Page 98 of The Best of Times

“I’m a long way from that.”

“Perfect for me?”

“Ugh,” Aron replied. “You’re getting quite corny right now.”

His head was swimming. Could he really believe that Paul had lost all his fears? Yet, here he was. His face so earnest. It was hard to refuse.

“You’ve walked out on me twice…”

“Not twice. More one and a half. I’m here now.”

Aron hopped off his stool and stormed into the sunroom. “You are so bloody infuriating.”

Paul followed him. He came to hold Aron but Aron leapt back.

“No you don’t.”

He wasn’t about to let lust take over. This situation needed a clear head. He’d all but resigned himself to their fate. It had been hard but not unbearable. To open himself up to Paul again could spell total disaster.

“I’ve run out of words,” Paul said. “I declined the contract by the way.”

“Was itVogue?”

“Not quite.”

“Lucky me.”

He was being petty. It wasn’t a good look.

“I’ll walk down Queens Parade in the nude declaring my love for you if it will work.”

As much as Aron enjoyed the sight of Paul with no clothes on, he could just imagine Granny’s response when one of her cronies reported that to her.

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Aron replied. “It’s very cold out there.”

“Is there a chance?”

Aron sighed. “How do I know you won’t do it again?”

“Do you want custody of my passport?”

“I’m serious, Paul,” Aron replied.

Paul tentatively reached forward and, this time, Aron didn’t flinch. The tips of their fingers touched. It sent sparks through Aron’s body.

“Because I promise you, here and now, that I will always talk to you when I’m having a wobble.”

Aron stroked the back of Paul’s fingers.

“I think you need more than that,” Aron said. “You need to speak to someone professionally who can help you with this. It’s a huge burden.”

Paul nodded. “I agree. It’s time.”

The clock ticking was the only sound as Aron tried to take in Paul’s words.

Parkin trotted over and put his paws up on Paul’s leg. He scooped the dog into his arms and fussed him.

“At least Parkin forgives me,” he said.