Naked Hero - The Journey Away

something to be savoured, getting better with age; the perfect drink for the perfect man, and right now you’re as near as anyone’s ever come to him... Or is beer all you want, Lee? I’ll understand, and still be your friend, but I think you know now that I want to be more than just a friend. It’s a lot to ask, because you know what I’d need from you – and the life of a nomad isn’t for everyone, especially if you’ve got your own business to consider.”
    The reality of what Lewis was suggesting struck home with crystal clarity. He could have him, in totality - this incredible young man that he had fallen in love with. Not for a night and a day, or perhaps a weekend - but for months, or even years. Who knows, perhaps a lifetime - such things can happen. The pleasures to be had were undeniable, and the possibilities it would open up for him beggared belief. But at a price: the closure of so many other possibilities that a week ago he thought he could never forsake, and abandoning his own business interests and the peripheries that went with it. Was it worth it? Had he the collateral to invest anyway?
    Lee stared at what was being offered – first the glass and then the man. “A beer would have done – it’s probably all I deserve… But the whisky, you, and everything that goes with it – that’s the biggest prize anyone could have won tonight – and of course I want it. I know what you need from me though – something I’ve never been able to give – I’ve never tried. You’d be taking one heck of a big chance with me, Lewis. Really! And I don’t want to mess up your life and your career. I want to say yes, make promises - be everything I think you want me to be - earn your trust - be with you. But I can’t make those promises... all I can say is that I’ll try. That I want to try, and if I fail, then I’ll let you know. But really - I’m not sure I’m up to it. I’m not sure I’m worth the risk.”
    “Perhaps you’re not,” agreed Lewis as he got to his feet, whisky glass in hand, ready to toast. He held out his free hand for Lee to take. “Perhaps neither of us is up to it or worth the risk. But I want to find out and there’s only one way to do that.”
    Grinning madly from ear to ear, Lee accepted the hand and rose to face him . Picking up his own glass, he moved in closer until their electrified bodies were only inches apart. “Are you certain about this?”
    “Yes. And who knows, we might be lucky. It’s the only way to go. Perhaps it was in Melbourne after all, what we were both looking for. Aren’t you just a little bit curious to see what the next chapter holds?”
    “More than curious! So why not! Let’s find out then.”
    “Cheers!” they both said as the glasses were chinked. The whisky was tossed back and downed in a gulp. It flavoured their tongues as both launched an attack, mouths fusing in a frenzy of consummation, hands dropping glasses as flesh was clutched, leaving clothing in disarray.
    “I hope you’re not too exhausted,” Lee laughed as they broke for air.
    “No. But I better be by tomorrow morning!” laughed Lewis in reply. “So come on big boy, let’s make a start. Life’s going to be busy for the foreseeable future... and I expect you to be playing your part!”
    THE END
    Well, not quite!
    Lewis’s adventures are far from finished. He’s made his journey in the land Down Under and now it’s time for him to embark on a new one. If you want to know how his story ends then join him at the start of that quest when he takes again to the Centre Court at Wimbledon, and the Naked Hero begins…

The Journey Home
    Available in e-book stores from 1 st October 2013