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In the cab on the way back to their hotel, Alec turned to Ed.
“So”—he spread his hands—“we have the rest of the day free. What do you want to see?”
Ed’s face lit up. “Really? Do we get to be tourists? I thought we’d have more work to do.”
“It can wait till Monday—or at least until Sunday. Katherine’s bound to quiz you about the trip when we get back to the office. She told you to sightsee remember? Katherine’s not a woman you want to disobey.”
Ed chuckled. “You’re probably right. But I have no clue. The only thing I know about Edinburgh is there’s a castle—which I’ve already seen from your window—and lots of hills. What do you suggest?”
“Well, I’m assuming you won’t want to walk too far, so we might be best to avoid the hills. Shame, because Arthur’s Seat is lovely and the views are great from the top.” Ed had been trying to hide his limp, but Alec could tell his foot was hurting. “Although it’s bloody cold, it’s supposed to stay dry all day. So I thought maybe an open-top bus tour?”
“That sounds perfect.”
After going back to their rooms to change, they met in the lobby. Alec got down there first, and when he saw Ed step out of the lift, his breath caught. The only other time he’d seen Ed in jeans was that first night in the club. These jeans were slightly less provocative. Slim legged but not superskinny, they showed off Ed’s lean legs and hips. On top he wore a thick jumper and a Puffa jacket, and he was carrying a scarf and hat. He paused, looking around the lobby before catching sight of Alec.
Ed smiled as he approached. “I’ve never seen you in casual clothes before. I nearly didn’t recognise you.” His gaze skimmed down appreciatively over Alec, making Alec’s skin prickle.
Alec was in jeans too, with a charcoal wool coat buttoned up tight in anticipation of the February chill. He already had his hat on, a grey knitted one pulled down over his ears. “Shall we?” He inclined his head towards the door.
“Lead on.” Ed put on his hat and wrapped his scarf around his neck.
The tour buses stopped just a few hundred yards away from the hotel and ran every ten minutes or so. They were both hungry, so they bought sandwiches from a deli opposite and ate them at the bus stop while they waited.
When the bus came, Alec let Ed get on first and followed him up the steep steps to the top floor. He couldn’t resist admiring Ed’s arse as he climbed. The muscles flexed, the delicious curves right at Alec’s eye level.
Ed went towards the front of the bus. It was busy, but there were a few spare seats. Ed slid into one a couple of rows back from the front. The seat behind him was free too. Alec hesitated for a moment, not sure whether to take the other double seat for himself. But Ed patted the seat beside him. “It’s pretty full,” he said as Alec joined him. “I’m sure they’ll need the other seats soon.”
Ed’s breath clouded in the chilly air as he spoke. His smile was bright like the winter sunshine pouring from a sky the colour of his eyes. Dazzled by Ed as much as the sun, Alec sat, and the bus jolted into movement.
They stayed on board for most of the tour. The views from the top deck were good and it was a wonderful way to see the city. Alec had visited many times before, but the beautiful grey stone buildings never failed to be impressive.
Ed was fun to do this with because his enthusiasm was infectious. “It’s such a beautiful city,” he said, snapping yet another photo with his phone. “I wish we could walk more of it today, but my foot is grateful for the bus.”
“If we come back another time, we should walk up Arthur’s Seat,” Alec said before he realised how that sounded. “I mean… if you get another chance to visit Edinburgh. It’s a lovely walk. I recommend it.”
Ed flashed him a quick look; his expression was hard to read. “Maybe one day.”
By mutual agreement they got off the bus near the museum and wandered around in there for an hour or so. Strolling around slowly together, Alec couldn’t shake the feeling that this was like a date. He kept stealing glances at Ed and wishing it really was. He wanted to touch him, to hold his hand. Alec had never wanted to hold another man’s hand before. Ed made him want so many things he’d never imagined until recently.
Ed was charmed by the Lewis chessmen. “They’re so cool. I’ve only ever seen photos of them before. I love their expressions. Such intensity, and the workmanship is incredible.”
