by K. C. Wells
“May I make a phone call?”
“Can it wait until the hour is up?”
Rob shook his head. “I need to do this now, if that’s okay with you.”
Vic’s gaze narrowed. “All right. Go ahead.”
Rob took out the shiny new phone Vic had given him from his pocket and brought up the contact menu. He saw the name, and a fist tightened around his heart. Doing this was irrevocable. He’d never again be able to run away and hide the truth.
He sucked in a breath and tapped the button.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Mum.”
“Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you.”
The words made it sound as though she cared, but for the annoyance her tone held.
“I’ve been going through some stuff.” He glanced up at Vic. “But I think I’ve finally seen the light. I was wondering if you mind if I came to see you. Not today. Maybe in a while. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
VIC SAT there, openmouthed, until Rob hung up.
“You’re seriously going to talk to your mum?”
Rob gave him a quizzical look. “Uh, duh? You said we had to deal with this. So… this is me dealing with it.”
“But a few days ago—”
Rob sighed. “A few days ago, I was certain you’d end this sooner rather than later. Even though I should have trusted you, I had a hard time doing so.”
Vic opened his arms, delighted when Rob stepped into them without his usual snark.
“I told you that trust takes time. I’m not going anywhere.”
“The hell you aren’t!”
Vic stepped back. “Excuse me?”
“You’re coming to Manchester, with me, to talk to my parents.” His voice softened. “I can’t do this without you.”
“And you won’t have to. I’ll be by your side as long as you need me.”
Rob said nothing; he didn’t need to. The way he leaned into Vic, his arms around Vic’s waist, said plenty.
Chapter Twenty-Four
ROB DUMPED the wheelbarrow full of manure on what would eventually be a rejuvenated public garden for the residents of Russell Square. His muscles ached, but he didn’t mind at all. This job beats stocking shelves any day. It was a pleasant late-June day, sunny and not particularly cold. Passersby stopped to view their progress and chat for a few moments with the crew, or sometimes they simply waved as they walked past the iron railings that surrounded the green space. They seemed pleased with the work so far, and Rob was overjoyed to be doing something that brought a little happiness to people. When the work was finished, it would be a lovely spot to sit in the summer, maybe read under the shade of a tree, or just watch the world go by.
Rob loved the physicality of his job, especially in moments like now, when he could lose himself in a task that didn’t require any mental exertion but that allowed him time to think.
He had a lot to think about.
The last three months had been both exciting and terrifying. He and Vic had spent nearly every waking moment together during the last week of Vic’s holiday in April. Vic had driven him around London, showing him places that would be the sites for upcoming projects, and introducing him to people he’d be working with. So many names, way too many new faces, but Rob enjoyed the rush of it all.
They’d used the two weeks of April to get into a routine, ready for when Vic went back to work. Rob would get up first, start the coffee, put the cereal into bowls, and slice whatever fruit they’d picked up at the market. By the time that was done, Vic would be out of the shower and he would do the toast, add milk to the cereal, and have everything ready by the time Rob got back to the table. It worked well for them. Of course, the odd mornings that followed Rob spending the night in Vic’s bed were slightly more… off the cuff. On those occasions, routine went out the window.
Apparently, Vic was very happy to put his morning wood to good use.
His first day back to work, Vic had come out of his bedroom wearing a dark blue suit, pale blue shirt, silver-gray tie, and shiny black shoes. It was the first time Rob had seen him dressed like this, and it literally took his breath away. He’d stood there gaping like a fish, conscious of the one desire that battered his brain right then—to strip Vic down slowly, revealing the sun-kissed skin that Rob reveled in.
Some thoughts were best kept to himself.
“You clean up nice,” he managed to choke out.
Vic held his arms up and did a small twirl without any pretense at all of being graceful. “Why, thank you.” His gaze traveled up and down the length of Rob’s body. “You look good too. Well, I think you’d look better naked, spread out for me on the bed, with a blindfold, sound-reduction earplugs, hand mitts—” He leered.
