Page 73 of He's the One

“We can always do with more, but Frank runs his projects very tight. There was still no need to lose you, though. Andy, on the other hand… Fucking arsehole. How did you cope with him on that staircase?”

“I corrected what he messed up.”

Bez laughed. “Which is exactly what I’ve been doing up here, but I shouldn’t have to. If I hear of anything, shall I still let you know? Our next job is Exeter Cathedral. Longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world. Ninety-six meters. I wish you were with us.”

Col nodded. “I’m sticking to working on the ground until the New Year at least. Theo’s got his pictures. I’ll take him down now.”

“What’s with the questions?” Bez asked.

“I’d rather not say until I’m sure.”

Bez shrugged. “Fair enough.”

Col stepped to Theo’s side. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll go first and you come after.”

Col was a few rungs down on the ladder when Theo moved gingerly to the top. This was probably the hardest part, stepping off the security of the platform, and Col’s heart beat faster, but Theo was fine. White knuckled and slow, but fine. Col stared at Theo’s tight arse as he descended, which was a mistake, so he raised his gaze to Theo’s shoulders only for it to slide back down.Shit.

“Are you staring at my backside?” Theo asked quietly.

“All the way up and all the way down.”

Theo chuckled.

Back on the ground, Theo wrapped his arms around himself and Col could see he was shaking. He walked Theo over to the portacabin and once inside, took off their helmets and vests, then tugged him into his arms.

Theo shuddered against him. “That was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.”

“What about the base jumping, free climbing, surfing in a gale?”

“Ah, yes, well… I was trying to impress you.”

“You just did. Climbing up like that when you don’t like heights was quite something.”

Theo beamed. “I’m never going to do it again. Well, unless I need to save your life. I might still have to think about it.”

Col laughed.

Chapter Thirteen

Col eyed the door to Frank’s office. “I need to be in and out quickly.”

“Said one gay guy to another—never. Or maybe always.”

Col chuckled.

“Has anyone ever told you your eyes look like storm clouds on a winter’s day?” Theo whispered. “Has that distracted you from my stupid comment?”

Oh God.“Not until now. You have to stop making me want to kiss you. Though you just looking at me has that effect.”

Theo shot him a dazzling smile and Col groaned.

“Don’t. We need to get this done before someone comes. Did you hear what I was saying to Bez?”

“I was too busy listening to my heart racing and persuading my stomach not to disgorge its contents.”

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