by Helena Stone
“What?” Jonah’s eyes opened wide. “Why would you assume that? I prefer boxer briefs, thank you very much. Not that it’s any of your business.”
Nick burst out laughing, which only appeared to fluster Jonah more. “No. Not those thongs. I’m talking footwear, not grundies.” When Jonah gave him a blank stare, Nick lifted one foot. “Like these: thongs.”
“Oh, flip-flops.” Jonah shook his head. “You call them thongs? For real?” He got into the car and waited until Nick had settled in the driver’s seat before adding, “Although I guess it makes sense. Both versions rely on a thin strip of material to stay attached to a body.” He smirked. “It’s going to take me a while before I get used to that term.”
“Funny, isn’t it? We’re supposed to be speaking the same language, and we still get confused.”
“No kidding,” Jonah said. “I’m going to have to make a list. Between tinny, esky, and thongs, I’ve got a feeling I’m going to be lost quite a lot.”
“You’ll be fine. Just ask when you don’t know what people mean. It’s not as if we don’t know we’ve got a few idiosyncrasies when it comes to English.”
“Yeah, I know. It’ll be grand.” Jonah sounded very Irish suddenly, and Nick was surprised to discover how much he liked that.
“I hope you also bought swimmers,” Nick said, wondering if that was a common English term or another Australianism.
“As in swimming trunks?”
Nick nodded.
“I actually brought those from Ireland,” Jonah said. “I’m not that much of an eejit. I knew I was flying toward summer.”
“Good. I thought we could have a swim before dinner tonight.”
“That would be great. I still feel as if I’ve been dropped into an oven.”
Nick glanced to his left and was relieved to see a smile on Jonah’s face. He couldn’t get over how quickly he’d moved from resenting Jonah’s arrival to not only appreciating his company, but also wanting to make sure he enjoyed himself.
“I’VE WATCHED a few episodes of that show you were in.” Nick swam a few more strokes before he realized Jonah was no longer swimming next to him. He reached the pool’s wall and waited until Jonah caught up.
“You’re good.”
“Thank you.” Despite just having been complimented, Jonah studied him warily, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Of course, if you weren’t talented, we wouldn’t have invited you to join our cast,” Nick added.
Jonah nodded, turned, and pushed off from the wall to swim another length. When they arrived on the opposite side of the pool, he turned to Nick with an almost-aggressive expression on his face. “What else did you watch?”
Nick blinked, uncertain what he’d done to deserve the sudden hostility. Then it hit him.
“Thought as much.” Jonah kicked off again and furiously splashed his way through the water.
Part of Nick wanted to rush after him, catch up, and demand an explanation. Common sense told him it made more sense to let Jonah blow off some steam first. Nick knew he’d done nothing to earn this reaction. He just needed Jonah to come to the same conclusion. Chasing and pestering him would almost certainly have the opposite effect. He stretched out on his back and floated, enjoying his buoyancy as the water carried him with only minimal effort on his part. He refused to check where Jonah was. He would have to come to him and of his own free choice. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when small disruptions in the calm water surrounding him announced Jonah’s return.
“I have a question.” Jonah’s voice still held a tinge of anger, although it had diminished.
Nick straightened in the water and faced Jonah. “Okay. Shoot.”
“Is that why I’m here?” Jonah’s cheeks burned a bright crimson, and Nick didn’t think the sun had anything to do with it. “Was your decision to offer me the role, to invite me to stay in your house, based on your assumption that I’m an easy lay?”
For a few moments, Nick was speechless. He had no idea what he’d done to deserve Jonah’s suspicions. Then he reconsidered. If his sexual escapades had been displayed all over the internet, he might well harbor similar qualms.
“No.” Nick thought for a moment before continuing, desperately wanting to get his next words right. His ego was one thing. Risking the production he and Jenny had invested a lot of their money and all of their faith in was quite another. “In fact, I had nothing to do with hiring you. I didn’t hear about it until after Jenny got the signed contract back. Just as it was her idea that you should stay with me.” He was almost ashamed of his next admission. “In fact, I didn’t research who you were and what your background was until a few hours before I picked you up from the airport.”
