but embarrassed. I certainly wasn't ready to make such a commitment, but I couldn't hurt him. I wasn't sure what to say but eventually came out with "I know you do and I'm touched. I do care for you but all this is so new to me that I just cannot make any commitment like that right now. And, in case you've forgotten, I've got a girlfriend. But I promise you this; if you're a good boy and behave yourself we'll see a lot more of each other in the future."

"But I don't want to be a good boy - I want to be a naughty boy," grinned Adam, "But I know what you mean and I promise I won't hassle you."

I kissed him again, "Go on - get out. And don't forget what Mr Redbotham told you about your behaviour at work."

"I won't," he said as he went searching for his clothes in the living room.

Another kiss and cuddle as he left.

And suddenly the flat was as empty as it had ever been. I started to try to clean up the mess on the sofa.

************************************************************************

My head was still a mess. Could I be in love with another bloke? Two other blokes?
Was I gay?

I desperately needed someone to talk to. Someone who would be straight with me (no pun intended). I needed someone who was older and wiser But I wasn't 'Sixteen going on Seventeen', though it felt like it.

But who?

Jeanie? - No way!

Mum and Dad? I couldn't, besides they were miles away.

Geoff? He was a nice guy but this was just too personal to discuss with my boss.

Then it dawned on me. There was only one person who could help me through this - Mr Redbotham.

Searching in my pockets I found the screwed up piece of paper where Geoff had written his address. Luckily he had added his phone number. I rang him, a little apprehensively. I didn't know what his reaction would be. It wasn't too late, was it?"

"Mr Redbotham? This is Chris from ***** Haulage. I, I, I'm ever so sorry to bother you." I felt like I was talking to the Headmaster.

"I wondered - if you're not too busy - if I, er, could come and see you?"

"Er, just for a talk," I added hurriedly in case he thought I was after something else.

"Yes, of course, lad. You're welcome any time. Do you want to come over now?"

"Yes, please."

I rushed over to Mr. R's, and again found myself nervously ringing his doorbell.

He answered the door and ushered me in.

"Drink?"

"Just a coffee please. I'm driving." I didn't tell him I'd already had a couple of beers earlier but I guessed that they had worn off by now. Anyway, I wanted to keep a clear head.

"How's Adam?" he asked handing me my coffee.

"Oh, he's fine. I think we got through to him but only time will tell. But, if you don't mind, it's me I really want to talk about. If that's OK?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"I don't really know where to start…"

"Try the beginning! 'A very good place to start'."

"Well, a week ago, I was your happily rampant, typical, average straight guy. Then I met you!"

He smiled, gently.

Then it all came pouring