Unknown Number
Page 23
“No, I want to know,” Lucas said. “I want to know what makes me act like a teacher.”
“Just like … the way you explained stuff … to me –I don’t know!”
“You know,” Lucas hummed quietly, leaning closer to Cavan’s ear. “You’re very attractive when you’re flustered.”
That had the desired effect; the red dots on Cavan’s cheeks exploded, covering his face in a bright red blush. “Lucaaaaas!” he whined, dropping his head onto his textbook as Lucas chuckled beside him. What an arse! He could see the effect he had on Cavan and he was tormenting him with it! He clamped his arms over his head, earning another chuckle from his companion.
“Am I being mean to you?”
“You know you are,” he grumbled.
“What can I say? You’re fun to torment.”
Cavan pouted, turning his head to one side so that he could look up at Lucas. The man was actually smirking down at him! “You’re an evil sod, you know that?” he grumbled.
“You’re just reiterating that I was right to call you ‘brat’ from the start.” Pulling a face, Cavan yelped when Lucas smacked him upside the head. “Don’t be a brat, brat.”
Cavan chuckled before straightening up and fiddling with the fraying sleeve of his shirt. He was thinking deeply about something and Lucas was willing to wait for the kid to get the words out. Patience was needed with Cavan; he knew that much. He seldom had it at work, or even with his own friends, but he took extra care to make sure that Cavan didn’t actually feel like a nuisance to him.
“I’ve been thinking …”
“Oh? About what?”
“That maybe I need to tell my parents about you.”
Lucas froze, his pen poised over an awkward phrase he’d been about to correct. It was one thing to have a supply teacher, it was another thing entirely for them to expect Lucas to correct the crap that they set for homework. Shaking the thoughts aside he straightened up in his seat. “I see. What do you plan on telling them?”
“That I have a … well, someone I like,” he hedged, feeling flustered and awkward. “And that we’re taking things slow and that’s who I’ve been going to see.”
Lucas frowned. “You don’t need to feel obligated to do anything on my behalf, Cavan. I don’t want to cause strife in your family, especially when I’m not your boyfriend.”
“I know … it’s just … Well, I know they’re going to start asking questions soon, and it’ll be hard to avoid talking about it.”
“Cavan, right now your dissertation needs to be your priority. Relationships and rebelling against your parents can wait another couple of months, surely?”
Can chewed on his lip. “Are you saying … You’re not opposed to the idea of us being together?”
“What on earth would make you think that I was?”
“You hesitated kissing me before, you’re standoffish with me and you … um … don’t really come across as liking me as much as I like you.”
Lucas felt his insides soften. Reaching out, he placed his hand over Cavan’s. “It’s just my nature, Cavan.” He squeezed his hand, “All you need to know is that I do like you, I do miss you when you’re not around, and last weekend? I really, really did want to kiss you, but I was ill. Do you have any idea what it’s like being a clean-freak and being sick? It’s Hell!”
A smile quirked at Cavan’s lips. “So, you like me, then?”
Lucas rolled his eyes but was unable to keep the smile off his face. “Maybe.”
“You l-i-i-i-k-e me!”
“Get on with your work, brat.”
Cavan chuckled, his cheeks blushing as he watched Lucas from across the table. The man’s expression barely changed, but the way his grey eyes flitted up to meet Cavan’s, was enough to send the younger man’s heart soaring. He returned his attention to his work, for now, and tried to ignore how his stomach flipped whenever Lucas’ leg brushed against his own.
“DONE!”
Lucas glanced up as Cavan slouched back in his seat, stretching out to the point that their legs brushed together, and flipped his books shut. “I physically cannot do anymore work when I’m this hungry.”
The older man merely hummed. He glanced at his watch and watched the hand tick-tick-ticking until – “Okay, it has been exactly one hour. Are we done with this study session for today?”
Cavan nodded emphatically. “YEEEES! Please can we go and get something proper to eat? If I stuff anymore biscuits in my mouth, I’m going to get fat!”
He felt his lips twitch just a fraction as Cavan started stuffing his books back into his messenger bag. He didn’t follow suit immediately. He wanted to torture the brat –teach him some patience for once. “Am I allowed to finish my tea?” he quipped as he raised his cup to his mouth.
Cavan smiled wistfully. “A thirty year old mine loving tea as much as you, is really weird.”
Lucas rolled his eyes. “We’ve established this, kid.”
“I know. I just like knowing things about you.”
