Page 14 of Forever and Always #1
DARKE
T he morning sun filtered through the kitchen window as we finished our breakfast, a lazy contentment settling over us.
As I drove Bobby home, a pang of disappointment tugged at my heart.
I wanted to savor these quiet moments with him, to stretch them into eternity. But the demands of our lives beckoned.
“Thanks for last night and this morning,” Bobby said, his smile a warm beacon as we stood at his doorstep.
My heart swelled with affection. “Anytime, my little prince.” I leaned in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. The world narrowed to just us, the rest of the world fading into obscurity.
We broke apart, breathless and intoxicated. “I had an amazing time, Darke,” he confessed, his eyes filled with a shy vulnerability.
“Do you…” His voice trailed off, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
Intrigue sparked within me. “Do you what, little prince?”
He hesitated, his gaze flickering between my eyes and the ground. “Do you… want to hang out again?”
A surge of joy erupted within me. “Definitely, Bobby. I’ll call you soon.”
His smile was radiant as I turned to leave. As I drove away, I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation. The day ahead held its challenges, but the promise of our next meeting was a bright star on the horizon.
* * *
A grin crept across my face as I went about my day, the memory of Bobby calling me “beast” a constant source of amusement.
The nickname, once a descriptor of my physicality, had morphed into a term of endearment that felt oddly fitting.
Beneath the imposing exterior lurked a heart that yearned for connection, for softness.
I wondered if Bobby saw past the facade, if he glimpsed the vulnerability hidden beneath the tough exterior. Perhaps it didn’t matter. His acceptance, his love, was a balm to my soul, regardless of the image he held.
A delicate balance was required. I wanted to be present, to shower him with affection, but I also recognized the importance of giving him space.
The hours without him stretched, each moment an anticipation of our next encounter.
His laughter, his touch, his spirit - they were becoming an indispensable part of my world.
* * *
A week without Bobby felt like an eternity. The silence between us was a tangible thing, a void that needed filling. With a surge of anticipation and a touch of nervousness, I decided to break the quiet.
ME: Hey my little prince, how’s life been treating you?
The message felt casual, but my heart pounded in my chest. Almost instantly, his reply popped up.
BOBBY: It’s going well, beast.
A simple response, but it sent a jolt of electricity through me. I grinned, the thrill of his quick response a welcome surprise.
ME: Glad to hear that, my little prince. I was thinking, maybe we could grab dinner this weekend? Sunday, maybe? I know a great restaurant downtown.
Anticipation gnawed at me as I hit send. Minutes felt like hours as I waited for his reply. When my phone buzzed, my heart skipped a beat.
BOBBY: That sounds great, beast. But only if you promise to wear a suit and tie.
A playful smirk crept across my face. The challenge intrigued me.
ME: Deal. I’ll wear a suit, but add a leather jacket with it.
The perfect compromise. A suit to show respect, a leather jacket to maintain my edge. I made a reservation for Sunday evening and texted Bobby the confirmation.
BOBBY: See you Sunday, beast.
His reply was short and sweet, but the underlying excitement was clear. As I put down my phone, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something special.
* * *
As I slid into the booth, Bobby’s eyes widened in surprise, taking in the entirety of my outfit. A smirk played on his lips. “Wow, you look… different,” he managed to say.
A surge of satisfaction coursed through me. “Figured I’d dress up, but still be myself,” I replied, pulling out his chair.
The waitress arrived, our orders a blur of words and expectations. Once she left, I turned my attention back to Bobby. “So, how’s the wedding planning going?”
He nodded, a serious expression crossing his face. “It’s going good. How about you?”
“Just the usual,” I replied, a playful glint in my eye. “Traffic stops, radio calls, and… checking in on my little prince.”
Bobby chuckled as the waitress returned with our drinks. He took a sip, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I’ve noticed.” His gaze lingered on me, and I felt a familiar warmth spread through me.
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, the tension of the past week melting away. As we dug into our meal, I couldn’t help but notice the way Bobby’s eyes kept straying to me. His admiration was palpable, and it fueled the fire within me.
After we’ve eaten, a spontaneous belch escaped my lips. I quickly covered my mouth. “Excuse me, little prince,” I apologized, my cheeks flushing.
Bobby’s laughter filled the air, a sound that was music to my ears. “Sorry about that,” I managed, a grin spreading across my face. “Guess the beast still has some manners to learn.”
His laughter subsided, replaced by a soft smile. “I think it’s cute,” he whispered.
My eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. “You think my burp is cute?”
He nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Yeah, cute. You’re not as scary as you think you are, beast.”
A warmth spread through me. Perhaps there was more to me than just the tough exterior.