An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(86)

Since when do you not share a goal? What the hell is he planning?

Rob shook his head. He had to stop reminiscing like this, because there was a lot of work to be done and it was almost lunchtime. And this shit won’t spread itself. He grabbed the fork from the tools van and began to work over the soil, mixing it with the fertilizer, all the while humming to himself. This is the life. Working outdoors, plenty of fresh air and sunshine, with people who truly seemed to care about what they were doing. Alex and Vic might enjoy working out of an office, but Rob found the most joy in physical labor.

All this time and I never knew. Still, better late than never.

“Hey, Rob?”

Rob popped his head up and regarded Kevin, the job supervisor. “Yes?”

Kevin leaned on the handle of his garden fork. “You done something wrong?”

Rob furrowed his brow, unable to repress the brief shudder. Not since a lifetime ago when I got fired. He kept his tone light. “No, not that I know of. Why?”

Kevin nodded toward a point over Rob’s shoulder. “One of the designers is standing across the way, and he keeps staring at you. He’s been there for a good ten minutes, watching you work. If you want, I’ll tell him what a great job you’re doing. I don’t want them to let you go or anything.”

The praise warmed Rob. He turned to see who Kevin was talking about and had to smile when he saw Vic leaning against his car, arms crossed, his gaze focused on Rob. Fuck, the man was all kinds of delicious. While he’d been on the job, Rob had seen a lot of women walking by. He loved the sway of their hips, the bounce in their step…. Yeah, he loved to look at women, but the thing was, whenever he did so, his mind did a default to Vic. There was so much about him that made Rob feel good: the gruff voice that sent shivers through him, the deft hands that manipulated Rob’s body, and the smile that fucking lit up his insides.

With every passing day, Rob was more certain that he’d fallen for Vic.

Still smiling, his attention fixed on Vic, Rob addressed Kevin. “Nah, I’ll deal with it. Thanks for letting me know.” He put down the fork, dusted himself off, and walked over to where Vic stood. “Checking up on me?” Rob asked as he got nearer.

Vic regarded him with a neutral expression that didn’t fool Rob for a second. “Nope. I was in the neighborhood and—”

“This is half an hour away from your office. Hardly what would be called in the neighborhood. What are you doing here?”

That leer was back. “Well, if you must know, I’m saving up material for my spank bank.”

Rob narrowed his gaze. “Excuse me?”

Vic burst into peals of laughter. “Well, you looked so damn good, your muscles straining, sweat dripping from your brow. Your hair looking all kinds of shaggy.”

Rob ran a hand over his head. “Yeah, it is getting kinda long. I’ll find a place to get it cut.”

“I have a better idea. I’m going to cut it for you.”

Vic’s grin was positively evil, and Rob was instantly on alert. “Why?”

“I saw this film once, and they did something I always wanted to try. I’ve even got #1 clippers to use on you.”

That grin hadn’t diminished, and something started fluttering in Rob’s belly. “Not that I’m saying yes, but what exactly were they doing in this film?”

Vic moved in closer, and having him in Rob’s space was like a damned aphrodisiac. “You’d be on your knees in front of me, my cock in your mouth. While you’re sucking me deep, I’m shaving your head.” He spoke in a low voice, his eyes locked on Rob’s.

Fuck, he’s evil. Rob whimpered at the thought.

Vic smiled. “The thing is? You’re not allowed to make me come.”

Rob scrunched up his eyebrows. “What? I thought that was the point?”

“Oh no. When your head is nice and bristly, I plan on bending you over and fucking you until you scream.”

Like that would take long. Rob was fighting the urge right then, his mind full of the deliciously wicked images. His cock ached, and the temptation to touch the hard shaft was enormous. Except he couldn’t very well adjust himself on the public street, not without getting arrested.

“Bastard.”

Vic gave a mock gasp. “You ought to be nicer to me.”

Rob rolled his eyes. “Give me one good reason.”

Vic turned around and reached through the window of the car. When he stood up, he held out a paper bag. “You forgot your lunch.”

That made no sense. Rob had the money Vic had given him to buy lunch. He took it from Vic with a shrug. “Okay, but I’m confused.”

“Open the damn bag,” Vic growled.

Rob half expected to find a mousetrap or some other such fiendish device when he looked inside, but his heart stuttered when he saw its contents. “What’s this?”

“A gift,” Vic replied, obviously amused.

Rob pulled out a small, orange ball. “I don’t understand.”

“We’re going to visit your parents next week, or have you forgotten?”

Rob wished he could, but he’d decided on this course and nothing would change it for him, even if he had put it off for a couple of months. They were going to meet Vic, one way or another. What surprised Rob was the realization that he didn’t much care if he had their approval or not. He had Vic’s and that was enough. When he’d made the call last weekend to set up the visit, Vic had sat there smiling at him. As soon as Rob hung up and he spoke with Vic, he assumed his position to finish his punishment. Vic had stopped working and stroked Rob’s hair until the time was up. Then Vic grabbed him and threw Rob over his shoulder. He’d stomped to the bedroom with him and….