Page 59 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“I know, I know,” he says despairingly. “But he needed a job, and I’m a weak, weak man.”

Ellis closes his eyes, opening them slowly. “Tell me you’re not fucking your assistant.” Among all the shitstorm, Ellis can’t afford to have someone from his team be sued for sexual harassment if things go south.

“I’m not fucking my assistant,” Jordan says, very tersely. “Not for lack of trying onhispart.”

A light-bulb goes off in Ellis’ brain. “I’ll go out on a limb and say that you came all the way here in a spur of the moment because you are running away, aren’t you?”

Jordan has the audacity to look insulted. “What? Of course not! I missed you and I knew you were going through a hard time.”

Ellis just stares at him.

“Okay, fine!” Jordan throws his hands up. “I needed some distance. I can’t think for shit when he’s around.”

How relatable. “I’m sorry, Jay. Are you positive it’s just the sex he wants?” He didn’t think he’d see the day when Jordan would be the pining one.

Jordan huffs. “He claims it wouldn’t be just the sex, but I’m not stupid. He’s curious and he knows I’m into him and thinks I’m gonna cave.”

Ellis bristles a little. “You hypocrite. You tell me to take a fucking leap even if there’s a huge fucking chance I might end up hurting both Gabriel and myself, but you won’t take a chance on the guy you wantand who wants you back?”

“He doesn’twantme.He’s just saying it to get his way.”

Ellis studies his profile since Jordan still won’t look at him. “And you know that for sure?”

Jordan swallows, his voice raspy. “Yup.”

“Liar.” He instantly feels bad when he sees Jordan wince. Seems that the tough guy is not as tough when it comes to his heart instead of his dick. “Hey.”

Jordan reluctantly looks at him.

Ellis smiles. “What’s your guy’s name?”

Jordan’s eyes slide shut, the name rolling off his tongue like a melody. “Charlie.”

“Tell me about him.”

Chapter 13

Gabe is surprised tosee Jordan again Saturday morning. He can’t decide if he’s relieved or disappointed that Ellis hasn’t come with him. He’d love to see him, of course, but he can just imagine the awkward silence that would follow.

“Good morning,” Jordan says cheerfully, though he looks like he’d love nothing more than to fall into bed and sleep until the cows come home. He’s also lost the formal clothes and looks like a completely new person in his shorts and a white tee.

“Morning. Rough night?” Gabe asks teasingly.

“You know how to flatter a guy.” Jordan pretends to pout. It looks ridiculous on him. “To answer your question: fun night.”

Gabe’s not sure about that. There’s a sense of contentment coming from Jordan, probably due to having spent time with his friend, but there’s something else too. Something sad and a little wistful. Gabe doesn’t call him out on it, it’s hardly his place.Instead, he focuses on brightening his energy, hoping some of it will transfer to Jordan.

“I see. Need a pick-me-up?”

Jordan lets out a dramatic groan. “Yes, please. Save me.”

Gabe laughs. “You got it. Flat white, is it?”

“A large one this time.” His eyes sparkle mischievously, watching Gabe’s face with intense focus. “And I need a coffee for my friend too. He’s a lightweight.”

Gabe bites his lip to stop himself from blurting out Ellis’ order. “What kind of coffee?”

Jordan looks at him like he can see right through the bullshit. Could it be that heknowsand is just taunting Gabe? But…that would mean Ellis has talked about him. Somehow, Gabe has a hard time believing that. Then again, if Ellis was drunk and Jordan managed to get him to talk…