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It’s one reason I’ve been so careful with money. If I could get her into a place like that it would be great, but the tuition would suck up most of my savings. And let’s not forget the problem of my occupation. Mike has a second legit job as a rideshare driver, but I’ve never found the time or energy for more than what I’m already doing.

Tim pours coffee into a travel mug. “My sister’s on the parent board. If you didn’t think it would be too weird, I could ask her to put in a good word.”

In the middle of checking my pockets to be sure I have my wallet and keys and everything (nothing more embarrassing than leaving my keys at a client’s place and then having to return after the awkward goodbyes are said), I stop to look at him.

“You’d do that?”

He shrugs. “Of course. Why not?”

“Who on earth would you tell them you’re asking for?”

“A friend.” Boy, is he blushing hard.

If I weren’t already worrying about my kid, I might laugh. “Telling them I’m a friend with your face on fire like that definitely won’t fly.”

“Maybe not.” He screws a lid onto the travel mug and follows me to the door. It’s one of those fancy ones that keeps your drink warm for you. Lord knows what those must cost.

“Look, can I ask a really uncomfortable question?”

Uh-oh. “Long as you don’t mind if I decide I can’t answer.”

“Well, it’s just that I know what I pay you and I know you’re, uh, popular.” His face is even redder now. “Surely you could swing the tuition at Bardsden.”

Surely I could. But spending money, especially that kind of money, gets me to where I have to swallow half a bottle of antacids.

“Uh, I walked away from a basketball scholarship when I found out I was going to be a dad, Mr. Gregory. Going back’s not an option. I don’t exactly have a ton of marketable skills, and I’ve got a little girl to raise. I can’t do this forever,” I say as I gesture between us. “Not you, I mean, but…”

“Sure. I get it. You’re trying to put away enough for when you’re forced to quit?”

Exactly right. Never mind the part where I’m always the littlest bit afraid someone could decide I’m not fit to be Ella’s dad and try to take her from me. There’s always a chance I need to be prepared for a legal battle.

Whenever I recall that, I feel as though someone has plunged me into icy water.

“Yes, sir.”

“Ugh. Don’t call me sir.” He holds out the travel mug. “Here. You seem tired this morning.”

Try every morning. “Thank you, but I couldn’t take that.” Don’t know how much this travel mug costs, but it’s not the sort of thing you let a person walk out the door with. And I have some of the coffee Mike got me sitting cold in the car still.

“Sure you can. Just bring it back next time.” He winks at me.

“Well, I do appreciate it.” I take it because I’m antsy to leave and that’s the easiest thing.

I’m almost at his front door when he stops me again. “Can I ask another awkward question?”

“All right.” I’m fighting the urge to yawn. Or fidget. I may be tired as heck, but I’m itching to go and get Ella. Even though she’s probably fine. The school’s message made it clear the danger had passed and that she was happily coloring in the principal’s office.

“Do you think…” He shakes his head. “This is embarrassing. I like you, Dean. You’ve really brought me out of the funk I’ve been in since Tyler died. I like spending time with you. I’m sure this is a long shot, but I guess I’m asking if you would ever consider a date?”

Oh hell. Mike was right.

I nearly drop the expensive travel mug. “Sir…”

“You can call me Tim.” He raises his eyebrows. “Although I get the feeling you’re already looking for a polite way to decline.”

Here’s the thing, a few of the guys in our escorting friend group have wound up in relationships with clients. Good on them, you know?

But trying to date a client is something Brennan warned against early on, and I’ve kept it a solid rule. At first, I told myself it was because I was straight and my body was one thing, but romance was another. The way I get hard whenever Mike touches me put that label to rest.