Page 45 of Numbers Boy
My heart skips a beat as I read the three little words waiting for me when I take my morning break. I eagerly reply with an affirmative, wondering what Noah has in mind. These past few days, we’ve barely gotten to see each other because of our various jobs. Other than the post-performance fuck fest – I suppress a little shiver at the thought of how sweet and loving Noah was, how perfect it felt as he slid inside me – we haven’t had a chance to be together for more than a quick five-minute catch-up at the park here or a random text conversation there.
Deciding to move around a bit while I wait for him to respond, I stand and stretch my arms above my head. My morning has been a productive one, and I’m glad to have made good progress on the numbers Sean asked me to look over for Love at First Bite. I was a little surprised when he brought it up, since between him and Carlos, he’s definitely the quieter of the two. But when I asked, he just shrugged and said he trusted me to do a good job. I smile to myself as I consider that.
That smile grows wider when my phone buzzes in my hand. I quickly open the new text.
Noah: Go on a date with me?
Me: Of course!
Noah: Perfect. I’ll pick you up at 6?
Me: Sure. Do I get to know where you’re taking me?
Noah: It’s a surprise.
Noah: But here’s a hint
My heart beats faster, and I realize I’m biting my bottom lip as I watch the dots at the bottom of my screen bounce. We haven’t really gone on a traditional date, and I’m curious what kind of thing Noah will plan. Whatever it is, I know it will be thoughtful and fun.
Noah: I was inspired by your celebration of National Penis Day
Ooh, color me intrigued.
Me: If it has to do with your dick, I love it already *eggplant emoji* *kissy face emoji*
Noah: I guess you’ll just have to wait and see *winky face emoji* *zipper face emoji*
I hesitate for all of a second before replying the way I would to any of my friends – with a nerdyLord of the Ringsreference.
Me: *Keep Your Secrets GIF*
Noah: *laughing emoji* see you tonight, beautiful
Excitement bubbling inside me, I call for Stacy, and we head out for a walk before I have to get back to work. As we stroll down the sidewalk, I pop in my earbuds and call Stu, deciding at the last minute to turn toward Love at First Bite. It’s a further walk than we typically take, but the sun is shining, and I don’t want to be cooped up inside when I’m feeling this happy. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Carlos and Sean, and then I can give Sean an accounting update as well.
Stu picks up after the first ring, which means I probably caught him in between clients.
“Hey, dude, what’s up?” comes his familiar voice.
“Just out for a walk with Stacy. You good to chat?”
“For sure. How is my favorite fur niece?”
I chuckle, watching as said fur niece sniffs at a nearby bush before continuing on. “She’s good. Happy to be stretching her legs.”
“I bet she is,” Stu says, affection clear in his tone. “And how are you? I know you said the show went well on Saturday, but I haven’t heard from you since. I was about to stage a Working Boys wellness check but figured I’d give you another day in case you were too busy getting, well, busy.”
“Saturday night, I definitely was.” I let out a sigh as the way Noah held me all night pops into my brain. In addition to the sex being off the charts, once we came down from our initial high, Noah showed me his most recent test results and reiterated that condoms would be our norm unless I ever brought it up again. No pressure, no trying to convince me that I was overreacting. I love the way he cares for me. I’m pretty sure I lovehim, period. Henry’s going to be insufferable when he finds out he was right. Stu chuckles a bit, pulling me back to the present. Before he can pry, I give him the lowdown. “Noah is amazing, Stu-boo. He’s hot and sexy and ugh. But he’s also sweet and caring and makes me think he could be perfect for me.”
I can hear Stu’s grin when he answers. “If he’s got you this twisted up, Stevie, you really should bring him around to meet the rest of the guys.”
“Yeah, I should. I just… what if he doesn’t get along with everyone?” More memories, of Adam this time, flash. The way he never wanted to go out if it was something with the Working Boys. How he would watch every interaction I had with Stu and then question me incessantly about whether I loved him more than Adam when we got home. Which, given the fact that I never once thought about doing something with another guy, while Adam was out there fucking who knows how many others, was the biggest bullshit ever. I guess he couldn’t comprehend loving someone without wanting dicks to be touched.
“Then we find that out now instead of putting it off.” Stu’s understanding answer comes through the line. I know he knows why I’m hesitant, and he’s right about me trying to postpone any potential negativity when everything else with Noah is going so wonderfully. “But just because that’s what happened before doesn’t mean it will happen again.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “You’re right. I’ll invite him to brunch. Go big or go home, right?”
Stu laughs, probably thinking about last time when the conversation somehow turned to if you were a cheese, what kind would you be? “I think it will be the perfect introduction to our group. How are things with Noah otherwise?”
