“Okay, now the yellow on these.” He points to a different shape, another leaf I can’t identify.
We switch spots a few times to allow each of us better access to the work area. Despite my best efforts, some of the sugar doesn’t make it to a cookie. Hopefully, Frank doesn’t get blamed for my mess.
It takes us at least thirty minutes, but eventually, Frank is content with the way they look.
“Are we good to go then?” I admire our work—well, mostly Frank’s work. It’s not bakery quality, but I suspect they’ll bring in some good money at the bake sale.
“Shhhh…” He holds a finger up to his mouth. “Keep quiet.” His face is so serious that I manage to stifle a laugh. “We’re gonna sneak out.” I’m not sure I like that plan; it won’t win me any points with his parents, but since it’s my fault we ended up in this position in the first place, I’m not going to argue. We did a lot for them this evening. I must have a few points in reserve at this stage. “Grab your coat,” he whispers.
I swipe my jacket from the chair, peering around the corner to see if anyone’s watching. The hallway’s clear, so I duck back into the kitchen. I’m a little sad to see Frank has lost the apron, but the disappointment disappears when he pulls on a beautiful black sweater. It looks stunning on him, hugging his body in all the right places and bringing out the color of his freckles.
He motions to me to follow him as we sneak around through the kitchen toward the front door. He grabs his shoes and cracks the front door open. I grimace, waiting to hear a creaking sound, but nothing happens. How many times has he snuck out of this house? Probably more than I want to think about. He slips out, holding the door open for me to follow. I have to push it open a little more, not able to slide through the same slim opening he did.
As soon as I’m out, he sticks his head inside. “Cookies are done. Bye,” he calls loudly, shutting the door behind him. “Go, go, go.” He takes off toward my car, still carrying his shoes.
I can’t help but laugh watching him. He might be in a rush to get away from his parents, but there’s something about the carefree way he runs across the front yard in his socks, waiting for me to follow, that makes my chest swell. That playfulness is something my life has been missing for a long time. Everything over the past twenty years has been focused on my education and career, neither of which has left much time for fun.
Now that I’m here, it’s clear that I missed out on a lot. Hopefully, Frank will reintroduce me to thosesimple joys.
He waits for me by the passenger door. I hold back on clicking the button to unlock it until I’m right next to him. “Let me get the door for you.” It’s the right thing to say based on the little shiver that runs through him. If that’s his response to such a simple gesture, I can’t imagine what he’ll be like in bed. It’s going to be a long night at the restaurant waiting to get him home.
I adjust my cock as I make my way around the back of the car, willing it to behave for the next few hours. Frank deserves a real date, not a race to the bedroom.
“All set?”
Chapter Fifteen
FRANK
Even if wedo nothing but drive around in Matthias’s fancyBMW, this will be my best date this year. That’s more sad commentary on my life than an assessment of how this is going.
Matthias pulls away from my house, and I finally catch my breath. Even if they run after me now, they’ll never be able to catch up.
“You okay?”
“Just checking the mirrors.” I need to be sure. I know it sounds crazy, but I don’t trust that my mom isn’t tailing us in the family minivan, crying about a forgotten pan of cookies.
“I think we’re safe.” I hum my agreement. “I hope you like Chinese food.”
“Sure, that’s fine.” I haven’t had it in a long time. In part because it’s hard to find things I can eat there. There’s plenty of chicken and fish, so I suspect there are good choices. There’s always rice.
“It’s a new vegan Chinese place a client mentioned tome. It sounds interesting, and since everything there is vegan, you should have plenty of options. If that doesn’t sound good, let me know, and we can find somewhere else.”
My throat tightens until all I can do is nod, which is stupid because it’s dark and he’s driving, so he can’t see. All the frustration I had earlier about him not planning for this is gone, replaced by an overwhelming amount of gratitude. I can find something to eat almost anywhere, though it can be hard and limited. Often, I get stuck with a side salad instead of a real meal. Nothing says joy like a bunch of wilted lettuce drowning in Italian dressing. No one ever works to find places with reasonable options, let alone plans the night around ensuring I can eat everything on the menu.
I don’t know the last time I went into a restaurant without being worried, trying to decide what I can order that won’t leave me in pain or kill me. If Matthias wasn’t driving right now, I’d throw my arms around him and kiss him senseless.
“That’s okay, right?” He glances over at me a few times.
“It’s perfect,” I choke out.
A few minutes later, we pull into a parking lot at the back of a building. The place doesn’t look like much, but the best places never do.
Before I can move, Matthias comes around and opens my door for me. It’s like I’m in some sort of fairy tale. With my hunky prince waiting on me. Or maybe he’s the beast? Either way, I’m happy to be swept off my feet.
“Frank, you’ll need to put your shoes on.” Oh, right. I’m still in my socks from sneaking out of the house. I shove my feet into my sneakers and tie them quickly. Matthias watches me closely the whole time; his gaze is serious and focused.
“Ready.” I pop out of the car and follow Matthias to thefront of the building. The door jingles as we walk in. The interior is dimly lit, with numerous colorful lamps and fabric throughout. Each table appears to be in its own little world, separated from the others through the creative arrangement of furniture and drapes.
