An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(69)

“I want that,” Rob said. He wanted it more than anything in his life.

“If you’re certain, then we need to have a talk.”

“Couldn’t we just get back in bed?” He yearned for the simple joy of lying in Vic’s arms, the outside world forgotten.

Vic chuckled and kissed Rob on the temple. “My baseball bat is giving you the day off. Maybe tomorrow.”

Tomorrow. Rob loved it when Vic spoke in terms of the future.

He stepped out of Vic’s embrace, missing it almost immediately. “I think I’m going to go take that bath now.”

“Do it in the garden. It’s a lot easier to relax out there.”

Rob shivered. “You mean in public?” The thought of being exposed in front of other people left Rob cold. “I don’t know about that.” He glanced toward the window. “And it’ll be cold out there.”

Vic snorted. “You won’t feel it if you’re in the water.” He lifted Rob’s chin with his fingers. “No one can see you, I promise. The fence is high enough that unless they got on a stepladder, they’re not about to see your bits. And I’ll let you in on a secret—sitting in the warm water, surrounded by the fragrance of the plants, will put you into a better frame of mind.”

“Okay.” Rob still wasn’t convinced, but he would trust Vic knew what he was talking about.

“Then I’ll get dressed and get breakfast started.” When Rob didn’t move, Vic gave him a hard stare. “The garden won’t come to you, you know.”

Rob shook his head. “You really are bossy, aren’t you?” He went into the bathroom and grabbed Vic’s robe. When he wrapped himself up in it, he could smell Vic on it. His soap, his skin. No matter what Vic said, no flowers were going to do for him what Vic’s scent did.

He went downstairs, through the house, and out into the Zen garden. It was actually very pleasant outside, but there was a nip to the air that had Rob hurrying to the summer house. Once he’d run the bath, he removed Vic’s robe and climbed in. He leaned his head against the porcelain and relaxed in the soothing waters. It didn’t take long for him to realize Vic really did know what he was talking about. Warmth seeped into him, and his discomfort began to fade.

“What will it take to prove to him I know what I want?” he grumbled. From the corner of his eye, he could see Vic gazing out at him from the french doors. The thought of having Vic’s attention raised Rob’s temperature.

He would make damn sure Vic knew what he wanted. He just had to figure out how.





Chapter Twenty


VIC STOOD at the window as Rob dozed in the bath. He knew he was pushing Rob into something he might not be ready to acknowledge, but the truth of the matter was, he wanted to know where they were going too.

Especially after last night.

He pulled out his phone, then scrolled through the contacts. He regarded Jack’s details thoughtfully. Maybe it was time to ask for some advice.

“Hey, how are you?” Jack sounded positively chipper.

“I’m good. What about you? How was the concert?”

Jack sucked in a breath. “I know you didn’t call me to talk about that. What’s on your mind? And don’t tell me nothing, because I can hear it in your voice.”

Vic smiled to himself. The thing about good friends is that sometimes they know you a little too well. “Yeah, okay, there is something. I could use some advice if you have time.”

“Yes, Dorothy, those ruby slippers go with your dress.”

Vic laughed. “Sod off, you git.”

Jack chuckled. “Well, at least it got you to loosen up a little. What’s going on?”

“Do you remember that rude boy from the club?”

“Oh, hell yes. The one who called you a poof. Funniest thing I’ve—wait. Why are you asking?”

“Well, that night after I left, I found him walking in the storm. He was a determined little shit, and wasn’t giving up. I figured it wasn’t my problem, and drove off.”

“Let me guess. You decided you couldn’t leave him and went back for him.”

“Got it in one,” Vic replied. “He’s…. He’s not exactly what I thought he was.”

Jack’s voice was wistful. “The best ones seldom are. So you’re saying you’re still seeing him?”

“He’s living here.”

Jack snorted. “You don’t hang around, do you? Talk about fast. How’s it working out?”

Vic told Jack everything he’d learned about Rob—and himself—in the last month. When he finished, Jack whistled.

“I’ll say this for you, Vic. You don’t do things by halves.”

“I never have, but this time I don’t want to.”

A pause. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“We’ve become close.”

“Aw, shit. So we’re past him being just a lodger, then. You’ve fucked him, haven’t you?”

Vic’s face heated. “Yes. The thing is, it’s not a one-off. Or at least I don’t want it to be.”

Jack’s voice softened. “Vic? What is it?”

Vic took a deep breath and plunged forward. “Rob calls to me on every level—man and Dom—and I don’t want to give him up. The thing is, I don’t know if we’re compatible. I mean, he responds nicely, and I love it when I see him give in just a little. But he’s all wrapped up in what happened with his brother, and he can’t get beyond that. He’s used it to portray himself as a villain, and he isn’t. He’s warm, caring, cheeky, and….”