An Unlocked Mind (Secrets #2)(87)

God, just the memory sent waves of pleasure through Rob.

“I figured you’d be getting a little nervous right about now, so I bought you a stress ball. When you’re feeling anxious and I’m not around, squeeze it. The movement should help reduce your anxiety.”

Rob straightened his spine. It was time to stand up and speak his mind.

“Thank you, but I don’t think I need it.”

Vic quirked a brow. “Oh?”

“I’ve gotten a lot better at finding my center. The other day we were out here working, and one of the guys knocked over several trays of flowers that I was planting. My temper flared, but I acknowledged it like you said, and let it go. I was still annoyed at how it screwed up my schedule, but I wasn’t mad at him. Or myself. Does that make sense? Because if it does, it’s down to you.”

Vic’s caring guidance had filled a void in Rob. He was quick with the praise or a hug. He was equally quick with doling out punishments. Rob had spent more than a few times in the corner in the last few months. But he no longer freaked out, because the fear that Vic was going to send him packing never came to mind again. Rob knew he’d found a home, with Vic.

Then tell him.

That was the one thing Rob hadn’t worked up enough courage to do yet. Every time he opened his mouth to say the words, something else came spilling out. It was a large part of the reason he’d gotten to know the wallpaper in the corner of Vic’s office so intimately.

“So, you think I can get my hair cut tonight?” he said quietly.

Vic’s eyes sparkled. “It’s a date.” Then he sighed. “I’d better let you get back to work.” Except he didn’t move, and Rob got the feeling there was something else. Vic’s gaze kept flicking toward the men in the crew.

Rob turned and looked. The group of five or six men had accepted him as one of their own. Okay, so they weren’t friends, but Rob had come to think of them as closer than mere coworkers.

In a flash of intuition, he realized what Vic yearned for. Rob’s heartbeat raced. Fuck. Can I do that? What will they think of me? It wasn’t until that thought had crossed his mind that the truth hit him.

It’s what Vic thinks that matters most to me.

Rob took in a deep breath, faced Vic, and grabbed the lapels on his jacket. Before Vic could say anything, Rob yanked him forward and kissed him on the lips. He tuned out the catcalls from the guys, knowing he’d be getting teased later, but this was totally worth it. When he let Vic go, Vic stepped back, shock obvious on his face.

Rob couldn’t help grinning. “What? I wanted a kiss.”

A slow smile slid over Vic’s face. “You are a constant source of amazement, do you know that?” He leaned forward and pecked Rob on the lips. “I’ll see you when I get home.”

Rob couldn’t wait.




VIC GLANCED at the clock and smiled. Rob should be home shortly. His stomach quivered at the thought of giving Rob his haircut. He knew when he’d mentioned it that Rob was game. During the intervening time, it was all he’d thought about, so much so that he’d stopped on the way home to pick up a pizza. Vic had no intention of wasting time on cooking.

Tonight that arse is mine. The thought made him grin. Then he thought about what the mail had brought, and his grin widened.

The sound of the key in the lock had him rushing toward the door. He pulled it open just as Rob got it unlocked.

“You’re home,” Rob said, his eyes wide in surprise.

“I left a little early.” Vic spoke nonchalantly, his casual tone belying the excitement that bubbled up inside him.

“Oh? Gee, that must be nice. You take off to make deliveries, then you leave early.”

Vic scowled at Rob’s grin. “Shut up.” Rob wrapped his arms around Vic’s waist, and Vic pulled him close. “I picked up pizza, and my assistant, Janice, brought me back something from Ireland that I thought we might try tonight.”

“Let me guess, Irish cream or Guinness?”

Vic laughed. “Actually, neither. She was in County Cork and found this at a store. It’s called Tanora, and she swears it’s like ambrosia. It’s nonalcoholic, which surprises me considering some of the things she’s picked up for me in the past, but she swears I’ll love it. And I figured if I like it, maybe you would too.”

Rob blushed. “I’ll give it a go.”

“Did you want to shower first or wait until after dinner? I suggest the latter as it’s hot from the oven.”

Rob let out a low moan. “Eat first. I’m starving.”

They sat down and Vic opened the box. “This is getting to be a habit. I’m starting to think we should buy stocks in this place. My friend, Sam? He makes his own. Maybe we should ask him to teach us so we can do this at home.”

“Maybe,” Rob said. “But this is the best pizza I’ve ever had.” He reached out and picked up two slices, which he put on his plate. “Making it together sounds like it would be fun too.”

There was no conversation for a couple of minutes while they devoured a few slices. Vic popped the tops on two of the bottles of Tanora and handed one to Rob, who gave it a sniff.

“Smells good,” he said, putting the bottle to his lips.

Rob’s throat worked, swallowing down the liquid. Vic had to bite back a groan. He has no idea how sexy he looks when he does that. Then Rob put his drink down, grinned at Vic, and the illusion dissipated. Yeah, he probably does, the little shit.