by Helena Stone
Nick felt like shit. He was being a bastard. None of this was Jonah’s fault. He’d had nothing to do with Ciaran pulling out of the production or with Jenny’s arrangements. He gave himself a mental slap and forced a smile to his face in the hope it would also be audible in his voice.
“There’s no need for that. The flat is empty anyway, and finding affordable housing in Sydney is impossible. Especially this time of year.”
“I know what you mean.” Jonah turned his attention away from the views outside and faced Nick. “Back home, I still haven’t been able to move out of me ma’s house.”
Happy to have stumbled on a subject they could talk about safely, Nick ran with it. “Really? Not even as a successful actor?”
Jonah snorted. “Successful is such a relative concept. Here today, gone tomorrow.” A note of resentment slipped into his voice.
Several questions popped up in Nick’s mind. Despite what Jenny might think, he had researched Jonah, be it only at the last possible minute. Since they hadn’t been off to the best start and he didn’t want to upset Jonah when he was starting to relax, he refrained from asking him about his career. After all, they’d be more or less sharing a house for the next three months or so; there’d be time for curiosity later. If I can stop pissing him off.
By the time Nick turned onto the street where he lived, night had fallen. He grimaced, as he always did, when he saw all the sparkling lights and other decorations on the houses neighboring his.
“That’s pretty,” Jonah said.
“Hmmmm?”
“All the decorations.” Jonah chuckled. “For some reason, I thought I’d miss out on Christmas here, seeing how it’s summer. But clearly you Aussies are as much into this time of year as the Irish are. Except for whoever lives there.” He pointed at the only completely dark house on the street just as Nick turned into the drive. “Oh. Okay.”
It was the second time Jonah used those words to avoid saying whatever might really be on his mind, and for reasons he didn’t understand and refused to explore, Nick was starting to hate hearing them.
“This is it,” he said as he released his seat belt. “And you’re right. I’m not really into decorations. It just seems like a lot of work to put it all up, only to take it down again a few weeks later.”
Jonah said nothing as they got out of the car, extracted his luggage from the trunk, and followed the garden path to the side of the single-story house. Guilt stabbed at Nick, which was ridiculous. It wasn’t his fault he wasn’t into Christmas. He wasn’t responsible for Jonah’s moods either. Neither of those truths improved his opinion about himself.
He opened the door to the granny flat and allowed Jonah to precede him inside while trying to come up with a way to ease the renewed tension between them.
Jonah explored the apartment, stopping in the bedroom and dropping his suitcase on the bed. “This is amazing.” He sounded happy, but he studied Nick’s face warily. “Are you sure you don’t mind me staying here?”
“Not at all,” Nick replied immediately, discovering to his surprise that, despite what he’d said to Jenny earlier, he meant it.
“Thank you. I doubt I would have been able to find or afford something this nice, even if it had been easy to find rental places here.” Jonah glanced from Nick to his suitcase and back again, apparently as unsure about what should happen next as Nick was. Then a loud grumble from Jonah’s tummy broke the silence.
“Hungry?” Nick asked.
“A bit,” Jonah said. “You know how on a plane they always serve a meal that matches the time of day in the country you happen to be flying over?”
Nick nodded.
“I must have eaten at least four breakfasts between Dublin and Sydney.” Jonah rolled his eyes. “It was all surprisingly appetizing, but not very filling.”
Nick suddenly knew exactly what to say next. “I was going to fire up the barbie. Want to join me?”
Jonah studied his face for a moment as if searching for answers to questions only he could hear. “I’d like that. If you’re sure it’s not inconvenient.”
Relief washed over Nick. Maybe he’d get a second chance to make a first impression. “Not inconvenient at all. Why don’t you shower and change into something more… suitable?” He allowed his gaze to travel up and down Jonah’s body, taking in the heavy jeans and long-sleeved shirt while trying to ignore the tempting body he suspected might be hiding underneath the garments. “When you’re ready, just go out the door, turn left, and left again.”
