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My heart squeezed again. Henley was in need of help and guidance; two things I longed to provide. I cleared my throat and replied, “I have everything I need and your car seems to be in safe driving condition, so you’re free to go.” Unfortunately. I’d rather him stay and talk to me all day, but I knew he was on his way to work.
Henley’s fingers crept up his stomach and clutched his hair once more, and I wondered if he even realized he was doing it, as his eyes were set in a distracted gaze.
It didn’t take police skills to see that he was uncomfortable, and I wanted to do anything I could to help him. “Is something wrong?”
His pupils focused on me as he sighed. “I know I’m okay and my car is okay, but…I’m not sure that I’m okay to drive. I still feel shaky inside.” I loved how open he was with his emotions, and how sweetly he described them. “But I need to work. I’m sure my dad would come and get me if I called him, but I don’t want to pull him away from his job.”
My blood raced from the opportunity to provide for him. I’d happily scoop Henley into my cruiser and take him anywhere just to keep his company a little longer. But, I could only do so if his job was close; I couldn’t justify tying up a lot of time while I was on the clock. I crossed my fingers and asked, “Where do you work?”
“Perry’s Pizza Barn.”
“I know the place,” I told him with a smile. “They have great calzones.” It was also only about a ten minute drive away, so I offered, “I’d be happy to give you a lift if you’d like.”
“Really? That is so nice of you! Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“It’s my pleasure.” Pleasure was truly the best word; my stomach was alive with butterflies from the thought alone. All over a damn car ride; get it together, Amir!
“Thank you so much.” I stepped back to allow Henley to exit his car, and the butterflies in my stomach morphed into eagles when he shuffled next to me. I stood at six foot two, and the top of Henley’s head barely reached my shoulder. I’d always been attracted to smaller men, and Henley’s slim body definitely fit the bill.
“Ready?”
He nodded, but when we’d only taken two steps towards my cruiser, he stopped and exclaimed, “Wait!” I was worried he changed his mind about the ride until he added, “I forgot my lunch.”
He retrieved a lunch box (which was the same shade of red as his wallet) from his passenger seat. As I led him to my police car, he explained, “I used to eat the food at Perry’s, but I got tired of having pizza everyday.”
I chuckled as I walked with him to the right side of the car. When I opened the passenger door for him, Henley looked up wearing a surprised expression. “I’m allowed to sit in the front?” If he were any sweeter, he’d give me cavities.
I ran my fingers through my beard as I looked him over before teasing, “You look trustworthy. I’ll take my chances.” He giggled and the sound was music to my ears. “Unless, of course, you’d rather sit in the back.” I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“No, thanks; I want to sit with you.” My heart skipped a beat as he sat down in the passenger seat.
Without thinking, I bent down, grabbed his seatbelt, and stretched it across his chest to buckle him in. It was an instinct to care for him and keep him safe. It wasn’t until the buckle clicked that I realized what I’d done.
I was nervous of what expression I’d find when I turned my eyes to Henley, but was relieved to find a grateful smile on his face as he whispered, “Thank you.”
I couldn’t find my words, so I just nodded as I stood up, and then closed his door. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. My emotions and hopes were running wild. For years, I’d dreamt of finding a sweet boy who needed me; who I could take care of. But in all of my thirty six years, I never imagined it happening like this.
I scrubbed my hand over my face and took another deep breath. I was getting ahead of myself. Just because I had an instant attraction to—and budding interest in—Henley didn’t mean he felt the same way.
Though I usually had good instincts about people, I may have totally read him wrong. He might not be a little. He might not even be gay. I needed to calm down and see where things led, if anywhere. Maybe the only place they’d lead was Perry’s Pizza Barn.
