfast?”
“You’re not a stranger,” Jasper said. “And you started it.”
Bennett narrowed his eyes. “I started nothing.”
Jasper took his own coffee and nodded toward a cluster of people at the fireplace. “They are playing cards. We could join.”
“We could not,” Bennett replied immediately.
Jasper’s smile turned sly. “You are afraid of losing.”
“I am afraid of wasting time.”
“I am afraid you will say that until you are dead,” Jasper said, and there was something in his voice that made Bennett pause.
Bennett stepped away from the coffee station. “We should check the road updates. Call the airline again. Tell the team we’re delayed.”
Jasper followed him back toward the elevator. “We already did all of that.”
“We should do it again.”
“Bennett,” Jasper said, calm and irritating, “you can’t spreadsheet your way out of a snowstorm.”
Bennett’s jaw clenched. “Watch me.”
Back in the room,Bennett opened his laptop on the desk and pulled up every email thread tied to the conference. He typed fast, precise updates, minimal emotion. He could manage this if he kept his mind on tasks.
Jasper sat on the edge of the bed and watched him like he was a puzzle.
“Stop looking at me,” Bennett said without glancing up.
“I’m not looking at you,” Jasper replied.
Bennett lifted his gaze. Jasper was absolutely looking at him.
Jasper shrugged. “Fine. I am looking at you. You’re interesting.”
Bennett’s throat went dry. “No, I am not.”
“That’s a lie,” Jasper said. “You have the vibe of a man who has never once allowed himself to be taken care of.”
Bennett’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. He forced them to move again. “I do not need to be taken care of.”
Jasper’s tone stayed light, but something underneath it sharpened. “No. You just need to be in control at all times so no one can disappoint you.”
He shut the laptop a little harder than necessary. “Are you done?”
Jasper blinked, then smiled like he had found the crack in the armor and was choosing not to exploit it. “I am.”
Bennett stood. “I’m going to the gym.”
“There’s a gym?” Jasper said, amused.
“I saw it in the directory.”