“Will do. Thanks. Give me half an hour or so.” For the first time since they met in the airport, Jonah appeared truly relaxed. He fingered the top button on his shirt, and Nick had to remind himself that no matter how curious he was about what Jonah might look like with fewer clothes on, staying to watch him undress would be highly inappropriate, not to mention awkward.
“Right. See you when you’re ready.” Nick turned and hurried away before he made Jonah uncomfortable again. As soon as he closed the door to the flat behind him, his mind reviewed the contents of his fridge and freezer. Better late than never, he would make Jonah feel welcome, and not just because he’d turned out to be even more attractive than he was in the images and clips Nick had found online. There was no denying it: Jonah was cute, even if he did appear to have an unhealthy obsession with Christmas. Nick looked forward to getting to know him. And what better way to start that voyage of discovery than with a traditional barbie and a few tinnies?
Chapter Four
JONAH STARED at Nick’s retreating form, admiring the firm ass in those shorts and the long, muscled legs with their covering of dark hair. Funny how he hadn’t really noticed what Nick looked like or what he was wearing until now. Then again, he’d been too busy trying to figure out why Nick appeared annoyed with him to pay attention to any details about his appearance.
He stripped, grateful to get out of the clothes, which felt as if he’d lived in them for a week instead of having traveled in them for just over twenty-four hours. He frowned at his suitcase as if an angry look could change what it held. Most of what he’d brought with him wasn’t suitable. He’d have to go on a shopping spree in the not-too-distant future if he wanted to have any chance of surviving summer in Sydney.
Stepping under the shower was heavenly. After playing around with the temperature for a while, the water falling on his head was cool enough to make him feel clean and refreshed without being so cold it made the experience uncomfortable. The journey had left him exhausted, and he’d been tempted to just dive into the inviting-looking bed. The combination of cool water and his increasing hunger gave him his second wind. Or was it his third?
Unfortunately wakefulness came with a clearer insight into what had transpired since the plane landed. He’d met his employer… well, one of them. And “roller coaster” didn’t begin to describe how he experienced the encounter. He really hoped Nick’s initial foul mood was the result of being stuck in traffic and subsequently arriving late. He’d left enough of a mess behind in Dublin not to want to be in conflict with his boss. He wondered again how much Nick knew about the reasons why he was able to accept a role in Sydney at such short notice.
Reluctantly turning off the water—I could stay here forever—Jonah decided it didn’t matter what Nick or his sister knew. He was all over the internet, so the chances of them being unaware of the scandal he’d caused were slim to none. The fact that they’d hired him regardless had to mean they didn’t care. He clung to the conclusion as he pulled on one of the two pairs of shorts he owned and a light T-shirt. He stared at the footwear he’d brought and realized none of it would do. He mentally added sandals and flip-flops to his shopping list while deciding that since they wouldn’t leave Nick’s property, he might as well go barefoot.
The smell hit him as soon as he stepped into the side garden. The rich, luscious aroma of grilling red meat was enticing enough to make his stomach grumble again. He smiled and tapped his tummy. Quiet, you. We’ll be eating
soon enough.
As soon as he turned left for the second time, his feet stopped moving. The sight in front of him was something he’d previously only seen on TV. Nick’s back garden was the size of a small Dublin park. He’d never seen a barbeque as sophisticated as the one Nick was standing behind, and he couldn’t believe he’d be living in a house that came with an honest-to-God swimming pool. “Wow.”
Nick glanced up and studied him. “Much better,” he said. “I bet it feels more comfortable too, now that you’re out of those heavy clothes.”
The words “they weren’t that heavy” were on the tip of his tongue, but he bit them back. What he’d been wearing wouldn’t have been warm enough in Ireland this time of year, but it was indeed too much material for an Australian summer.
“Help yourself to a tinny and sit down,” Nick said, indicating the large wooden table behind him.
“Help myself to a what now?”
“A drink.” Nick grinned. “They’re in the esky next to the table.”
