Saving Alexander (7 page)

Luke waved him over. “Sage, there you are. Christ, I was about to send out a search party. Did you get my message?”

“Loud and clear,” Sage affirmed. “Sorry, I got a little sidetracked. What’s up?”

The rest of his afternoon was spent with Janine and Luke discussing alterations to some of the scenes to be filmed the next day. It was almost nine p.m. when Sage finally went to fetch his denim jacket from his locker. He saw Alex still sitting in his office staring at his computer screen.

He popped his head in. “Alex? Isn’t this a bit late for you to be here?”

Alex looked up at him. “I was catching up on some business stuff. My publisher insists I keep a blog so I was updating it.” He sighed wryly. “It’s been a bitch of a day today, so I haven’t had time to do all the social networking stuff I’m expected to do."

“How are you getting home? Do you live far?”

The other man shook his head. “I have an apartment in Brook Green about a five-minute walk from here. It’s pretty convenient actually.”

“My tube stop is that way. Maybe we could walk together?” Alex looked at Sage and Sage thought he was going to refuse his offer.

Alex’s face changed to an expression that was resolute; then he smiled. “It would be nice to have company, thanks. Let me just pack up my stuff and I’ll be with you.”

Sage nodded and went to wait in the foyer for him. Alex joined him a few minutes later.

“Have you had the apartment long then?” Sage watched his face as they walked.

Alex nodded. “About eighteen months. I bought it with some money I inherited. It’s pretty nice, two bedrooms and a small walled garden. A ground-floor flat. I love it. It’s very private.”

He looked at Sage mischievously. “How are you doing with your friend Dan? I’m very intrigued to hear more about that episode Jenny referred to when we first met.”

Sage groaned. “Don’t remind me. I’m still trying to forget the whole blasted thing.”

Alex looked at him enquiringly. “Are you going to tell me about it then?”

Sage smiled. “Suffice it to say we’d both had a bit too much to drink and ended up in our underwear chained to some old railings outside the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. It wasn’t one of my finer moments and it was a long time ago, when luckily I wasn’t really known. I’m sure the footage will be somewhere on YouTube, though.”

He heard Alex’s snort of laughter and was pleased he’d made him laugh.

“Why would you do that?” Alex finally managed to ask.

Sage pretended to reflect seriously. “Some young lady Dan was interested in dared us to do it and we both felt honour bound to fulfil the dare. My date scarpered the minute he saw what was happening. What can I say? We were both bloody stupid. Dan tends to bring out my bad side. He’s a bit of an animal.”

Alex chuckled. “I’d like to meet him one day. He sounds —interesting.”

Sage looked at him. “Perhaps one day you will. We can always invite you round for takeout at our place. I’m afraid neither of us cooks particularly well.”

“Maybe one day I’ll take you up on the offer.” Alex sounded wistful but Sage didn’t want to push.

Alex motioned toward a fairly imposing red brick building ahead with railings surrounding it. “That’s my building there.” He glanced at Sage slyly. “Perhaps you’d like to chain yourself to those railings in your underwear? I won’t mind, I promise.”

Sage laughed loudly, glad to see Alex flirting back with him. “I think once in a lifetime is enough for that. Although if you dare me when I’ve had one too many, I might oblige. I don’t like turning down a dare or a bet. It’s a family trait. My dad was a bit of a gambler and he’d take a bet on anything.”

Alex stopped at the entrance to his building and hesitated. Finally he spoke quietly. “Would you like to come in for coffee? I’m sure I can scrounge up a Jammie Dodger or something for you. I know how partial you are to biscuits.”

Sage smiled. “I’d like that, thanks.” He’d appreciate any opportunity to get to know this man better. He followed Alex into the grounds, down a small flight of stairs to a large basement apartment with a wrought-iron gate. Alex opened the gate and they walked up to the very secluded front door.

“It’s like having your own secret entrance,” Sage said admiringly. “Not like my place where anyone can pop in anytime. I hardly ever lock the door. I think perhaps I should start,” he said gloomily. “The other day I was in the kitchen in the altogether and the gardener came in to ask me about lawn cuttings. I don’t know who was more shocked.”

Alex laughed loudly as he unlocked the front door. “What the hell were you doing naked in the kitchen anyway?”

