“You look pretty fucking pale.”
“I thought I was being chased for a minute.”
Simon stepped around the corner and looked up and down the street.
“If you were, there’s nobody there now.”
This time I did peek around the corner and saw he was right. Unless I was being chased by a couple of pensioners who were busy shuffling along with their shopping carts, that is. Turning back to Simon, I saw a smile forming on his lips and I was convinced he was going to burst out laughing at any second.
“Those pensioners are dangerous with those carts you know,” I said. “Always running over your toes with the wheels.”
That was all it took and Simon completely lost it. He began to howl with laughter before finally regaining some self-control.
“So now that I’ve saved you from Hell’s Grannies, are you expecting anyone else? Primary School Mafia, maybe?”
“Shut the fuck up, Simon,” I said, pushing his shoulder and causing him to stumble back. "Anyway, how's the home hunting gone this morning?"
“Awful, to be honest. How many estate agents can a small place like this have?” Simon asked.
“There’s about five altogether,” I told him as I reeled off the names. "Why don't we eat and then I'll come around the rest with you?"
"Sounds like a plan."
***
After we had eaten, Simon chose the closest agents to where we were. Five minutes later we were inside, scanning the property boards for anything suitable. I was just about to give up and go outside for a smoke when Simon grabbed my arm and dragged me all the way across the office.
“That’s the one.”
Staring at the property he was pointing at, I had to admit the place looked nice. Standing on its own plot of land, it had both front and back garden, and the two bedrooms he wanted. The only thing I thought was it looked more suited to a family, or even a retired couple. Not a young, single guy.
“So what do you think?”
“It certainly looks nice,” I replied.
“I think so too. Let’s see if we can get an appointment to view it.”
While he went off to find someone to help him, I nipped outside and had a smoke. Standing there dragging deeply on the filtered tip, I happened to notice sky had darkened considerably. Fucking great, yet another storm coming. I dropped my cigarette and headed back inside to Simon.
“We can go and see it in an hour,” he told me as I walked through the door. “This kind lady will meet us there when she finishes what she has to do here.”
“Great, but I better warn you, it looks like a storm is coming.”
“Fucking great. Neither of us has a jacket or anything,” Simon moaned. “How long do you think until the rain starts?”
“Five minutes, tops.”
“Then we better get a move on. I have a spare jacket in my car that should fit you perfectly.”
“Okay, but let’s hurry.”
After shaking the woman’s hand, the two of us headed back outside and started to make our way quickly through the town. We kept one eye on the sky, trying to get in ahead of the downpour that was sure to come any moment now, but just as we’d spotted our destination the heavens opened. Within seconds, the two of us were drenched to the skin.
“Fucking great, now I’ll have to go and get some fresh clothes before I can come with you, Si.”
“You’ll be okay. I’ll lend you a pair of trousers and a top.”
“If you’re sure you don't mind.”
Entering the pub, the two of us looking like we had swam through town, Simon led me up to the room he was staying in. He found the trousers and top for me, as well as dry things for himself, and quickly ripped all his wet clothes off right in front of me, clearly at ease with his body.
Unable to resist, I stared at the back of his naked body. I admired the smooth, chiseled contours of his frame and his firm tight ass before hurriedly stripping my own, soaked clothes off. I dressed in what he had given me, only just getting the trousers done up and my rapidly hardening cock hidden, before he turned to face me.
“Right, I’m ready.”
I noticed him staring at my naked, muscular chest and wondered what was going through his mind. “Just let me get this top on.”
“You keep yourself in good condition,” Simon said, his eyes never leaving my body, trailing from my chest to my stomach, and then lower. “Very good condition.”
Chapter Four
Although shocked by the way Simon commented on my physique, I was also more turned on than I should be. Either he was just being complimentary and I was reading him and his tone of voice all wrong, or he really was gay, and seeing my body had done the same for him as his had for me.
“Right, I’m ready,” I finally said, smoothing the t-shirt over my torso.
“Come on then, we will take my car. I’m not getting caught in another storm like that.”
Heading down to the parking lot, my mouth fell open as Simon pressed the central locking button on his keys and unlocked his car. It was a fifty thousand dollar, top of the line, Range Rover Sport. I was still standing, staring open-mouthed, as Simon climbed in and started the engine.
“Well, are you coming?” he called through the window.
Nodding slowly, I opened the passenger door and climbed in beside him. The soft seats molded around my frame, and as soon as I had shut my door, Simon drove out of the parking lot and turned into the traffic smoothly.
“You’re going to have to direct me.”
“Sure. It’s not too hard,” I told him. “Follow this road to the end, turn left, second right, then third left and we’re there.”
Twenty minutes later, Simon pulled the car onto the street where the house was, and drove down to where the woman from the estate agents was already standing outside waiting.
“Sorry we’re late, we got caught in the storm and had to change,” Simon told her once we had both climbed out.
“Okay, but let’s get on. I have another appointment in half an hour,” she replied, unlocking the door and leading the two of us inside.
