Page 87 of Thrill

Tyler inspected the drawers. They were stained a gorgeous light brown with antique silver knobs.

“Did you do this?”

Danny nodded.

Tyler flung his arms around him. “I love them,” he said into Danny’s neck. “Thank you.”

They embraced for a second. Tyler breathing in the manly scent of Danny. He wished there wasn’t a party. It would be far nicer to take Danny straight to bed.

Fat chance of that.

He pulled away.

“Hey, does this mean you’ve decided to go for it with New Lives?”

Danny looked uncomfortable. Tyler cursed himself again for being too full-on the last time they’d had this conversation.

“I’ve not made my mind up,” Danny said.

There was a finality to his tone that Tyler read loud and clear.

“Are you prepared for Scott’s party?” Tyler asked. “There’s a lot of people.”

Danny leant down and picked up the drawers.

“Do you want a hand?” Tyler asked.

“No, my sweet. They’re still a bit tacky and I’d hate for you to get varnish on your couture. Lead the way.”

Danny hadn’t left his side since he’d arrived. Tyler felt on top of the world.

“I don’t know why you invited Amanda,” Scott said.

“Leave her alone,” Tyler warned. “She’s all right.”

To his amazement, Amanda had accepted the invite. She was currently being given the guided tour of Eddie’s DVD collection and appeared enthralled.

“You see the good in everyone. Honestly, you’re like my angelic twin.”

Danny nuzzled Tyler’s neck. “Believe me. He is not angelic.”

“So, I’ve heard. On more than one occasion.”

Tyler’s face instantly began to burn. “Now I’ve got furniture, it might muffle it. Sorry.”

Scott cackled. “Don’t be. See Pablo over there? He ain’t leaving until morning.”

Pablo was a personal trainer at Scott’s gym. He certainly didn’t disappoint in the physical department. Yet Pablo seemed to have a one-track mind. He was currently boring Carla, Scott’s boss, on the merits of broccoli.

“He is fucking dull, mate,” Danny said.

Scott sighed. “Can I keep him until daybreak?”

“You may,” Danny replied.

“Thank you, kind sir. I’d better go and rescue Carla.”

He sprang off the sofa, leaving Danny and Tyler alone.