An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(82)

As they kissed, Vic reached down and slipped a hand into Rob’s pants to clutch his still-hard-as-hell cock. The little noises Rob made as Vic tugged were music to his ears. And when Rob came, his cry muffled by Vic’s mouth, warm semen spilling over Vic’s hand, Vic vowed to himself that he would do whatever it took to keep Rob in his life.




ROB STOOD in the kitchen, chopping vegetables to go with the pasta for dinner. He was doing his best to focus, but memories of what happened at the club continued to pervade his mind. Several key points stood out. First, his outburst, which he was ashamed of, as he knew how it reflected on Vic. Then Jarod’s kindness, something Rob had not expected, and then that oh-my-fucking-God scene with Vic. He’d barely touched Rob, and yet the orgasm had ripped through him.

They’d returned home, Rob in the passenger seat, his head against the cool window. In that room, with Vic, in the space of less than an hour, his whole outlook on life had shifted. He no longer felt alone against the world. The hatred of Jamie that Rob had held on to for far too long began to dissipate. Rob refused to allow him that power anymore. The only one who should hold that kind of power over him was….

That one clear moment when he realized it was Vic was the beginning of a new mindset. Even the ache that had simmered in Rob’s gut for the loss of Alex had lessened, because there was finally hope.

Perhaps Jarod was right. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about laying all those ghosts to rest.

“Thank you for working on dinner,” Vic said, stepping up behind Rob and kissing him on the neck.

Rob shivered. There’s only ever been Vic that does this to me. Rob likened it to the warmth that pooled in his belly at the very thought of him.

“It’s going to be pasta,” Rob replied, then let out a weary sigh. “It’s not as if I know how to make much else.”

Vic laughed, and Rob glowed with pride that he could make Vic happy.

“You’re right, of course. We haven’t really had much time to work together in the kitchen. I’ll tell you what. I know I said part of your punishment was making dinner, but I think we could find something new to satisfy us both. What do you say?”

Rob knew he’d be a fool to say no. His entire body grew warm at the thought of the two of them making something together. He wasn’t about to let his emotions show, however. “Sure. Sounds good to me.”

“Keep those vegetables. We’ll have something light tonight.” Vic began to rummage through the cabinets, pulling out seasonings and a small white ceramic jar that simply said “base” on it. “I prefer to toss vegetables and stuff into the slow cooker to make a broth, but in a pinch, I can use the powdered stuff. Later in the week, we’ll work on making homemade soup. Tonight, a nice, hot bowl with some rolls should satisfy us for dinner. Unless you’d rather order a pizza.”

Rob scowled. No way would he give up this time with Vic for a pizza. “No, soup and rolls sound good.”

When Vic smiled, Rob got that feeling. Again. He couldn’t identify it just yet, but it didn’t matter, because it had to be the best thing ever. It made him feel energized, ready to take on the world as long as Vic was by his side.

Is this what it feels like to be in love?

The thought shocked him. He’d never been in love. Lust? Sure, but that was always sated as soon as he got off. This thing with Vic? Rob never wanted it to end. It was more than sex. It was simple things, like making soup, or the thought of coming home after a day at work and just talking to each other. To see him when he woke up, all bleary-eyed. Hell, to watch him brush his teeth or shave his head.

There were so many things Rob wanted with Vic.

He turned his attention back, listening as Vic explained the proper water-to-base ratio. He spoke of how important it was to get it right, so the soup would be flavorful. Rob wasn’t really listening. He stepped up from behind Vic, wrapped his arms around that broad waist, and pressed his face against the strong back. The aroma of Vic and the T-shirt he wore were part of what made up Vic. When Rob closed his eyes, Vic was his base, the one who brought everything together and made it work.

“What’s going on?” Vic asked, obviously amused.

“I….”

Tell him. Say the words. You know you want to.

It was on the tip of Rob’s tongue. I love you. Was it too fast? He had no idea how long people had to be together before they confessed their feelings. He’d watched enough television to know that some things seemed like ridiculous instant attraction, while others went on way too long.

In the end, he went with a partial truth. “I just felt like hugging you. That’s okay, right? Or are you not the hugging type?”

Internally Rob sighed. He’d defaulted to his snarky attitude when he wanted to say something else entirely.

Vic turned and engulfed Rob in his powerful arms. “I am so the hugging type,” he said, planting a kiss on Rob’s head. “You don’t need an excuse to hug me. Happy? Hug me. Sad? Hug me. Having a shit day? Hug me. Horny? Blow me.”

It took a moment for Rob’s mind to catch up to what Vic had said, and he broke out in a fit of laughter.

Yeah, I think this is love.




TWO DAYS later, Rob went online to fill out the documentation Vic’s company required. With every question they asked, Rob felt a bit bolder. He was starting a new life, he’d gotten out from under the debt that had been crushing him—even though he still owed Vic—and for the first time in years, it seemed he finally had a future to look forward to.