Page 56 of Sass

I sighed. “Don’t do that. Don’t push me away because you don’t like the fact I know a little something important about you.”

He gave a disdainful snort. “Knowingstuffabout me doesn’t change what we are. It doesn’t make what we did more than sex. It doesn’t make us... close.”

I ignored the sting of his words and the obvious lie.ThisChris had armoured up and pushing him wasn’t going to get me what I wanted. I took a calming breath. “Funny, I don’t recall asking you for anything more than sex.”

He squinted, like he hadn’t expected that answer. “Just so we’re clear.”

“Crystal. But I have got one more question for you.”

He eyed me suspiciously. “What?”

“How many others know this story, other than the counsellor?”

He stared at me, the tick in his jaw working hard, but he said nothing.

“Rhys?”

Chris grimaced and shook his head. “No one else knows.” His gaze narrowed. “But don’t think that makes us close or makes you special. I’m already regretting it.”

I shrugged. “I’m hardly special. But just so you know, no one else knows about what’s going on with me either, other than you.”

His eyes widened just a little.

“So maybe that makes us just a teensy bit close?” I held my thumb and forefinger close. “Like friends, maybe?”

He stared, reading whatever the hell he saw in my face until he finally sighed and offered a reluctant smile. “You’re a pushy bastard, aren’t you? But okay, yeah, I guess I can do friends. I get on well with all my hook-ups, remember?”

I schooled my expression at the pointed reminder.

“But no benefits.” He shot me a look. “You like looking after people, Leon, and you’re good at it. You’re one of life’s caretakers and I know my story has you all jiggling to help. You’ll be a great boyfriend or husband or whatever, and whoever you find to do it with will be a lucky man or woman. But it won’t be me.”

I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily. “And you’re better at the whole caring thing than you give yourself credit for. You’d make a pretty awesome partner for the right guy as well.”

He eyed me like I’d lost my mind. “Oh, I care about people, all right. Not saying I don’t. I just don’t want the twenty-four-hour handcuff version. I like it in nice bite-sized chunks that don’t come home with me.”

“Fair enough,” I agreed. “But when it works, the payoff seems to be worth it. At least it does when I look at Rhys and Beck, or Hunter and Alec.”

He shook his head. “Yeah, well, I’m not trusting the testimony of a bunch of coupled-up people who have a vested interest in me drinking the Kool-Aid just so they’re not alone in their misery.”

I threw back my head and laughed. “For twenty-six, you’re jaded as fuck.”

He didn’t smile. “Do you blame me?”

I sobered. “I guess not. So, friends, with absolutely zero hanky-panky involved. Got it.” I grinned. “Although, considering the crazy chemistry we have, it seems a damn shame.” I brushed a stray lock of hair from his eyes. “Just saying.”

“And you can keep saying it.” Chris rolled to face me again, his sultry eyes locked on mine as he ran a finger down my chest. “You might be the biggest temptation since Sebastian Stan donned his leathers inWinter Soldier, but I’m made of sterner stuff.”

I grabbed his hand before it latched around my cock. “And I thought we agreed to no benefits? Have a thing for superheroes, do you?”

Chris freed his hand from mine and yanked the covers down off my hips. Then he eyed my dick with a lick of his lips. “Define superhero.”

I barked out a laugh. “Just so you know, this thing will never wear a cape. Still, it’s nice to know you’re tempted even if the buffet is apparently closed.”

He pouted.

“Why, Mister Grantham, I do believe the tables have been turned. I lasted a week. I wonder how you’ll do?”

His mouth curved up in a sly grin. “Long enough for you to have to chase me with your walker.”

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