Page 16 of Wallflower in Bloom

What could be more romantic than a lovesick boyfriend who was at a loss after a fight?

Jack

Tell them I’ve got a girlfriend.

PR Goddess

A WHAT. ??

You’ve never had one in your life.

Sure you haven’t been replaced by an alien clone?

Shit. Was it his fault he’d built a protective wall around himself so no one could get hurt?

He wasn’t cut out for a life where he’d disappoint someone by having to put his career first. So he’d had a no-relationships rule since he could remember.

It was better for everyone.

He thought back to last evening, doubled over with laughter as Violet screamed at the behind-the-scenes exploits he’d told her about. He definitely wouldn’t have been able to stay with a random, delightful woman if he’d had a girlfriend.

He thought of Violet’s pretty face, the round curve of her ass as she leaned over to refill her drink last night. An idea dawned on him.

Jack

I’ve just kept it under wraps. I’m visiting her now. She’s not in the industry and hates the spotlight. But she’s very wholesome, loves the show.

PR Goddess

Pics or it didn’t happen.

Jack

She hates photos, but she’s got beautiful auburn curls, curves that drive me fucking feral, and emerald eyes like actual gemstones.

At least that part wasn’t a lie.

The jingle of bells clanged behind him, and a chorus of hellos greeted Gray as he swaggered inside. Jack threw a hand up, and Gray joined him in the long booth.

“How’s your patient?” Jack asked.

“Rose? Finally stopped sneezing after I vacuumed six times. Settle in okay with Violet? Keep your hands to yourself?” Gray glared at him and grabbed the pot of coffee on the table.

Jack threw his hands up. “Perfect gentleman, I swear. Though, I would commit murder for a taste of her cookies.”

Gray paused mid-air, about to pour himself a cup, with a murderous look in his eyes.

“Her chocolate chip cookies, you wanker.”

Gray smirked. “Todd getting along okay?”

“He’s still pissed at me for taking him on the plane, but he's settling in well.” Jack poured himself a top-up and dumped four creamers behind it.

“So…” Gray drummed his fingers on the ceramic cup. “What the hell happened, man?”

They hadn't had a chance to talk since Jack had arrived, and Rose had turned into a gigantic sneezing nose.

Jack swiped his hand over his mouth, thinking. “It was Nate’s stag do. I won’t apologize for handling it.” Jack leaned forward, anger brimming under the surface. “And I won't apologize for coming out of the only gay strip club I know who treats its dancers well. I was sober, even. I was the DD.”

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