“Yeah, yeah, I get the point,” Rob grumbled, trying to keep his cock from hardening. No such luck. They’d been working on his meditation lessons, interweaving them with BDSM. Each time, Vic added something new to their play, which heightened the experience. And when they were through, after Vic had brought Rob to another senses-shattering orgasm, he’d remind Rob that they were working toward a goal, though Rob still had no idea what that was. And he was going out of his mind wondering.
Since when do you not share a goal? What the hell is he planning?
Rob shook his head. He had to stop reminiscing like this, because there was a lot of work to be done and it was almost lunchtime. And this shit won’t spread itself. He grabbed the fork from the tools van and began to work over the soil, mixing it with the fertilizer, all the while humming to himself. This is the life. Working outdoors, plenty of fresh air and sunshine, with people who truly seemed to care about what they were doing. Alex and Vic might enjoy working out of an office, but Rob found the most joy in physical labor.
All this time and I never knew. Still, better late than never.
“Hey, Rob?”
Rob popped his head up and regarded Kevin, the job supervisor. “Yes?”
Kevin leaned on the handle of his garden fork. “You done something wrong?”
Rob furrowed his brow, unable to repress the brief shudder. Not since a lifetime ago when I got fired. He kept his tone light. “No, not that I know of. Why?”
Kevin nodded toward a point over Rob’s shoulder. “One of the designers is standing across the way, and he keeps staring at you. He’s been there for a good ten minutes, watching you work. If you want, I’ll tell him what a great job you’re doing. I don’t want them to let you go or anything.”
The praise warmed Rob. He turned to see who Kevin was talking about and had to smile when he saw Vic leaning against his car, arms crossed, his gaze focused on Rob. Fuck, the man was all kinds of delicious. While he’d been on the job, Rob had seen a lot of women walking by. He loved the sway of their hips, the bounce in their step…. Yeah, he loved to look at women, but the thing was, whenever he did so, his mind did a default to Vic. There was so much about him that made Rob feel good: the gruff voice that sent shivers through him, the deft hands that manipulated Rob’s body, and the smile that fucking lit up his insides.
With every passing day, Rob was more certain that he’d fallen for Vic.
Still smiling, his attention fixed on Vic, Rob addressed Kevin. “Nah, I’ll deal with it. Thanks for letting me know.” He put down the fork, dusted himself off, and walked over to where Vic stood. “Checking up on me?” Rob asked as he got nearer.
Vic regarded him with a neutral expression that didn’t fool Rob for a second. “Nope. I was in the neighborhood and—”
“This is half an hour away from your office. Hardly what would be called in the neighborhood. What are you doing here?”
That leer was back. “Well, if you must know, I’m saving up material for my spank bank.”
Rob narrowed his gaze. “Excuse me?”
Vic burst into peals of laughter. “Well, you looked so damn good, your muscles straining, sweat dripping from your brow. Your hair looking all kinds of shaggy.”
/> Rob ran a hand over his head. “Yeah, it is getting kinda long. I’ll find a place to get it cut.”
“I have a better idea. I’m going to cut it for you.”
Vic’s grin was positively evil, and Rob was instantly on alert. “Why?”
“I saw this film once, and they did something I always wanted to try. I’ve even got #1 clippers to use on you.”
That grin hadn’t diminished, and something started fluttering in Rob’s belly. “Not that I’m saying yes, but what exactly were they doing in this film?”
Vic moved in closer, and having him in Rob’s space was like a damned aphrodisiac. “You’d be on your knees in front of me, my cock in your mouth. While you’re sucking me deep, I’m shaving your head.” He spoke in a low voice, his eyes locked on Rob’s.
Fuck, he’s evil. Rob whimpered at the thought.
Vic smiled. “The thing is? You’re not allowed to make me come.”
Rob scrunched up his eyebrows. “What? I thought that was the point?”
“Oh no. When your head is nice and bristly, I plan on bending you over and fucking you until you scream.”
