Page 29 of Beyond the Darkness
“I really need to get out and explore this area more.”
“There’s plenty to see,” Luke said.“You can go up the coast further into Northumberland, or south, to Yorkshire.There really is no bad way to go.I’d be happy to show you around.”
Hudson grinned.“I’d love that.”
A light breeze ruffled his hair.He admired the way it caused Luke’s T-shirt to ripple over his body, skimming his chest, revealing the hard peaks of his nipples.
What’s happening here?He couldn’t deny he was attracted to Luke and with every moment they spent together, he found himself being drawn closer to him.He had a magnetism that was irresistible.What was holding him back?Everything that was happening.He had enough complications already without the hurdle of a new relationship.And how far could that relationship go anyway?He was only going to be here for a few more weeks.Who knew when they would be able to see each other after that.
Hudson would be flying back to the States once this run ofDarkest Bluewas done.He had the secondary lead role in an indie movie coming up.Unless the play transferred to the West End, he didn’t have any pending commitments in the UK to keep him here.
“This was supposed to clear your mind,” Luke said.
“Sorry?”
“The walk.It was supposed to cleanse you of all your worries.Your face tells a different story.You look more distracted than ever.”
“Sorry,” he said again, attempting to shake his reservations off.Why worry about something that was weeks away?Shouldn’t he embrace life now?He was lucky to have that opportunity.Julian surely didn’t.
They paused a moment to look out to sea.The water was remarkably calm.He’d always heard that the North Sea was one of the roughest in the world.There was a wind farm in the distance.Farther out, he spotted a tanker and some other kind of vessel, heading northwards.
“Is that a cruise ship?”
Luke shielded his eyes from the sun.“Looks like one.It will be heading to the terminal on the Tyne.”
The cold water rushed around his ankles.“It really is amazing out here.I’ve always loved the idea of living by the ocean, but I’m a city boy at heart.”
“There are plenty of cities close by.Blyham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham.They are all within less than an hour drive from here.It’s possible to have the best of both worlds.”
“You’re proof of that.”
When they returned to the house, a petite tortoise shell cat was sunning itself on Luke’s garden chair.It gave a small tweep and rolled onto its back and stretched at the sight of him.Luke grinned, stroking the cat’s chin and cheek.
“Is this your cat?”
“I’m one of her minions,” he replied.“This is Molly.She lives at number three but makes herself at home in every house on the street.”
Molly wriggled around on her back, kicking her legs and purring loudly.
“That’s one lucky cat,” Hudson said.
Luke looked at him, grinning.“Pussies aren’t the only things I know how to spoil.”
Hudson laughed loudly.“I’m very happy to hear that.”
Luke picked up the cat and sat down, placing her on his knee.She rearranged herself so he could stroke her head.She looked like she was smiling.Hudson took the chair beside him.Suddenly Luke was serious.“Listen, I know things are weird right now.Fuck, that’s putting it mildly to say the least.And you’ve got a lot going on, but I just want you to know that I’m glad you’re here.I’d glad you trust me.”
“I’m glad too,” he said, meaning it.“It’s hard to believe that on Monday night I was so pissed at the idea of you coming to the studio.And you’ve turned out to be the one ray of normality in this batshit crazy week.I appreciate that so much.I appreciate you.”Hudson’s face grew warm as he spoke.He was probably blushing, and he didn’t care.He meant it.
Who else would have supported him in all this madness.Not Rav or Andie.Or Jo.They each had their own interests to look out for.He had only made a serious personal connection with two people while he’d been in Blyham.
One of them was dead.
The other was sitting right beside him.
Whatever reservations he might have, surely this was the time for him to seize the moment.
Chapter Twelve
