Naked Hero - The Journey Away

can’t see that a repeat would be such an issue. It’s a risk, but a necessary one. I need to be sure you can deliver before going ahead with the preparations. We could develop the story as well. Manipulate the press. Get them to speculate if you are the man who will make it the perfect day for Lewis Macleod. As you say, it will be the press who make the story. It doesn’t matter how much is true. It certainly wouldn’t matter one jot to me, or my campaign, if Lewis Macleod’s perfect day was a sham.”
    Lee knew he had him hooked. He had allowed him to make it his own plan. It was exactly how he had envisaged it himself. “Okay, I’ll get in the box for a televised match.”
    “That alone might make you more useful to us. Even if not, I’m sure it would do your career no harm at all. The final, though, that would be massive. Unfortunately, it’s but a dream. Somehow, I suspect you could get there, Mr. Porter... but sadly not Lewis. We will be ready, however, in the unlikely event that he does.”
    “I suggest we do the shoot as soon as possible - one less thing to worry about in the second week. I may be spending a lot of time in Melbourne then. I can call you from there to discuss the terms for your usage of the material, should both Lewis and I make an appearance in the final.”
    “Makes sense,” agreed Anthony. “I’ll contact you tomorrow and let you know when. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Porter.”

Chapter 28
    It had been quite a day!
    Lewis had spent much of the latter part of it lazing by the pool or floating around in it. Conserving energy was important during the slams, with the potential of a five set match every other day, which in the heat of Australia could be seriously draining. And it gave him the opportunity to think a few things through, which given recent events came as something of a blessing.
    Long gone were his mother’s bigoted ranting, and his annoyance with Jim over his recent behaviour – it was the world at large that Lewis needed to consider. He’d already decided the previous evening that he had to toughen up his act and face the world with its plethora of critics and potential for hostility. Easier said than done, but yesterday had shown that hiding wasn’t the answer – keeping a low profile and hoping for the best. That was the coward’s path, and he’d been taught from an early age to confront adversity and take the braver option. He’d tried to do it once then stupidly shied away, taking solace in drink when it all got too much, which was hardly the sort of behaviour to inspire pride in anyone, let alone do honour to a memory that would be forever perfect. Lewis was determined to sort things out once and for all – rise above it, or go down in a blaze of glory in the attempt.
    And then there were the men! Well there always would be for someone like Lewis, although he had hoped they would come singularly rather than in a conflicting pair!
    It was the men who really dominated his thoughts – two contrasting men who had come into his life so unexpectedly – men of fantasy who were now acutely real and had become factors in the tournament.
    First there was Scott Taylor who was going to help him! He’d already made a massive contribution: shouting out yesterday; watching him today; giving a few tips; playing some points and walking beside him in full public view – that was truly a treasure to hold dear, being openly accepted by the man Lewis revered beyond all others in his sport. It was a massive boost to the youngster’s self-worth. Time would tell if Scott would add much value as a mentor, but simply his name being associated with Macleod’s was a clear message of support to all the detractors.
    Of course there was this small complication: the fact that Lewis had lusted after him since the day he’d dropped his balls. And it was a lust that was now refuelled having seen his idol naked – the guy was seriously hot, rugged and horny and hung like a horse – a real inspiration to take to the shower and use to good effect. But secret inspiration was as far as it could go. Scott was totally straight as far as Lewis was concerned, so it would be insane to think anything else. Any attempt to step over the platonic line would be hideously embarrassing for all concerned and show serious disrespect. And above all else, especially after today, Scott Taylor deserved Lewis’s respect.
    As of course did Lee Porter! There was another source of