I found out when I was leaving. I was late again; the last one out and he was the last staff member there. I thought that might be awkward and was ready to say a quick goodnight and go, but he called to me from behind the reception desk.
“Daniel…” His voice sounded strained. “You think that’s all it takes? That damn patch?”
I stopped, frowning and not much appreciating his tone. “No, of course not. Willpower, all that—”
“I don’t mean that,” he snapped. “Do you think that patch is all it takes to make me fall into your arms? Do you think I’m a damn fool?”
I could have denied that the patch and the stopping smoking had anything to do with him, but I was brought up to tell the truth, so I didn’t.
“You know about Tom, don’t you?” Chris asked. I nodded. “And yet you still think that I’ll c
