An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(28)

Rob nodded.

Vic closed the door, pulled out his phone, and dialed.

“I’m almost there,” Ken said. In the background was the hum of traffic. “Christ, are you trying to get me arrested for being on my phone while driving?” He chuckled. “You must be eager.”

Vic took a deep breath. “I’m afraid something has come up and I won’t be able to go with you tonight.” He couldn’t believe he was doing this.

“What? I thought you were looking forward to this.”

“Believe me, no one is more surprised than me. But I’ve got an unexpected visitor who’s arrived from Manchester, and I can’t very well turn him away.”

“No problem. Bring him along. Or does he not go for the club scene?”

Vic recalled the last time he’d seen Rob at the club. Right then he didn’t think it was a good idea to bring him back there. “No, he’s not really into it. Listen, let’s reschedule, yeah? Maybe next week?”

“Sure, no problem. I’ll talk to you later.” Ken disconnected the call.

Vic pocketed his phone and then opened the door. Rob stood there in exactly the same position. One look at the hope in those blue eyes, and Vic’s heart stuttered. “Well, come in.”

A bright smile bloomed on Rob’s face. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

Vic groaned to himself. This fucking film had better be worth blue balls.




SHAUN OF the Dead was hilarious, Vic had to admit. They’d ordered a pizza and sat on the couch, Rob’s feet tucked under him, while the DVD played. Several times Vic burst out laughing, only to give Rob a sheepish glance. The annoyance Vic had felt about his unexpected arrival had dissipated and now he was enjoying the company. True, it wasn’t quite the hot, sweaty evening Vic had anticipated, but it was nice having Rob there.

“Did you like it?” Rob asked as the credits rolled.

“I did. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched a DVD. Thank you for bringing it.” That thought made him stop. When was the last time I did this?

Rob preened, and Vic wondered again why such a simple thing as praise gave Rob joy.

“How was the pizza?”

“Oh, damn. I think it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten. How do they do that thing with the crust?”

“I don’t know, and the owner won’t tell anyone. He said he’s taking the secret to his grave.”

“That’s too bad. Must be nice to have a job like that. Something fulfilling, where you make people happy.”

Vic could hear the desire in Rob’s voice. He got up, removed the DVD from the player, slipped it back into its case, and handed it to Rob. “Thank you again for bringing it. I really enjoyed it.”

Rob smiled at him. “Do you want to keep it?”

The offer was so genuine, it shocked Vic. “What?”

“If you like it, you can keep it.”

“Well… thank you.”

Rob stood and stretched, the movement revealing a sliver of skin from beneath his shirt. Vic wanted to reach out and touch it. He held himself in check, though. Rob still hadn’t made it clear he wanted something more, and Vic wouldn’t be the one to initiate an encounter.

“This will probably be the last time I’m able to make it out here,” Rob said, a note of real regret in his voice.

“Oh?”

“I spent most of the money I’d been saving up so I could make the trip.” When Vic was about to say something, Rob hurried to get the words out. “It’s okay, though. The times I’ve been here have helped me. I mean, they’ve meant a lot. So thank you.”

Vic might not have expected Rob’s visit, but it saddened him to think it wouldn’t happen again. He enjoyed the company. Contrary to Vic’s first impressions, there was substance to Rob. He was a literate young man, obviously intelligent, and more than once Vic had wondered what had brought him to the club.

Rob rose slowly to his feet. “Okay, I need to get going. The last train will be leaving soon.”

Vic got up and followed Rob into the hallway, where he opened the cupboard and removed his jacket.

“Actually, there is something you could do for me.”

“What’s that?” Vic wondered what was coming.

“I left my coat at Secrets. The next time you’re there, would you ask them to send it to me? That’s if it’s still there. I’d appreciate it. I’ll give you the address.”

Vic remembered Rob hadn’t been wearing a coat when they met. He ran out, probably chased by whatever inner demons hounded him.

Vic had a feeling those demons hadn’t finished with Rob.

“Where are you going?” he asked. “Back to Manchester?”

Rob nodded, slipping his arms into the sleeves of his jacket.

Maybe it was the thought of those demons that accounted for Vic’s impulse. Don’t let him go. “You know, you could stay the night. I did the laundry, so the sheets on your… on the bed are fresh and clean.”

“Oh.” Rob blinked. “Yeah, I could stay if it’s not a problem.”

Vic had to hold back from rushing toward Rob and snatching him up in his arms. Every gesture, every glance, every movement screamed please help me.