Page 30 of Thrill

“True. So you didn’t have anyone in Norwich? Wherever that is.”

Tyler shook his head. “Nah. After Greg, I wasn’t really in the mood.”

The bar had a few people in clusters. Brighton drew a very attractive crowd. Enough to persuade Tyler that maybe he had lived the life of a monk for long enough.

“Time to put it behind you,” Scott said. “You’ve got a lovely big bedroom now. I hope you’ll be putting it to good use.”

“Ugh,” Tyler replied. “Meaningless sex isn’t my bag. Besides, I only have an airbed.”

“We’re going shopping tomorrow. That has to be an extremelytemporary measure,” Scott said. “Then I will be nagging at you to get laid.”

“He will,” Eddie said. “Trust me. He did a coaching course about two years ago and thinks everything is his business.”

“I can find someone to have sex with on my own, thank you. Besides, I might have already sorted it.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. Scott went ramrod straight and even Eddie perked up.

“Ignore me. I never said anything,” Tyler said.

“Hmmm,” Scott said, putting his finger to his lip. “Been here a week and have only attended the office. I deduce that this potential sex partner works at Pleasure Seekers. I’m right, aren’t I?”

Tyler pouted. “Perhaps. Let’s talk about something else.”

Eddie burst into laughter. “You may as well give the information up. He won’t rest until you do.”

“Okay, I submit. Danny Healy from the warehouse put his number in my phone under Sex Coach.”

Scott’s jaw almost fell to the floor. Eddie looked at him and chuckled.

“Shit, Tyler. I think he’s actually lost for words.”

“Am I fuck,” Scott said. “I have so many words, you wouldn’t believe. Danny Healy? Fuck, my gaydar is faulty. He gives off seriously straight vibes.”

“He’s pretty bloody hot too,” Eddie said. “Good work, Jones.”

Tyler shook his head. “Nothing’s happened yet. It’s probably a terrible idea to get involved with someone at work. I’m not in the market for a relationship.”

Scott grabbed his hands. “Tyler. We are in our thirties now. You don’t need to do all that nonsense. You’re going to bed him because you’d be a fucking idiot not to. Who even mentioned a relationship?”

NINE

DANNY

Danny wandered up the little street he’d known so well once upon a time. As usual, things were bedlam at home. His brother, Ben, was paying a flying visit from university, which meant Danny had to share his room. Plus the house was full of his washing. The little washing line in the backyard was groaning under the weight. Lisa had commandeered every available surface. Danny drew the line at the bedroom.

He loved seeing Ben, but at nearly thirty, Danny craved his own space.

The shop, New Lives, sat on the corner. A cornucopia of retro furniture and other exciting oddments Danny came to when he sought peace.

He went in. Most of the furniture looked like the same stuff he’d been selling when he worked there. The bell gave a little jingle.

“Be with you in a minute,” came a familiar voice.

“No worries, Brucie. It’s only me.”

“Danny? Come on in.”

Danny made his way through the shop and into the workshop at the rear. Bruce stood over a small table lying on the bench infront of him, the smell of varnish sending Danny back to the days they’d spent together n that very room.