“We’re not all you.”
“Is he very innocent, then?” he asks curiously.
“Fuck no,” I say immediately and unbelievably, a smile tugs at my lips. “He’s scarily bright and incredibly cynical. Why are you staring at me?”
“Because he sounds perfect for you.”
“Well, apart from the teeny tiny details like his age and the fact that he’s my best friend’s child.”
“But you’re still in love with him.” I freeze, and he nods. “Don’t even bother to deny it. I know youverywell, Reuben Langley.”
I swallow hard. “Even if I am in love, there’s no future in it.” The words are painful, my voice hoarse.
My shirt comes loose, and he throws it down on the chair where it lands with a wet splat. “Why?” he asks softly. “Because of his age?”
I stare at him.
He frowns. “Jez?”
I nod.
“What did he say?”
“Basically, I have to sack Xavier off, or he’ll cut him out of his life.”
“What?” Grey says in a deadly voice.
“You heard. If I don’t end things, Jez will cut him off and have nothing to do with him again.”
“And that’s abadthing?”
“Grey,” I warn.
“Well, for fuck’s sake, it’s the truth. How is Jez as a father?” I don’t answer. “I bet he’s combative and competitive.” When I flinch, Grey says, “Yep. Called it. Reuben, listen to me.”
I loosen my belt and slide my trousers off, shivering in the cold air. “Do I have any other option?”
“No. Are you actually going to do as his lordship Jez commands?”
“Of course I am.”
“Why?”
“Did you hear anything of what I just said?”
“Yes, and I stand by my conviction that it’s not a bad thing for this Xavier if he never sees Jez again.”
“Stop.” I sigh. My underwear is sticking to me clammily, and I drag my boxers off without a second thought. He’s seen me naked more times than I’ve had hot dinners. “A father is important.”
“Oh my god, I bet Jez mentioned your family situation too.”
“Grey.”
“He did, didn’t he?” After I nod, he draws himself up, looking angrier than I’ve ever seen him. “That fucking cunt. He knows just what buttons to press on you.”
“He’s right to be angry with me. Everything he said is true.”
“No, it isn’t.”
