Page 5 of The Making of Jonty Bloom
“You want to check in?” Jonty asked. It was only nine and check in wasn’t until three that afternoon.
The guy gave a heavy sigh. “That would be the purpose of me coming into the hotel, walking over to the desk, and telling you that I have a reservation.”
He didn’t add the worddimwit,but Jonty heard it as clearly as he heard Tay talking in his head.
He’s good-looking.
He’s a dickhead.
He’s still gorgeous.
You’re not really there.
Stop talking to me then.
You stop talking to me!
You first!
No, you!
“Unless you can think of some other reason?” the guy said.
Shit!Mr Snappy was still speaking. Had he said anything else? “Check in’s not until three o’clock, sir.”
“I’ve had a long and difficult journey.” The response came through clenched teeth.
Yes, it probably was a long and difficult journey from hell. Though why would they let you out?
“What were you thinking then?” The guy frowned.
“That you look tired.”Shit.He should have kept that to himself.
“Do I? In what way?”
Double shit.This was not appropriate. Jonty had been warned about being professional at all times. No personal comments. Not even nice ones. No being cheeky. No backchat. No sarcasm. No lusting. Well, Vincent, the hotel manager and Jonty’s immediate boss, hadn’t mentioned that last one.
“I asked you a question.”
Jonty forced himself to stare straight at him. “Dark circles under your eyes. Face a bit drawn. Hair looks as though you’ve dragged your fingers through it several times. Your top button’s undone and your tie is loose. You need a shave—or perhaps you’re going for that designer stubble effect. It works. Totally.”Fuck!
The silence was painful. He could feel unemployment’s bony finger poking him in the back.
You’ve rendered him speechless.
I should have stayed speechless.
“They’re very personal comments.”
You asked!“Sorry. I talk too much. Things pop out of my mouth when I don’t mean them to. Though not chocolate.”
Nor cocks. You take your time with those, don’t you?
Shut up, Tay!
“I apologise if I’ve been rude.” Jonty risked a small smile.
“If?”
