An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(44)

“Oh.” Rob placed his hands on the table, his fingers twisting around one another.

In that moment Vic saw things more clearly. Rob is obviously fighting a war with himself. He wants me to lead the way, to take the decision out of his hands. But there was no way Vic was about to do that. Rob had to be the one to admit what he wanted. Anything else had the potential to drive Rob deeper into his closet. He also didn’t want Rob to use him as an excuse or for someone to blame if things didn’t go the way Rob hoped.

This has to be up to him.

“This isn’t about sex, and I’m pretty sure you know that. I’ve not asked you for anything in the time we’ve been together, and I don’t intend to. All I want is to help a friend pull himself out of the hole he’s in.”

Vic tried to push as much sincerity into his voice as he could. What he’d said was true, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t sleep with Rob in a heartbeat. Despite their initial meeting, Rob ticked so many of his buttons that Vic was beginning to feel a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead—or at least, what he hoped lay ahead. Rob needed him in a way no one had in a very long time. But he also needed to get a handle on his life, and until that occurred, they couldn’t move forward.

“So, now we’ve got that out of the way? Your plan for the remainder of the day is to rest up. I’m sure you’re still hungover after last night, so maybe you should take a nap.”

Rob regarded him for a moment. “Is the bossiness part of your job, or is it just you?” He smirked.

Vic grinned. “Oh, it’s me, through and through. And tomorrow after breakfast, we’ll get up and go into Manchester.”

“Okay.” There was no hint of amusement in Rob’s expression.

Let’s give you something else to think about, boy.

“Tonight, though? You’re going to be helping me make dinner.”




VIC STOOD back as Rob moved about in the kitchen. It was obvious the young man had very little in the way of skills, but he made up for it in enthusiasm. Vic had chopped the vegetables for the sauce, but one look at Rob trying to sauté them over a low heat had him sorely tempted to step in and offer to help. Still, one of the things Rob needed to learn was how to be self-sufficient. When—if—he decided to leave, it was important that he have some ability to take better care of himself.

Listening to him grumble as he attempted to prevent the vegetables from burning was amusing, however. Will he carry on or will he ask for help?

“How long do I boil the pasta for?” Rob called over his shoulder.

“What does it say on the box?”

Rob sighed. “If you know, why can’t you just tell me?”

“Because if I wasn’t here, who would you ask? I assume you’re able to read, or am I wrong? I mean, you like books, right?”

Rob made a face like he’d sucked on a lemon. “Of course I can read. I’m not stupid.”

“The ability to read doesn’t make someone smart or stupid. However, bright people know where to go to find the answers they need. They use a variety of tools at their disposal to find the answers on their own. I’ll give you a clue.” Vic grinned. “There are directions on the box.”

Rob snatched the box from the cabinet and scanned the package. “Seven minutes.” He scowled. “You could have saved time and told me.”

“You’re absolutely right. I could have. But I chose not to. I won’t be there to hold your hand every time you have to cook something, so you’ve got to know where to look for your answers.”

It would be easier to help Rob, to actually teach him, but the littlest things had him flying off the handle. He was clearly nervous and more than a little tense. Still, he was doing a good job and seemed to be enjoying himself, at least until the veggies started burning.

“Why are you being such an arse about this?” Rob demanded. He dropped the box on the countertop, and the contents spilled out onto it, some of the dried pasta ending up on the floor. “I asked a simple question, but you couldn’t give me a direct answer.” He threw the spoon onto the stove. “Forget it. I’m out of here.”

Vic crossed the kitchen floor to switch off the heat under the saucepan. He waited until Rob had his jacket and was headed for the door before he spoke out. “Running is easy for you, isn’t it?”

Rob paused, his hand on the doorknob. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Vic gave a shrug. “What I said. You get angry, so you run. If you don’t want to face something, you leave the first chance you get. When you can’t do that, you shove everything to the side. Take that night we met in the club, for instance. You were confused and angry, so you took it out on the closest person—me.”

Rob spun, his face bright red. “You think you’re so fucking smart, don’t you? You’ve got me all figured out. Well, you don’t. People are lucky that they don’t have to deal with me.”

Vic nodded sagely. “Ah, yes. I forgot. You’re the bad boy. The one who doesn’t need anyone other than himself. But tell me something. Do you think you make for good company?”

“You’re not making any sense,” Rob huffed, his hand still on the doorknob, but the set of his shoulders told Vic he was no longer as certain.