Sage looked at him in indignation. “It’s my bloody house! I can walk around naked if I want to. I’d just got out the shower and was making a quick cup of coffee.”

Alex shook his head in amusement. Sage whistled as he walked into the front room. “Wow. This is incredible. It looks like something out of an interior design magazine.”

Alex’s lounge was decorated in shades of grey and purple, with artwork adorning the walls and many sculptures and glass bowls scattered around in various cubist pieces of furniture. The lighting was dim and subdued and there was a faint odour of sandalwood in the air. Sage stood and admired it. “It’s lovely. It looks like somewhere you can retreat and just lose yourself. Not like my place, which is a constant hive of activity.”

Alex looked pleased at his comments. “I’m glad you like it. Make yourself comfortable and I’ll make you that coffee I promised.”

He disappeared into a large, airy kitchen to the left of the lounge. Sage wandered around the room, inspecting the artworks and various knickknacks. There were no photographs scattered around and nothing personal on show. “Do you take sugar or milk?” Alex called out.

“Just black please. No sugar.” Sage called back. He sat down in an easy chair. Alex soon appeared with his coffee and a plate filled with various biscuits. “Sorry, no Jammie Dodgers. Just chocolate digestives and the ginger nuts.”

Sage took his coffee and smiled. “I’m not fussy when it comes to biscuits.” He took a chocolate one, dipping it into his coffee. Drops of liquid dribbled down his chin and he wiped them absently with his sleeve.

Alex shook his head in amusement. “You’re very unusual, Sage. Very down to earth, not at all like I’d imagine an actor to be.”

Sage peered at over the rim of his coffee cup as he sipped it. “Do you think we’re all living the high life, in suits and classy outfits, always at shows and with a different person on our arm each time?” He raised an eyebrow in query.

Alex mused for a moment before replying. “I suppose I’d say yes. It seems to be what it’s all about. But you’re different. You stay away from the limelight. Shun it, almost.”

Sage looked down at his coffee cup. “I’ll do whatever’s needed to promote myself and the film or TV series that I’m in. Jenny makes sure of that; it’s her job and mine. I have a responsibility toward the producers, the film’s shareholders and the rest of the cast. But that doesn’t mean
I’m
always available to be on show. I value my private life. I’ve had it invaded once before and that didn’t turn out so well. So now I play it by my rules, where I can at least.” He smiled wryly. “Sometimes it isn’t possible.”

Alex nodded. “I understand that philosophy. I like to do the same as you’ve noticed.” Sage noted Alex didn’t ask him about his cryptic comment about his life being invaded.

I suppose he feels he doesn’t share his past, so why would I return the favour? I admire him for that.

“I like your Banksy piece.” Sage waved toward a large print on the wall depicting a street artist. “I’ve always liked his sense of irreverence when it comes to what he paints.”

Alex nodded. “Me too. It’s a little unorthodox.” He yawned, covering his mouth with his hand. “Sorry. It’s not your company. It’s just been a long day.” Alex looked at Sage curiously. “Tell me about your dad. You said he was a bit of a gambler. What did he gamble on?”

Sage smiled. “Horses of course. We’ve a bit of a family tradition when it comes to the ponies. In fact I have two of them at home. My dad was a trainer for some horse owners in Southern Ireland where I lived after I was born, in a town called Shannon, in County Clare.

“We moved to England when I was twelve. Of course Dad always had to put a bet on the horses.” He grinned. “My mum was always very tolerant of his gambling but when he pinched her housekeeping money one day to place a bet, she laid down the law. He had to tone it down a bit after that. Mum was fairly fiery. You wouldn’t have wanted to get on the wrong side of her.” He smiled at the fond memory.

“Do they live close by then or are they in Ireland?” Alex asked curiously.

Sage’s face shadowed. “My folks were killed in a plane crash when I was nineteen.”

“God, Sage. I’m sorry. That must have been very difficult.” Alex laid a hand on Sage’s and Sage clasped it, enjoying the feel of another man’s warm skin beneath his. His groin still tingled with the Alex’s nearness.

Sage nodded, his eyes distant. “Dad had got his pilot’s licence and he bought himself a small plane, a little Cessna 152. He and Mum used to go back to Shannon to see my aunt and uncle. They’d only been flying about half an hour and a flock of birds flew straight into the propeller. We’re not hundred percent sure, but the crash investigators said it looked like Dad was forced to pull back fairly sharply on the control wheel and the engine stalled. There were no survivors.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It was just one of those things, no one’s fault.” He sat silently, remembering the tragedy and the pain he’d felt when Miles had come to break the news.

