Page 69 of Convenient Rivals

“Yeah, it’s just... I don’t really know what we are.”

“What do you... Ah, you haven’t had theboyfriendconversation yet.”

“It’s not... No, no, we haven’t...”

“Why not? It’s obvious he’s into you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just the way his face lit up when I mentioned you this morning.”

“How long did you speak to him? What did you say?” asked Gregory, his eyes narrowing.

Paolo chuckled. “Relax. I just made him a coffee, but he had gooey eyes and blushed when I mentioned you.”

Gregory felt his own cheeks heat and turned away, hoping Paolo didn’t see him.

“He looks away when he’s blushing as well. That’s so adorable.”

Gregory couldn’t help but smile, but he formed his face back into a scowl before turning back to Paolo. It clearly didn’t work, as Paolo laughed.

“You got time for a coffee?” he asked.

Gregory nodded. It wasn’t even eight o’clock yet, so he wasn’t in a rush.

“Where are the others?” he asked, glancing towards the bedrooms.

“Langdon’s at Knights Corner. Eric was on the late shift, so he’s still asleep – as is Lila – and Jason didn’t come home last night, again.”

Gregory guessed he was staying with Patrick, and the guilt hit him again. Jason had experienced the worst childhood of all of them, and it had naturally screwed him up. Now, he’d finally met someone who understood him, and Gregory was supposed to destroy that? If not, the man he was sure he was in love with would pay the price. How was any of this fair?

Gregory took a deep breath before he walked into the building. He was so proud of what they were doing, but he couldn’t take in any of the changes since he was last here. The contractors greeted Gregory, and he smiled and waved back but didn’t stop to chat. He was on a mission to speak to Langdon before he lost his nerve. Gregory hadn’t been able to concentrate at work. Hannah had picked up on his mood, cleared his diary and ushered him out of the office.

“I didn’t expect to see you here today,” said Langdon, looking up from his desk.

“I need to talk to you.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, jumping up. “Is it Oscar?”

“No, it’s not Oscar. Well, not directly, but it affects him, and I think I’m in love with him.”

Langdon looked a bit surprised. “You think?” he said with a smile.

“No, I know I’m in love with him. I’m just not sure he feels the same way.”

“Only one way to find out.”

“And you’re not going to warn me off, and be all big brother about it?”

Langdon laughed. “I’ll give him the ‘you hurt my brother and I’ll break your legs’ line, of course.”

Gregory winced.

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just... promise me you won’t flip out and charge in trying to fix everything.”

“I promise nothing of the sort. Tell me what’s going on,” he said, folding his arms and scowling.

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