Page 50 of Gideon
He shrugs. “Who knows. Zeb will tell me when we get back.”
As if united, we both sigh wistfully. Zeb is his boss. Suave and absolutely gorgeous, he’s also entirely oblivious to the stunning men and women he employs, having a very firm rule about not shitting where he works.
Jesse slides a look at me. “So, how was it? This was a surprise pickup. We expected you back a couple of weeks ago.”
“I did Maria a favour,” I say, thinking of my boss at the agency. “She needed someone quickly, and I was in the city, so I said yes.”
“Another oldies cruise. Was it really boring?”
“No,” I say slowly and sigh without meaning to, thinking of that last sight of Gideon. He’d looked sad, awkward, and cross all in one go. It’s not an easy thing to accomplish. “Not boring at all,” I finish softly.
He darts a swift and sharp look at me. “You alright? You sound a bit funny.”
“Just tired,” I say quickly.
“So, who was the celeb this time?”
“You know I can’t tell you.”
“I know youwon’ttell me,” he corrects me. “And for the record, I absolutely hate your discretion.”
“Duly noted,” I say solemnly. “I’ll try harder next time.”
“Just give me an age range. Was he or she nearly dead?”
I shake my head. “For fuck’s sake. No, he wasn’t. He’s in his late thirties.” I smile. “And very grumpy.”
“Oh myGod,” he says slowly. “What have you done, Eli?”
“What do you mean?”
“You fucked a client.”
“I didnot,” I say crossly. “Never. You know I wouldn’t.”
“So what’s with all that?”
He gestures at my face, and I frown. “All what? I haven’t said anything.”
“You didn’t have to. It was the way you said it and that sad, longing face.”
“It’s like being friends with Uri Geller.”
“Can I just say how relieved I am that he’s using the power of his mind to sort out Brexit for us all.” He laughs and then sobers quickly. “You sounded all soft and fond when you spoke about your patient.”
I sigh and rub my hands down my face and then stare out of the window, struggling to find the words to describe this last week with Gideon. Jesse’s endlessly patient, so he waits for me. “I wanted to so badly,” I say finally. “For the first time ever, I wanted to fuck a patient.”
“And?”
“Don’t you have anything to say to that?”
I’m definitely expecting something because Jesse is religious in not sleeping with his clients. He lives by that maxim.
“I’m wondering what he’s like to make you practically forget everything you’ve always sworn by.”
“He’s just lovely.” I sigh. “I can’t describe him properly. He’s sarcastic, funny, grumpy, and the most lonely person I’ve ever met.”
“And did he want you back?”