Like that would take long. Rob was fighting the urge right then, his mind full of the deliciously wicked images. His cock ached, and the temptation to touch the hard shaft was enormous. Except he couldn’t very well adjust himself on the public street, not without getting arrested.
“Bastard.”
Vic gave a mock gasp. “You ought to be nicer to me.”
Rob rolled his eyes. “Give me one good reason.”
Vic turned around and reached through the window of the car. When he stood up, he held out a paper bag. “You forgot your lunch.”
That made no sense. Rob had the money Vic had given him to buy lunch. He took it from Vic with a shrug. “Okay, but I’m confused.”
“Open the damn bag,” Vic growled.
Rob half expected to find a mousetrap or some other such fiendish device when he looked inside, but his heart stuttered when he saw its contents. “What’s this?”
“A gift,” Vic replied, obviously amused.
Rob pulled out a small, orange ball. “I don’t understand.”
“We’re going to visit your parents next week, or have you forgotten?”
Rob wished he could, but he’d decided on this course and nothing would change it for him, even if he had put it off for a couple of months. They were going to meet Vic, one way or another. What surprised Rob was the realization that he didn’t much care if he had their approval or not. He had Vic’s and that was enough. When he’d made the call last weekend to set up the visit, Vic had sat there smiling at him. As soon as Rob hung up and he spoke with Vic, he assumed his position to finish his punishment. Vic had stopped working and stroked Rob’s hair until the time was up. Then Vic grabbed him and threw Rob over his shoulder. He’d stomped to the bedroom with him and….
God, just the memory sent waves of pleasure through Rob.
“I figured you’d be getting a little nervous right about now, so I bought you a stress ball. When you’re feeling anxious and I’m not around, squeeze it. The movement should help reduce your anxiety.”
Rob straightened his spine. It was time to stand up and speak his mind.
“Thank you, but I don’t think I need it.”
Vic quirked a brow. “Oh?”
“I’ve gotten a lot better at finding my center. The other day we were out here working, and one of the guys knocked over several trays of flowers that I was planting. My temper flared, but I acknowledged it like you said, and let it go. I was still annoyed at how it screwed up my schedule, but I wasn’t mad at him. Or myself. Does that make sense? Because if it does, it’s down to you.”
Vic’s caring guidance had filled a void in Rob. He was quick with the praise or a hug. He was equally quick with doling out punishments. Rob had spent more than a few times in the corner in the last few months. But he no longer freaked out, because the fear that Vic was going to send him packing never came to mind again. Rob knew he’d found a home, with Vic.
Then tell him.
That was the one thing Rob hadn’t worked up enough courage to do yet. Every time he opened his mouth to say the words, something else came spilling out. It was a large part of the reason he’d gotten to know the wallpaper in the corner of Vic’s office so intimately.
“So, you think I can get my hair cut tonight?” he said quietly.
Vic’s eyes sparkled. “It’s a date.” Then he sighed. “I’d better let you get back to work.” Except he didn’t move, and Rob got the feeling there was something else. Vic’s gaze kept flicking toward the men in the crew.
Rob turned and looked. The group of five or six men had accepted him as one of their own. Okay, so they weren’t friends, but Rob had come to think of them as closer than mere coworkers.
In a flash of intuition, he realized what Vic yearned for. Rob’s heartbeat raced. Fuck. Can I do that? What will they think of me? It wasn’t until that thought had crossed his mind that the truth hit him.
It’s what Vic thinks that matters most to me.
Rob took in a deep breath, faced Vic, and grabbed the lapels on his jacket. Before Vic could say anything, Rob yanked him forward and kissed him on the lips. He tuned out the catcalls from the guys, knowing he’d be getting teased later, but this was totally worth it. When he let Vic go, Vic stepped back, shock obvious on his face.
Rob couldn’t help grinning. “What? I wanted a kiss.”
A slow smile slid over Vic’s face. “You are a constant source of amazement, do you know that?” He leaned forward and pecked Rob on the lips. “I’ll see you when I get home.”
Rob couldn’t wait.