While Simon walked around with the estate agent, I hung behind, making out I was listening, but really watching Simon. My mind was still wandering, not really paying attention, when I heard the estate agent ask Simon what he thought.
“I’ll take it. What do you think, Leon?”
“Sorry, what? I was miles away.”
“I’ve just said I’ll take it,” Simon repeated. “What do you think?”
“It’s up to you, you’ll be living here. But yeah, it is a nice place and you’d be a fool to miss out.”
“There that settles it definitely, then,” Simon said, turning to the estate agent. “When can I move in?”
“As soon as you have paid the deposit plus one month’s rent in advance and signed the paperwork. Will tomorrow be soon enough?”
“Sure. I can cope in my room one more night.”
Shaking the woman’s hand, Simon and I walked back outside. As I went to the car, Simon turned back and took another look at the house.
“You know what, Leon, I think I am going to like it here,” he called over his shoulder to me without turning around.
“You should. It is one of the nicer places of the town.”
“So where’s your place, then?”
“I have an apartment nearer the town center. Just one bedroom, though.”
“Maybe you’d like to show me sometime.”
“Why not now? I’ve nothing to do. Unless you’re busy?”
“Nope, nothing to do until tomorrow when I sign for this place,” Simon said, unlocking the car.
I climbed in and waited as Simon took one last look at the house. He climbed in next to me, started the car, and pulled away.
“What do you really think, Leon?”
“It is a nice place,” I reiterated, “but personally I wouldn’t like to live there alone. It would be too much.”
“Guess I�
�ll have to find someone to spend some time with me there, then.”
“That would be what I’d do,” I replied before turning and staring out of the window.
Apart from me giving him directions to mine, nothing else was said by either of us. He was concentrating on the directions I had given him and I was thinking about what he had said about finding someone to spend time with in his new home. As soon as we pulled up outside mine, I climbed out, pushing the door closed harder than necessary. I walked over to my door and unlocked it without looking at Simon, my mind still preoccupied with what he had said about getting someone. He hadn’t mentioned anyone he wanted to spend time with at his new place, not even me, which disheartened me more than it should have.
As I opened the door, Simon climbed from the car, locked it, and followed me in.
“Is everything okay, Leon?”
“Sure, why shouldn’t it be?”
“You just seem quiet. A bit distant.”
“I’m fine,” I said. “Maybe I’m coming down with something. I don’t know.”
“Look, maybe I should go and let you get some rest. I can come back later.”
“Yeah, probably be for the best. I’ll go and get my head down for a bit.”
Another lie, but I couldn’t tell him the thought of him finding someone else to spend time with had actually made me quite jealous. As he walked back out to his car, I closed and locked my door before heading to the living room. Sitting alone, I couldn’t believe how I felt when he said what he did. I assumed yet another person I fancied didn’t feel the same way. At least I hadn’t given myself to this one like I had all the others.
For the next couple of hours I moped around the flat, flicking through channels, scanning newspapers and magazines, and drinking cup after cup of coffee. When I finally decided sitting around doing nothing was only making me think about Simon, I decided to spruce myself up and have a night out.
Standing up, I began to walk toward my bedroom when a loud banging on my front door made me pause. I peered through the spy hole and saw a woman I had never seen before. Pulling the chain across, I opened the door just enough to see what she wanted. I was stunned to see her holding a large bouquet of different colored roses.
Releasing the chain, I opened the door fully.
“Can I help you?”
“Delivery for Leon,” she said. “We don’t have a last name I’m afraid. Is that you?”
“Yes, that’s me, thanks,” I said, taking the bouquet from her and closing the door.
Walking to the kitchen, I placed the roses onto the worktop and carefully removed the small card.
Thanks for all your help, Leon. I really appreciate it. Hope you feel better soon.
If you do, and feel up to it, meet me at the bar by seven.
Simon.
I looked at the bouquet and then back at the card before getting the vase from one of my cupboards that hadn’t seen the light of day since I moved into the flat. After cleaning the vase first, I turned my attention to the roses and carefully removed them from their plastic, laying them out on the worktop. Nobody had bought me flowers in a long time. As I stared at the mass of flowers on the worktop I felt a warmth, the like of which I hadn't ever felt before, coursing through my body.
It was becoming more obvious Simon seemed to think of me as more than just a friend. Why else would he send me twenty-four roses? I decided the night out I was planning was now going to be a night with Simon, a night when I let him know my real feelings instead of pussy footing around the subject.
Chapter Five
Glancing at the clock, I saw it was already a quarter to five and quickly rushed into the bathroom. If I was putting myself on the line for Simon later, I was going to make sure I was perfect for him. A quick shower and shave, and I was back in the bedroom, standing naked in front of my open wardrobe.
I wanted to look my best for Simon, and as I took shirt after shirt from their hanger, trying to find which one I wanted to wear, I eventually settled on a black, long sleeved one. With a freshly pressed pair of black trousers, clean socks and boxers, I was soon ready for our date. At least, I was guessing it was a date. Picking up my shoes, I noticed that the rain from earlier had left them looking scruffy. I headed into the kitchen and polished them vigorously until I could almost see my face in them.
