Page 54 of Protecting the Nerd

“He threw you a birthday party.”

Even thinking about it made me all verklempt again, and I wasn’t an emotional man by nature. “That was the best day of my life. I still can’t believe he did that for me.”

“He knew what it would mean to you because he’s been paying attention. He’s a good man, honey. You’re not attracted to him merely because he’s hot. He is, but he’s also kind and nurturing and caring.”

The lightbulb came on. “You’re saying I’m… Holy shit, I’m in love with him.”

Fir stayed quiet.

“I’ve never felt this for anyone. He makes me feel… Jesus, Fir, he makes me feel at home. Like he’s become my home.”

The door creaked behind me, and I swirled around. Quillon stood there, his eyes wide and his mouth dropped open. I had no doubt he’d overheard me. Well, that took the decision out of my hands.

“I gotta go,” I told Fir.

“What? Why?”

“Quillon heard me.”

“Go. We’ll talk later.”

I ended the call and lowered my phone.

He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I apologize. It wasn’t my intention to eavesdrop.”

“I know.”

“But I heard you talking, and I was wondering what was going on because you sounded different from when you’re talking to yourself.”

“I was on the phone with Fir.”

“So I gathered.”

“You heard what I said to Fir.” I didn’t pose it as a question.

“Not if you didn’t want me to. I’m very good at forgetting things.”

I quirked an eyebrow. “You’re capable of forgetting you heard me say I’ve fallen for you? That’s some serious skill.”

“York…”

“It’s the truth, Quillon.”

He didn’t say anything, though his eyes spoke volumes. Tortured was the right word for it, this look of being caught in an impossible situation. From his point of view, he was.

“You like me too,” I said softly. “I know you do. I may suck at social cues, but I know it’s the truth.”

“I’m—

“You cook for me. You make me eat healthy. You take care of me in every way. You stood by me when I faced my parents. You held me when I broke down. Twice. You threw me a surprise birthday party and invited all my friends. You like me, Quillon.”

A muscle in Quillon’s jaw twitched. “You’re my client, York. My protectee. That makes you off-limits.”

“I understand, but that’s not an answer to my question.”

Quillon held up his hands. “Let’s pretend this conversation never happened, okay? For your sake and mine.”

“You know I suck at pretending.”

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