Naked Hero - The Journey Away

deliciously tempting. And trustworthy enough, or so it would appear, at least with regards to his ‘Postcard from Sydney’ for there had been no mention of his meeting with the notorious Macleod - or any reference whatsoever to the scandal that surrounded him.
    ‘How much further could he be trusted though,’ Lewis wondered? Certainly not as the boyfriend Lewis ultimately wanted – the perfect man he could trust with his life and find fairytale happiness ever after. But maybe just enough for a one-night stand if Lewis got knocked out of the Australian Open early and had time on his hands to make a return visit to Sydney. It would be fun – a little light relief. And what would it matter if Lee were to spill the beans? Porter was right - he should be able to sleep with whoever he wanted as long as it didn’t interfere with the tennis. What was the point of coming out if you couldn’t enjoy a slice of male perfection when it was offered to you on a plate?
    Something to think about - but only to be acted on AFTER the Open! In the meantime, surely Lee could be trusted with a few more words. At the end of the day it was only a call. What possible harm could come from that!

Chapter 13
    Lee Porter was in the lounge of the apartment he had rented in the Darlinghurst area of Sydney – a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Street and the vibrant gay scene that lay there. He was examining the latest set of photographs he had taken at the Paradise Club the night before, deciding which ones were good enough to post on his website along with the review he’d already written. He had whittled it down to a shortlist of ten when he was disturbed by the sound of his mobile ringing.
    “Hello.”
    “Hi... it’s Lewis, Lewis Macleod.”
    Lee stood up with a jolt and looked around. With no work tonight, most of the lads had gone out early in search of some fun, but there was a couple still around who might overhear. “One second,” he said heading towards the privacy of his room – the only one in the apartment that wasn’t shared. It was a suspicious act that drew attention, but Lee didn’t give a damn. There was no way he could allow for any eavesdropping on this.
    “Lewis! This is a surprise. How’s it going?” he asked once the door had been closed – his face breaking into an involuntary smile that would have please the caller no end if he’d somehow seen it.
    “Fine thanks. I... I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
    Lee heard the edginess that belied the answer, and the element of reserve that he’d encountered before. A thousand questions were running through his mind - the most pertinent one being ‘Why are you calling?’ but Lee knew better than to ask it. “No, not at all… I was just doing some work for my website. Nothing important - it can wait.”
    And then Lee waited, letting silence ask the question for him.
    “I just wanted to say thanks ,” Lewis obligingly offered. “Thanks for listening to me the other day… And thanks for not writing anything about it… You know… if I’m honest… I suppose I half expected it to appear in an exclusive or something.”
    “Come on! I said I wouldn’t write anything about you and I meant it,” protested Lee, mightily glad that he had kept his word. The smile on his face broadened as he lay down on his bed, mightily glad that there was no one else in it for a change.
    “Thanks anyway. So how are things? Keeping busy?” asked Lewis.
    “Pretty busy,” replied Lee choosing not to elaborate. “But how are you? The press seem to be backing off a bit.”
    There was a dry laugh down the line from Lewis. “For the moment,” he said, “but it won’t last. Things are bound to flare up again during the Open as I’ve managed to set myself up for a roasting. Then hopefully it should be relatively plain sailing till June… as long as I keep my nose clean.”
    “Sod them!” shouted Lee, genuinely annoyed. “You shouldn’t have to worry about that.”
    “They make the rules, not me.”
    There was more silence for a few seconds whilst Lee considered how to steer the conversation. He had hoped for the call, but hadn’t really expected it to come. He had no strategy to follow, only his instincts, which as usual came tellingly into play. “So tell me, Lewis - is something bothering you just now? I know you haven’t called just to find out how I am and say thanks for doing nothing.”
    “Sorry. Am I really that transparent?”
    “No. And it’s okay…