Page 31 of Strut

“Fine,” I grumbled. “Agreed.” I pulled him back into a slow walk and things fell quiet between us until we left the pier.

“Do your parents know how good you are at what you do?”

So much for switching the focus. “Dad knows what I do but not much more than that. Mum’s just happy that I can make a living out of it and keeps a scrapbook, both paper and digital.”

“Shows how proud she is of you.” Alec nudged me with his shoulder and a flush of warmth spread through my chest.

I smiled and nudged him back. “I hope so. What about your parents? You said they don’t really understand the modelling thing?”

Alec sighed and didn’t answer for a few seconds. “Don’t understand. Are disappointed, although trying not to show it. Consider it lightweight and lacking in substance, and in general, a self-indulgent waste of time. All of the above. Not that they say anything other than ask every time they ring when I’m coming home. They do ask how it’s going, but it feels box-ticking to me, like they know they should show some interest. They’re nice people, they just don’t get it.”

I squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry.”

He sucked in a long breath. “I feel like they’re waiting for me to fail, even my brother, Lachlan. Everyone except Tui. Not that they’ll ever say I told you so, they’re not like that. I just know that even if I do make it as a model, it’s never gonna be their idea of a real job. Not like farming or running a business.” He shrugged. “And maybe they’re right.”

“Hey.” I jerked his hand and he looked around sharply, though he didn’t stop walking. “Quit that talk. This is your life and your choice. Plus, youarerunning a business. It’s just thatyou’rethe product. You have a talent, Alec, and you can use that however you see fit. No one gets to judge you for that or to judge what’s worthy and what’s not in your life. You’re allowed to make your own path wherever that leads you. A farm, a catwalk, a business, a photography studio. There are plenty of people who could find a reason to judge any one of them. The only opinion that truly matters is yours.”

His eyes shone suspiciously, and his mouth curved up in a slow smile. “Thank you. Again. I seem to be saying that a lot lately.”

“Well, it probably makes a change from what you were saying about me for the last year, right?” I gave him a wry smile.

He laughed. “Very true.”

We started walking and fell into another easy silence. If anyone had told me the week before that I’d be strolling hand in hand with Alec Williamson through the Hudson River Park, I’d have choked on my blustering denial that I felt anything at all for the guy. My, how things change. I stole another sideways glance as I’d been doing ever since we started walking and couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re staring at me again.” Alec turned with a wide grin in place. “Or is it that this whole afternoon is feeling as weird for you as it is for me?”

I frowned at his words. “This feels weird for you?”

He stopped and tugged me to the side of the path, out of the other foot traffic, the soft light of the early evening turning his blue eyes a dark navy. “Yes, but weird in the best possible way. Like something I’ve imagined for a long time and can’t believe it’s actually happening.”

The pathway lighting flickered on, and an older couple passed close to where we were standing, the woman giving us a soft knowing smile when she saw our joined hands. I felt the inexplicable urge to let go. I didn’t, but the impulse shocked me. I wasn’t shy and I certainly wasn’t ashamed.

Alec laughed. “Jesus, Hunter, what the hell was that? You looked terrified there for a second, like I might bend you over that bench, and to hell with anyone watching. Are you sure you’re okay with this?” He held up our joined hands. “Withus?”

I sighed and shook my head. “I told you I’d suck at this. I wasn’t terrified.” I pulled him back onto the path. “But it’s been years for me, being with someone like this. To be honest, youcouldfuck me over that bench and I wouldn’t be as worried asthismakes me.” I held up our joined hands. “And that woman looking at me like we shared a secret reminded me that this thing between us is different.”

Alec’s eyes darkened. “Okay, so we’ll return to the first bit of that statement sometime in the future because, damn, that’s worth some consideration. Can I ask when the last time was that you held hands with a man in public?”

I rolled my eyes. “Can we get to the kissing part without all the soul searching? I’ve been kind of hoping for some kissing in the not-too-distant future.”

Alec laughed. “Absolutely not. I still have arsehole Hunter in my brain on speed dial. I need something to fight that guy off.”

I blew out a long sigh and focused on the passing ferry heading to St George, the pressure from its bow waves lapping at the underside of the path as we walked. “Okay, well, the last time I held hands with anyone was with Steven.”

“Ah, the year-long boyfriend?” Alec nodded sagely. “Is that another reason for the look of terror?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Quite possibly.Thatwalk was only a couple of days before everything blew apart and we broke up.”

Alec’s amusement disappeared and he frowned. “Tell me more.”

I shot him an apologetic look. “Okay, so... I may not have been entirely honest about my relationship woes with Steven.”

Alec narrowed his gaze and looked a little nervous. “I’m listening.”

“It’s not what you think,” I quickly reassured him. “I didn’t fuck up, surprisingly, or cheat on him.”

Alec said nothing but his shoulders relaxed just a little.

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