Waiting for Rain (26 page)

His tongue met mine, searching and eager, and we kissed for what seemed like hours, tasting each other, touching warm flesh and reveling in just being as close as we could get. When I broke the lip action, I whispered into his ear. “You are an incredible human being, and you are
not
that boy anymore. You’re mine, baby, and don’t you forget it. And I am so yours.”

He growled softly and reached for me, and I moved away. As hard as I was and as much as I wanted to make love to him, he just wasn’t physically ready. I clarified that statement in my head. Some bits were definitely more ready than others, I could feel that, but I didn’t want to risk his wound splitting open or getting worse. “Toby, hold off a minute. The doctor said no physical exercise, and I kind of think I know exactly what he was talking about.”

“I don’t give a toss.” He pulled me closer, kissing me hungrily. I moaned, pressing myself against him instinctively, and he cried out in pain, biting my lip. He went white. I pulled away sharply, tasting the blood in my mouth from my bitten lip. He took a deep breath and stared at me.

“I told you this was a bad idea,” I muttered. “You’re in no bloody shape for full-body contact. But I can do this for you.” I moved the duvet off him and pulled his boxers down, revealing the source of his arousal, all ready and waiting for my mouth to work its magic. He gave a satisfied sigh, leaning back and closing his eyes.

Chapter 15

Toby

R
AIN
’
S
MOUTH
took me to a place where I didn’t have to think about the day’s events or any of the stuff I’d just told him. The sensation he caused with his tongue and lips was enough for me to close my eyes as I tried to forget the pain that radiated through my body and my soul. Sharing my story with him had been cathartic. I’d never told anyone any of the details before. By hitting Neil I’d given in to the violence and hate that had been so prevalent in my younger years. My body shuddered as I climaxed, crying out Rain’s name, gripping his silky hair with fingers that just didn’t want to lose contact with him. He moved slowly up to kiss me gently, and I tasted myself in his mouth. His warm fingers soothed the still-damp hair away from my brow as he lay beside me, his arm lying gently across my body as he shushed me into sleep with warm endearments and sweet kisses.

“Don’t worry about me,” he murmured as I reached down with my hand to touch him. “I’ll keep. You just go to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.”

I relaxed, the thought of his body next to me comforting me, making me feel safe. I felt loved, even though Rain hadn’t said the words.

T
HE
FOLLOWING
morning, Rain left me with a kiss and a promise that he’d be home as soon as he could. I lazed around in bed for a while, with Sheba snoring softly beside me. It had been a long time since I’d had a proper lie-in. Later, when I was dressed, Sheba and I went to sit outside on the patio. I would have loved to walk, but I knew with my damaged side it would have been suicide. Instead I watched her, me in the big cushioned wicker chair, Sheba strolling in the undergrowth and sniffing curiously at anything that moved. I’d never had the pleasure of a dog’s company before. I could see how people thought having a dog was good therapy. Watching her give that stupid doggy grin as she darted around chasing butterflies and the occasional rabbit in the long grass made me smile. When she stopped her exercise routine, she came to lie at my feet, panting, watching me as her tail thumped softly on the ground.

“He’s a good man, your master,” I said to her softly. “He has a little trouble expressing himself, but he’s definitely an ‘action speaks louder than words’ kind of guy. I think I’m crazy in love with him, Sheba. What do you think?”

Her wise eyes seemed to say, “Of course you are, you idiot. This is Rain we’re talking about. Who wouldn’t be?”

I grinned at that thought. A discordant ringing from my denim jacket shattered the stillness of the morning as my mobile told me someone wanted to speak with me. I dug it out of my pocket, and my heart lurched when I saw it was Simon. I hadn’t told him about the attack yet, what with everything that had happened.

I answered my phone. “Hi, Simon.”

“Toby? Why the fuck didn’t you call me about the fact you’d been stuffed up by that prick Neil?” His angry voice echoed down the miles. I sighed.

“Good morning to you too, Simon. I’m sorry, things got a little away from me, and I hadn’t got the chance to call you yet. How did you hear?”

“I still have people at the hotel who keep in touch, Toby. Unlike someone I could mention.” His aggrieved voice made me smile. I’d have to eat humble pie to make him feel better.

