Rudy drew Trevor away into a small dark utility room at the back of the hall. Once inside, he hurriedly locked the door. Using his body, he squeezed Trevor up against the wall before clamping their mouths together.
“Mm-ouch,” said Trevor through the kiss. Something sharp and hard was prodding him in the middle of his back.
“Sorry,” said Rudy, nipping Trevor’s bottom lip before pulling their mouths apart. “I’ve been wanting to do that all evening.”
Out in the hall, the band had begun a new melody, a simple waltz.
“Something hard is digging into my back.”
“Just your back?” said Rudy, rubbing his groin into Trevor’s before bringing both hands beneath his kilt and cupping his backside.
“Ouch! Can we hold off for now?” asked Trevor, even though his body, despite the discomfort, began to respond willingly. “I’m in pain here. Can this wait until we’re in bed together? I’ll even wear the kilt, if you ask nicely.”
“Och, I’m sorry, Trev,” said Rudy, a warm hand retreating from his buttock before pulling him away from the wall. “I think you’re leaning into a mop handle.”
“Uh-huh. That would explain the agony,” said Trevor, chuckling and pushing his face into Rudy’s neck, his hand slipping under the hem of Rudy’s kilt. “Best night ever, Rudy. I really like—hey!”
“What?”
“You’re wearing underpants.”
“Of course I am. It’s too bloody cold to do otherwise. Now what was that you were about to say? Something you really like?”
“Cheater. I was going to say that I really like your family.”
“They like you, too.” Rudy reached down, took Trevor’s hand and smoothed the palm over his erection. “My mother’s a tough gig. Ask poor Beth. But she seems to have warmed to you.”
“She’s really nice. But come on, baby. Let’s save this for later and go join the others. It’s our last night here, and we should be seeing the New Year in soon with everyone else.”
Rudy quietened a minute, and Trevor couldn’t make out his expression in the darkness. After a moment, however, his body relaxed against Trevor’s.
“Spoilsport.”
“How about if I promise to make it up to you later? Somewhere warm and cosy that doesn’t smell of bleach and mouse droppings.”
Rudy chuckled into Trevor’s shoulder.
“A deal. Come on, let’s go.”
Back in the main hall, only a scattering of guests remained, and Trevor wondered what had happened. He wondered if they had gone to watch the promised bonfire and fireworks display, or perhaps more highland dancing. Something significant had clearly taken them outside. None of his friends remained behind, and he was about to ask a waiter where everyone had gone when Rudy’s brother headed towards them.
“Rudy, Trevor,” said Ivan, his eyes wide. He moved slowly backward as he spoke not stopping on his way out of the door. “Everyone’s on the front lawn. Someone’s landed a seaplane on the loch. Mother thinks one of her special celebrity guests has arrived.”
Trevor watched Ivan head out the door. He turned into the expression of an equally horrified Rudy.
“He wouldn’t dare,” said Trevor quietly. “Would he?”
Chapter Eighteen
Auld Lang’s Syne
With their backs lit by the spotlights illuminating the old house, Trevor and Rudy stood together staring out across the loch, their shadows stretching towards the water. Then, like an accusation, lights glared brightly from the seaplane as the machine floated in the direction of the house. Trevor reached for Rudy’s cold hand and squeezed. All around them, guests gathered in the chill air, immunised by alcohol, drinking still and chatting merrily, wondering with excitement who had arrived. Trevor heard somebody in the crowd voice the words ‘famous rugby player’. He also recognised immediately the precise model of the plane and the unique number on the tail, something that sent a shiver through him.
Damian Ingram had arrived before in the same seaplane.
“Rudy,” he said, turning, his heart giving a little tug to see Rudy’s anxious profile and concerned eyes glaring at the loch.
When Rudy didn’t answer, he pulled on the hand he held.
