Stupid subconscious. Rufus is not his usual type. He’s arrogant and self-important and annoying and that laughter alone should anger him, not make him sigh and shake his head.

“That isn’t what I’m saying,” Reeve huffs. The question is who he is lying to: himself or Rufus. Perhaps both. “I stand by my earlier observations and add another two. Relations such as that would complicate our working relationship if they happened, though I do not stipulate that they would. And even if they would not your behavior, right down to your laughter there, more than indicates that a momentary lapse in judgement would still only result in a one-sided desire.”

Maybe if he throws a wall of words at it he can ignore this is happening. How his traitor brain is reacting.

“Seeing you as a friend, being fond of you and not eager to lose your company, even finding you attractive does not equate to a sexual attraction.”

That one is a blatant lie and he knows it.