An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(22)

Vic was happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“It might.”

“Okay.” Rob glanced up, his eyes bright. “I’m sorry. I never should have called you what I did. It was wrong, and I apologize.”

“Forgiven,” Vic replied. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

Rob glanced at the couch and then out into the hallway where he’d left his shoes.

Vic sighed. “Did you want to stay? I was about to order a pizza. You’re welcome to have some if you’d like.”

An enthusiastic nod. “If it’s okay with you.”

Vic could see how this was all going to play out. It was already after nine. There was no way Rob could get home tonight, so Vic would have to offer to let him stay again. Not that he had a problem with it. Rob had made a halfway decent breakfast companion, even if he didn’t say much.

Vic knew the warning signs. Rob was going to be nothing but trouble, and Vic knew he shouldn’t get involved. But something called to him, a soul-deep ache that Vic could sense bubbling beneath the crusty exterior. He wanted to crack that shell and see what the true Rob was like.

“Yes, it’s okay with me.”




VIC WATCHED Rob out of the corner of his eye. After ordering the pizza, Vic had taken a quick shower and changed into something not so… grungy. When he returned to the lounge, Rob still sat where Vic had left him. In fact, Vic wondered if Rob had even twitched, the way he sat, back ramrod straight.

When the pizza delivery arrived, Rob fidgeted, twisting his hands together. The amount of courage he’d shown by coming back here spoke volumes, at least as far as Vic was concerned. It would have been simpler for him to go back to Manchester and never set foot in Secrets again.

But he didn’t go to Secrets. He came to see you.

There had been one noticeable change since the last time Vic had seen him: there was no way he could miss the haircut. He smiled to himself when he realized Rob had likely gotten it because of the comment Vic had made the previous week. This solidified his belief that Rob was looking for something to cling to. Something real and solid.

He might have sought me out, but if we’re going to make progress, it’s going to be at my pace, not his.

“I like your haircut,” Vic said, putting slices of pizza on two plates. He pushed one across the dining table toward Rob, who stared at it.

Rob reached up and brushed a hand over his closely cropped hair. “Thank you. I just thought it was time for a change, that’s all.”

Vic worked hard to hide his smirk. While it was possible Rob was telling the truth, the timing seemed very coincidental. “Uh-huh.”

Rob continued to look at his plate, longing plainly written on his face. Vic knew he wanted that pizza, but he appeared to be waiting for the okay before he dug in. Interesting.

“We don’t sit on ceremony here,” Vic said, picking up a slice. “If you want some, help yourself.”

Rob reached out with a shaky hand, but then drew it back, his gaze flickering once again as he peered at Vic. He bit his lip, hand brushing over his head again, and Vic got it. Rob was uncomfortable, maybe a little nervous, but he was definitely not afraid. That was a good thing as far as Vic was concerned.

“Seriously, eat. I ordered the extra large, so there’s plenty here.”

Rob glanced down at his plate, then back to Vic. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Vic took a bite and sighed with pleasure. When it comes to comfort food, there isn’t much that can beat pizza. “So what brings you here?”

Rob shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I knew I owed you an apology, and thought I should come out and try to make amends.”

It was a hell of a long way to come to apologize, but Vic wasn’t about to say that. “It’s appreciated.” Vic bit into the pizza again, and Rob snickered as a long string of cheese dropped down and lay across his chin and clean shirt. “Hey, no laughing,” Vic growled. Then he grinned. “All right, maybe it’s okay to chuckle. At least as long as you’re eating.”

Rob picked up his slice of pizza. If the sounds issuing from his mouth were any indication, the first mouthful was a revelation. “Oh my God, this is good.”

Vic beamed. He loved it when someone enjoyed a new experience with him. “I know, right? A friend of mine, Wayne, says it’s the best pizza by far. After having this, I’m not sure I want to test that theory.”

After two slices, Rob reached for a third one. “This is really good. Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome.” Vic decided to go with the direct approach. “So, where are you spending the night?” he asked, his mouth full of pizza.

From the horrified expression on Rob’s face, Vic surmised he hadn’t given it any thought. Vic shook his head. Headstrong, willful boy, you probably didn’t think that far in advance, did you? He’d obviously decided to come to London on a whim, never even considering anything past that point.

“I… don’t know,” Rob whispered. He hunched over, drawing in on himself. He pushed his plate away. “Sorry, I’m not hungry.”

“You took it, you eat it,” Vic said, keeping his tone neutral. “Then after, you’re welcome to use the guest room again.”

Rob’s head popped up, his eyes wide. “Really?”