The door to Patrick’s office was open, but Jason didn’t feel right going in there. It was Patrick’s work. He was about to walk away when something caught his eye – a folder on the desk. Jason moved forward to get a proper look, and the writing on the cover made his blood run cold: Grant Kincaid. Why the fuck did Patrick have a file on Jason’s husband?
He opened it and saw various documents that made it clear Patrick had been investigating Grant for some time. Was he planning a story about him? Jason’s stomach plummeted. That was why he was here, wasn’t it? Patrick was using Jason to get a story on Grant. He’d known there was more to it. There was no way a man like Patrick could ever be interested in Jason for more than a night. How could he have been such an idiot? He was just another user. Jason had thought Patrick differed from every other man he’d met, but they were all the same, only out for what they could get. He had to get out of here before Patrick came back.
Jason put the file back as he’d found it. He didn’t want Patrick to know what he’d discovered. Jason got dressed quickly and made sure he had everything. He wouldn’t be able to come back here. He couldn’t get out of the flat quick enough, but he had to be careful getting out of the building so he didn’t bump into anyone, especially Patrick. There was no way he could face Patrick and control his emotions. He might give something away about Grant, and that wouldn’t end well for him. Why did he have such appalling taste in men?
Once Jason was outside, he ran as fast as he could to getaway from the building and Patrick. Not wanting to take any chances, he took out his phone and blocked Patrick’s number. He looked at their message history, and before he could change his mind he deleted the entire thread. He needed to forget Patrick ever existed.
CHAPTER 7
PATRICK
Patrick was nervous. It had been months since he’d seen Jason, after he’d completely cut Patrick off. He didn’t know what had happened. Arriving back at his flat to find him gone had made Patrick anxious at first because Jason had been in a vulnerable state when he’d arrived. Had Patrick taken advantage of him? Jason had been the one pushing for more, but perhaps he should have been more restrained. He’d tried to call Jason, and that was when he realised his number had been blocked. It had been a blow to the heart. Had Jason played him all this time? He didn’t want to believe it, but nothing else could explain his behaviour. At least they hadn’t gone all the way. If Patrick had been inside Jason, he knew the pain would be even worse.
He hadn’t spoken to Sebastian about it, because he didn’t want to put his friend in the middle. Charlie was Jason’s best friend and was now Sebastian’s fiancé. That was something else he’d need to discuss with Sebastian. The wedding in March. Patrick was Sebastian’s best man, and of course Charlie was having four best men. It would put them together in the main wedding party, and he still didn’t have an explanation for what had happened.
“What’s the plan for Christmas Day?” he asked Sebastian.
“We’re going to KC’s for breakfast, which you’re welcome to join. Then lunch is at our place.”
“What time?”
“Probably serve just after three o’clock.”
“Remind me who’s coming again.”
“Charlie’s mum, his brothers, Eric – who is Langdon’s fiancé – and Max.”
“Who’s Max?”
“Are you alright? Max, my friend from New York. The lawyer. I told you about him and Paolo, didn’t I?”
“Oh yeah, sorry. Yes, you did. It’s been busy. Will Jason be there?”
“Of course he’ll . . . Why are you asking?”
“No reason. Just wondering who’ll be there that I know.”
“You’re a terrible liar. Are you going to tell me anything about what happened between you two? I thought things were getting serious in the summer, and then nothing. Jason’s not saying anything to Charlie either.”
“I suspect Jason has told him not to say anything.”
“I have ways of making Charlie talk.”
Patrick chuckled. “I’m sure you do.”
“So, what happened?”
“We hooked up, and then he ghosted me.”
“What? But I thought you were just getting to know each other.”
“We were, but I was keeping things out of the bedroom. Once that changed, he was done with me.”
Patrick didn’t mention what had happened on Pride weekend, as that was why things didn’t add up. It was also giving him false hope that it could all just be a misunderstanding.
“I think there’s probably more to it. He’s had a lot going on these last few months with his ex being back on the scene.”
“I’m sorry, his what?”
