Page 34 of Mercury Rising

Don’t look up or down. Focus on the next step.

He grabbed the first climbing hold and hauled himself up. At first his foot flailed around before he found purchase.

Okay, this isn’t so bad.

Mercury got into a rhythm, stretching his body to the next hold and the next. He heard Nick grunting although he didn’t dare stop and check his progress.

Sweat already coursed down his body. His Gucci trousers weren’t stretching all that well. Still, he knew he had a good arse. At least Nick would have something to look at as Mercury beat him to the top.

Spurred on, Mercury climbed up the wall like he’d been raised in the Amazonian jungle rather than Kensington.

The top lay almost within reach. Judging by the primal sounds coming from Nick, he was below. With a last burst of energy, Mercury pushed off the foothold and grabbed the top.

“We have a winner,” the instructor yelled from below.

Mercury glanced down. Nick had almost reached him.

“Sorry,” Mercury said, grinning.

“Bollocks you are,” Nick replied.

They were both laughing and panting. Nick had beads of sweat on his forehead.

“What can I say? The need to win overtook my fear of the wall. It’s a miracle.”

“Did someone mention fear?” Nick replied.

He grabbed Mercury’s harness and tugged, making him lose his grip. He had no intention of falling by himself. Instead, he yanked hard at Nick’s remaining hand.

They both swung out into thin air, clutching each other. The ropes held and they dangled helplessly. Mercury clung to Nick for dear life. Every part of them melded together. Their faces almost pressed against each other.

Nick’s lips were inches from Mercury’s. The kids shrieked with laughter but it all faded away as Mercury gazed into Nick’s eyes.

The moment disappeared like a puff of smoke as they were roughly lowered to the floor. Once they reached terra firma, the instructor stormed over to them.

“That is totally against the rules of this climbing wall,” he raged. “The ropes are there to save your life, not as some bungee experience.”

Nick had the decency to look shame-faced. “I’m sorry. I set a terrible example. Kids, anyone who copies that stupid move won’t be getting takeaway.”

Mercury could barely speak. Being so close to Nick had rattled him. He let the instructor take the harness off in a daze. The urge to kiss Nick had almost overwhelmed him and he was absolutely convinced Nick had experienced the same.

Hassan and Olena stepped forward.

“That was brilliant,” Eddie said, clapping Mercury on the back. “I reckon you should choose the food.”

“Nothing weird like sushi,” Brooke added.

Mercury made a mental note to bring sushi in one day.

“It’s easy,” Mercury said. “Fried chicken and chips.”

Brooke and Eddie nodded.

“Good choice.”

Hassan and Olena had begun their ascent. Hassan had his tongue out as he focused on the next handhold. He was actually very good.

Olena didn’t seem as confident. She got halfway but couldn’t get any further.