‘Are we robbing the pub?’
Loris traps Charles against the side wall. His mouth lands onto his chin, travelsalong his jawline, makes a short stop-over below his ear and flies across his cheek to crash against his lips.
Already boiling with arousal, Charles sneaks his hands into the back pockets of Loris’ jeans, wondering if the desk will withstand the shock when he will push Loris against it to rip his—
‘Okay,’ Loris whispers as he moves back, ‘now that I feel better, I’ve got a question.’
‘Yes to everything.’
‘Why were you panicking? About me and George meeting?’
‘Was it obvious?’
‘Even the horseman noticed when you entered the room.’
Charles scrunches his nose. ‘Because I’m a worst-case scenarist. But I’m working on changing my style. There’s this French actor making a breakthrough, I really want him. I have to write roles that suit him better.’
‘So no actual reason to fear we wouldn’t click?’
‘No. George can act like an unbearable twat, that’s how he gets rid of people he doesn’t want in his life. But he knew you’d be worthy and he left the twat outside. Well, I believe he did… You don’t think he’s one, do you?’
‘No, he’s great. He deserves you.’
‘You’re not saying that just to be nice because you’re into me?’
‘Can’t it be both? I like George, and I’m also truly, very, deeply into you.’
Charles’ heart slams so hard against his ribcage, he digs his heels into the floor to remain steady. ‘Yes. Both is fine. Fantastic. Yes.’
Loris smiles and brushes aside the hair falling on Charles’ forehead. ‘So what sort of role are you gonna write for me?’
‘I have one specific plot in mind tonight, but it’s probably easierto show you…’
‘Please do.’
A minute later, an ominous crack proves that the desk can’t be the support Charles is hoping Loris will need, so he pushes him onto the chair instead. He kneels between his legs and opens his jeans with feverish hands, delighting in the unabashed want on Loris’ face.
Another sight Charles is accustomed to but can’t get enough of.
And yet he’s yearning, more and more intensely every time they pleasure each other, for a lust-blown version of Loris he still hasn’t met.
***
16:08 ELSYI’m sorry Chips, Divya isn’t being subtle so I’m sure the girls will abduct me tomorrow afternoon and then I’m expected home
16:08 ELSYBut I’ll be all yours on Tuesday! Xxx
16:11Don’t worry!
Charles finishes his pint, torn between his relief and the guilt that always escorts it.
Twenty-four hours won’t make a magical difference. They won’t rid him of the stress that trickles into his bloodstream whenever he imagines his conversation with Elsy. But he was worried it would have to be rushed, as she will be in demand right after her return. They will have more time and privacy on Tuesday. Besides, Loris is meeting his gang for drinks tomorrow, and Charles is now free to tag along. Not that this idea isn’t stress-inducing, but he’s fond of Loris’ friends. And he’s elated that Loris wants him there.
Charles swipes away a second message from his mother, asking confirmation that he will be home before 5pm. She will get it whenhe shows up. Until then, she can stew for all he cares.
He goes back to an archives website and saves a few more photos of Hampstead High Street. Setting the plot of his novel in 1985 was a stroke of genius. It hasn’t helped his writing, but it’s done wonders for his story building.
‘Another one?’
