Page 89 of Employing Patience

Will sighs. “I wish I didn’t have the capacity for jealousy.”

“Still got it bad?”

“I dunno if it’s worse because I know I can’t have him, because he’s exactly my type, or because he’s just so fucking nice to me all the time, but I’m gonna explode if I don’t say something to him soon.”

“You’re going to tell him?” From every conversation we’ve had so far, I never, not in a million years, would have picked Will as having the balls to do that.

“No,” he says, confirming my suspicions. “But it’s so hard to keep it in.”

I can’t imagine what the guy is going through. Things are rough as it is with Art and not knowing whether there’s enough interest there to go further, but in a choice between getting the chance to sleep with him and not getting that chance, I’m going to jump at the sex.

There’s nothing Will’s said about Keller that makes me think there’s interest there. I just hope I’m wrong.

“How long until Molly leaves?”

“Pretty soon.”

“And …”

Will’s tan cheeks darken. “I’m moving into Keller’s. Reluctantly. And only until I find a place I can afford on my own.”

“It sucks Hannah isn’t leaving for college until August, otherwise, I would have been up for a roommate.”

Will perks up. “Would you though?”

“Want a roommate?” It wasn’t something I’d considered, but … having a second person to contribute financially would be a huge load off my shoulders. “That actually sounds incredible.”

“Yeah?” Will’s eyes are wide. “August. That’s only four months away. I can totally do that.”

“You sure can.” I’m talking out of my ass, trying to be encouraging, but while Will might be relieved to have the option, he has no clue how much of a relief it is to me as well. We shake on it, and I laugh. “For that, I’m definitely buying you a drink. Screw whatever boss man has to say.”

“Actually, I need to head out. I’m cooking dinner for Molly and Keller tonight and just thought I’d stop in and say hey.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.”

“Me too. I’m so relieved I could kiss you.”

I actually consider letting him. Just for a second. Because if buying him a drink could prompt Art to descend, I could only imagine what that would do. Fortunately for Will, I’m a good enough friend to not drag him into our games.

He leaves, and I get started on the after-work rush. It’s not busy, more a steady flow of people, giving me a chance to chat and joke around. It’s the part of the job I enjoy most.

“The Coca-Cola lines are running low,” I tell Courtney when we have a lull. “I’m going to go and change it over.”

She waves me away, and I head for the stock cupboard where all of our lines are hooked up. I’ve just finished changing it over when a prickling creeps along my neck and down my spine. I don’t need to look up to know exactly who’s standing there, watching me.

“Come to help?” I ask, trying not to let him in on how happy I am that he followed me down here. It only confirms my theory that he watches me on those monitors of his, and that thought turns me on more than it should.

When I stand and whirl around, he’s way closer than I expected, and he immediately steps in, cutting off the distance between us.

“What was all that out there?” he demands.

“All what?”

“With Will. The flirting. The holding hands.”

Yep, definitely watching me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I also don’t think bosses are supposed to accost their staff in supply closets.”

His eyes narrow. “Want me to walk away?” he asks dryly. “Just tell me. Tell me you’re done with me and not interested, and I’ll never bother you again. Ever.”

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