Page 48 of Bloom: Part 1

“Dr. Collier, I don’t think you can make it tonight,” James said.

“And why not?”

“Well, you have that thing tonight.”

“I don’t have a thing.”

“Are you sure?” James clenched his teeth. “I’m pretty sure you do.”

“Wait a minute. I remember you.” Nicholas wagged a finger at James. “You were the one wearing the dress. The one who handed Logan the award. I didn’t recognize you without the heels.”

“Yup, I’m one and the same.”

“Logan, all this time, I thought the dark-haired boy was the one you were interested in.” Nicholas laughed. “But it’s this one, right? Isn’t he a bit too, err, effeminate for your taste?”

James threw his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “Exactly. He’s my man, and there’s no way I’m letting him go out on a date with you. Sorry.”

“James!” I untangled his arms from around my neck, scowling. “Will you quit it? Nicholas, he’s just horsing around. He is not my anything.”

“Ouch. I at least thought I was your friend.”

“Put a lid on it, James. Yes, Nicholas, I can meet you somewhere for dinner tonight, especially since I don’t feel like eating at home alone.”

“I know someone who’d be glad to eat with you every night,” James grumbled loudly. This—this was what I got for spending too much time with these brats. Nicholas would be more up to my speed. Quick sex, then good-byes.

“Are you sure this won’t be a problem?” Nicholas asked.

“No, of course not. Did you have a place in mind?”

“Yeah. How about eight at Le Bonbon? You remember the little French place we used to sneak off to?”

No way would I tell him the restaurant was a regular spot where I met up with my random hookups. He’d never been anyone special, but he never wanted more from me than I could give him. Not like he-who-should-no-longer-be-named.

If you continue with this farce, you will only exacerbate his mental health condition.

This was for the best. “Sounds perfect.”

“Is it, though?” James huffed. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Nicholas. Logan’s already taken by someone who won’t like you going out with his man.”

“Don’t pay him any mind,” I said. “You know I don’t do relationships.”

“That’s right. I’ll see you later, then, Logan. Good-bye, you jealous little liar. You don’t need to worry. I’m just breezing through town, so by tomorrow, he’ll be all yours again.”

Exactly. The perfect man for a night of passion with a mature adult who could handle sex without a relationship. Bloom was not that guy. All I’d done was criticize him once, and he’d latched on to me since.

The door shut behind Nicholas, and James rounded in on me, his chin tilted in a stubborn arch. “I don’t like him. He’s not suitable for you.”

“Good. I’m not looking for a relationship.” I sat at my desk, picking up files and putting them down randomly. “Is there a reason you’re here?”

“I thought when you went home with Bloom, you worked out your differences.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

“The whole club knows he spent the night with you.”

“James, you don’t understand, and I don’t need to discuss my personal life with you.”

“You’re making a big mistake.” James curled his hands into fists at his sides. “You’ve been this colossal asshole since the daywe met—so damn cold and freezing out everyone. I’m the only one who dares to get close to you, and you still keep me at a distance. I don’t even know when your fucking birthday is. You have no social media, no family—nothing. Finally, there comes a guy who worships the ground you walk on. He’d do anything—anything—to be with you, and all you do is push him away.”

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