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Quick held his hand out for Cayson, and he gladly took it.
“Is this okay?” Quick asked, flicking his head at their joined hands when he began to walk towards the main road.
“Absolutely.” Cayson hid his smile as he and Quick walked amongst all the other date goers. They got a few glances at their closeness, but Quick was oblivious. He looked as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Cayson supposed growing up the biggest and strongest, you didn’t worry about being assaulted because of your orientation. Quick maneuvered them around people, while he kept a protective arm over Cayson’s shoulders. “I hope you’re hungry. This place has the best food,” Quick said, kissing the top of his head. He slowed down when they got to a wooden door, painted to look like a foxhole. A petite lady in dark stockings and a pretty, short black dress addressed them politely when they approached her hostess stand.
Quick spoke confidently, “I have reservations under Webb.”
The woman looked down and flipped through a couple pages before replying, “Yes, sir. We have you all ready.” She gave them a huge smile through her bright red lips and pointed in the direction of a roped off booth. Quick followed right behind the hostesses, still clasping Cayson’s hand.
The atmosphere was perfect for a first date. The restaurant was dark, with only a few recessed lights dimmed low above their heads and two votive candles on the table. It was plenty enough light to set a romantic mood. Cayson was pleasantly surprised when they were shown the best seat in the house. It was towards the back, against the wall in the far left corner. A beautiful rock garden fireplace was built into the wall next to their table, and Cayson sighed, welcoming the warmth. He removed his heavy coat, keeping his blazer on and slid into the horseshoe-shaped booth, Quick easing in right next to him, picking up Cayson’s hand and kissing his palm before he released it to take the menus. The restaurant was small, but warm and cozy. Several four top tables were spread throughout the minimal space, but Cayson loved the coloring. All dark reds and earth tones. There was a small musical trio nestled in the corner of the tiny dance floor. A violinist, a keyboard player and a saxophonist serenaded the diners with soothing melodies like you might hear in a spa. When Quick said the place had live music, Cayson thought it was going to be something like a Hall and Oats cover band, or similar to that.
“James will be your server this evening. You gentlemen enjoy.” The lady reached up and pulled a privacy curtain, closing them off from any curious eyes.
“Oh, nice.” Cayson grinned. “We need privacy?”
“I thought it’d make you more comfortable when I did this.” Quick held Cayson’s waist with one hand, the other palm cupped his cheek while he kissed him on the corner of his mouth, before moving down his jaw to his sensitive neck. “I love how good you smell. Mmm, how good you taste.”
He was so glad he chose the Kenneth Cole instead of the Stetson. Cayson closed his eyes, nuzzling closer to Quick’s large body. He felt so good, he could barely keep a lid on his emotions. The privacy curtain didn’t offend him. It only made him blush more, because he had a feeling people knew what was going on behind that partition. Quick didn’t hesitate to show everyone in the restaurant that they were there as a couple, not buddies.
“Thank you, Rome. This is really… really nice. I’m overwhelmed,” Cayson said softly against Quick’s lips.
“Why are you overwhelmed?”
Cayson didn’t get a chance to answer, because just then their waiter tapped on the side of the booth and waited for Quick’s okay before he pulled the curtain back just enough for him to speak to them.
“Good evening. I’m James. Welcome to The Foxhole. Can I get you started with something to drink?”
Quick had his arm draped over the back of the booth, making it so easy for Cayson to lean into his side. “What do you want to drink, babe?”
Babe. “I’ll have a water and a scotch on the rocks.” He felt like being daring tonight. He always kept a fine bottle of scotch in his liquor cabinet, but rarely indulged. For Cayson, tonight was all about the adventure. He’d do all the things he normally didn’t. It was a long time overdue for him.
“Is Johnnie Walker, okay, sir?” The waiter asked, scribbling in his notepad.
“Perfect.”
“I’ll have the same. And I’d like the stuffed mushrooms to start as well.” Quick ordered and Cayson nodded his head in agreement, he loved stuffed mushrooms.
“Would you like me to leave the curtain open?” James asked, not the slightest bit offended by their closeness. This was a world Cayson never knew existed. Acceptance. Tolerance.