“Oh.” Jonah appeared pacified. “I guess that explains your bad mood in the arrivals hall.” He turned to the side of the pool and pulled himself up, turning to sit on it with his feet in the water.
Nick copied his movements and sat next to him, making sure to keep enough distance between them that they wouldn’t accidentally touch. “No, you’re wrong. I wasn’t upset with you. I was annoyed with Jenny because she’d decided I should make my house available to someone I hadn’t met and knew nothing about. I’m not saying it wasn’t a good plan. Finding affordable housing in Sydney is all but impossible. But I resented her making decisions for me without talking about it first.”
Jonah studied him, searching his face for goodness only knew what. Then he nodded, but Nick had no idea whether that was because he saw what he was looking for, or was reassured because what he feared he might find wasn’t there. “Okay. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lashed out. It’s just….”
Nick didn’t want to have what threatened to be a heavy conversation at the poolside. “Why don’t we sit down and have a drink?” he suggested.
Jonah inclined his head, got up, and waited for Nick to do the same before following him to the seating area. He silently accepted a beer and took a long drink before facing Nick again.
“Bollix. It’s such a mess.”
Nick bit the inside of his cheek, convinced it wasn’t the right time to smile about how very Irish that first word sounded. “Want to tell me about it?”
Jonah shrugged. “If you found me online, there’s not much left to explain.”
Nick remained silent. He’d pressured Jonah enough. Now it was up to him to decide whether or not he wanted to say more.
“It’s just that after my agent told me that my impromptu dive into live porn, combined with the fact that I had played a gay character as an out actor, basically meant that she wouldn’t be able to get me any straight roles in the foreseeable future, I thought my career was over. Considering that gay parts are still few and far between, your—well, your sister’s—offer came at exactly the right time.” He took another swig from his drink. “But then when you said you’d seen me online, and with you being gay, and me living here….” A deep blush erupted on his cheeks. “It was hard not to think I’d gotten the role because of my misstep rather than despite it.”
Nick bristled. He resented Jonah’s assumption that he was someone who would take advantage of a man in trouble. Then he relented. If their situations were reversed, he might well have jumped to the same conclusion. “Well, you’re wrong. We needed an Irish actor, and you came recommended. I’m fairly sure Jenny had made up her mind about contacting you as soon as Ciaran mentioned your name, well before you hit the internet.” Nick hesitated, but curiosity got the better of him. “What made you do that in such a public place, anyway? You must know there are people out there preying on the rich and famous.”
Jonah snorted. “Trust me. I’m not rich, and until this happened, I didn’t consider myself even remotely famous. I played a smallish part in a soap. I didn’t think anybody would be interested in what I get up to.” He sobered. “I guess that makes me a fool or, at the very least, shockingly naive.”
If Nick were honest, he would have said he found it rather endearing
Jonah didn’t think of himself as well-known enough to be used as clickbait. Since he had a feeling that sentiment wouldn’t go down too well with Jonah, he kept the thought to himself. Just as he didn’t share how enthralled he’d been with Jonah, the sounds he made, and the expressions on his face as the man, who remained unrecognizable in the video, gave him a blow job.
Sipping from his drink, he thought. He liked Jonah and wanted to get to know him better. He wouldn’t say no to the opportunity to make Jonah look and sound as he had in those images either, but that too was something he best kept to himself. “Well, I hope we’re clear now. You were invited here to act and for no other reason.” Nick told himself the range of emotions sweeping across Jonah’s face didn’t include disappointment.
“Thank you.” The relief and gratitude in those two words could not be denied, though.
“Have you got plans for the weekend?” Nick asked, determined to change the subject.
“I’ll need to spend some time making sure I know my lines. And I was going to try and see some of Sydney before rehearsals eat up all my time.”
