Page 113 of Kicks

“And what brings you here? Not that it isn’t nice. Sorry, that came out wrong.”

Poor Eddie was stumbling over his words. He had to put him out of his misery.

“I wanted to see you,” Billy replied. Fully aware how stupid he sounded. He was on a precipice and for a second fear gripped him.

He stared deep into Eddie’s eyes. Still shining with hope. He had never been more certain about what he wanted before.

“Correction. I needed to see you,” Billy continued.

“Needed?”

Billy nodded. “Turns out I can’t be without you. How mad is that?”

Eddie sprang forward and took his hands. “Do you mean it? There is a way we can get through all this?”

Billy squeezed his hands. “I reckon we should try and find one.”

Eddie silenced any more words with a kiss.

God, the feel of his lips on mine.

Billy drew him close. They claimed each other with their mouths and tongues. Both holding on as if their lives depended on it.

Eddie dragged Billy off the chair so they were both on the floor. They were devouring each other. The feel of their bodies together making him want to tear the clothes from Eddie’s body. But Billy pulled away.

“What?” Eddie asked.

“I want to say something to you,” Billy said, panting. “I gave you a hard time and I’m sorry.”

They were kneeling in front of each other now.

“I deserved it. I should have told you that first night. You were right.”

“No, I wasn’t. I can see now what a nightmare this has been for you.”

Eddie wiped a tear away. Guilt that he’d caused that ran through Billy like broken glass. He kissed Eddie’s cheek.

He moved back and stared into Eddie’s eyes. “Although there is something that I feel I should be honest with you about.”

“Oh God, what?”

“I’m only interested in you now you’ve got a pay rise,” Billy said.

“Well, I’m only after your marina flat.”

Billy sat on his heels. “You know what? We’re loaded or we’re going to be. You’ve gone up in the world, I’m getting money from the shop and as many hours architecting as I want. Things are looking pretty decent. That’s if…”

“If what?”

“If you’d like to try again.”

Now it was Eddie’s turn to shed a tear. “There is nothing I want more in the world. Are you sure?”

“Totally. We can take it slow and see where it takes us.”

Eddie’s face lit up. “Let’s go on holiday. Soon.”

Billy giggled. The joy of the moment taking him over. “I guess we’re not taking it slow then?”