"Stiff, you can't attack Alec. He's done nothing wrong."
Stiff kept his eyes on his computer. "He almost got you killed." His words were clipped.
"No, he didn't. It was my fault. I overestimated my abilities. Alec gave me every opportunity to back out."
"You don't belong with him. His dad is scum."
"But Alec isn't. He's the man I'm in love with."
Stiff snorted. "Yeah, and you have such a terrific history with men."
"At least I have a history. When was the last time you dated anyone?"
Stiff shut his computer and gave me his full attention. "Why would I date when I've already found the perfect person for me?"
"Because I've made it clear that you and I are just friends."
"I'm patient. Things change. When you get tired of Alec, you'll come back to me."
"Stiff, I'll always be your friend, but it will never be anything more. I don't feel that way about you. As a friend, I adore you. I want to grow old with you as a friend.