VIC GLANCED at the clock and smiled. Rob should be home shortly. His stomach quivered at the thought of giving Rob his haircut. He knew when he’d mentioned it that Rob was game. During the intervening time, it was all he’d thought about, so much so that he’d stopped on the way home to pick up a pizza. Vic had no intention of wasting time on cooking.
Tonight that arse is mine. The thought made him grin. Then he thought about what the mail had brought, and his grin widened.
The sound of the key in the lock had him rushing toward the door. He pulled it open just as Rob got it unlocked.
“You’re home,” Rob said, his eyes wide in surprise.
“I left a little early.” Vic spoke nonchalantly, his casual tone belying the excitement that bubbled up inside him.
“Oh? Gee, that must be nice. You take off to make deliveries, then you leave early.”
Vic scowled at Rob’s grin. “Shut up.” Rob wrapped his arms around Vic’s waist, and Vic pulled him close. “I picked up pizza, and my assistant, Janice, brought me back something from Ireland that I thought we might try tonight.”
“Let me guess, Irish cream or Guinness?”
Vic laughed. “Actually, neither. She was in County Cork and found this at a store. It’s called Tanora, and she swears it’s like ambrosia. It’s nonalcoholic, which surprises me considering some of the things she’s picked up for me in the past, but she swears I’ll love it. And I figured if I like it, maybe you would too.”
Rob blushed. “I’ll give it a go.”
“Did you want to shower first or wait until after dinner? I suggest the latter as it’s hot from the oven.”
Rob let out a low moan. “Eat first. I’m starving.”
They sat down and Vic opened the box. “This is getting to be a habit. I’m starting to think we should buy stocks in this place. My friend, Sam? He makes his own. Maybe we should ask him to teach us so we can do this at home.”
“Maybe,” Rob said. “But this is the best pizza I’ve ever had.” He reached out and picked up two slices, which he put on his plate. “Making it together sounds like it would be fun too.”
There was no conversation for a couple of minutes while they devoured a few slices. Vic popped the tops on two of the bottles of Tanora and handed one to Rob, who gave it a sniff.
“Smells good,” he said, putting the bottle to his lips.
Rob’s throat worked, swallowing down the liquid. Vic had to bite back a groan. He has no idea how sexy he looks when he does that. Then Rob put his drink down, grinned at Vic, and the illusion dissipated. Yeah, he probably does, the little shit.
“Something wrong?” Rob asked, licking a stray drop off the rim of the bottle. “This is really good, by the way. Please tell your assistant how much I enjoyed it.” He opened his mouth and took the top of the bottle inside. “Mmm.”
“Eat faster,” Vic said, his voice husky.
Rob chuckled and picked up his pizza. “But what about dessert?” He opened his eyes wide in an affectation of innocence that didn’t fool Vic for one fucking second.
Vic cupped his own crotch and squeezed. “I’ve got your dessert, trust me.” Maybe it was time for the gloves to come off.
Rob’s innocent expression didn’t change. “What if I’m not in the mood for something cream-filled tonight? I mean, I worked all day and I’m exhausted. I was thinking maybe after my shower, I could go to bed.”
How the hell he could say that and keep a straight face was beyond Vic. “You know, you’re asking for time in the corner.”
Rob waggled his brows. “But if I’m in the corner, then I won’t be able to get my haircut, now will I? Seems to me you ought to be nicer if you want something from me.” He flashed that wicked grin.
Vic laughed. “I’ve met some cheeky brats—”
“But no one quite like me?”
Rob fluttered his lashes and Vic melted. “No, there isn’t anyone like you. Which is a good thing, because I would have to fear for humanity. Now shut up and eat.”
“Fine, but if I eat too fast and get a stomachache, you’ve got no one to blame but yourself.”
“I’m sure I’ll live.” Vic narrowed his gaze.
“What? I’m eating,” Rob protested. He made a big production of taking a bite of his pizza. “See?” he mumbled, pointing to his lips. “Mouth full. I’m not sure I could fit any more in there.”