Alex squeezed his hand. “I am so sorry. You sound as if you were close to your parents.”

“I was and I was very fortunate to have them for those nineteen years,” Sage said quietly. “Some people aren’t so lucky, I guess.” He looked at Alex. “How about you? Do you still have family around?”

Alex took his hands away from his as he smiled tightly. “No, no family. There’s just me.” Alex offered nothing more. Again Sage wondered at this man’s need to keep secrets about his personal life.

Sage finished his coffee, putting the cup down on the coaster on the table. “I should be getting off.” He stood up and stretched. “Thanks for the chat and the coffee. I suppose I’ll see you in the morning?”

Alex nodded. “I’ll be there. Where else would I be?”

Sage picked up his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. He made his way to the door and opened it, stepping into the warm June night air. “Goodnight, Alex. Sweet dreams.” Sage turned and walked up the steps to the pavement, feeling Alex’s eyes on him as he headed toward the tube station.

He’d enjoyed that little glimpse into the elusive Mr. Montgomery’s private world and thought he might have been fairly privileged to see the inside of his home. He imagined Alex didn’t share it with many. That alone made him feel special.

Alex was certainly growing on him even though his caginess about the other areas of his life continued to intrigue him. Sage wondered exactly what secrets he held in that head of his. He wasn’t sure whether he had the patience to find out, as much as he wanted to. He sighed as the train rumbled into the station and he jumped onto the tube that would take him toward Chelsea. But he certainly might give it a try if the right opportunity presented itself and he could break through that wall the man had put around himself.

* * *

Alex closed the door to his apartment, leaning against it with both a sigh of relief and regret. Relief that Sage had finally gone and he could relax and stop wondering what the actor looked like with his shirt off, wanting to run his hands through his curly black hair, place his mouth against his and taste him and feel him inside him.

Regret saddened him. All he had was the fantasy because he didn’t have the courage to do any of those things. His groin ached with his need for Sage and he felt bereft now that he’d gone.

What the hell is going on with me? I hardly know the man except through work yet it feels like I’ve known him longer. He has this effect on me. It must be because he’s been in my head so intimately as Carter West that I almost feel I know him. It’s as if part of him belongs to me because I created him.

Since leaving the studio, he hadn’t even thought of Study in Scarlet or his next session. Why was it when he was with Sage he could forget his seedier side? Alex took the coffee cups to the kitchen and actually drank the dregs of coffee in Sage’s cup from the side where he had sipped it.

He was mortified at himself.

Christ, Alex, you’re like a mooning hormonal teenager. Get a grip on yourself.

That night when he finally went to bed around eleven, he made sure Sage starred in his fantasies. When he finally climaxed, murmuring Sage’s name, he imagined Sage’s hands on his body, Sage’s warm mouth on his, and for the moment he was content.

Chapter 9

The following morning Alex was sitting at his desk in his office at the film studio when he heard a soft knock on his door. His face brightened when he saw Sage standing there, dressed in tight blue jeans and a well-worn green checked shirt. Alex thought he looked as sexy as hell.

“Morning.” Sage grinned. “Did you sleep well last night?”

Alex flushed, remembering what he’d done last night with this man in his mind. He nodded. “I did. It must have been the biscuits and the conversation.”

Just then, Sarah Brose, a member of the canteen and cooking staff, walked in. Alex saw her look at Sage and her nostrils flared slightly as if she didn’t like something. He wondered what that was all about.

Sarah brushed past Sage, ignoring him, and walked over to Alex with a bright smile.

“Your coffee, just the way you like it. I asked the kitchen staff to make you one of those chicken sandwiches you like for lunch so it’ll be ready when you go down to the staff room.”

Alex was touched. For some reason Sarah had taken quite a shine to him, making sure Alex didn’t want for anything. In fact, it was getting a bit stifling but he didn’t want to offend the woman. Sarah was a stereotypical spinster of indeterminate age, but Alex guessed about sixty, with greying hair, granny glasses and a matronly figure, quite a large and powerfully built woman. The cast and crew seemed fairly scared of her.