Page 32 of In the Middle of No(ah)where
"Noah." His name comes out as a whisper, and the only thing on my mind is keeping him safe. In my mind, this boy has been mine since the day we met at the LGBTQ+ center years ago. He's never been far from my thoughts. I feel a tear slide down my cheek, and I don't wipe it away. I scooted out of the booth because I just wanted to be close to him. The only thing I can think of is getting this boy into my arms. I notice his face drop a little. Disappointed. When I slide back into the booth next to him, I lift my arm, and he scoots closer to fold himself into my chest. No words are exchanged, just an understanding.
As the minutes tick by, I feel Noah's body relax under my arm–the weight of his secrets lifting. The Bamboo Garden, once a restaurant, has been transformed into a sanctuary—a haven where the two of us can begin to rebuild the bridge that time and circumstance destroyed. As Noah shares his past, the noise andbustle around us seem to fade into the background. Extras in a movie scene.
After paying the check, I escort Noah back to my car where, on the drive, we sit in silence with Noah's warm hand tucked inside mine. The silence between us is calm.
"I had a nice time tonight," Noah tells me while looking out the windshield.
"Me too. Again…thank you for sharing all that with me. I hope you know that the only thing that changes is how much closer I feel to you because of it," I try to reassure him.
He nods.
As I pull in front of his apartment complex, I park the car before shifting to face him. "Noah. Look at me." I command softly. His blue eyes find mine. My hand cupped his face, my thumb brushing against the stubble on his jaw. "You are beautiful inside and out. I've really enjoyed my time getting reacquainted. Can I see you again?"
A grin tugs at Noah's lips. "Really? I mean…yeah, of course."
"Good. I'm going to kiss you now."
And before Noah can respond, he leans in and meets me halfway. His lips brush softly against mine. I angle my head and take his mouth deeper, sliding my hand to the back of his head, weaving my fingers into his locks, and tugging slightly, causing him to gasp. A quiet moan leaves his mouth as my tongue finds his. Tasting the sweetness of the orange chicken he had for dinner. Pulling back to nip at his lower lip, I smile when I look into his lust-filled eyes.
I stare at him, knowing that I won't be taking it further tonight. We both need time to process such a heavy first date.
I lean back in my seat to take a breath before undoing my seatbelt, and he does the same. Before this little make-out session goes too far, I open the door and step around the car to open his.
"And they say chivalry is dead," he tells me with a smirk, grabbing my hand and letting me pull him out.
"Never."
When we get to his door, he starts fidgeting with his keys, and a small laugh escapes me. "Relax, I'm not coming in. I just wanted to walk you to the door. You know, chivalry and all," I tease.
"Thanks again for a great evening. Make sure you text me when you get home." He tells me with a soft laugh, reminding me of my worries from the zoo the other day.
"Yes, Daddy," I toss back, and the words sound so foreign on my tongue that I almost cringe saying them.
"No, no, no way. I am definitely not a daddy."
"Good. Because it would be hard to have two Daddies in this relationship…not impossible, but challenging." I give him a little wink. "Now, get your teeth brushed and in bed by eleven. You've got work in the morning."
Noah steps up, wraps his arms around my torso, and buries his head in my neck. His body relaxes against mine. If my taking charge and setting a few quick rules is getting this kind of reaction, what would it be like to really be his Daddy?
“Would you…can you…I mean, I know it's only–"
Noah stumbles for the right words, but the blush on his cheeks is giving away a lot more than he thinks. If I'm reading the room correctly, "Yes. I would love to get you tucked into bed." I give him a kiss on the cheek.
After Noah has brushed his teeth, he slips into some solid green PJs and a graphic long-sleeved t-shirt displaying a group of aliens on the front with the phrase"Aliens Don't Believe in You Either." Turning his lamp on and the overhead light out, I hold his sheets and blanket back so he can climb in. I sit on the edge of the mattress.
"Did you set your alarm?" I ask.
"Yeppers. I even set the backup alarm in case Iaccidentallyhit the off button instead of snooze."
"Good. Now, snuggle in," I tell him as I pull the blanket up around his neck.
"Can you read to me?" He asks in a voice that sounds much smaller than before. From the moment we hugged on the porch, I knew he was slipping further into middle space.
I grab the book sitting on his nightstand, and of course, it has something to do with space creatures.
I lean back against the headboard, and Noah scoots closer, pulling his arm out from under the covers to wrap around my waist. I lean over and kiss the top of his head.
"Okay, Puppy, close your eyes and get some rest."
