JAKE
My heart seemed to have forgotten how to beat properly whenever I laid eyes on Gabriel. Maybe it is just his smoking’ hotness that stole the air from anyone in close proximity. He kissed me on the cheek, looking happy to see me, though it had only been a few hours. It was hard to believe this amazing man wanted to be with me.
“Hey, sexy,” he purred.
I shook my head and accepted his hug. I didn’t feel very hot in my sweaty uniform that smelled like a variety of cheeses. I held on to him longer than I intended, his strength balancing me.
“Change in plans. We had to cancel drinks tonight. But we rescheduled it for next Friday. I mentioned bringing along a plus-one, so you’re expected.”
“Okay. What did you want to do tonight, then?” I asked and zipped up my jacket. Now that it was the middle of November, the weather was really turning, the chill in the air a precursor to snow and ice. But with a sweet man to keep me warm, the winter shouldn’t be a problem anymore.
He threw a claiming arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, the heat of his body exactly what I needed. “Was thinking of dinner and a movie? I do dabble in the kitchen, but lasagna is about the extent of my skills. Then afterward, some dessert. How does that sound?”
The mention of dessert made me shiver with excitement. I very much wanted a repeat of last weekend. “Sounds like we have a plan.”
“Perfect! We will need to grab some supplies.”
A half hour later, I walked out of the market for the second time today with a bag of vegetable-based lasagna noodles, tomatoes, ricotta cheese, a green pepper, and a baguette.
The walk to the garage where he parked his car was pleasant, despite the plunging temperatures. And the ride to his home was filled with both trepidation and excitement for what the weekend would bring. He talked about a chiropractic conference coming up and although I didn’t understand a lot of the terminology he used, I savored the moment of simple conversation.
“My mouth is running away with me again,” he said as he pulled us out of the parking garage and onto the street. “Tell me about your day. Anything interesting happen?”
“Well, if you consider a Karen demanding to know why we don't have watermelon in the middle of winter, then yes, it was a fairly interesting day,” I said. “But things like that happen often, so…maybe not so interesting.”
He chuckled. “Oh, hey. I made a reservation for Alinea’s in March. It’s a Saturday.”
“What’s that?” I inquired.
“An experience. Art you can eat. You’ll see. You’ll like it.”
“It sounds expensive,” I countered.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“But I want to treat you sometimes.”
“Okay. You can pay me back in blowjobs, how about that?”
I tried holding an annoyed face, but it was impossible. I shook my head and looked away to hide my smile. He reached across the car and took my hand, his skin warm and smooth. Though the drive to his condo was short, it took us a good half hour just to get upstairs as he chatted with the security guard at the desk. There was a lot of football involved that madethe conversation hard to follow, so I simply nodded whenever Gabriel looked at me.
“Sorry,” he said as we entered the elevator.
“It’s okay. You’re a natural chatterbox,” I said. “It’s kind of weird though, you being into football.”
“Why? Because I’m gay?”
I shrugged. “I just didn’t understand anything you two were saying and felt bad when he asked me about my favorite team. I don’t like it when people think I'm not interested in what they’re saying because I have no comment.”
“You’re overthinking it. Besides, I do enough talking for both of us.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple, the simple gesture making everything okay.
We stepped into his condo, and I had to admit that it was nice coming home to such grandeur and comfort. The carpet was plush under my feet, the scent of lemon and mint pleasant, and the idea of sinking into his cloud of a bed tonight was exciting. I couldn’t get this kind of relaxation where I lived and was thankful for it.
Pixel came racing for us and Gabriel scooped him into his arms. He talked to the cat like a baby and scratched his ears. He said to me, “Why don’t you shower, and I’ll get dinner started?”
“Okay.”
The bathroom was easily the size of my apartment, with a jacuzzi tub and rain shower combo, and a sink and mirror expanding the length of one side. There was even a towel warmer in one corner. I put a fresh towel inside and turned it on, fascinated with the whirl it made.
