“But until it’s changed, we have to live with it, one way or another,” Joel went on over him. “Just like all the other stuff we live with because that’s better than the alternative. So you fight it, or obey it, or try to fit your life round it by whatever means necessary. Go become Chief Superintendent and welcome, if you can do it without squashing yourself flat.”

Aaron snorted. “You’re a very practical man, considering how you make a living.”

“The important part of that sentence is ‘you make a living.’”

“Fair. And I take your point, though I don’t know if I agree.”

“You must agree, because you’re doing it.”

“Tonight,” Aaron said flatly. “This is the first time in five years.”

“You’re sodding joking.”

Aaron gave a mirthless laugh. “You must have noticed.”

“Christ. Or do you not mind going without?”

“Yes, I mind,” Aaron said through his teeth. “I mind a great deal. I minded so much that, since you started your relentless campaign of flirtation and provocation and being too damned lovely in a built-up area, I haven’t been able to get my mind off you. And now this.”

“Oh.”

“The point is—that’s how I came to an accommodation, in my own head. And I’ve made a mockery of it tonight.”

Shit and derision. “Look, this is between us,” Joel said. “It’s nobody else’s business, and you don’t have to feel bad about it if I don’t. Which I don’t. If anything, I feel quite flattered you broke your duck with me.”

“Broke— I was not unable to find anyone, thank you. I chose not to.”

“If you say so,” Joel said with heavy scepticism. Aaron started to respond, and turned it into an exasperated noise. Joel grinned into his chest.

“Anyway,” Aaron said. “It’s not something I can repeat. Once in a blue moon is one thing, but I don’t think I can reasonably have more.”

“Right. Understood. I’m sorry, though.”

“So am I. And deeply grateful for tonight. I was feeling very bleak and you made all the difference.”

He sounded so aching, so alone. “I mean, we could still meet one another,” Joel said. “No laws against that. In fact, we have to, because you owe me dinner, remember?”

“Oh. Yes, I do.”

He didn’t sound excited. “Not if you don’t want. Don’t worry about it.”

“Nonsense. It was a bet, and you won fair and square, and as you say, there’s nothing questionable about meeting in a public place. Any preferences?”