Danny was excited about her visit and the festival tomorrow. Rob was anticipating his date with Julian that very night. Time stretched on for him, and he was ready to drag Julian off somewhere right now, but first they had to put Danny to bed.
Once Danny was asleep, Julian went to get ready then he and Rob met up at the top of the stairs. As soon as he laid eyes on Julian, Rob had to get his hands on him.
"Looking like that, you won't even make it to the car in one piece," Rob said as he came up behind Julian and nuzzled his neck. "Hell, you might not make it downstairs."
Julian turned around to face him. He was like a vision of sexy elegance in a dark gray suit that was more fitted than the ones he had seen him wear to work. Rob didn't have anything like that. He put on a soft, beige V-neck sweater. With a buttoned down shirt under it, it didn't look half bad.
Julian took a long look at him and smiled. That was all the approval Rob needed.
"I don't know how I'll restrain myself either," Julian said with a grin as he ran his hands over Rob's chest.
They did make it downstairs after some kissing, and Christie was there to see them off. "You two have fun, and I'll keep a close eye on those guys," she promised them as she walked them to the door.
"Don't hesitate to call or text for any reason even if Danny wakes up and just wants to talk to us," Julian told her.
"OK. I won't hesitate," she promised Julian. Rob could tell that she didn't disapprove of how attentive he was to his little brother.
Julian had arranged for them to have dinner at the Stone Creek Inn, which was halfway between Peach Tree and Ashbury. The inn was in a beautiful old, building, and the grounds were even better with archways and trellised walkways. The gold and copper of autumn leaves was on display, but there was every sign that in spring and summer this place would become ridiculously lush.
"This is really nice. I didn't know a fancy place like this was out here," Rob said as the two of them walked the grounds.
Julian looked around like he didn't know what Rob was talking about. "Fancy?"
"I guess not fancy to you," Rob teased him. "I think it's perfect. Heck I'd be happy if we just had a picnic right out here."
Julian raised a eyebrow at that. "I'm glad you like it. You'll have a good view of all this from up there." Julian pointed out one of the balconies on the second floor of the inn.
"You booked us a room?" Rob guessed.
"Not only that. That table they're setting is for us."
Rob saw two people on one of the balconies, looking busy though he couldn't see the table from where he and Julian were standing. He was flattered that Julian was doing all this for him.
Since the staff was still setting up upstairs, they took their time strolling the inn garden. The sun was halfway behind the horizon, and the air was cooling so Rob put his arm around Julian as they walked. Other people were meandering down the paths too, but Rob hardly noticed them. Julian was everything to him as he held him close against his side.
Julian got a text that everything was ready for their date and they went up. Going through the double doors of their room, Rob took in the large, stone fireplace and the French windows leading to the balcony. A four-poster bed with crisp white linens dominated one side of the room and made Rob think of what might be happening there later.
But first Julian led him out to the balcony. The waiters, who had been there before, were gone now. The table was set and a cart next to it held covered dishes.
"The balcony is our private dining room," Julian said.
"Wow, and it's heated," Rob noticed.
"Did you think I would let you freeze?" Julian asked as they kissed then took their seats at the table.
"I figured you'd find some other way to keep me warm," Rob said with a chuckle.
"I'll do that anyway," Julian told him, a sweet smile on his lips. Damn, Rob loved it when that man smiled.
"You know how to woo a guy," Rob said as Julian uncorked the wine.
"I'm glad you think so. You're the only guy I've ever tried to woo." Julian looked down shyly and his pouring wasn't a hundred percent steady.
Just as promised, the balcony gave them a great view of the grounds, which were growing shadowy this late in the evening. But as they watched, lanterns started to come on and illuminate the paths.
"Nice," Rob said.
The view was great, but his eyes stayed on Julian most of the time. He was beyond gorgeous. Rob couldn't believe he was sitting across a table from him, sipping expensive wine, eating incredible food, all chosen by Julian.