“I apologize, Simon, honestly. I only got out of hospital yesterday, and I’ve been a little distracted.”

“Toby, are you okay? Are you going to be fine?” The sudden shift from pissed off to concerned made me blink.

“I’ve been better. A nasty stab wound and some bruises—I suppose it could be worse.”

“God, Toby.” His voice was choked with emotion. “Sweetheart, you could have been killed.”

I took a deep breath at his use of that endearment. “Simon, I’m fine. Rain’s been taking good care of me.”

There was silence; then he spoke again. “I’m glad you have someone there with you. I’m going to be over in a week’s time anyway to sign off on the bar and get all the payments organized for the contractors. I might come over a couple of days earlier to make sure you’re okay.”

“You don’t have to put yourself out for me,” I said quietly. “I’ll be back at work soon anyway.”

“One doesn’t ‘put oneself out for someone’ when they care about them, Toby. It’s what friends do for each other. Some bastard tried to beat you to blazes, and when I get there you can be sure I’ll have something to say about it.”

I felt a frisson of fear. “Simon, please don’t make waves about it. I’m not pressing charges—”

“What the fuck do you mean you’re not pressing bloody charges?” His disbelieving voice got louder. “Of course you have to put that bullying little tosser in his place. Why wouldn’t you?”

I closed my eyes. The last thing I wanted was for Simon to know anything more about my sordid past than what I’d already told him. I’d always kept most of it from him for a reason. He was my hero, and I wanted nothing to taint his view of who I was. He needed to know the current Toby, not the old one.

“I have my reasons. Please just don’t rock the boat.” The pleading note in my voice must have gotten to him because he sighed deeply.

“Toby, I can’t begin to understand what your reasons would be, but I’ll respect them, of course. But we need to talk when I’m over there. I hope we can find time to do that.”

“Of course. I’ve always got time for you, you know that. Have you given your dates to Tammy as to when you’ll be here, then?” I scratched Sheba’s ears idly, and she snuffled against my leg.

“Yes, she’s got the details. I’m going to be a bit tied up over the next few days, as Luis and I are going up to the mountains for a short break before
I
have a bloody breakdown. This hotel is taking up a lot of time. The pace is so slow, and the people just don’t understand the urgency of what I want to do. Luis insisted I calm down, although I really can’t afford the time off.”

I heard the frustration in his voice and bit back a chuckle. Simon could be very bossy when it came to work, and I had a feeling that the slow pace of the whole “
mañana
” attitude was driving him crazy.

“Going away with Luis, hey? That sounds promising,” I teased.

He was quiet. “He’s a nice man. My age, and he’s one of the bankers overseeing the project. We get on well enough.”

“I’m pleased for you, Simon. You deserve a good man.” He sighed deeply, and I felt a twinge of guilt. I wondered if he still had feelings for me or if being away had diluted it somewhat and he’d realized Luis was his new man. His next words gave me a little comfort.

“Luis is a good man, Toby. You’d like him, I think. How is Rain? You said he’s taking care of you. Is he at the hotel?”

I hesitated. “Actually, I’m staying at his place. He and Tammy insisted that if I was at the hotel I’d never rest. So, I’m staying at his cottage in Oakham for a few days.”

“They aren’t wrong. You always were a workaholic.” I heard the smile in his voice. “So, things are getting serious between you, then?” His voice sounded wistful.

“Errm, we’re seeing how things go. He experienced a bad breakup, and understandably he’s a little wary.”

“He’d be an idiot to let you go. Tell him that from me.” His voice was fierce, and I felt a surge of affection for this man. “Anyway, I need to go now, Toby. You take care of yourself, and I’ll see you in a week. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too,” I murmured. “I’ll see you then.”

The call disconnected, and I put the phone back into my pocket.

I went back to work three days later. Rain had now finished up the final touches to the Canterbury Bar. After Monday, he’d be in Leicester every day building a library with Lucas. We hadn’t talked about that yet, the fact we were no longer going to be seeing each other as often. It would certainly give us both space.

