Page 14 of Cookie
Ryan
T he server brought our orders just as we got settled at the table. “Here you go, guys. Let me know if there’s anything else you need,” they said as we took in the amazing smells and delicious looking food.
“I think we’re good,” I said, and they turned and hurried back to the kitchen.
“This was definitely a good choice,” Charlie said, as he took a bite of one of the barbecued ribs on his sample platter. I tried the brisket and had to stifle a groan.
“I think so too,” I said and for a few minutes we both were too busy eating to speak. Finally, Charlie looked up and met my eyes.
“So, about going to a club . . .” he said and left it hanging.
“I wondered if you were serious about going. What do you think?” I asked.
“Let’s do it. I’ve been to one nearby a few years ago but I wasn’t with anyone, and I mostly stood back and took it all in.”
“So, you want to go and get the full experience?” I asked and hoped he was ready for the club Aunt Millie had mentioned. I didn’t tell her, but I knew exactly what it was, I just hadn’t had the chance to go to it yet.
“What’s the full experience?” he asked, his eyes wide and a bite of brisket held on his fork.
“How open are you to new experiences?” I asked, not answering his question at all.
“I guess I’m open—I think,” he said still with an edge of fear or panic to his voice, and maybe a little curiosity.
“It’s still early but we can go check it out and if it’s not your thing there’s a few other clubs we can check out.” I wanted him to see new things, but I didn’t want him to be uncomfortable or feel like he had to pretend to like something he didn’t. “I’m curious too,” I admitted.
“Let’s go then,” he said and finally ate the bite he still hadn’t touched.
“We can park my car at my apartment and take an Uber. Then we don’t have to worry about parking or drinking.” He nodded before smiling at me.
“I can’t wait,” he said, and leaned across the table to kiss me. “Everything with you is fun.”
“Everything?” I murmured, tipping my chin down and hoping I looked flirty. He started to smile before swallowing hard and reaching for my hand.
“Yes, everything,” he said and smoldered right back at me, and how did I not notice how intensely hot he was when he looked at me with unhidden lust.
Now it was my turn to swallow hard before waving for our ticket so we could get the hell out of here.
As soon as we were outside the restaurant, I pushed Charlie against the side of the building.
The light had just faded enough to give the illusion of privacy as I kissed him the way I always seemed to want to.
Our tongues swirled together and when he moaned into my mouth, I considered staying at my apartment instead of just dropping off my car.
But Charlie didn’t get out of Grace very often and I wanted him to see more than my bedroom.
“Come on, let’s go see what we can see,” I said and took his hand.
We explored more of the area around the arena and after about an hour decided it was time to take the car home.
“Didn’t I hear there’s a mermaid bar here too?” Charlie asked.
“There is, it’s not far from here if you want to go,” I offered as we walked toward the parking garage.
“Maybe later, but I’m very curious about this club. What did Millie say the name was?”
“The Bolt,” I said and hoped he didn’t google it because I really wanted it to be a surprise.
“Damn, I was hoping I could get a hint from the name,” Charlie said and laughed.
We found the car and once we were inside, I checked the directions.
If we went to Faces, there were other clubs nearby but if we went to The Bolt, it was the only gay bar in that area.
“Okay, I want to be honest with you. The club I wanted to take you is a leather cowboy bear bar. But if we go there then there isn’t much else around it.
If we go to Faces, then there’re a few other places nearby. What sounds good to you?”
He shook his head and looked away before meeting my eyes again. “What did you say it was again?” he asked.
“A leather cowboy bear bar. Is that not your thing at all?” I asked not sure if he was shocked, happy, or totally freaked out.
His face bloomed with color, and I couldn’t stop myself from brushing my fingers against his cheek. “What is it?”
“I have no clue what you’re talking about,” he whispered like he was admitting something horrible.
I nearly laughed but then I realized he was serious and forced myself not to.
“Well, let me show you their website.” I opened it and showed him how harnesses and different leather wear were plentiful and showed him the page that showed a pup play night.
Once again, his eyes widened, and his mouth tried to form words, but no sound came out.
“Babe, what is it?” I asked.
“I’m so curious but I’m so out of my element right now,” he finally managed to say. I cupped his cheek and this time when his eyes met mine, we both dissolved into laughter.
“Okay so maybe we’ll build up to that. How about we go find the mermaid bar and have a nice quiet drink?” I asked and he melted into my touch.
“Oh my god, that sounds so good,” he said and once again we both laughed.
Charlie might be sheltered living in that small town that I’d soon call home, but he wasn’t a prude, and he was far from closed-minded.
He was innocent, and I liked the idea that I could introduce him to a few things that were new to him, and if all that turned out to be a bar with a big tank where people swam around with mermaid tails, then so be it.