Page 20 of Forever and Always #1
DARKE
I t’s morning. I’m in my office at the station staring at my computer, but not focusing on what’s in front of me. I’m zoning out because of my little prince.
I chuckle to myself, thinking about Bobby and how he’s taken over my thoughts and most importantly, my job. I refocus on my work, and put my thoughts of Bobby aside.
Suddenly, my partner, Mike, walks in. “Hey, Darke, what’s going on? You’ve been zoning out all morning.”
I try to brush it off, but he raises an eyebrow. “It’s the kid, isn’t it? Bobby?”
I nod, feeling a sense of pride. “Yeah, it’s him. I’m just… really happy, I guess.”
Mike smiles. “I’m glad for you, Darke. You deserve it.”
“You know, I have strong feelings for him, Mike,” I say my eyes distant.
Mike nods understandingly, his expression softening. “I figured as much, Darke. You’ve been different since you met him. Happier, more relaxed… it’s like he’s brought out a side of you that nobody’s seen before.”
Town gossip, again.
I nod, my eyes still distant, lost in thought. “He has, Mike. He’s… he’s the first person who’s ever really seen me, you know? Who’s ever really understood me.”
Mike puts a hand on my shoulder. “That’s what love does, Darke. It sees past the surface level and gets to the heart of who we are.”
I take a deep breath, vulnerability within me. “I’m scared, Mike. I’m scared of losing him, of not being enough for him…”
Mike squeezes my shoulder. “You’re enough, Darke. You’re more than enough. And Bobby loves you for who you are, not for who you think you should be.”
I nod, feeling gratitude towards my partner. “Thanks, Mike. Just talking to you helps.”
“You’re welcome. Now the that’s taken care of, get back to work,” he says, walking away smiling.
I chuckle and shake my head, a sense of normalcy returns to the moment. “Yes, sir!” I call out, grinning.
I refocus on my work, but my mind still wanders back to Bobby and our conversation earlier. As I dive back into the case files, my phone buzzes with a text from Bobby.
BOBBY: Hey, beast. Just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you.
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. I quickly type out a response.
ME: Thinking about you too, little prince. Couldn’t concentrate, because of you. Dinner at your loft tonight?
BOBBY: Dinner at my place? I don’t have much of food, but I can whip something up for the two of us! Is 6 PM fine for you?
ME: Of course! See you then, my little prince. ??
I put my phone away, a sense of excitement over me for the night ahead. I know that with Bobby by my side, anything is possible.
As my shift is over at the station, I head to my car.
As I walk to my car, I couldn’t wait to have my lips on Bobby. I’m looking forward to seeing and spending the evening with him. I get in my car and start the engine.
As I drive, I think about Bobby and how much he’s changed my life. I feel grateful for his presence in my life and excited for what the future holds.
When I arrive at Bobby’s loft, I see that he’s already home from work. I can hear music playing inside, and I smile, knowing that he’s waiting for me.
I get out of my car and walk to the door, feeling nervous and excited. I take a deep breath, calm myself down, and knock on the door.
The door opens, and Bobby stands before me, smiling. “Hey, beast,” he says, his eyes sparkling with love.