Naked Hero - The Journey Away

Sydney has to offer instead of its low-life worst.” A bit arrogant perhaps, but probably justified – there certainly wasn’t anyone that Lewis could think of who he’d like to wake up to in the morning having got little in the way of sleep during the night. Then he remembered the hand resting on his arm, and the racing of his heart which that simple touch had caused. And then there was the musk that was natural, not bought, an intoxicating scent that would merit a fortune in a bottle. He recalled the blue eyes right up close, repeating the offer that was then underlined with words. Lewis remembered the battle that he had won over himself in withdrawing from it all.
    He fought the battle again.
    ‘No, there was an agenda there, and it’s best left alone,’ he told himself. And even if he was wrong, he didn’t want to get involved – not now at any rate. He needed to keep focused on the Open, and Lee Porter wasn’t going to help him do that. The sensible policy was to clear the man from his mind and consign him to the history book of life as an opportunity lost. Lewis looked at the mobile and considered his options – deleting Lee’s number would be an obvious first step down the path of eradication. But no action was taken. The mobile was left on the table as redundant as his alcohol-free drink.
    Lee was still in that phone and he was still in the owner’s head, laughing in the face of prudence. Lewis could see him so clear, hear him as well, as he ran round and round the conversation they’d had, returning time and again to the ending. “It’s in Melbourne then. What you want, Lewis... what you’re looking for. Do you seriously think that you’ll find it in Melbourne as opposed to here in Sydney?”
    God he was arrogant! Placing agendas aside, did he seriously think that Lewis should have hung around just to spend a few days with him, if that’s what was implied! Admittedly he might have had the time of his life raising a sweat in Lee Porter’s bed, instead of working his balls off here in Melbourne so he could be booed and jeered by a hostile crowd on the first day of the Open. It would have been fun – no question about that - but how shallow to think that fleeting physical pleasure was all that Lewis was looking for. The perfect man to replace the one he’d lost would have to offer a lot more than that!
    ‘Although he wouldn’t be perfect without it,’ Lewis thought, shifting awkwardly in his chair. ‘Not now that I’ve grown up and tasted the forbidden fruit! And whilst I’m waiting for Mr. Right, a few steamy hours with a seriously hot Mr. Wrong might do me the world of good.’
    He shook his head, smiling at his weakness. ‘Yeah right! Good for a few hours then explode in my face like the last Mr. Wrong managed to contrive.’
    There had to be an agenda, of that Lewis was sure – an agenda beyond the simplicity of sex. Lee Porter was a player, and there would surely be a sting – a delicious sting which would hurt too much having actually liked him beyond his stunning body. It was best to forget him – if only that was possible.
    With that Lewis resolutely picked up the mobile, returning it to his pocket, all numbers intact.

Chapter 12
    When Lewis got back to the house about twenty minutes later, the scene in the living room looked pretty similar to the one he’d left an hour or so before: Jim was still pouring over his laptop; Fiona had claimed the couch and was watching the television; Mike was sitting in an easy chair with a notebook in his hands.
    “Okay then, Lewis?” asked Jim in a chirpy sort of voice that was so at odds with his earlier tone. It took the lad by surprise and raised a sudden warmth of affection in him towards his fickle mentor.
    “Aye, fine. Are we winning there, Jim?” asked Lewis as he walked over to where his coach was seated.
    “We’re getting there, son. We’re getting there.”
    “Gonzales, that’s the one... Remember? I’ll take care of the rest. I’m away to my room now. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Jim.”
    “Aye, goodnight, Lewis,” he replied; then as the young man turned away he added, “Lewis! Sorry for doubting you earlier on, and... Well... I’ll find a way.”
    Lewis turned around puzzled and threw Jim a suspicious look, as he didn’t think the old boy was referring to tactics against Gonzales. But he let it go – there was enough on his mind. So it was a nod and a smile the coach was given instead of a piece of