“You’re a nosey little shit that’s why.”
Cavan snickered, “Aw you know you secretly love it!”
‘I do,’ Lucas thought. He drained the last of his tea and stood up. “Come on then, brat, let’s go and get some proper food.” He adjusted the strap of his bag over his shoulder and made for the door, Cavan hurrying along clumsily behind.
The fresh air hit him a little harder than he had anticipated but it was soon warded off when he felt the solid mass of Cavan brushing up against his back. A tremor ran down his spine, but he fought it off, straightened his shoulders and looked up at the younger man. “Any cravings?”
Cavan paused, looking left and right up the street. “I’m not really sure. Anywhere in particular you like?”
Lucas frowned. “It doesn’t need to be anything spectacular.”
“Pub lunch?” The older man wrinkled his nose. Cavan grinned, “What? You said it doesn’t have to be spectacular.”
“Hmm but they’re always so sticky.”
Cavan let out a bark of laughter. “Oh God!” He wiped at his eyes and tried to contain his chuckling, much to Lucas’s annoyance. “Okay, okay, just try it? For me?” Lucas still didn’t look convinced, so Cavan opted to reach for the big guns. “You can drink if you like, seeing as it’s past midday.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“Although I will be heartbroken if you need to drink yourself silly just to spend time with me.”
Lucas rolled his eyes. “You’re a manipulative little shit, you know.” Still, he tried to put some actual thought into it. He hadn’t gone out for the usual Friday night Chinese, so his gut felt the longing pang for chicken, rice and steamed vegetables in gooey sauces. “Come on brat let’s go to a damned pub.”
Cavan grinned as he watched the older man march off down the street. He only needed to stride a couple of paces before he’d caught up to him. As they walked Cavan kept stealing glances down at the old man and felt his insides squirm. He certainly had the bearing of an ex-soldier. Despite his height he was authoritative and demanded respect in the space of a single glare. There was something about it that made Cavan want to annoy the older man just to see that glare again. It made his grey eyes smoulder and it sent butterflies through his chest.
They stopped at a small pub with bright blue window frames and ducked inside. Cavan had to duck his head a little as he followed Lucas. The décor was standard; chunky wood tables, dim lighting and the fug of alcohol hanging in the air. The aroma of the food just rushed over their heads and made Cavan’s gut grumble instantly.
“G-o-o-o-d this place smells great!”
Lucas snorted. “I think that’s your hunger talking more than anything.”
They sat in a more secluded table up a step near the back. It felt cosier, even though it was nearer the kitchen. Cavan felt his mouth water. They glanced over the menus although Lucas already knew what he was going to order. It rarely ever changed. Once they’d ordered food and be
en served their drinks, Cavan shrugged off his coat and raked a hand through his hair before letting his wide green eyes take-in his surroundings.
“So, where is it your friends usually drag you to once a week? The Chinese up the road?” he asked.
“Yes,” Lucas said. “Although not so much over the last few months.”
“Is that because of me?”
“Kind of.”
Cavan’s smile faltered a little. “Sorry.”
Lucas shrugged. “It’s okay. I can promise you I don’t usually … act that way.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he assured with a nod.
“I don’t mean to be difficult,” Cavan said, his shoulders slumping. Maybe this was a bad idea.
“Hey now,” Lucas reached out and placed a hand on Cavan’s forearm. He’d sensed the young man was about to bolt and didn’t want him to leave. Not like this. He squeezed the firm muscle through the long-sleeved shirt and looked up into those beautiful green eyes. “Stop that. That’s over and done with now. Time to move on from it.”
Cavan nodded feeling humbled.
Their food arrived and they started eating. Cavan couldn’t keep his eyes off of Lucas’ huge portion of fish and chips. It was so big it was hanging over the edge of the plate. He almost felt lame for ordering the burger he always bought at a Wetherspoons.
“I can’t lie, I love ‘Spoons so much! I just never try anything different on the menu even though it’s never changed!”
Lucas smirked. “If we keep meeting up then I’m sure I can help with that. Here try this.” Lifting his fork, Lucas presented Cavan with a piece of fish.
Cavan blushed a little. “Thought you had OCD? You sure you want me germing-up your fork?”
Lucas glared at him. “I’ve had other things in my mouth besides food, brat.”
Cavan felt his cheeks grow redder.
“Come on.”
