Page 4 of Off Limits

We finished our meal, followed by a delicious dessert of chocolate cake Gavin baked, as we caught up. Wade told me some tales about the wild parties he'd attended in school, and I was shocked he survived the past few years.

Gavin told me about his newfound love of weightlifting, which he had discovered on campus. He said he worked out as often as he could. I tried my best not to picture him sweaty and breathless at the gym.

We talked late into the night. I got the feeling that Wade and Gavin could have gone all night without sleep, but my much older body was dragging. So, I finally said my goodbyes, but not before inviting the duo to dinner the following evening. I had the weekend free, and was looking forward to spending more time together. I'd missed both of them.

I gave Wade a hug before stepping in front of Gavin and pausing. Over the years, I'd slung my arms around him countless times in a friendly or playful embrace. So why did it feel so different now? Why was I avoiding it, yet craving it at the same time? Why was I wondering if his body would feel as firm as it looked? And why was I hesitant to find out?

Gavin interrupted my train of thought by holding out his hand once more. Both relieved and disappointed, I clutched it and gave it a firm shake.

His innocent yet exhilarating promise of, “See you tomorrow, Richmond,” bounced around my head as I retreated to my car. It was joined by questions, fantasies, and guilt I wasn't ready to address. I told myself now that the initial shock of seeing him again had passed, those thoughts would soon fade away.

Chapter Two

Gavin

I knocked on Richmond's front door and tried my best to appear calm and collected, even though my heart was racing. I wasn't expecting to have alone time with Richmond so soon; this dinner was supposed to include Wade as well, but he got sick and had to cancel at the last minute.

Of course, I knew he wasn't actually sick. I'd known him nearly my whole life and I was familiar with all of his tricks. He waited to dip out of our plans until he knew Richmond would already have the food prepared, so he wouldn't reschedule. Wade gave only a few, vague details about his “illness”, and winked at me when I left our house. He was totally faking and I totally loved him for it.

Because what he was actually doing was giving me uninterrupted time with his father. I was excited for the party he invited me to the following week, but the thought of having this one-on-one time with him was exhilarating.

Seeing Richmond the night before was everything I hoped it would be after so long. He was even more handsome and charming than I remembered. And I loved his surprised (and delighted) expression when he saw me. For the first time, he saw me as a man.

The door opened and Richmond appeared with a smile. I didn’t miss the quick once-over he gave me, and I was grateful I chose to wear a tight shirt. I’d worked hard on my body and wanted to show it off to him.

“What’s with the knocking?” Richmond teased. Throughout the years, I’d barged into his home many times, but always when Wade was at my side. I wouldn’t dream of doing it alone. “Come on in.”

He ushered me inside, but I paused as he closed the door behind us. “Are you sure you don’t mind my being here?” I’d double checked over the phone before coming over, but I wanted to be sure he was okay having dinner with just the two of us. If he wasn’t, that placed my life goals right in the toilet.

“Don’t be silly; of course I’m sure.” He motioned me forward and I followed him into the kitchen, where a familiar scent hit my nostrils. “I just took it out of the oven.”

I beamed when I saw a piping hot pan of lasagna on the counter. “Oh man, I’ve missed that.” It was always my favorite dish Richmond cooked. “Wade is gonna be pissed when he finds out.” Lasagna was his favorite as well.

He chuckled as he pulled on an oven mitt and moved the dish onto the table. “I’ll send some home to him.”

“If there’s any left,” I only half joked. It had been a long time since I enjoyed Richmond’s cooking, and I fully planned on overindulging.

“I was actually doubting my choice; I wasn’t sure you’d want lasagna.” I cocked my head and he added, “I don’t know many people who eat like this and look like that.” He gave my body another glance, making my heart pound. I thought I noticed his cheeks pink before he turned around and hurried to retrieve two plates from the cabinet.

Thrilled he noticed but not wanting to draw attention to it, I replied, “I watch what I eat most days, but I definitely splurge now and then. Especially when it’s on something this delicious.”

Richmond faced me again and served two heaping portions onto our plates. “I need to do better about watching my diet; my metabolism isn’t what it used to be.”

“I think you look fantastic.” His figure had spread and softened a bit over the years, but it only made him more delectable in my eyes. His frame promised warm embraces and pillowed cuddles; things I fantasized about often.

“Thanks,” he whispered as his blush returned. I hoped I didn’t make him uncomfortable. He was unaware of my feelings for him, and I knew I had to take things slowly, but I wasn’t going to shy away from complimenting him. “I might have to hit you up for some workout tips, though.”

“I’d love to go to the gym with you sometime.” I didn’t think he needed to change a damn thing about himself, but I’d never turn down time together; especially sharing something I enjoyed.

“That sounds great,” he smiled as he pushed a loaded plate in front of me.

I scooped up a big bite and moaned as it passed my lips. “This is straight out of a wet dream.”

Richmond’s stomach jerked as he laughed. “I’m glad I haven’t lost it.” He gleefully watched as I shoveled in a few more bites. “You are quite the cook as well. You said you learned in college; did you take a class?”

I shook my head no as I swallowed. “I watched a ton of YouTube videos. I figured it was time to learn how to take care of myself. There was only so much I could do with an illegal hot plate in the dorm, but it worked out okay. Wade was happy to be my taste tester.”

“I’m sure he was,” he chuckled.

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