Page 84 of Out of the Shadows
DANIEL
Perry and I wander out into the garden through the flung open French windows. It’s a chilly night but patio heaters are dotted around and to be honest I’m pleased to be out of the crush in the house.
“A few weeks. We work together—”
“Awkward.”
“We’re careful, and both of us are fully aware of the potential difficulties, but yes…”
“I’m glad you’ve come this evening. I understand how daunting it must be.”
He gives me a gentle squeeze on the arm, and I smile. We both know he’s not talking about walking into a party.
“I’m still getting used to it all, and taking everything a step at a time.”
“All I would say is don’t be pushed into situations where you’re uncomfortable, because only you know what your limitations are, or at least for now.”
Perry smiles up at me with his big, candid dark eyes. Cosmo was right, this guy really is a sweetie and I can’t help but warm to him.
“And I’m sorry about James. He’s a forceful character who says what he thinks. The downside is that sometimes he’s got no filter, but it’s who he is.”
Perry takes a sip of his beer as he looks around the garden. He has more to say, I know it, and I wait for him to break the silence.
“James and Cosmo are very close. The age gap means in some respects James is more of a father figure, and in turn James is protective of him, although having got to know Cosmo I don’t think he’s somebody who’s in very much need of protection,” he says, laughing. “But honestly, if James gets too much just tell him to mind his own business. He appreciates frankness if nothing else. But if this, tonight, feels like overload, and you decide you want to cut the evening short, I’ll understand. Although I hope you won’t, because youarevery welcome here.”
“Thank you — I appreciate that.” I could wrap Perry in my arms right this moment and hug him into tomorrow, but instead I leave it at a smile.
“So when are you getting married…?” It’s a deliberate switch of subject, which Perry is astute enough to pick up on, and he launches into his and James’ plans for their upcoming nuptials.
Perry’s excitement and happiness-filled chatter helps to relax me, as does another beer, but when he’s claimed by another guest I’m left standing alone for a few moments. I can’t see Cosmo anywhere and I can only guess he’s maybe being lectured to by the overprotective cousin.
I wander down the large garden, and out of range of the patio heaters. Lanterns and fairy lights festoon the trees and the bushes, casting a soft glow but, this far from the house there’s not enough of them to defeat the shadowy darkness.
The outline of a garden bench beckons and I flop down onto it and take another glug of beer. I should go back inside and find Cosmo rather than hide out here in the shadows. I grunt out a laugh. Hiding in the shadows… It’s what I’ve been doing all my life but here, tonight, I’ve been given the opportunity to walk out into the bright light even if it is glaring and fluorescent and makes me want to squint my eyes a little.
Shuffling and laughter, and whispered words, make me start. I peer into the darkness but can’t see anything… My muscles freeze and lock when moans and sighs and ragged breaths underscore the other night time sounds of a house in the city.
Groans and the slap of flesh on flesh, just feet away from me, should send me scuttling back up the garden and fast. I can’t move, I’m transfixed by the sound of sex, and my own cock begins to stir. My free hand slips down and cups the bulge between my legs, squeezing as the pants and moans and rough demands for harder and faster drill into my head as a shuddering breath escapes my own lips.
Police sirens slash through the air, ripping me out of my daze.
What the fuck am I doing?My cock retreats, and I jump up from the chair and barrel down the garden towards the house.
I push my way inside, scanning the crush for Cosmo, hearing his bright laugh before my eyes find him.
He’s leaning against the wall, by the kitchen door, his face animated as he talks to a guy who’s not much older than myself. Next to him is a tall and stunning blonde. I already know who they are, and I make my way over, hesitating for a brief second before I slip my arm loosely around Cosmo’s waist. Cosmo looks up at me, surprise widening his eyes; a spasm of guilt ripples through me at his reaction, but it’s replaced by warmth as his eyes soften and his smile grows wider.
“This is Freddie. Freddie, Daniel.”
Cosmo’s face is red, which has little to do with the warmth or alcohol. Freddie’s looking awkward and doing his best to hide it, but he gives me a friendly enough smile in greeting.
“This is my husband, Elliot.” Freddie turns to the older guy, and I’m relieved when Elliot gives me a friendly smile and sticks his hand out for a handshake.
Freddie and Elliot, James and Perry. Men whose lives are intertwined with Cosmo’s. They’re a tight knit bunch, that I do know, and if I’m to be with Cosmo I know I have to win these men over. I think I’ve already achieved that with Perry but these guys come as a pack and I know to be accepted, I need to be accepted by all.
“Elliot and Freddie have just got back from Devon, where they’ve got a sweet and cosy little love nest.” Cosmo laughs, although it’s got more than a hint of cackle about it, as Freddie rolls his eyes and groans.
Elliot smiles and slips his arm around Freddie’s waist and pulls him in.
