Page 37 of Numbers Boy
I snort a laugh as I walk past Stu to go get changed for our workout. He winks at me from where he’s currently leading his client through some cooldown stretches. I give him a small wave and an eye roll in return, then push into the locker room.
By the time I’m back out in the main room, Stu has finished up with his client and is walking on one of the treadmills. I join him, hopping on the one to his right and matching his pace.
“How many times did you get to say that today?” I ask.
Stu turns to grin at me, upping his tempo to a light jog. “Too many to count, dude. I also got to show someone how to do a clean and jerk.”
“Sounds like your typical Saturday night.” My voice is light and teasing, and we both laugh as Stu flips me off.
“Just because you’re getting it good from someone other than your hand doesn’t mean you have to brag.” My best friend matches my easy tone, but I sense something is slightly off. I know when we talked the other day, he seemed down about not dating. Before I can ask about it though, he keeps going. “How’s it going with Noah, by the way? Did you guys have fun with his nieces the other night?”
“Yeah, we did,” I reply, switching to join him at an easy run pace so we can keep the conversation going. “I actually ended up watching them by myself for a bit because Noah had a pet-sitting emergency. The girls are awesome. We did hair and makeup, then had a dance party.” I pause for a bit, but Stu stays quiet, letting me gather my thoughts. Just like I know there’s more he hasn’t said about how his love life is going, he knows there’s more for me to tell. “I also told Noah about Eve.”
Stu hits his Stop button and turns to face me, a giant smile splitting his face and causing his cheek to dimple.
“That’s great, Stevie! How did he take it?”
“Really, really well. He asked me a little bit about doing drag, but we were interrupted before we got too much into it.”
I can feel my face flush, and I can’t stop my smile as I remember what else Noah had said.You’re royalty, alright, but you’re not a princess. You’re a queen.
Stu chuckles beside me, and I stop my machine to look over at him.
“Did you invite him to your show in a few weeks?”
“No, I didn’t get the chance.” I shake my head, knowing it’s only the partial truth. I probably could have brought it up before Noah left, or I could have texted him about it in the two days since then. But I just haven’t. “Noah did tell me that he also performs. He plays and sings at local bars.”
“That’s cool,” Stu says, leading us over to the free weights once we wipe down our treadmills. “Maybe you could both see each other perform soon.”
I smile, picking up a weight and getting started on my routine. “I hope so.”
LATER THAT DAY, my puddle boots pulled on in deference to the recent weather, I get Stacy ready for our evening dog park date with Noah. It was raining earlier, but when we head out onthe short walk to get there, the sky is clear and the sun is bright where it’s just beginning to set.
We’re meeting at a new place, one that Noah suggested because there’s usually a taco truck parked down the block. I can smell the scent of meat and spices as we get closer. Just as my stomach starts rumbling, Stacy lets out a greeting bark and tugs the tiniest bit when she sees Noah. He turns toward the sound and waves.
“Hold on, girly, we’re getting there,” I chide softly, keeping the leash taut. She immediately walks closer to me again. Since I’ve got her enthusiasm reined in for the moment, I let myself get a better look at Noah, and now I’m the one picking up the pace to get to him. He’s gorgeous in a pale blue hoodie and navy beanie. And, fuck, are his jeans painted on? They hug his strong thighs like a lover, and I’m honestly a bit jealous of the fabric that gets to touch him in public.
“Hi, beautiful,” he says with an easy smile when we get closer.
“Hey, handsome,” I answer, heart melting as Noah crouches down to give Stacy pets, and she eagerly returns his affection. When he stands again and pulls me in, hands cradling my jaw, lips brushing the softest kiss against my lips, my heart finishes its transformation into a pile of mush.
Noah kisses me again, his lips a bit firmer this time, causing my eyes to flutter closed. I wrap my arms around his waist and shift my weight against his solid frame, content to just let him explore for a bit. He holds me easily, a satisfied hum rumbling through his chest as I relax into it.
“Love kissing you,” he murmurs against my mouth.
My voice is breathless when I reply. “Love your kisses.”
Just then, my stomach growls again, and Noah pulls his head back an inch. But instead of letting the moment go completely, he keeps his hands on my face, and his body continues tosupport mine. His gaze pings between my eyes, a tender smile on his full lips.
“Let’s get you fed.”
I nod, still a little dazed from his lips on mine, and follow as Noah threads our fingers together and leads us to the food truck. Stacy trots alongside me, happy now that we’ve met up with Noah. And I get it. I’m pretty happy to just go along with whatever now that we’re with Noah, too.
We order a few tacos each, plus a soda to split, then slowly stroll toward the park as we eat. Conversation flows easily, both of us sharing about how work is going. Now that Noah knows about Eve, I mention the small brunch performances I’ve been doing, as well as what I’ve got coming up. Noah tells me about his upcoming appearances.
The whole thing feels easy. Light. I don’t remember having that with guys I’ve dated before. There’s no awkwardness. No worrying about saying or doing something wrong. It’s like chatting with Stu or one of the other Working Boys. Only, I don’t want to lick the taco sauce off any of their fingers.
Finally making it to the park, we let Stacy off her leash to run for a bit. After she takes off, we meander over to one of the benches along the fence.
