Page 17 of Forever and Always #1

BOBBY

I groan in frustration, feeling the stress of being late. I quickly glance in the rear view mirror, making sure I’m not missing anything, and that’s when I see Darke, heading towards his car. He gives me a nod and a small smile, and I feel my heart skip a beat.

I wave quickly and put the car in gear, backing out of the driveway and heading to the office.

As I drive, I can’t help but think about Darke and our time together.

I feel a sense of happiness and contentment wash over me, and I realize that I’m falling deeply in love with him. I’m hoping his heart loves me too.

* * *

I pull into the office parking lot, still feeling a bit flustered from being late. I take a deep breath, grab my bag, and head inside, hoping to make it to my desk without anyone noticing my tardiness.

As I walk in, Jenny, looks up and raises an eyebrow. “Running a bit behind, Bobby?” she asks, smirking.

“Yeah, my weekend was busy, overslept, kiss-“ I quickly shut my mouth as Jenny eyes widens.

She leans in with excitement, her voice loud. “Kiss? Bobby, who were you kissing?”

I feel my face heat up with a blush, and I try to play it cool, but Jenny’s curiosity is piqued.

“None of your business, Jen,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant, but she’s not having it.

“Come on, spill the beans! Is it that tattooed Darke? You’re not exactly the type to be out partying all weekend. Is it him?”

I sigh, knowing Jenny won’t let up until I give her some details.

“Fine… it’s Darke. Okay? We’ve been seeing each other, and it’s getting serious.”

Jenny squeals, her voice barely contained. “I knew it! I knew you two had a connection! Tell me everything!”

“Well, we had the thing, the s. e. x.” I say whispering, so no one else in the office would hear.

“Why are you whispering when it’s only the two of us here,” she asks whispering with a smile.

I look around the office. Oh, it is only us. Rachel must be on her way soon.

I laugh, feeling a bit silly about the whispering. “I guess I’m trying to keep it a secret from the universe,” I say with a grin.

Jenny chuckles and leans in closer. “So, how was it? The sex, I mean. Was it amazing? Did you hump?”

“Jenny!” I say, my eyes widened with a smile.

Jenny giggles. “But seriously, what was it like?!”

I feel my face heat up again, but I nod, unable to hide the smile. “It was… incredible. Darke is… wow.” I gave her all the details about Darke and our dating, Jenny listening to every word.

Jenny squeals again, her eyes shining with excitement. “I’m so happy for you, Bobby! You deserve it. And Darke seems like a great guy.”

I nod, feeling a sense of agreement. “He is. He’s kind, and caring, and… and he accepts me for who I am.”

Jenny’s expression turns serious, and she places a hand on my arm. “That’s what matters most, Bobby. You found someone who loves you for you.”

“But does he love me back?” I ask afraid of my heart being broken.

Jenny’s expression turns soft and empathetic. “Bobby, the way Darke looks at you, it’s clear he’s head over heels in love with you. He’s always been a bit broody, but when he’s around you, he lights up. He’s a different person.”

“How do you-”

“Town gossip,” she says quickly to the point.

I release a deep breath, shaking off what people say about Darke and I.

I feel a surge of hope, but also fear. “What if I’m just a phase? What if he realizes he doesn’t actually love me?”

Jenny takes my hand, her voice firm. “Bobby, you deserve to be loved, truly loved. And I think Darke does love you. But even if you’re scared, you have to take the chance. You have to see where this relationship goes.”

I nod, feeling a sense of determination. “You’re right. I’ll take the chance.”

She smiles, squeezing my hand. “That’s the spirit!”

* * *

The rest of the day flies by. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I grab it and see a text from Darke.

DARKE: Hey, little prince. Missing you already.

ME: Miss you too, beast. Working hard at the station?

DARKE: Always, little prince. But it’s worth it. Can’t wait to see you tonight. Dinner at Rita’s again? 5:30 pm?

ME: Sounds good, Darke. See you then, my beast.

DARKE: You too, my little prince.

I feel a flutter in my chest, reading his words. Jenny notices my smile and raises an eyebrow. “He’s got it bad, hasn’t he?” she teases.

I nod, feeling a sense of happiness. “Yeah, I think he does.”

* * *

I’m counting down the minutes until I can see Darke again. When the clock finally hits 5 PM, I gather my things and head out, feeling excited.

“Keep me updated of your tattooed lover!” Jenny yells behind me.

“Will do, Jenny! See you tomorrow morning!” I say giving her a smile and a wave.

As I walk out of the office building, I see Darke waiting for me, leaning against his car. He’s wearing a smile, and his eyes light up when he sees me.

“You know I have my own car. I was actually on my way to the restaurant,” I say smiling.

“I know, little prince. I just couldn’t wait to see you,” He says with a grin. “Come here.”

My heart skips a beat at his words, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. I walk towards him, and he pushes off from the car, meeting me halfway. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a gentle kiss.

“I missed you,” he whispers, his lips brushing against mine.

I melt into his embrace, love and protection from within him. “I missed you too, beast,” I reply, smiling.

We stand there for a moment, holding each other, and I feel the world around us fade away. It’s just us, lost in our own little bubble of love.

Finally, Darke pulls back, looking at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Ready to grab dinner together?”

“Of course, I’ll follow you with my car?” I ask, starting to head to my car.

He chuckles, “Of course, little prince.”

I grin, feeling a sense of playfulness. “Lead the way, beast,” I say, getting in my car.

Darke chuckles and heads to his car, with me following close behind in mine. We drive through the city, the evening sun casting a warm glow over everything.

After a few minutes, Darke pulls into Rita’s. I park beside him, and we meet at the entrance.

Darke opens the door for me like a beast gentleman that he is.

“Thank you, Darke,” I say, giving him a quick peck on his lips.

Darke looks a me surprised, then this mouth turns into a mischief grin. “You’re welcome, my little prince,” He says as we enter the restaurant.

The restaurant is cozy, with dim lighting and the aroma of freshly cooked pasta filling the air. We’re shown to a quiet table by the window, and Darke takes my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.