Nick turned off the shower, and we grabbed towels to dry off. We kept sneaking glances at each other, grinning like fools. Once dry, Nick wrapped his towel around his waist, and smiled. “That was amazing,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, and kissed his forehead. “You’re amazing.”
Nick
The picnic and movie turned out better than I’d expected. Thanks to Trevor’s help, the food was delicious. Henry had thirds, which spoke louder than words that he’d enjoyed dinner. We’d both seen the movie before, so we spent more time talking quietly, than watching.
Henry helped me pack up after the credits ended, and he surprised me by slipping his fingers through mine as we walked back to my complex. I squeezed his hand to make sure he didn’t pull away. I’d been out since I was eighteen, but no one I dated ever held my hand in public. Until Henry.
We didn’t talk much for most of the ten minute walk back to my building. It was nice because neither of us felt we needed to fill the quiet time we were enjoying.
“Thank you for planning such an amazing date,” Henry said when we reached the parking lot. “I was wondering if you’d like to spend the night at my place? No pressure, of course, but I really like falling asleep next to you.”
Relief washed over me. I’d been trying to bring this up since we left the park. Him being Trevor’s cousin, I was afraid he’d be uncomfortable at our place, but I didn’t want to invite myself over. “I’d love to,” I said, unable to keep the smile off my face. “Iwanted to ask you to stay at my place, but figured you might feel weird with Trevor there.”
Henry’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I don’t care if Trevor’s in the next room, but I think we’d both be more comfortable at my condo.”
He wasn’t wrong. Trevor would never be a jerk, but I think we’d both have it in the back of our minds he was on the other side of the wall. “Let me drop this stuff off and get some clothes for tomorrow. I’ll even remember to bring a tie.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Henry said playfully. “I think you look good wearing mine.”
The insecure part of me thought Henry suggested I looked better in his expensive ties, but my brain squashed that quickly. Henry was flirting and I didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable. “Thanks, but I’d prefer to wear my own. Nothing screams booty call louder than wearing an unfamiliar tie around Brenda.”
Henry snickered at first, trying to hold back a laugh. “Booty call?”
I held up my free hand, enjoying the easy way we joked with each other. “Her words. I mean the first time I wore a new shirt and tie I’d bought with Alex, and Brenda grilled me asking if I had a sugar daddy or something.”
The way Henry looked at me, I’d said too much. Given the disparity in our finances, he probably wondered if I saw him that way. I stopped walking and pulled on our linked hands. “That’s not how I see you, Henry. You’ve been wonderful about trying to keep things as equal as we can. Tonight is a prime example. I never once felt like you were disappointed in my next to no cost date.”
“Good,” he smiled and I felt his tension ease. “Spending time with you is more important than what we do. Tonight was special. Not because of what it cost, but becauseyoutook thetime to plan it for me. I’m glad you get me well enough to know that’s what matters most.”
I wasn’t sure I knew it mattered most, but I was certain he wouldn’t look down on me for what I’d planned. “Good. And that’s why I’m going to remember to bring a tie tonight to keep Brenda guessing.”
“Fair enough.”
Passing through his lobby was starting to feel a bit less unnerving. I associated the building with Henry, not opulence or wealth. The front desk person waved to Henry, but otherwise didn’t react to us holding hands as we headed for the elevators.
Inside his condo, I relaxed even more. My comfort level with Henry increased every time we were together. I saw his home as an extension of him. I almost said ‘go me’ for being more comfortable around his wealth, but I wasn’t there yet.
Henry took my bag, disappeared for a moment, and came back looking happy. “Would you like to listen to some music, or are you tired and want to get ready for bed?”
I loved that he always let me take things at my pace. In the shower, it was clear we both wanted more, but he still gave me the control. I was ready to hand it back to him. “I’d like to go to bed, but not to go to sleep.”
“That might be the cutest way anyone’s ever told me they want to get naked with me,” he said stepping into my space, and wrapping me in his arms.
I hadn’t been going for cute, but whatever. It had worked. Emboldened, I decided to be more direct. “I want to do more than just be naked.”
Henry’s eyes darkened as he rested his head against my shoulder. “That can be arranged,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “Why don’t we get ready to be naked in bed?” He punctuated his suggestion with a quick, teasing kiss that left me wanting more. This time, I was reasonably sure I’d get what I wanted.
Henry:
I leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom, watching as Nick brushed his teeth. He was down to his boxers, the rest of his clothes scattered on the floor. My gaze trailed down his back, following the curve of his spine to the waistband of his boxers. I knew I was staring, but I couldn’t help it. He was beautiful, and I wanted him.
Nick caught my eye in the mirror and grinned, toothpaste foaming at the corners of his mouth. “Should I put a shirt on so you can take it off?” he asked, a playful spark in his eyes.
I shrugged, a smirk tugging at my lips. “You’re fine the way you are,” I said, pulling my own shirt over my head and tossing it aside. Two could play at this game.
Leaving him to finish, I walked into the bedroom. I checked the nightstand, ensuring I had lube and condoms. Though my angel physiology made me immune to most diseases, Nick and I would need to discuss safety before I presume unprotected sex was an option. That assumed we were going to fuck, something I didn’t know. In the face of the unknown, it didn’t hurt to be ready.
