***
Chris stared at him in stunned amazement, shocked to see Shane filled with so much anger so suddenly. He watched as Shane angrily stormed out of the bathroom instead of getting into the Jacuzzi as planned. Chris stared at the shut bathroom door for a while, then with a sigh, climbed into the Jacuzzi alone. Much as he would have loved to go after Shane, he needed to take care of himself. If Shane wanted to go and sulk like a kid, by all means.
Chris relaxed into the bubbling water, loving the soothing feel it was giving him. He felt his eyes get heavy but struggled to stay awake. He hadn’t slept a wink the whole night. And when he’d finally gotten to bed that morning, Shane had looked too sexy lying in that bed, he hadn’t been able to resist. And what an amazing encounter that had been, Chris sighed contentedly. With his head resting comfortably on the headrest, Chris lost the battle and drifted off to sleep.
***
“Ow come on!” Shane muttered for the umpteenth time. What the fuck was keeping Chris up there, he thought exasperatedly. Was he so pissed off at him that he’d decided to stay in the bedroom the whole fucking day? It had been over two hours since he’d left Chris in that bathroom. The breakfast Abigail had prepared for them was getting cold.
Shane finally went upstairs to check up on Chris. He’d also decided not to go to the office as Chris said he wanted to spend the day with him. Though he was angry at Chris for trying to force him to change his mind about therapy, he sure as hell wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to spend a whole day with Chris.
When Shane stepped into his bedroom and found it empty, he frowned. Was Chris still… Shane’s eyes widened at the horrible image that flashed inside his mind. Oh shit! With his heart pounding, Shane barged into the bathroom to find Chris fast asleep in the Jacuzzi. Shane gave a huge sigh of relief, thanking his stars that Chris was alright. He grabbed a towel from the stack in the drawer and went to sit at the edge of the tub, looking at Chris.
He looked so peaceful. Shane’s heart was still pounding in fear. Damn, he didn’t know what he would do if anything happened to Chris. He heard of accidents where people drowned in baths all the time. And taking into consideration the fact that Chris had been in there for over two hours, Shane knew he had every right to be scared. Suddenly, nothing mattered but seeing the smile and happiness on Chris’ face.
He didn’t care what he had to do as long as it would make Chris happy. Chris wanted him to go back to Dr. Murray, right? Shane was going to do it even if it killed him. Anything for his Chris, Shane smiled. He reached out and ran his fingers through Chris’ hair. He’d allowed it to grow more than the military cut he’d spotted when they met again. Shane liked it this way as he loved running his fingers through the beautiful silky hair.
“Chris?” Shane called softly, not wanting to startle him.
Chris stirred and opened sleepy beautiful grey eyes, and then stared up at Shane. “Done sulking?” He asked softly, grinning at the shamed look on Shane’s face. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” Shane said quietly.
“I’m sorry I pushed you.”
“You were right to. I have to get past my fear and humiliation and go back.” Shane gave a slight smile.
“Does that mean…”
“I’ll go,” Shane said softly. “Don’t give up on me, Chris.” Shane looked so defeated. “I’ll…”
“Come here.” Chris breathed.
And as Shane leaned down towards Chris, thinking Chris wanted to kiss him, Chris pulled him into the Jacuzzi with him, dry towel and all.
“Chris what…” But Chris’ mouth captured Shane’s, cutting off what he’d been about to say.
The kiss got hot and desperate. The two men quickly and hurriedly stripped Shane off his soaked sweat pants and t-shirt. By the time they got back downstairs, it was past midday and breakfast had been cleared off the table.
“Lunch is almost ready,” Abigail said with a knowing glint in her eyes. Damn, but she loved this side of her boss. The carefree, naughty side that Mr. Don had brought out, the cook couldn’t help but smile at herself happily. Who didn’t want a happy boss?
***
When Shane came out of Dr. Murray’s office the next day, Chris was waiting for him in the reception area, looking so dashing in his dark blue suit. Shane had taken longer with the good doctor, shocking the elderly man. He’d poured his heart out and felt so relieved. Somehow, knowing that Chris was close by, waiting for him at the reception, actually calmed him down.
He watched as Chris got to his feet with a smile on his face, obviously happy since Shane taking so long in the doctor’s office only meant progress. But Shane watched as the smile slowly evaporated from Chris’ handsome face. Shane wasn’t surprised one bit. He remembered his parents and brother used to tease him whenever he cried as a kid. They said his eyes became so red, it was like his mum’s lipstick.
He had obviously not changed even after going years without crying. Chris had obviously noticed his red eyes. Why the fuck couldn’t he keep the tears away whenever he was in Dr. Murray’s office? So far, he’d been in that office twice and both times, he’d cried, Shane thought, angry at himself.
Shane watched as Chris stalked over to where he stood with Dr. Murray, at the doctor’s door. The pretty receptionist and another woman, who didn’t look like she was there to see the doctor, turned their attention from the TV to watch Chris. Shane couldn’t help but think Chris looked like a hungry lion, stalking towards its prey. Shane instinctively took a step back. He would have taken another step but for the feel of the wall at his back.
“Chris…” Shane breathed just as Chris cupped the sides of his face in his surprisingly warm palms.
Chris leaned in till their noses rubbed against each other’s, then he slanted his mouth over Shane’s. Shane was expecting just a simple kiss and was therefore surprised when he felt Chris’ wet tongue trace his lower lip sensuously before begging for entry. Shane was so shocked, especially when he heard the gasps from the two women in the reception area, and a chuckle from the doctor standing beside him, he gasped. And that was all Chris needed.