Page 48 of Mercury Rising

“Do we have to?” Hassan asked.

“Absolutely,” Nick replied. “The cleaner things are, the better they’ll look.”

Hassan chewed on a crust thoughtfully. “Do we get a treat?”

He was a hard negotiator. No wonder he enjoyed Monopoly so much.

“Ice creams all round. How does that sound?” Mercury said.

They all cheered.

Mercury turned to Nick. “Can I have a word?”

“You sure can. Everyone, when you’ve finished eating, let’s get this table cleared. Start as we mean to go on.”

They went through into the office. As soon as the door closed, Nick spun Mercury around and kissed him.

So much for talking it out. Nick had clearly decided that actions spoke louder than words. Mercury gave himself up to the feeling. He parted his lips for Nick to explore with his tongue. Nick wrapped his arms around Mercury and pushed him backward so he leant against the desk.

The last kiss had been so intense the rest of Mercury’s body had frozen. He wouldn’t make that mistake twice. Instead, he ran his hands over Nick’s T-shirt-clad chest. He was toned to perfection. Mercury’s cock sprang into life as he imagined what it would be like for them to be naked together.

Judging by the hardness that pressed into Mercury’s groin, Nick felt exactly the same way.

Nick drew away and kissed Mercury’s forehead. “I’ve been dying to do that again all weekend.”

“Me too.”

“Although we shouldn’t do it so much here. It’s not exactly professional.”

“I agree. Gavin would be devastated if he walked in,” Mercury said, taking hold of Nick’s hand and entwining their fingers. “I’mnot sure it would be appropriate for me to go out there just at the moment. These shorts don’t hide much.”

Nick laughed. “Nor do these jeans. Do you fancy staying late, tonight?”

“I can’t,” Mercury replied. “Otherwise, I’ll be in big trouble.”

“That fucking tag.”

“I know. Our time will come. Anyway, I did ask you in here to run an idea past you.”

Nick pouted. “Charming.”

Mercury stole another kiss. “Don’t be touchy. Whatever is happening with us can wait a bit longer. I was talking to my mate Jeannie yesterday.”

Nick’s eyes widened. “You mean Jeannie Butler. I’ve seen her on your Instagram. You do, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. She’s offered to speak to her friend who’s the editor ofLiving in London. She reckons they’ll do a feature if she gives her blessing.”

Nick stood back. Mercury missed the feel of his body.

“What will it involve?”

“Photos of the house. Shots of the kids playing and hanging out. You being the big sexy bossman.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever.”

“Why don’t you call Fenella and see what she thinks?” Mercury said. “I reckon it’s a decent idea though. It’s not a rag. We can trust them.”

“Fine, I’ll call her now.”