Page 56 of Soul of Discretion

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Nick stood looking out onto the streets of Plymouth from atop Simon’s office building inside his sumptuous penthouse. Peter had picked Nick up at the airport, and now, four and a half hours later, he stood waiting on the man he loved, one who may or may not love him back. With the time difference, Nick was off a bit. It was early evening and the sun was beginning to set behind one of the other stone buildings across the way.

His bags were still sitting by the elevator entrance in case the surprise didn’t go as well as planned. No matter how many times Peter had reassured him there wasn’t a chance that Simon wouldn’t be happy about the surprise and the invasion of his privacy, Nick knew better than to bank on it.

To ease his nerves, he left his study of the Plymouth sunset and went to the kitchen, where he found a dozen or so cookbooks. He pulled one from the shelf and began leafing through the pages. Before he knew what he was doing, he’d found all the ingredients and was in the process of cutting up vegetables when he heard a gasp. Nick spun around to find the object of all his love and desire standing less than ten feet away. Before Nick could doubt anything, Simon raced across the kitchen and took him into his arms.

“It’s really you,” Simon exclaimed as he ran his hands up and down Nick’s body, making Nick want to moan at his touch. He’d missed his love so much.

“It’s really me, if you’ll have me,” Nick replied before leaning forward and capturing Simon’s soft lips in a passion-filled kiss that led to another and then another. By the time they released each other both were panting heavily.

“I’ll have you for as long as I’m allowed. How long are you planning on visiting?” Simon asked, still unable to release Nick.

He took a deep breath, looked Simon in the eyes, and took that last step. “Forever, but I’m sure I’m going to need proper documentation for that to happen.”

Simon’s mouth fell open as he stared at Nick in what must have been disbelief. “Forever? You mean move here permanently?”

That same old fear came crashing back, “Yeah, that was the hope. I know I can’t live without you, I realise that now. Somehow, somewhere along the line I fell in the love with you, Aristocat sixty-nine and I want us to build a life together.”

Well, it was out there. No turning back now.

Simon pulled him even closer and buried his face in the side of Nick’s neck. “Thank God.”

“What?” Nick wasn’t sure he’d heard Simon correctly.

Simon raised his head and Nick could see the relief on his face. “Thank God you’re here. I honestly didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to hold out.” He placed both of his hands on Nick’s cheeks and whispered, “I love you as well, my Mountie. And fuck, I’m as surprised as you to hear me say that. I never thought it would be something I’d say to anyone.”

The relief that flowed through Nick was indescribable. Simon loved him. “I’m not a Mountie anymore.”

Simon’s eyes turned hard. “They fired you?”

“No, the charges were dropped, and I resigned with a clean record. It was my choice to leave so I could come to Plymouth to be with you.”

Simon led Nick toward the front door. “Where are we going?” He’d rather hoped to be heading to a room with a bed now that he had his lover back in his arms.

“We’re taking your bags to our bedroom so that you can unpack and feel at home, but first, I want to make love to you until we both pass out.”

They each grabbed a bag and Nick followed Simon to the master suite.

Getting up close and personal with his man was a great way to start their new lives together.

****

Nearly a month of bliss. At least, that was Simon’s take on the surreal situation he found himself in. When he’d first seen Nick standing in the flat, Simon had not believed it. That someone would fly across the world to be with him was mind-blowing.

Simon knew there were still things to be talked about, but he wasn’t quite out of the honeymoon phase yet. Showing England to Nick and watching his eyes light up at new sights was a novel experience, and one—surprisingly—Simon enjoyed.

His lover had settled in happily in the penthouse, although Nick often appeared restless and paced the flat. Apart from the occasional arguments about Nick drinking direct from the orange juice bottle (Peter had seen him once and virtually fainted with horror on the spot), and Simon’s cell phone constantly ringing and interrupting their “me” time, things were progressing well.

They shared a bedroom, but Simon had his study for privacy, and Nick had a spare bedroom he liked to read in and work out in when Simon was at Breakforce. Simon had suggested the gym next door, but Nick had insisted he was fine monitoring his own exercise regime and wasn’t prepared to pay the exorbitant gym fees.

Nick was a proud man and Simon had to bite his tongue from offering to pay for him when he was in need. Which led to the reason for lunch today. In the past few days, Nick had been a bit off. He’d been quiet, a little terse, and Simon hoped that he wasn’t regretting the decision to come to the UK.

Nick was due in his office in a few minutes. Simon had had a basket of goods delivered from the local delicatessen that did great olives, cuts of cold meat, and fresh, crusty bread. Along with a chilled bottle of white wine, lunch was about to be served. And Simon had another surprise for Nick, which he was looking forward to sharing.

The soft knock at his door made him smile in anticipation. “Come in,” he called out. Nick entered, closing the door behind him. He looked good, dressed in a casual dark grey polo shirt, which outlined his strong biceps and arms. Dark blue chinos clung tightly to his muscled legs. Nick smiled, but his face told another story. He looked uncertain, even unhappy.

Simon’s gut churned. Please don’t let him be leaving me, he thought desperately.