Page 14 of Doubting Hearts

Chris didn’t look convinced. “I could have sworn you two… never mind, none of my business. I guess he’ll only be back much later.” He motioned toward the bowl of fruit and cream he held. “Anyway, I’d better get this back to the kitchen. Apparently the strawberries are too sour, and the lady wants some sugar on them. See you later, Rain.” He waved and disappeared. I kicked the stair moodily and turned to go out into the parking lot to my car. I drove home feeling like my world had just got that much darker.

The next day I arrived bright and early at the hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of Toby before the morning rush. I found him in the office, busy poring over menus and guest lists.

His face darkened when I knocked. “I’m a little busy this morning. No time to chat, I’m afraid.”

I didn’t like this formal and unapproachable man that sat behind his desk looking as sexy as hell, even with eyes that didn’t have his usual warm and inviting look.

“Yeah, I’m sorry to disturb you, but I needed to apologize for yesterday.” I wasn’t used to giving an apology, and I’d had a sleepless night thinking about how best to do it. “I think I might have been a bit of a bastard.”

One of his eyebrows rose fractionally. It was a complete turn-on, and my whole body tingled, some bits more than others. “Toby, you know I

like you. I just get a little overwhelmed sometimes. I’m not good with relationships and crap like that.”

“Crap like that?” His lips twitched.

I squirmed. “Feeling stuff, getting to know people better. I’m a physical kind of guy, not touchy-feely.”

“I am aware of that, Rain. More than most, I’d think.” I heard a slight tinge of amusement in his voice and was encouraged by it.

“If you want to go on a proper date, I’d be all for it.” I scowled. “As long as you haven’t already found someone else to see, that is.”

He looked at me with a slight smirk. “Chris told you I went out last night?”

I didn’t answer, just picked up a stapler off the desk and toyed with it. He leaned back in his chair and regarded me steadily. “Brett is an old friend from Lincoln. He’s a little camp and rather exuberant, but we aren’t fucking each other.”

I felt a surge of relief. “Good. Because I don’t think I’d take to that idea.”

He raised another eyebrow, and I wanted to lean over and grab him, kiss those full lips, and plunder his mouth. He saw my attention and smiled, a wide, sexy one that only Toby could manage.

“Would you like to go to Leicester to a gay nightclub? It’s a pretty good venue, and we could go dancing and see where the night takes us.” He licked his lips, and I stared at that action, mesmerized. His lips were wet and shiny.

Christ, I had it bad. This man was a complete turn-on for me.

I nodded. “I love dancing. I did a lot of it in London at the clubs. So yeah, that sounds like a plan. You let me know when you can get free, and I’ll fit in with you.”

I had a real date with Toby. I didn’t want to admit it, but it sounded good.