“I’ll show you around.” Nick made it a statement rather than a question.
Jonah blinked at him, then smiled. “I’d like that.”
Chapter Six
EXCITEMENT CHURNED in Jonah’s belly when he heard the knock on his door. He’d been a nervous wreck ever since he woke up.
“It’s open.” He’d left the front door unlocked when he stepped outside earlier to check what the weather was like. Jonah still felt like a fool for forgetting that, unlike Ireland, Australia’s summer weather was very predictable. He should have known the temperature would be hot, working its way via hotter toward unbearable.
As he listened to Nick walking into his apartment, Jonah gave himself one last inspection in the mirror before leaving the bedroom and joining his host in his open-plan living area. His breathing stuttered. Fuck, but he’s gorgeous. Well over six feet tall, Nick looked spectacular with his tight-fitting T-shirt tucked into shorts that hugged his waist and ass. Not for the first time, Jonah asked himself why he’d made such a scene last night. If Nick was interested in him, he’d be a fool to let the opportunity slip. He matched Jonah’s image of the perfect man to a T, which was more than could be said about the guy in the infamous video.
“Ready?” Nick asked with an unmistakable amused tone in his voice, as if he’d read Jonah’s thoughts.
God, I hope he didn’t. It was bad enough he spent most of the night shifting between shame that Nick had seen him like that and excitement because Nick might be interested in him. Of course, that last idea was always followed by the certainty that if there’d ever been a chance of the two of them hooking up, Jonah had almost certainly killed it with his behavior.
“Yeah. Good to go,” Jonah said, determined to abandon that line of thought. He picked up his backpack, checked it contained the bottle of factor fifty, and followed Nick to his car.
SYDNEY HARBOUR was a revelation. Jonah had no doubt it was a major tourist attraction all year round, but what stood out for him was how Christmassy everything looked despite the sun beating down on him in a more than likely successful attempt to turn him lobster red. He’d obviously been wrong when he’d feared moving to the sun for the festive season might mean having to miss out on celebrating his favorite time of year. Between a giant tree, the pontoons featuring a lineup of Santa Claus figures, and garlands hanging from lampposts, it was impossible to be unaware of the festive season.
Nick led them through the harbor, to the Opera House, and into town, pointing out various sights and especially Christmas decorations along the way.
“I thought you didn’t like Christmas?” Jonah asked as they sat on a terrace, enjoying a cup of coffee, and his curiosity got the better of him. “Or maybe you’ve decided it’s too hot for Christmas?” He grinned. “Now that I would understand.”
Nick grimaced. “No, nothing like that. I’ve got nothing against it, as such. I just can’t be bothered to put decorations up. It’s a lot of work for just a few weeks. And then I have to store it all away again.” He glanced at Jonah. “It really feels like too much work when I’m the only one who’s going to see it.”
“But….” Nope, not going there.
“But this year I’m not on my own?” Obviously Nick picked up on the words Jonah had swallowed.
“Something like that,” Jonah confirmed reluctantly. The last thing he wanted to do was to pressure Nick into something he wasn’t comfortable with.
“You’re right. I hadn’t thought about that.” Nick smiled. “I’ll tell you what. We’ll dig out my boxes with decorations when we get back and brighten up the house.”
“Really?” Jonah squirmed when he recognized the childlike enthusiasm in his own voice. “Don’t do it on my account. I’m only a guest, after all.”
“I’m doing it because I won’t be on my own this year,” Nick said. “The past few years, I spent the day with Jenny and her husband and kids, but this year—”
Jonah waited, but Nick didn’t finish his sentence, apparently lost in his thoughts. Allowing his curiosity to get the better of him, he asked, “But this year?”
“We could throw a Christmas Day pool party,” Nick said. “Invite the whole cast.” Nick’s face lit up. “You’re not the only one who won’t have time to go home for the occasion.” He put his hand in his pocket and extracted his phone. “No time like the present.”
