Page 80 of Deep Down

But as he entered the restaurant and saw Alex at their table, his heart raced. Craig remembered the feeling he’d had when Alex had told him he was seeing someone else. He’d been heartbroken, but he hadn’t recognised the emotion for what it was at the time. The closer he got to the table, the more he wanted his future.

Craig stopped by the table, and Alex smiled at him.

“You ready, or do you want a coffee before we go?” Alex gazed up at him.

Craig studied Alex, seeing the laughter lines around his eyes and mouth, the small crinkle in one of his eyebrows when he raised it and the motion of his tongue licking his lip. Without further thought, Craig leaned down and kissed Alex. Craig pulled his hand from his pocket and cupped beneath Alex’s ear, his fingers against the back of his head. He didn’t take the kiss any further than a hard peck, but as he pulled back, resting his forehead against Alex’s, he felt a warmth spread through his body and a lightness in his chest he had not felt for a long while.

They stared into each other’s eyes, Alex’s wide with shock.

“Will you go on a date with me?” Craig hadn’t intended to ask yet but wouldn’t take it back, especially with the smile Alex gave him. To say it was beaming would not do it justice.

“Yes. Yes. A thousand times, yes.” Alex reached forward, pulling back after laying a gentle kiss on his lips as confirmation. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Craig frowned.

“For giving me a chance despite all the mistakes I’ve made.”

“In that case, thank you.”

It was Alex’s turn to be confused. “Why?”

“For giving me a chance despite how clueless I am about some things.”

Alex laughed and pressed another kiss against Craig’s mouth. “Let’s go meet the other guys.” Alex rose and gripped Craig’s hand tightly. He paused, studying their joined hands. “Do you not want the guys to know. About us, I mean?”

Craig placed a hand on Alex’s chin, lifting his face until he could see Alex’s eyes. “I’m happy for them to know. I won’t keep secrets from them.”

Alex grinned. “Let’s go.”

Craig giggled—a sound he’d never thought he’d make—and enjoyed watching Alex like an excited puppy. He hoped he would see it a great deal more.