He turns back to the stage as the actors return, and I settle back on my rented cushion. I still don’t understand one fucking bit of what’s going on. During the first few scenes, I’d thought about work to make the evening pass quicker, but the atmosphere of the place has worked its magic on me. That, and the pleasure of watching Charlie’s face—his expression is lit up, completely absorbed with the performance . I would sit on hard benches for an eternity for that alone.

Twilight fades to night above the thatched roof of the theatre and the multicolored paper streamers strung above us rustle in the breeze. Shakespeare’s words float out into the night air, and slowly I relax even more.

Charlie leans forward for a moment, and as his jacket rides up, I catch a glimpse of black lace above his chinos. I’ve seen little flashes of the lace throughout the night, and its inspired a constant state of low-simmering arousal. Now the sight of that dark band against his sleek olive skin has my cock stiffening fully. I reach out and run one finger down his back and he shudders imperceptibly before looking back at me. His eyes have darkened, and as I watch he bites his lip.

For a long second we stare at each other and then he leans back. “I’m going to the bathroom,” he whispers.

I shudder at the feel of his warm breath on my ear. “Oh yes,” I say, trying for cool. “Thanks for telling me.”

He draws back, his face full of amusement. “No, I mean I’m going to the bathroom.”

Realisation dawns. “Oh God, yes,” I say, and a few people shush me. I grimace apologetically and give him a few minutes before making haste to follow him out.

I hold the door open to the Gents for a bloke and then slide in. The bathroom is empty and filled with the strains of some sort of supermarket music.

Charlie is loitering by the sinks. He grins when he sees me. “You took your time.”

“I thought I’d be discreet.”

“You?”

“Apparently I can do discretion now. It’s a surprise to even me.” I grin at him. “Do I get a prize?”

He winks, and before I can say anything, he drags me into one of the bathroom stalls, shutting and locking the door behind me. It’s a bit cramped, but the door goes down to the floor, which is invaluable if you’re fucking in public in a place that doesn’t happen to be a gay bar.

“Nice,” I say, grinning at him. “I treat you to first-row tickets and give you the night of your life, and how do you repay me? You bring me to a public toilet. It’s not exactly smooth, Charlie.”