An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(29)
He couldn’t ignore the silent pleas any longer.
“About tomorrow. After we get up, what do you think about going to lunch?”
Rob beamed. “Sure, that would be nice.”
His genuine pleasure sent warmth spreading through Vic, and he was suddenly very glad he’d made the suggestion. “How about you take off that jacket, I make us a drink, and we see if I can find a DVD that we both like? It’s still early.”
A long breath shuddered out of Rob, and Vic knew he’d said the right thing.
“I’d really like that.”
It took Vic a second or two to realize that he really liked the idea too.
ROB SIGHED. It wasn’t fair to wake up feeling just as tired as he had when he’d climbed into bed. He reasoned that maybe a shower would help invigorate him, so he pushed back the duvet and walked into the bathroom, still in his boxers. Vic had laid out a towel for him, and it wasn’t long before he was turning his face toward the jets of water, letting the spray hit him. The powerful stream of water did help a little, however, and he toweled himself dry quickly. He drew the line at wearing his boxers for another day, so he went commando.
When he exited the room, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted up the stairs. Oh, nice. Stepping into the kitchen, he found Vic at the table, tapping away on his tablet while sipping from a mug. He smiled when he glanced up.
“Good morning,” Rob said.
“Sleep well?”
He didn’t want to admit he hadn’t. The thought of not seeing Vic again bothered Rob more than he’d thought it would. He’d begun to get used to being treated like he was… normal.
“I slept okay,” he lied. “You’re up early.”
Vic arched his eyebrows. “I wouldn’t call this early, but then again, I’m up at six most mornings. I had a few things I needed to get done.” He nodded toward the pot. “Help yourself if you want some coffee. Mugs are in the cupboard above it.”
Maybe coffee would help to shake off the unease Rob felt coursing through him. He pulled out a mug, poured himself some hot, black coffee, then joined Vic at the table. He sat in silence as Vic continued working on his tablet. Rob took advantage of the opportunity to let his gaze wander over the kitchen, which definitely reflected its owner. The colors were bold contrasts. Vic had stainless-steel appliances, which stood out starkly against deep sapphire-blue walls and red trim. They shouldn’t work together, but somehow they did.
“There, done,” Vic said, sliding his tablet to the center of the table. He turned his attention to Rob. “It’s almost ten, so do you want to head out for an early lunch, or would you prefer a snack first and then we can eat later?”
Rob wanted to extend the day as much as possible. He knew that once they’d eaten, Vic would take him to the train station, where Rob would be saying his final goodbye. The thought made his heart feel heavy, but there was no way around it. He couldn’t afford to do this again, not unless his situation changed drastically and he suddenly found a marvelous job that paid well.
The way things were going, that was about as likely as the next Pope being called Isaac.
“Whatever you want is fine,” he murmured. Right then he’d take what he could get. At least, if nothing else, Vic would remember him when he watched the DVD. His reactions the previous night were like nothing Rob had come to expect from Vic. It was good, seeing him chill like that.
Vic observed him in silence for a moment. “What I want? Okay, then how does this sound? We finish our coffee, then go have some lunch. After, we’ll take a trip around London and I’ll show you a few of the projects I worked on.” He grinned. “Sounds riveting, doesn’t it? Then tonight we can have dinner out before coming back here and watching another DVD. And on Sunday after breakfast, I’ll take you to Euston.”
Rob resisted the urge to shake his head to clear the blockage that had apparently manifested in his ears. He had to have misunderstood.
“Unless, of course,” Vic continued, “you have other things you need to do back in Manchester. In which case, I’ll take you to the train station after lunch.”
Vic was asking him if he wanted to stay another night. To spend a day together. Rob didn’t get it. Why would he want to do that? The question forced its way to his lips before he could stop it. “Why would you want to do all that with me?”
Vic’s smile melted him. It was warm and genuine enough to make Rob’s chest flutter a little.
“Well, it doesn’t make much sense to come to London just to stay overnight. You never get to see the good stuff. And, truth be told, I’ve enjoyed your visits. You’re not a bad sort when you lose the attitude.” Vic’s wink softened the sting of his words.
Rob’s heartbeat quickened. Is that the truth, or are you just teasing me back for what happened when we first met?
He found his voice. “You’re not kidding, right?”
Vic’s expression slipped and was replaced by a much sterner one. “In business, a man’s word is something you can trust. Once it’s given, a true gentleman never breaks a promise he’s made. If I give you my word or make you a promise, you will know it’s something I will move heaven and earth to keep. I’m not one to say something to spare your feelings. I know we haven’t known each other long, and yes, we got off to a rocky start, but I promise you here and now, I won’t ever lie to you. I don’t expect you to believe me, and I’m sure I’ll have to earn your trust, but if you continue your visits, you’ll learn.”