Rain had been a little withdrawn the last couple of days. I think the strain of looking after me, even though I’d been adamant he didn’t need to, and having me in a state of permanence at his home had worn him down a little. I still struggled with pain, and I was having trouble sleeping, tossing and turning and waking Rain up. The one saving grace was that I’d heard nothing from Dave Webber about any charges being levied against me. A local reporter named Ginny Loomis, someone I knew quite well, had made mincemeat of Neil in the local paper. She’d accused him of being homophobic, a bully, and hadn’t held back. I was gratified to see that article.

Both Rain and Tammy had been dismayed that I wasn’t going to press charges against Neil. The last thing I wanted was my past bandied all over the place in the village to people who knew me, and I hoped, respected me. If they found out exactly who I’d been, I’d be mortified. Lucas was the only one who wasn’t hounding me, and I’d seen his expression of sympathy when the other two were badgering me.

Rain had stroked the hair from my forehead during one of our late-night talks. “You know,” he’d said, “there’s nothing stopping that wanker, Neil, or Dave from telling anyone anyway, whether you press charges or not. So, why not just do it?”

“I can’t, Rain.” I’d shaken my head. The thought of having to stand in a courtroom and tell the audience what I’d done in the past and what I’d been to Ricky—his little bit of “gay rough”—to people who’d known me for the past four years was anathema to me. Best let it lie like a sleeping dog and see what happened.

O
N
MY
first day back, I sat in the office, catching up on what had happened when I’d been gone. Tammy and Chris had done a superb job of managing things, and I felt a little miffed at that. No one wants to think they’re replaceable. I was sitting, checking through some of the catering bills, when there was a quiet knock on the door. I looked up to see Haruka Hayashi, the translator from the Japanese contingent, standing at the door with an apologetic smile on her face.

“Mr. Prentiss-san? Can I speak with you? I have someone who wishes to say hello.” Her English was flawless, delivered with a charming Japanese accent, and I smiled.

“Of course, Ms. Hayashi. Please, come on in.”

She turned, saying something quietly to someone standing with her, and then she came in, with Mr. Miyamoto trailing behind her. I stood up and moved toward him.

“Mr. Miyamoto. I’ve been meaning to come and see you to thank you for what you did for me, speaking to the police. You and your friends were very helpful.”

He smiled, a wide smile full of teeth, his mouth opening and torrents of excited speech pouring forth. His hands spoke volumes, but I had no bloody idea what they were saying as they waved excitedly in front of my face. I watched him, feeling a little out of my depth. I was relieved when the verbal diarrhea ceased.

Haruka chuckled, watching my rather perplexed face. “He says he is so glad to see you standing and looking better. He was very worried about you, and he thought you were very brave to hit the other man after you were stabbed. He says you were like Superman.” She laughed softly, a musical sound that made my toes tingle.

I blushed. “I don’t think I’m Superman, Haruka. I suppose it was the adrenaline that helped.”

She turned and translated for Mr. Miyamoto, and he frowned. The diarrhea commenced again. When he stopped and took a deep breath, Haruka turned to me with another smile.

“He says definitely Superman. He wants you to know he admires you greatly for fighting back and that he has the greatest respect for you.” My heart swelled at the sight of this little man looking at me with something akin to worship on his face. I felt a little uncomfortable. Haruka noticed it.

“He also says he has told the police everything he saw and impressed upon them that the other man was a coward and a bully. His friends have done the same.” She grinned. “He also says the bully deserves to have his balls cut off and fed to him.”

I laughed at that and then grimaced as the pain hit my ribs.

Mr. Miyamoto moved forward with concern and laid a gentle hand on my arm. “You alright?” he asked in halting English. “You hurt?”

The sight of this small man, this stranger, with such a look of worry on his face for me brought tears to my eyes. They welled up, and I thought they were probably long overdue. I tried valiantly to fight them back, reaching up a hand to wipe my eyes. He nodded, raising a gentle hand to my cheek.

“You strong. You help me.” I imagined he was referring to when I’d tended to him when he had fainted. “You good, brave man, Mr. Prentiss-san.”

The lump in my throat got bigger, and all I could do was nod. He patted my cheek softly, inclining his head at Haruka. She inclined back graciously, and he turned and left the office. I sniffed, trying to keep myself composed and not turn all girly and dewy-eyed in front of Haruka. She smiled at me, her eyes soft.