Lewis shook his head again. "I am embarrassed. Because I did think that way, when I first met you... No... not when I met you, but afterwards... Later, when I thought about you... I thought you might be an embarrassment to me. That's terrible. All you've done is help me. I wish I could put that right in some way... Perhaps I can."

Once again, a hand was placed on his arm, as it was ten days before. Lewis looked at it, placed his own hand on top, gently caressing it. He looked at the eyes, and he could feel their power once more, he could feel their desire. There was no question in either of their minds now... the desire was clearly there, strong and primal - nothing needed to be faked.

"I need to keep focus, Lee. I need to give this a shot."

"It's okay. I understand," said Lee, placing his other hand on top of Lewis's.

"You always understand."

The moment was interrupted by the doorman, who had wandered over to their table and coughed discreetly to announce himself. "Mr. Macleod, the car you ordered is waiting outside, sir. Shall I tell the driver you'll be down shortly?"

"We'll be down in a few minutes. Thank you," replied Lewis.

The clench was broken as Lee leaned back into his chair and stretched, muscles forced against the fabric of his tee-shirt then relaxed as he stood to leave. "Okay, Lewis, maybe I'll see you again someday. I hope so."

"Of course you will. I owe you a beer. I'll give you a call if that's okay?"

"Sure thing."

Lee offered his hand, but Lewis refused it. "No. I'll come down with you."

They left the room and walked down the staircase to the unattended door below, Lee in front - Lewis behind enjoying the view. When they reached the bottom, Lee stopped before opening the door and turned round. He placed his hand behind Lewis's head, and softly stroked his hair, then gently pulled him towards him, resting his brow on Lewis's. They raised their heads, slowly, brow against brow, then nose against nose, till lips touched - just the merest brush then pulled away. Lee's hand was brought forward from behind Lewis's head to lay on his cheek as he smiled into his eyes.

"You call me, whenever you need to, whenever you want to. I'll be there for you, Lewis. Goodbye."

With that he turned away and opened the door, allowing the evening sun to flood through into the hallway where Lewis still stood. A moment later, Lee was in the car and gone.