Still confused, Jonah approached the table and circled it until he discovered the cool box filled with cans of beer and bottles of water. Esky? He pondered the word as he bent forward to help himself to a lager. Jonah straightened and turned to face Nick, only to find him staring at the spot where his ass had been moments earlier.
Fuck. A horrifying thought struck him. What if they hired me because of my notoriety? Under any other circumstances, he would have taken Nick’s scrutiny as a compliment and invitation to commence the flirting game. In that moment, it only scared him. Are there additional unwritten conditions to the contract I signed with him?
“Are you going to stand there all night or what?” Nick looked bemused.
“Sorry. I got lost in my thoughts for a moment.” Jonah sat and tried to get a handle on the suspicions and doubts flying through his head. If this was some ploy to get me into his bed, he wouldn’t have been so hostile when he picked me up. He clung to the thought and made up his mind to continue to do so right up to the moment, if it ever came, when Nick would prove him wrong.
He opened his can—tinny?—and took a long drink. The cold, slightly bitter liquid tasted like nectar.
“I should have asked earlier.” Nick’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “You’re not vegetarian, are you?”
Laughter, too loud under the circumstances, erupted from Jonah. “Notatall. I’m a full-fledged omnivore, and that steak smells delicious.”
“Phew.” Nick wiped his forehead with theatrical flourish before grabbing a plate and putting a large slab of meat on it. After he repeated the action, he walked to the table and placed one in front of Jonah. “Tuck in. And help yourself to salad and bread.” He indicated the two bowls in the middle of the table.
Jonah’s knife sliced through the steak as if it were soft butter. While the surface of the meat was dark brown, just short of looking burned, the inside was red and juicy. He took a bite and had to stop himself from moaning as the meat all but melted on his tongue. He paused long enough to help himself to salad and a bread roll before digging into his delicious steak again.
“Is it okay for you?” Nick asked.
“Perfection.” Jonah focused on the food on his plate as soon as the word left his lips, and Nick, scandals, and suspicions were the furthest things from his mind as he savored every single forkful of food until he cleared his plate.
Leaning back while rubbing his belly, he suddenly remembered his host. Shit. He’d completely ignored Nick after he had picked him up from the airport, given him an apartment, and cooked him the most delicious dinner he’d had in ages. “Thank you,” he said. “That’s probably the best steak I’ve ever eaten.”
“Really?” Nick’s expression turned adorably bashful before his mouth stretched into a huge grin. “That’s dinnies sorted while you’re here.”
“What?” Jonah chuckled. “You eat like this all the time?”
Nick shrugged. “Not exactly the same meal every day, no. But I do tend to cook and eat outside most days. And you’re more than welcome to keep me company.”
Jonah wasn’t sure what had happened. A few hours ago, he’d been convinced Nick disliked him and resented his presence. Before he could start obsessing again, he decided it didn’t matter. If he got along with Nick, it would make life easier for both of them. He’d be a fool to question it.
“Can I do anything? Shall I clear the table?” Placing his hands on either side of his empty plate, he pushed himself up.
“No. I’ll do it.” Nick placed a hand over one of Jonah’s. “I know where everything goes.”
Nick’s touch sent a shiver down Jonah’s spine. “But….”
Nick squeezed his hand before releasing it. “Don’t worry about it. You won’t be waited on every day. I’ll show you around tomorrow.” He stood and stacked the plates and bowls. “Tonight you’re just my guest.”
Jonah stared at the pool as Nick cleared the table and turned toward the back of his house, his large hands full. Lamps just below the waterline lit up the inviting-looking liquid, and insects danced in the glow. Mesmerized, Jonah sipped his beer. He’d worry about Nick’s mood swings in the morning. He was too tired and too full of food to think clearly now. The beer wasn’t helping either.
