I woke up to the smell of what I assumed was bacon cooking. Starving, I jumped out of bed, noticing my clothes washed and ironed on the chair in the corner. There was a new toothbrush on top of my hoodie.

I got dressed, brushed my teeth and made my way downstairs.

“Morning,” I said, entering the kitchen. I stopped in my tracks as he was in full Priest regalia.

“Good morning,” he replied. “Did you sleep well?”

“Very.” I was shocked how sexy he looked.

“Bacon and eggs okay for you, or are you going to be a pescatarian today?”

“Oh, hush,” I said, chuckling.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

“Just get me some food and I’ll forgive you.”

We didn’t talk about my middle of the night visit, but an hour later, I jumped into his car. He was taking me home as I’d stupidly left my wallet on my bookshelf.

Declan came out of the house as a woman walked up the path.

“Good morning, Father,” she said. “The church is clean and ready for the service this afternoon.”

His face turned scarlet.

She eyed me suspiciously.

“Oh, I apologise for not realising you had a houseguest.”

“I’m just going to run my friend home, so if you don’t mind, I’ll catch up with you before the service.”

“But,” she said, before he cut her off.

“Must dash.”

And that was that. We drove out of the gravel driveway whilst the nosey old woman looked on.

“Who was that?” I asked.

“Trouble, that’s who.” He eyebrows furrowed.

“Will she be a problem?”

“Depends what she tells the Bishop,” he answered.

“If she tells him,” I said.

“Not if, but when. Trust me, she’s Bishop O’Malley’s eyes and ears, and will love passing over what she thinks is a bit of juicy scandal.”

“Hardly.”

“In church circles, a gorgeous young guy being driven home by the local Priest is scandal.”

“I’m sorry I’ve caused trouble.”

“Don’t worry – I’ll think of something to throw her off the scent.”

“Tell her I’m homeless.”

He looked at me like I was mad. “With respect, Matt. You look more like a movie star than a homeless person.”

We didn’t speak much more, but he dropped me at Temple View. I got out of the car and thanked him for his hospitality.

I made no firm plans to catch up with him again.

* * *

I picked my phone up. Seven missed calls from Jake.

Pressing redial, I had my story worked out.

“Hey you,” I said, cheerfully.

“I thought you’d been kidnapped by a client, or something,” he replied.

“Sorry, went to the gym and for a run, but left my phone on charge.”

“No worries. I just wanted to see if you fancied an early dinner in town?” He didn’t believe me. I could tell.

“Sure, sounds good. Where shall we meet?”

“I’m working on-site just across from Lime Street Station, so if you meet me there about five-ish I have a few hours spare. It’ll only be a pub lunch I’m afraid – posh places won’t let me in wearing workie gear and rigger boots.”

My cock roared to life at the thought. “Don’t tell me you’ll be wearing your workie gear, I won’t be able to control myself.”

“I could take you to a quiet part of the site and fuck you. If you’re up for it, but it might be a bit dodgy with the other lads about.”

“They can watch if they want. I don’t mind.”

“Kinky fucker,” he said.

“I’ll bring the condoms and lube.”

“See you at five, gorgeous. If you can’t find the site, call me and I’ll direct you.” He rang off.

What was I going to do? I was torn between two amazing guys. Really, it shouldn’t even be a question. Jake can give me everything I need, and Declan isn’t available. Still, I was confused and didn’t want to start a new relationship with a lie. I decided to tell Jake where I’d been the night before. I was positive he’d dump me on the spot, but I’d rather be honest. Surely that would go in my favour.