Page 32 of Soul of Discretion

After a while Nick nodded, his face relaxed. “I get you,” he murmured softly, casting a fond glance in Peter’s direction. “Sermon over?”

Peter nodded. “Sermon over.” He grinned wickedly. “Of course, I have plenty of little stories to tell you. Did I mention the one about the time he went rock climbing and had to be rescued?”

Simon intervened hastily. “I think Nick’s heard enough about me for one day.” He glowered at Peter, who grinned cheekily. “And if you value your job, you’ll keep that mouth of yours shut about all my sordid history.”

Peter mimed zipping his lips but the gleam in his eyes as he winked at Nick didn’t bode well.

Half an hour later, Simon had managed to pack Peter off to his room three floors down, virtually pushing him out the door. They’d agreed to get together for a drink in the hotel bar later tonight.

Now Simon was finally alone with Nick. Although he had to go back to work soon, Simon had ordered room service and they sat at the dining table, eating their lunch in companionable silence.

Nick groaned and patted his stomach. “I’m stuffed. That burger was delicious.”

Simon swallowed the last mouthful of his Hunter’s Chicken and agreed. “The food is good here. I’ll probably put on half a stone before I leave.”

The atmosphere grew tense as Simon realised what he’d said.

It’s only been over a week since I’ve known this man. How can the thought of going home make me feel so damned crap?

“Of course, that could still be a while,” he murmured. “I’m not leaving here until I know everything’s sorted. With the company, with Margaret, with the investigation.”

Nick smiled but there was a hint of sadness there. “You can’t remain here indefinitely. The investigation to find the guys who killed Jack could take a while. We might never find them.”

“I’ll take it as it comes,” Simon argued mutinously. “I have good people looking after my interests in the UK, so I can afford to stay here as long as I need.”

Nick seemed to perk up. “Good to hear. I’d miss Peter if he went home too soon. He’s a real character.” He snickered.

Simon pretended to be affronted. “Charming. I thought I was the one worth staying around for.”

Nick stood up and stretched. His shirt rode up above his trousers, revealing a tanned stomach and the promise of a treasure trail. Simon swallowed.

God, this man makes me horny.

“I need to get back to the office before someone comes looking for me. My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing in my pocket.” Nick picked up his jacket. “As much as I’d like to stay and explore that look in your eyes, I should go. But I’ll see you tonight, yeah?”

Simon stood too and grasped Nick’s chin. “Definitely yeah,” he said and took Nick’s lips in a fierce kiss. The taste of Nick’s mouth and the soft slide of his tongue in his mouth made his cock swell and he wondered whether he’d need to have a shower after Nick left and tend to business.

They drew apart, both breathing heavily as Nick gave him a soft smile. “See you later then,” he promised as he swung around. “Keep that on ice for me, yeah?” He reached down, and palmed Simon’s groin and he groaned.

“God, you bastard, don’t tease. I doubt I can do any work this afternoon with this. You’ll have to try getting me hard again later.”

Nick shivered, his eyes darkening. “God, the thought of you in the shower, or in bed, after I’ve gone, working this off,” his fingers brushed Simon’s rigid prick, “turns me on like you can’t believe.”

They shared another passionate kiss then Nick drew away with a moan. “Fuck, I need to go. My boss will kill me.” He moved toward the door. “See you later. And don’t forget, Officer Jeffries is stationed directly outside this door.” He opened it and left without looking back.

Simon closed his eyes, breathing in the remaining scent of Nick’s woody aftershave. Then, with a sigh, he wandered into the bathroom for a much-needed shower.