He heard the crunch of gravel under feet and tore his eyes away from the pool. Nick reached for a can, and Jonah’s breath faltered at the sight of those sand-colored shorts stretching across his firm ass. When Nick turned his head to glance at him over his shoulder, Jonah knew he’d been caught in the act. Then again…. Maybe he set me up. The idea was enticing. He spoiled the moment by yawning widely as soon as Nick sat opposite him again.
“I was wondering when your journey would catch up with you.” Nick chuckled.
“I’m sorry. It’s just….” Jonah couldn’t believe how rude he’d been.
“You’ve been traveling for how long?” Nick asked.
“Just over twenty-four hours,” Jonah admitted.
“Of course you’re tired. Go to bed.” Nick smiled. “I need you to be ready by half past eight tomorrow morning for our trip to the theater.”
Jonah wanted to protest. He was just getting to know Nick and, after his initial misgivings, liked what he saw. He could probably keep his eyes open for another hour. A second loud yawn belied his thoughts, and he gave in.
“Thank you,” he said when he stood next to the still-sitting Nick. With nerves swirling through his system, he copied Nick’s earlier gesture and placed his hand over Nick’s on the table. “For everything. A lift, a flat, and a meal—you sure went all out.”
Nick turned his hand under Jonah’s, and he twined their fingers for an all-too-brief moment before releasing him. “See you in the morning.”
“Sweet dreams.”
Jonah wanted to kick himself as he rushed to the corner of the garden so he could make himself disappear from Nick’s sight. What possessed him to use the words he usually reserved for his young nieces? He put it down to fatigue and could only hope Nick would do the same.
Chapter Five
“HOW DID it go yesterday?” Jenny took up position next to where Nick was leaning against the back wall of the auditorium. He’d rushed through his paperwork, hoping he’d catch Jonah in the act—literally. He should have known that on his first day, Jonah would just be reading from the script, but the lack of acting was not disappointing. Nick had thoroughly enjoyed listening to his houseguest as Jonah spoke his lines with an Irish accent that was starting to grow on him.
“It went fine,” Nick admitted. “Him living with me is going to be okay, I think. He’s easy company.”
“See?” Jenny had a triumphant smirk on her face. “You can trust me. Sis knows best.”
Nick shook his head. “You knew nothing. Just got lucky.”
Jenny shrugged. “Same difference.”
“How’s he getting on here? Living up to expectations?”
“Exceeding them, if I’m honest. He just breezed in, intro
duced himself, and got on with things. As if he’d met all of us before. And he’s going to be perfect. Can you imagine what he’ll look like once we get him into his costume?” Jenny beamed. “I still can’t believe he’s a natural redhead. With Ciaran we would have needed a wig, but Jonah is good to go as he is.”
He studied Jonah, who was on the stage, apparently joking around with a female cast member whose name Nick couldn’t remember. “Is he done for the day?”
“Yeah, we all are.” Jenny also stared at the stage. “I’ve told them they can have this weekend off because from Monday, we’ll be going at it seven days a week if at all possible.”
Ideas started buzzing in Nick’s head. He’d have to check with Jonah. For all Nick knew, he might have made plans already. But if he hadn’t…. He almost laughed out loud at himself. What a difference twenty-four hours made. Yesterday he’d resented Jonah’s arrival, and now he couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.
“Talk to you later.” He kissed his sister’s cheek and strode to the stage. “Jonah?”
It could have been his imagination. In fact, Nick was sure it was wishful thinking, but he could have sworn Jonah’s eyes lit up as soon as he recognized him.
“Are you ready to hit the road?”
“Sure. Just let me get my stuff.” Jonah disappeared into the wings, emerging a few seconds later carrying three heavy-looking bags.
“I’m intrigued,” Nick said as they left the theater and walked to where he’d parked his car. “I’m sure you didn’t have any of that with you when we came in this morning.”
“I went shopping during our lunch break,” Jonah replied. “I figured out last night that I’d brought probably four items of clothing and no shoes that are actually suitable for these temperatures.”
“Let me guess. You got shorts, T-shirts, and thongs.” Nick nodded at the bags as Jonah dropped them onto the back seat of his car.