of
pleasure. Hands now free, Robin reached around and dug his nails into John’s
back as he came. John’s hips jerked against him in a final thrust and he too roared,
following Rob into oblivion.
Chapter Five
Robin stepped out of the bathroom and pulled on a clean pair
of shorts. For a moment he debated whether or not to go naked, then smiled at
the fact that he was even considering it. Just a week ago the thought would
never have even entered his mind. A week ago he wouldn’t have had bruises on
his knees from being thoroughly fucked over the sofa either. John was obviously
a terrible influence. Before he could decide, he heard the rumble of male
voices from the kitchen and realized they had a visitor. Reluctantly he slipped
on one of John’s god-awful Hawaiian shirts, smiling as the scent of his lover
surrounded him. Rob left it unfastened and went to investigate. As he entered
the lounge the tension in the voices became evident and their words clear. He
frowned and stopped, unwilling to interrupt.
“No.” John’s voice was vehement.
“Don’t push me on this, John. You knew it was a possibility.
This is the whole reason I’m here with your parents’ men. It’s my job to make
sure you get back when you’re needed. Everything is packed, do what you need to
do here.” An angry slam of the kitchen door punctuated the other man’s words.
For a moment there was silence and then a soft curse. Robin walked into the
kitchen, an awful anticipation making his steps slow.
John was leaning against the counter, fists clenched. His
heart ached at the realization of what the argument had been about. John’s
bowed head came up as he entered and Robin saw anger and misery in his eyes.
“Robin…”
“You’re leaving.” He wrapped his arms around himself in an
unconsciously self-protective gesture. Silently, John pulled him into his
embrace. The heat of his body surrounded Rob and his heart pounded beneath his
ear. John was shaking. Tears stung Rob’s eyes and he willed them away. John’s
bodyguard was right, they had both known this would happen. It was just
happening a little sooner than they had expected, that’s all.
John turned him in his arms and tilted Robin’s chin ‘til
their gazes met. “Come with me. Come back to New York. I don’t want to leave
you like this, Robin. I just found you.”
Robin’s heart shouted an exultant “ Yes! ” but it died
before it made it to his lips. He had known this man for less than a week. An
extraordinary five days where real life had rarely intruded. John’s life was in
turmoil. How could anything either of them might be feeling be trusted?
“I can’t, John.” He pulled away from him, not wanting to see
the hurt in his eyes. “I’m due back home in three days. I have a life, a
job…responsibilities. I can’t just abandon all that for a vacation romance.”
The heat of John’s body reached out to him as he stepped
behind him, close, but not touching. His breath stirred the hair on the nape of
Rob’s neck, making him shiver. He longed to lean back against his lover but
knew that if he did he would never be able to let him leave.
John’s gravelly voice roughened more by his emotions, his
accent deepened. “All right…I’ll come to you. As soon as I’ve testified.”
Robin turned to face him, heart pounding in his chest. He
wanted that, more than he could ever say. Tears burned behind his eyelids.
“No. I told you, no one but Joanne knows I’m gay. I live in
a small town, John. How long do you think I’d keep my job if I brought a male
lover home? They’re not going to want a gay man teaching their kids! I can’t
risk that for a vacation romance.”
“This is more than just a holiday fling! I love you, Robin.”
Rob shook his head in denial, not trusting his voice.
“Are you going to let what everyone else thinks of you
dictate how you live your life, Robin?” John snapped, anger sharpening the
mellow tone of his voice. “How long