Chapter 26

Billy stood in the hallway. His heart raced. He stared at Scott.

"Thank you," he said.

"Don't hurt him," Scott replied quietly.

Before Billy had a chance to respond, Eddie appeared in the doorway.

"Billy."

He seemed genuinely stunned.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course," Eddie replied. "Come through."

Billy walked past Scott, who hadn't taken his eyes off him.

"It'll be fine," Billy said. "I promise."

He followed Eddie into the lounge. There Tyler greeted them. It looked as if Billy had crashed a party.

"Is everything all right?" Tyler asked.

Billy nodded as Eddie opened the door to his room.

He walked in. They had got up to all sorts in there. Today it felt alien to him. It was as though he were a stranger once again.

Eddie gently closed the door behind him.

"I guess from the banners that you got the job?" Billy asked.

"I did," Eddie replied.

Billy was genuinely happy for him. He deserved it. His instinct was to dash over to Eddie and throw his arms around him. They had a few hurdles to overcome before he could do that.

"So I didn't ruin it then?"

Eddie shook his head sadly. "No, you made it happen."

"How so?"

"When James suspected I'd thrown the Webster contract away for other reasons, he said it showed him my integrity. I wouldn't have put it like that. More like what a piece of shit, I am."

Billy moved a little closer to him. "I think he's right."

Eddie's eyes widened. A tiny glimmer of hope appeared in them.

"Take a seat," Eddie said.

Billy opted for the chair in the corner while Eddie perched on the end of the bed. They stared at each other for a second. It was joyous to see Eddie again. Even under these circumstances.

"Did Crystal get off okay?"

"She did," Billy replied. "I believe I have you to thank for her going it alone."

Eddie held his hands up. "That wasn't my idea. She told me what she wanted and I said she should be honest. Believe me, the irony isn't lost."

Billy sat forward. "I'm glad you did. I would hate for her to put up with me because she felt obliged."

"I don't think she'd ever put up with you," Eddie replied. "She loves you very much."

That was true.

"I love her too. Even if she drives me crazy."

Eddie chuckled. "That's her job. You must be missing her."

"I've only done one night. It's pretty bloody quiet."

"And what brings you here? Not that it isn't nice. Sorry, that came out wrong."

Poor Eddie was stumbling over his words. He had to put him out of his misery.

"I wanted to see you," Billy replied. Fully aware how stupid he sounded. He was on a precipice and for a second fear gripped him.

He stared deep into Eddie's eyes. Still shining with hope. He had never been more certain about what he wanted before.

"Correction. I needed to see you," Billy continued.

"Needed?"

Billy nodded. "Turns out I can't be without you. How mad is that?"

Eddie sprang forward and took his hands. "Do you mean it? There is a way we can get through all this?"

Billy squeezed his hands. "I reckon we should try and find one."

Eddie silenced any more words with a kiss.

God, the feel of his lips on mine.

Billy drew him close. They claimed each other with their mouths and tongues. Both holding on as if their lives depended on it.

Eddie dragged Billy off the chair so they were both on the floor. They were devouring each other. The feel of their bodies together making him want to tear the clothes from Eddie's body. But Billy pulled away.

"What?" Eddie asked.

"I want to say something to you," Billy said, panting. "I gave you a hard time and I'm sorry."

They were kneeling in front of each other now.

"I deserved it. I should have told you that first night. You were right."

"No, I wasn't. I can see now what a nightmare this has been for you."

Eddie wiped a tear away. Guilt that he'd caused that ran through Billy like broken glass. He kissed Eddie's cheek.

He moved back and stared into Eddie's eyes. "Although there is something that I feel I should be honest with you about."

"Oh God, what?"

"I'm only interested in you now you've got a pay rise," Billy said.

"Well, I'm only after your marina flat."

Billy sat on his heels. "You know what? We're loaded or we're going to be. You've gone up in the world, I'm getting money from the shop and as many hours architecting as I want. Things are looking pretty decent. That's if…"

"If what?"