Jonah watched in wonder as Nick scrolled through his contacts and brought the mobile to his ear. Jonah was torn between giving Nick some privacy for his call and wanting to know more. In the end, curiosity won.
“Jenny? Hi,” Nick said. “Listen, we had an idea.” He was silent for a moment. “Jonah and me,” he said in answer to a question Jonah hadn’t heard. “How about I organize a party for the cast and crew on Christmas Day?” He listened again, the expression on his face shifting from almost bashful to happy. “Yeah, well, maybe it’s time for things to change. Shall we do it, then?”
Jonah stopped listening as he wondered what Nick could have meant when he mentioned things changing. He got so lost in his thoughts he missed the moment when Nick ended the call.
“That’s arranged.” Nick sat back in his chair with a determined expression on his face.
“Time for what to change?” Jonah asked, the words escaping him before he could think better of them.
Nick diverted his attention to his almost-empty coffee cup, picking it up, then draining it before he put it down again and faced Jonah.
“My ex had a thing about parties, decorations, and special occasions.” Nick’s tone was clipped. “He left ages ago, but all the paraphernalia is still in my spare room in boxes. I couldn’t be bothered taking them out after he’d gone. But it’s been long enough. Jenny has been at me to loosen up for over a year. I guess she’s right and it is time to embrace all of life again.”
“How long is long enough?” Jonah asked. Part of him was sure he was pushing his luck, but since he’d bared his soul the previous evening, he didn’t feel too bad about doing so.
“He left eighteen months ago,” Nick said. “Shortly after Jenny and I decided to start our company. We’d been together for four years.” He also answered the question Jonah didn’t dare ask. He waved over the waiter, paid for their drinks, and stood. “Let’s go. There’s still lots for you to see before we go home again.”
Jonah followed silently, pondering Nick’s revelations. He’d never been in a four-year relationship. In fact, six months with the same man was his record so far, and he had no idea what it would be like to have to deal with such a breakup. Devastating, he imagined, considering how much he hurt when he was dumped.
“You haven’t been in this business for long then?” Jonah hoped his question would push the conversation to safer ground.
“I worked as a financial advisor until recently. When Jenny asked me for advice about setting up a theater company, I suggested doing it together.
She’s got years’ worth of creative experience, I’m good with numbers, and investing together made the project less risky for both of us.” Enthusiasm sounded in Nick’s voice, and Jonah couldn’t miss the gleam in his eyes when he glanced at him.
All other questions Jonah might have asked slipped from his mind as Nick led him from sight to sight. There was so much to be seen it was almost impossible to take it all in. A pirate ship, a historical area called The Rocks, and the Chinese Gardens, where they relaxed, bare chested, in the welcome shade for a while. Despite putting on comfortable trainers that morning, Jonah’s feet started to protest as the afternoon wore on. He was grateful when Nick suggested they end their excursion with a boat trip around the harbor.
The highlight of Jonah’s day came after darkness fell. They were back in the Darling Harbour area, sipping a cool drink when the lights came on. “Wow.”
Nick laughed. “I thought you might enjoy this.”
Jonah stared at the sight of the Harbour Bridge lit up by what he imagined were about a million small lights. “That’s spectacular,” he whispered, awestruck.
Nick enveloped Jonah’s hand with his and squeezed. “Thank you.”
Jonah tore his eyes away from the wondrous sight in front of him and focused on Nick. “What are you thanking me for? You’re doing me a favor.” He didn’t move a muscle, hoping Nick would leave his hand where it was.
Nick squeezed again. “I’m glad you forced me to reconsider Christmas,” he said. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoy all of this.” He indicated the huge lit-up Christmas tree and the bridge with his free hand. “Are you ready to go home and Christmasfy our place too?”
Jonah nodded, surprised to discover how much he enjoyed thinking of his temporary accommodation as home.
Chapter Seven
“I CAN’T believe the number of decorations you have.” Jonah flopped down on Nick’s sofa and rested his head against the cushions.