Leaning awkwardly over the table, Cavan accepted the offered fish. He felt the weight of the older man’s gaze on him the entire time. It was flooding his head in a sporadic mess of ideas, fantasies, and strict reminders that this was not a date!
“Such a good boy,” Lucas drawled. “Now see if you can catch it.”
That’s how the rest of their lunch devolved into a food-catching game. Lucas even went as far as to order another portion of chips, only four of which actually ended up on the floor. Cavan was red in the face by the time they finally finished and cleared up their mess. Lucas wasn’t a laugher –that was one new thing Cavan learned. The man would smile, smirk, do almost anything with those lips of his … but laughing? No, Lucas was not a laugher.
Not like Cavan at all.
Drawing in deep breaths Cavan sipped at his drink. There was no immediate rush to head-out and the grey day didn’t attract much more business than a few stragglers wanting somewhere warm to duck into from the cold. By the time they did get up and leave it was almost 3PM and Cavan was starting to fidget as they left the restaurant.
Lucas frowned up at the younger man as they walked idly down the street. “What’s wrong, brat? You’re fussing more than usual.”
“I think I might need to get home,” the brunette said, his face falling. His entire demeanour looked miserable as though gravity had increased on his body.
“You think?”
“Well I said I was going to be out studying with a friend. It’ll take me an hour or so to get back so …”
Lucas suppressed a sigh. “So, you need to get going?”
“I guess so.”
“Want me to walk you back to the station?”
Cavan stopped and frowned down at Lucas. “Are you –aren’t you mad at me?”
“Why would I be?” Lucas deadpanned. “I knew I couldn’t have you all to myself the entire day.”
Cavan’s lips twitched in a faint smile. He lifted his hand and gave Lucas a playful jab with his fist. “You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”
The older man scoffed. “Shut up, brat.”
As they made their way through the town towards the train station, Cavan let his hand brush against Lucas’s, almost daring the older man to reach out for his own. He didn’t seem to acknowledge the faint touch, not even after the third time it happened. Suppressing a sigh, Cavan directed his attention towards pinpointing the train station. The temperature had dropped, and a part of Cavan was eager to get home and warm himself up properly. At the station entrance –noting that he had ten minutes until his train arrived –Cavan turned to Lucas and rocked on his feet.
“Today was nice,” he said.
Lucas hummed in agreement.
“Could we maybe do it again some time?”
“I’m free on the weekends,” Lucas swivelled his gaze up to the brunette. “If that’s okay with you? I don’t want to disrupt any other plans you have.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” Cavan grinned.
Lucas nodded. “So, shall I expect to see you next Saturday?”
“If you like.”
“I would. It’s the last weekend before I go to my cottage.”
“Oh … I guess I don’t have a choice then!” They stood in silence before Cavan let out a laugh. Reaching out, he grabbed Lucas’s arm and tugged the older man against his chest and squeezed. “I had a really great time, Lucas.”
“It wasn’t anything special,” Lucas scoffed, squirming out of Cavan’s grasp. His whole body was flushed, and his mind was starting to reel.
Cavan shrugged. “I had a great time because of you, idiot.”
“Says the brat who is YOUNGER than me and clearly easily amused.”
Cavan rolled his eyes. “One day you won’t be so grumpy and stand-offish with me.”
Lucas averted his gaze. Being so close to Cavan wasn’t good. His mind was a mess of thoughts, feelings and ideas all infused with the soft cologne clinging to the young man’s coat. “I had a good time too.”
The grin Cavan was wearing was ear-splitting. His green eyes darted to the timetable on the board and said smile faltered. “This is my train,” he sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “I’ll come up and see you next Saturday. I promise!”
“Go before you miss your train!”
Cavan laughed as he dashed down the length of the platform. He made the train with moments to spare. Lucas was left to watch after him, feeling exasperation and amusement flood through him. His phone buzzed within moments and he felt said amusement twitch his mouth as he dug his phone out of his pocket.
(15:56) So has he left yet? Give me GOSSIP! ;P
(15:58) FUCK OFF FRIZZ-FACE!
~0~
It was just gone 5PM when Lucas finally arrived back at his flat. He’d barely stepped off the staircase before Bonnie’s door opened and she grinned at him. Voices flowed out from the flat and Lucas cringed visibly when he recognised Eleanor’s voice among them.
“You’ve been waiting for me,” he deadpanned, heading towards her door. Resisting would be futile since he only lived down the hall.
“Gee, what gave it away?” Bonnie grinned as she closed the front door behind him.