Another quick glance toward the clock showed it was six-fifteen, and after checking the weather out of the window, I picked up my keys and money, locked up, and started to make my way to the pub. As I walked, I went over and over what I wanted to say in my mind until I had every single word perfect. Now all I had to do was actually say them to Simon, which I knew was easier said than done.
As I arrived outside the pub, I took a deep breath and walked in, instantly spotting Simon sitting at the bar. I walked slowly over to him, almost reaching him before he turned around and greeted me.
“Feeling better?”
“Much, thanks,” I replied, feeling guilty for lying to him in the first place. “I had a bit of sleep and that seemed to do the trick.”
“Good, I’m glad about that.”
“So am I.”
“What do you fancy to drink?”
“Just a beer, thanks.”
Simon ordered my beer and a double scotch for himself.
“Shall we move over to the window, or are you happy here?”
“Window’s better.”
The two of us stood and walked across the pub just as three couples came crashing through the door.
“Tell you what,” Simon said, the noise from the new arrivals echoing around the pub, “why don’t you choose somewhere for something to eat instead of staying here all night?”
“Sounds like a good idea, looking at that lot.”
“My thoughts exactly. Come on, drink up.”
The two of us quickly finished our drinks, me emptying my beer in three mouthfuls, and we stood up, leaving the pub through the back door.
“Do we dare risk the weather or shall we take the car just in case?”
“The place I’m thinking of is only ten minute’s walk away. We should be fine,” I replied.
Walking around to the front of the pub, we crossed the road and down a narrow street, a quicker way to the center of town. Eventually we arrived at a small Italian restaurant I occasionally dined at when I didn’t want to stay in alone and rely on microwave meals.
“Hope you like Italian,” I said, pushing the door and holding it open for Simon.
“To be honest, the only Italian I’ve ever had is frozen pizza or microwave spaghetti Bolognese.”
“There is so much more to Italian food than just those two things, believe me.”
Following Simon through the door, the two of us walked over to the small bar.
“Can I help you gentlemen?” a waiter asked.
“A table for two, please.”
“Certainly, follow me.”
The man walked us toward a square table just inside the door and handed us both a menu.
“Take your time. When you are ready, just call one of us over.”
Sitting at the table, Simon opened his menu straight away and began to stare at the numerous meals in front of him. As he was about to ask me a question, however, I stopped him.
“Before you say anything, I just want to thank you for the roses. They are beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. You’ve been good to me since I arrived in this town and...”
Simon paused, leaving his sentence unfinished
“And what?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just leave it and let’s order. I’m starving.”
“Sure, okay,” I said, a little disappointed. I was hoping he was going to say what I really wanted to hear. “What do you fancy?”
“I’ll trust your judgment. It does all look really nice.”
“If you’re sure. Is there anything you won’t eat?”
“No, I’ll try anything once.”
Taking Simon’s me
nu from him, I called to one of the waitresses milling about, doing nothing.
“Yes, sir, can I help?”
“We’d like two roasted red pepper Bruschetta starters, followed by Italian style stuffed squid, lemon-braised spinach with mushrooms and croutons, and grilled vegetable salad. For dessert, creamy strawberry Tiramisu, please.”
“Certainly, the starters will be about ten minutes.”
“Thanks, and can we have a double scotch and a beer as well, please?”
“Certainly. I’ll get those for you straight away.”
Taking our menus, the waitress headed off as the barman brought our drinks over. Picking up my beer, I tilted the bottle toward Simon.
“To friendship,” I said.
Simon chinked his glass against my bottle, but the look in his eyes told me he wanted to say something else.
“Tell me what’s wrong Simon, please.”
“Please, Leon, let’s just leave it and enjoy our meal first.”
“Only if you promise to talk about whatever it is afterwards,” I said, desperately wanting to place my hand on his and show him how much I cared.
“I promise.”
Just then, the waitress walked over with our starters and the two of us began to eat slowly. Looking at Simon’s face, he seemed to be enjoying his just as much as I was. While we ate our starter, the two of us made small talk about nothing in particular. I noticed Simon was unable to take his eyes off me as we spoke, just like I was him. As soon as we had we finished our starter, the waitress came back over, removed our plates, and placed our stuffed squid main course in front of us. This time, the look on Simon’s face told me he wasn’t too sure about the food in front of him. But as he saw me tucking in, he cautiously picked up his fork and tried a small mouthful.
“Hey, this isn’t bad,” he said, swallowing and picking up another forkful.
“I thought you might enjoy it.”
Neither of us said another word until we had both cleared our plates completely, and then it was Simon who broke the silence.
“That was fucking delicious, Leon. I’m going to come here again.”
"I'm glad you liked what I chose for us, Si. Maybe we can do it again soon."
For The Love Of Leon Page 2
