Page 76 of Thrill

“What? Is he alive?”

Tyler instantly scrambled up and placed his hands on Danny’s shoulders. The physical touch grounded him. He didn’t dare look. If he did, he would lose it.

“Yes. It wasn’t life-threatening.”

Danny allowed himself to relax a little.

“Where is he now?”

“He’s in Brighton General.”

“I’m on my way.”

“There’s no need. They say he’s out of immediate danger. They’re going to fit a stent or something. I don’t really understand.”

Danny’s mind was racing. Bruce had been frail the last time Danny had seen him. But a heart attack? That was serious. “There’s every need. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thank you, Dan. You’re a good lad.”

They finished the call. Danny buried his face in his hands. The tears came like a tornado and his body convulsed. He’d never been an attractive crier. At that moment, he couldn’t care less.

Tyler held him tightly.

Once they’d subsided, Danny sat up. Tyler scrambled off the bed and grabbed some tissues. He handed one to Danny, who blew his nose.

“Sorry,” Danny said. “This isn’t what you were signed up for tonight.”

Tyler sat next to him and took his hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. We have to get you to the hospital. My car is at the garage.”

“Don’t worry. I can get a cab.”

Danny needed to get dressed and moving. Yet he was terrified at what he might face. Bruce might be out of danger but he was still clearly very ill.

“I’m scared,” Danny added.

Tyler kissed his shoulder. “That’s natural. You care about him.”

“I’m sorry about this evening. It’s ruined.”

“No, it isn’t. Come back here after the hospital.”

Danny frowned. “You sure? It’s a bit heavy, isn’t it?”

“I want to be here for you. Please let me. Of course, I’ll understand if you’d prefer to go home. It is early days, I guess.”

Danny stared into Tyler’s eyes. “I’d love to still spend the night,” he said quietly. “If you’re sure. The thought of your arms waiting for me will help.”

Tyler stretched. “They’re all yours. All night long. In fact, stay the weekend.”

Danny kissed him. Those lips would make everything feel better. He pulled up and ran his hand through Tyler’s hair.

“You’re fucking brilliant.”

Tyler kissed Danny’s wrist. “So are you.”

NINETEEN

TYLER