“Couple of days,” Bruce said. “If you can help me get the varnish off ready for treating, I’d be grateful.”
“Of course. I’ll sand and you follow with white spirit. How does that sound?”
“You sure? You get all the hard stuff then.”
Danny nodded and flexed his muscles. “Bring it on.”
Bruce wandered over to the sink to find the white spirit. There had to be more to this than getting a desk ready. Danny could tell that Bruce was about to make some kind of statement. It had been the same type of tension when he’d had to lay him off.
“Denise thinks I should give up doing the refurbs. Just keep the shop.”
There we have it. Laid out for inspection. He doesn’t just want my help. He needs my ear.
“And what do you think?”
“Buying and selling is all very well but it’s not where my heart is. You know that. I built this place on restoration.”
The kick they both got out of seeing an old piece of furniture come in a wreck and leave shining had bonded them forever.
“This place is a lot of work, Bruce,” Danny replied. “Maybeyou should listen to her. You could still accept a few select things. To keep your hand in. Might even drive the price up a bit. You’ve got a good name, you know.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” Bruce said, blushing. “I’ll get through the summer then think about it. Now come on, you. Let’s get going.”
Danny and Tyler were lying on the wobbly airbed. It was a warm night and they’d already worked up a sweat.
“When is that bed getting delivered?” Danny asked.
“Friday and I can’t bloody wait.”
Danny had to agree. Sex on an airbed was a taste he hadn’t acquired. He reached out for Tyler and drew him close.
“Can I come over and christen it?”
“You’d better.”
Danny nuzzled Tyler’s hair. It always smelt incredible. It reminded him of when they washed his own at the barbers.
“What time is it?” Tyler said.
“Coming up to ten. Why?”
“I’ve got to pack for the Ocean tomorrow. We’re going straight from work.”
“Ah yes. Cheating on me already.”
Tyler giggled. “I’m sure Amanda will have me swinging from the chandeliers.”
“Go on then,” Danny said. “But do it naked and let me watch you.”
Tyler sat up. “You’re a filthy pervert.”
“Correct. Problem?”
Tyler kissed him. “Not at all. It was a compliment, my good sir.”
Danny laughed as Tyler scrambled to his feet. It took a couple of attempts during which his exceptionally pert ass was very much on display. It made Danny’s mouth water.
“Elegantly done,” he said, licking his lips.