Page 10 of Forever and Always
A comfortable silence settled between us, the only sound the gentle hum of the car. I wanted to say something, anything, to fill the void, but the words seemed to escape me.
When we get there, Darke pulls into a parking spot, his hand finding mine as I reached for the door handle. A surge of electricity shot through me, and I couldn’t help but smile. As he opened my door, I stepped out into the cool evening air, a strange mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside me.
The restaurant was abuzz with the sounds of chatter and clinking silverware, a symphony of human interaction that normally soothed my senses.
“I brought reservations,” Darke says, as we enter the main doors.
The aroma of freshly cooked pasta and pizza fills the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. Darke notices and chuckles, putting a hand on my back as the waitress guide me to our table.
The touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I feel a spark of electricity between us. I try to brush it off as mere nervousness, but deep down, I know it’s something more.
As we sit down and look over the menus, Darke asks, “So, Bobby, what’s your favorite Italian dish?”
I hesitate, feeling a bit self-conscious about my lack of culinary sophistication. But Darke’s warm smile puts me at ease, and I admit, “I’m a sucker for a good spaghetti and meatball.”
Darke grins. “Classic choice. I’m more of a pizza guy myself, but I can appreciate a good spaghetti.”
The waitress comes with our drinks, we give her our orders, and leaves us in peace.
The conversation between us flows effortlessly from there, and before I know it, we’re laughing and joking like old friends.
When the food comes, we get right into eating. Darke smiles.
As we savor our meals, the conversation continues, and I find myself feeling more and more at ease in Darke’s presence. He’s easy to talk to, and his smile is infectious.
While I eat, I can’t help but notice his muscles stretch against the tightness of his blue shirt.
At one point, he catches me staring at him and raises an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “See something you like, Bobby?” he teases.
Yes, I do.
I feel a blush rise to my cheeks, but I play it cool, smiling back at him. “Just admiring the view of the restaurant,” I reply, trying to sound suave.
Darke chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I know I’m in trouble. It’s as if he’s knows what I’m really viewing. I’m really starting to like this guy.
As we finish our meals and the check comes, I almost grab it, but Darke gets it before me, insisting on paying. “I invited you, so I get to pay,” he says, his tone firm but gentle.
I nod, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. “Thanks, Darke. This was really nice.”
He smiles, his eyes locking onto mine. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Bobby. I had a great time too.”
The air between us seems to vibrate with tension, and I wonder if he might kiss me.
* * *
We walk outside, out of the restaurant side by side, I look at him, needing to know, so I’m not wrong. “Darke…. are you, um….. gay?”
Darke’s expression doesn’t change, but a hint of a smile plays on his lips. He looks at me with a piercing gaze, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a touch of curiosity.
“Bobby, I was hoping when you’d ask,” he says, his voice low and smooth. “I am.”
My eyes widen, as he takes a step closer to me, his eyes locked onto mine. “How about you?” he ask with a serious tone.
I gulp slowly, and do a sharp nod. He puts his strong arm on my waist, the touch electrifying me.
“I’ve been wanting to do this all night,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.
And with that, he leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, gentle kiss.