"If you'd like to try again."

Now it was Eddie's turn to shed a tear. "There is nothing I want more in the world. Are you sure?"

"Totally. We can take it slow and see where it takes us."

Eddie's face lit up. "Let's go on holiday. Soon."

Billy giggled. The joy of the moment taking him over. "I guess we're not taking it slow then?"

"Fuck taking it slow," Eddie replied. "I'd rather be next to you on a beach with a beer."

That did sound nice. Billy hadn't been overseas for four years. The most he and Crystal had managed were a few long weekends away.

"I agree," he said. "Let's do what feels natural. Bollocks to being sensible."

They kissed again.

Eddie drew away. "Now if you've finished talking. Permission to fuck your brains out?"

"Permission granted."

The next morning, Billy woke before the alarm. Eddie had his arm slung over Billy's waist. Fuck that was good. He lay there for a while, replaying the events of the night before over in his mind.

Everything had found its right place. He hadn't been able to say that for a long time.

Eddie stirred. He drew Billy close and kissed the back of his neck.

Oh, you're good, Edward Channing.

Billy luxuriated in the little waves of electricity dancing across his spine.

"Morning," Eddie said, his breath tickling Billy's ear.

"Morning."

Eddie squeezed him close. "It's shit I have to work. I'd rather stay in bed with you."

"Probably not the best move. The day after you got the job."

"I forgot. I'm an executive now."

"You certainly are."

"What are you doing with your day?"

Billy smiled. "I've got a meeting at the architects. Then I'm going to study for a masters. So I'll spend the day researching what I need to do to kick that off."

Eddie sat up and pulled Billy so they were facing each other.

God, he looks good in the morning.

"You never said."

"I'm allowed a little bit of mystery."

"I can see that," Eddie replied. "It's quite hot. What are you going to study?"

"Sustainable architecture. That's my bag."

"Am I dating a nerd?"

"Totally."

"Sexy nerd. I like it."

Billy snuggled into Eddie's side. Still the alarm hadn't gone off. He wouldn't be moved until it did.

"I meant what I said," Eddie said as he stroked Billy's head.

"Which bit?"

"All of it but to be more specific, going away. James still has a couple of months until he leaves. I'll spin it that I don't want to be away during my critical first quarter."

Billy grinned. "You are crafty. I still need to keep an eye on you."

"Both preferably. As much as possible."

"Fine," Billy replied. "I won't start any new projects until we get back. I reckon I can be free in a week."

"This is exciting," Eddie said. "Let's get a villa. Clothing optional."

Just as Billy was about to voice his approval, the alarm sounded.

Eddie groaned.

"Do you want to come round tonight?" Billy asked. He was determined this would be a temporary cold turkey.

"Too right I do," Eddie replied. "This taking it steady thing is so easy."

"Right," Billy said, making to get up.

"No," Eddie cried.

They kissed.

"I haven't brushed my teeth," Billy said.

"Neither have I," Eddie replied.

He stole another kiss.

"Come on," Billy said. "You need to get moving. I'll get a cab home and shower."

"Why not get in with me? Conserve water and all that."

"And that would definitely make you late. Down, boy."

They got out of bed. Billy averted his eyes from Eddie's stunning body.

A man only has so much will power.

Billy threw last night's clothes on. It had been a long time since he'd done that. He found he quite liked it. Although from now on there would always be an overnight bag with full toiletry selection.

Eddie put on his robe. Billy followed him out of the room.

"Oh, thank goodness for that," Scott exclaimed.

He and Tyler were on the sofas eating cereal.

"Finally, they come up for air," Tyler added.

"Shut it, you two," Eddie said.

Shyness overcame Billy. He held on to Eddie's hand.

Scott leapt up and flung his arms around both of them. "I'm really pleased."

Tyler joined them in the mass hug. "Me too. You're good together."

Any shyness Billy had suddenly evaporated away. He had the potential of two friends here. As well as a wonderful boyfriend.

He returned all the hugs. The future was finally exciting.