guy?”
“Yes.” He nodded and got a far-off look with dreamy eyes. Shit it all out. He was lovesick for a client. This wasn’t good unless the client felt something for him.
“Do you think this guy could… I don’t know, like you back?”
He bit his bottom lip and shrugged.
Shit.
I winced and scrubbed a hand over my face. “West, I don’t know if this is good.”
He dropped his head and groaned, running a hand through his hair. “I know. But I can’t stop thinking about him.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“That’s the thing. I don’t know.” He threw his hands up. “Do I stop going there? Do I get Saint or Country or State to get him someone else? Do I keep going and try to stop my feelings?” His eyes landed on me. “You need to tell me what to do. I have too much going on. I don’t need this extra stress in my life, and all because I couldn’t stop getting feelings for a client. Jesus, I’m pathetic.”
Leaning across, I punched him in the arm.
“What was that for?”
“To stop you from freakin’ out.”
“It worked because all I want to do now is punch you back.”
I nodded. “Good. Now, you’re not pathetic. I gave Saint a blow job on the first night, and now we’re seein’ each other.”
I could have picked a better time to say that, like when West hadn’t taken a large gulp of his coffee since he sprayed it all over the table, and a few drops landed on me.
He coughed and choked, even slapped the table. We got the attention of others around us. I waved it off and said, “He’s fine.”
West pounded his fist against his chest. “You what?” he rasped.
I smirked. “Yeah, you heard. So, in a way, I know what you mean. I tried to stay away from him because I thought he was as straight as they came, but he was persistent. What I’m gettin’ at is that it worked out for me. But Saint wasn’t a client. What vibes do you get from this guy?”
“Mixed. I know he enjoys my company, but we haven’t even kissed or… done anything else. He pays for my time to come and just”—he shrugged—“hang out with him. Yet, I think he’s interested. There’ve been moments. Tell me what I should do.”
“I can’t tell you that, West.”
He sighed. “I was afraid you’d say that. I’d quit, but I need this job, and they haven’t been pushing me into sleeping with a client. I only go on dates, so it’s a good job to have.”
“I haven’t been pushed either, but I’m sure that has somethin’ to do with Saint and us being friends with Lucas.”
He gave me a small smile. “At least there’s that. But do I give up this client who I make money off because of my feelings?”
“How often do you see this guy?”
“Every second weekend. Do you think they could get me another client? And would you take him on since I know you’re not sleeping with anyone either and you’re with Saint, which I still can’t believe.”
I winced. “Not sure Saint would like me takin’ on a male client. All I’ve had are females.”
Hell, there I went worried about what Zion would think, but I knew deep down I’d never want him pissed over anything, and if I did have men as clients, I was sure that’d send him into a mood.
“What about one of the other guys?” I suggested.
West licked his lips as he thought about it. “Maybe.” But I could already tell he wasn’t a fan of the thought since the other recruits were ones who’d been sexual with their clients.
“I’m not much help. But the main point is that if you could walk away from this guy, would you be okay with it? Is there a chance of somethin’ with him?”
He frowned. “I don’t think there is.” He looked away and blinked rapidly. “He’s very closed off. I don’t think he’s out, and I’m being stupid for even thinking about something with him.” He sat back, deflated.
“Then I think you have your answer. For your sake, it’s probably best to walk away. Get the bosses to switch you out.”
He nodded as he ground his teeth together. “You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right. Thank you for listening and talking this out with me.”
“West, it’s what friends do.”
“Speaking of friends, I’d prefer it if Lucas doesn’t know about this. It isn’t that I don’t trust him, but he’s in his own