Page 32 of Thrill

Maybe he should listen to Bruce. Perhaps Danny did need to be a little braver.

Danny opted to walk along the promenade into town. This time he would be on full alert for rogue canines intent on flooring him.He might even treat himself to a pint. Really, he was avoiding going home. For some reason, the noise and sheer number of people had really got to him that morning.

As usual these days, his mind strayed to Tyler. It had been so cheesy to put Sex Coach in Tyler’s phone. He hoped it hadn’t put him off.

The urge to disrupt that man was overwhelming.

He was almost upon the pier, which meant he had to decide whether to go home or see what the night had in store by heading to a bar. Although, the idea that someone else might hit on him was a hard no. Tyler Jones had given him a feeling he hadn’t had in a long time. Especially for another man. He wanted to see how far this might go. If anywhere at all.

Still, a drink wouldn’t hurt.

He diverted course into Kemp Town, the gay epicentre of Brighton. He checked a few bars and they were heaving. Danny stopped outside a bar called Divine. They were playing an 80s disco track.

He peered inside. It was about half full and didn’t appear to be a meat market, judging by the groups of people chatting instead of staring around, desperate to catch the eye of a stranger. Danny had been one of those a few years ago. Sneaking into a bar, desperately hoping not to be recognised.

It’ll do. One pint and home.

Danny walked in and up to the bar.

“Pint of lager, please. Whatever’s on tap.”

The woman behind the bar wearing a lurid pink top grinned. “That’s what I like. Easy customers.”

She headed off to get a glass. Danny looked around. Booths lined a currently unused dancefloor. To his horror he saw Eddie, Scott and Tyler sitting in one.

Fuck, he’s going to think I’m stalking him.

He was about to cancel his order when he locked eyes with Scott, who leapt to attention and whispered something to Tyler.

Of course, Tyler spun around. Danny’s body gave a jolt.Fuckhe’s so bloody gorgeous.When Tyler’s face melted into a smile, Danny relaxed.

After paying for his pint, he walked over the dancefloor. He could feel all the eyes beaming on him like lasers. His heart sounded like a disco beat in his ears.

“Hello,” he said. “Staff meeting?”

“No, we’re celebrating,” Scott replied. “Tyler has moved in. Got his own bedroom now.”

Scott yelped.

“Ignore him,” Tyler said. “Come and sit down.”

“No, honestly. I nipped in for one on the way home. I don’t want to disturb you.”

“You’re disturbing one of us already,” Scott said.

“Scott,” Eddie cut in. “Give it a rest. Sit down, Danny. Please.”

Tyler shifted up. Danny noticed he didn’t go all the way. Only giving Danny a little room, so they had to squeeze together.

The oldest trick in the book.

“So, Danny,” Scott said. “How’s life treating you?”

“Oh, you know,” Danny replied. “Living the dream. My brother is home this weekend so the house is bloody manic. I came out for some peace.”

“Sorry you found Scott instead,” Eddie said.

“And what about you?” Danny said to Tyler. “Moving in with these two? Sounds dangerous.”