There’s no such thing as a free ride. Aidan may be only twenty, but he’s already learned that the hard way. Hitch-hiking up from London to Glasgow to keep a promise to a man he’ll never see again, Aidan’s fully prepared to offer payment in kind for his lifts. He’s not expecting a good-looking older bloke to pick him up in a Mercedes -- nor that he’ll find John such good company. After a few short hours together Aidan’s already starting to care what John thinks of him.<br><br>When slow traffic forces them to get a room for the night, Aidan’s not sure what to do. Putting out as a thank you to a stranger is one thing, but can he really go through with it with the first person he’s come to care for since he made that promise?<br><br>And what’s going to happen when they reach their destination?

Free Ride

Aidan woke up confused and realised they’d stopped somewhere dark. His heart raced for a moment before he realised they were in a service station car park.


“Wake up, sleeping beauty,” John mocked him. “Hungry?”


“Er, yeah,” Aidan managed as he collected his scrambled wits. “Um, I haven’t got a lot of cash…”


John looked amused. “Why does that not surprise me? Don’t worry, lad, it’s on the house. On account of you being such good company and all.”


Aidan felt a bit bad about that. “Um, sorry about falling asleep…”


“Nay, lad. Better than the radio, your snoring!” Grinning, John unbuckled his seatbelt and climbed out of the Merc.


“Hey! I don’t snore!” Aidan protested.


“Who told you that? Bloody liar, whoever it was!” John led the way into the service station, laughing, and Aidan followed, blinking at the lights gleaming bright on off-white tiles.


Chapter 2