Page 74 of Thrill

“How about we do something tonight?” Tyler asked. “To take your mind off things. That’s if you’re free, of course.”

Danny opened one eye. “For you I’m always free. That sounds really nice. Sorry for being a grump.”

Tyler winked. “No worries. Come over tonight. My bed is getting delivered this afternoon. I think you mentioned something about you and I christening it? I’m working from home after two so whenever you finish, head to mine.”

“Thank God for that,” Danny replied. “Should we have a sacrificial burning of that bloody airbed?”

“No chance,” Tyler said. “There’s a high possibility we might break the new bed in the future. We should keep it as a backup.”

A bird flew over. Danny tracked it, instantly jealous of the freedom it flaunted.

“Something is bothering you,” Tyler continued. “It’s not me, is it?”

The fearful expression on Tyler’s face made Danny want to scoop him up in his arms and never let go.

“How could it be you? You’re amazing.”

Tyler entwined his little finger with Danny’s. “You can trust me, you know.”

“I know,” Danny replied. “It’s this place. It gets to me sometimes.”

Tyler frowned. “I thought you liked it.”

“I do. For now. I guess I feel a bit stuck. Honestly, it’s nothing.”

“I don’t believe you. I have many ways of making you talk, Mr Healy.”

Danny sat up. “I look forward to discovering them.”

“I really want to kiss you right now,” Tyler said.

Danny didn’t want things getting out. He got enough grief from the other lads. If they realised he was sleeping with someone from upstairs, they would have him down as a snitch. That was after having the whole bisexual conversation.

“It’ll keep until later,” Danny replied. “I’ve missed you this week. I can’t wait to get you naked.”

“Sorry,” Tyler said. “It’s been crazy. Ever since I made thebreakthrough with bloody Amanda, she’s been on work overdrive. I fear I’ve released a beast.”

Danny chuckled. “At least she didn’t twig what went on once you’d tucked her up in bed. I’m not sure she’d approve.”

They sat in silence for a second. Everything about Tyler turned him on. Yet, today Danny’s feelings were deeper.

“I’m on your side. No matter what it is,” Tyler said. “I’m not going to force you to talk to me. But please remember that.”

A lump formed in Danny’s throat. He’d heard that before from Holly. Yet when he’d shared his deepest secret, she’d abandoned him. Not before humiliating him in the process.

“Thanks,” he replied. “I’ve got some things to work out.”

“I’d like to help.”

He saw the earnest expression on Tyler’s face. He genuinely meant it.

“Then I promise we’ll talk about it later. Once I’ve fucked you into the middle of next week.”

“Then we’d miss the weekend altogether. Bad move.”

“Fair point,” Danny said. “I’ll be gentle.”

Tyler leant forward. Danny smelt that cologne again. “I didn’t say that.”