Free Taming the Lion by Elizabeth Coldwell

“I only arrived here a few days ago. But I have to say that already I feel very much at home. What about you?”
    “Oh, I’ve been here for over ten years. I work at the university, teaching archaeology.”
    “I’m impressed. I started a psychology course at the University of Amsterdam, but I left after a few months. I think I only went there because my parents wanted me to.”
    Jon nodded. According to Henry Mortimer, less than one in twenty of the student intake dropped out at Bath every year, and in most cases, he suspected the reason was to do with finances, rather than the kind of pressure Kaspar had experienced. But that didn’t mean he hadn’t found himself teaching people who were clearly out of their academic depth, or who realized they’d chosen the wrong course then switched to something more suitable.
    “Is that why you came over to England?”
    “No. That’s a long story.”
    Kaspar seemed reluctant to elaborate, and Jon decided not to pursue the subject. Instead, he said, “So, where are you living?”
    “I have a room in a house near to Alexandra Park.”
    “Oh, yeah. I know the area well. You get a fantastic view over the city from there.” When he’d first moved to Bath, Jon had dated a guy called Rich, who had dressed in battle-scarred biker’s leathers and ridden a classic low-rider Harley-Davidson—something Jon, with his weakness for bad boys, hadn’t been able to resist. Their relationship had run its course once they’d realized they were completely incompatible out of bed, but he still had fond memories of lying in the long grass in Alexandra Park with Rich, sharing bottles of beer and stolen kisses.
    A spot of rain landed on Jon’s head, quickly followed by another. Acting on impulse, he said, “Look, why don’t you come to my place for coffee? It’s a little way out, but we can get a cab. I usually drive, but my car’s in the garage for repairs at the moment.”
    “Sounds great, but you need to know that when it comes to coffee, my standards are very high.”
    Kaspar grinned, and something melted inside Jon. He still found it hard to believe this man wanted to spend time with him.
    The rain grew heavier, and in the distance a clap of thunder sounded. Jon set off at a fast trot, cutting along the covered walkway in front of the shopping center and emerging at the pedestrian crossing leading to the railway station. A couple of cabs waited on the taxi rank. Jon went over to the one at the front of the queue and gave his address to the driver.
    This might be one of the most reckless things I’ve ever done, but it feels so right…
     

Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    The journey to his home passed in a blur. Kaspar said very little, seemingly content to stare at the passing landscape. They left behind the neat housing estates on the fringe of the city and traveled through thickly wooded countryside. Jon tried to imagine what impression he’d gain if he were looking at these surroundings for the first time.
    I’d think whoever lived out here had done pretty well for themselves. But then I wouldn’t know the whole story…
    At last, the cab pulled up before a detached house of an unusual hexagonal design and with a big, central chimneystack on the roof. “Here we are,” Jon said. He climbed out of the vehicle with Kaspar following behind him then went to pay the driver.
    Kaspar looked at the nameplate beside the front door. “Why do you call this ‘The Corner House’ when it’s not on a corner?”
    “I didn’t give it the name,” Jon admitted, “but I liked it, so I kept it. Though it has plenty of corners inside, believe me.” As he unlocked the door, he went on, “This used to be an old tollhouse. Everyone coming along the road to Bath had to stop here on the turnpike and pay a toll before they could pass.”
    He led Kaspar into the sitting room. “Make yourself at home. I’ll put the kettle on. If you fancy listening to some music, the DVD player is in the cabinet