Page 33 of Call Me Sir

He nods yes then resumes looking out the window.

The view is breathtaking as we cross the causeway; the ocean cresting the horizon, seagulls drifting along currents. Yet I’m struggling to keep my eyes on the road when I’ve got this cutie next to me.

I slip my hand down a few inches but don’t do anything. Hesitantly, Cole places his right hand over mine and rests it there.

It’s as if he’s never been romanced. His cheeks are blazing red now. Somehow that turns me on more.

I swallow hard. If he hasn’t been treated right, I need to cast a firm leash on my desire and love him up good.

Love. I cringe at the word.

Just for this weekend. He’s my employee and come Tuesday when our three day weekend is over, everything has to go back to how it was.

A thought that twists my gut, but it’s how it must be.

I park the car and skip a couple steps to open the door for him.

I surprise both of us when I close the door behind him and offer my hand.

“Are you sure?”

Am I sure that I don’t want to just act like two straight dudes getting coffee as buddies? Am I sure that I want to out us both as gay?

“Yes.”

If Ace Maverick can do it, so can I.

Cole takes it and we walk to the little shop along the boardwalk.

We’re passed by guys and gals on their skateboards. Children run along the sand, and we pass a game of people playing volleyball.

Rolling my shoulders back, I stand even straighter than normal. I have nothing to be ashamed of or hide.

I try to ignore the feeling that everyone’s watching us and trying to figure us out. A tallish muscled man and a cute semi athletic guy.

We approach the Shore Front Coffee shop, a cute little mint colored place with a giant iced coffee as the sign about the door. It’s a little tacky, but I’m fond of the place.

I open the door and let Cole go inside first, regretting letting go of his hand.

There’s a bit of a line and I take the chance to put my arm around Cole’s shoulders. He feels so good under my arm.

“So,” he starts, leaning into my touch. “Why are there so many options?”

Squinting at the board, his head swivels back and forth trying to take in all the options.

“No idea. I get the same thing every time.”

“That’s no fun.” Then his head swivels to me and he laughs. “I mean…”

“No, you’re right,” I confirm with a grin. “Why try something new when I know I can come here and get exactly what I’m craving?”

He bobs his head.

“Which is boring,” I admit.

We both laugh.

The line moves forward quickly and not before long it’s time for us to order. I pull my arm away and Cole sways still looking at the menu.

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