Page 9 of Forever and Always #1

BOBBY

A glance at the clock told me Darke would be here any minute.

Adrenaline coursed through me, a mix of excitement and trepidation.

I’d opted for a classic look: a crisp button-down shirt, gray slacks, and polished dress shoes.

My reflection stared back, a stranger and yet familiar.

I’d trimmed my stubble, hoping to strike a balance between rugged and refined.

A final check in the mirror revealed a man I was reasonably pleased with. But doubts crept in. What if the conversation dried up? What if I stumbled over my words? I shook off the negative thoughts, replacing them with anticipation.

A knock at the door startled me from my reverie.

Taking a deep breath, I opened it to find Darke standing on my doorstep.

He was even more imposing in person, his dark blue shirt accentuating his broad shoulders.

His smile was warm and inviting, and for a moment, I was lost in the depths of his blue eyes.

“You look amazing,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

A blush crept up my cheeks. “Thanks, Darke. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Ready to head out?”

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped out, he offered his arm, and I took it without hesitation. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through me, a stark contrast to the cool facade I tried to maintain.

As we walked to his car, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being in a dream. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, the world reduced to just Darke and me. Getting into the passenger seat, I felt a surge of anticipation. Where would this night lead?

Darke slid into the driver’s seat, and the car came to life. The familiar hum of the engine provided a comforting backdrop to the nervous energy coursing through me. I stole glances at him as he focused on the road, his profile sharp and defined.

“Have you been to Rita’s?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Not really,” I replied, my voice a bit higher than usual. “But I heard good things.”

A comfortable silence settled between us, the only sound the gentle hum of the car. I wanted to say something, anything, to fill the void, but the words seemed to escape me.

When we get there, Darke pulls into a parking spot, his hand finding mine as I reached for the door handle.

A surge of electricity shot through me, and I couldn’t help but smile.

As he opened my door, I stepped out into the cool evening air, a strange mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside me.

The restaurant was abuzz with the sounds of chatter and clinking silverware, a symphony of human interaction that normally soothed my senses.

“I brought reservations,” Darke says, as we enter the main doors.

The aroma of freshly cooked pasta and pizza fills the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. Darke notices and chuckles, putting a hand on my back as the waitress guide me to our table.

The touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I feel a spark of electricity between us. I try to brush it off as mere nervousness, but deep down, I know it’s something more.

As we sit down and look over the menus, Darke asks, “So, Bobby, what’s your favorite Italian dish?”

I hesitate, feeling a bit self-conscious about my lack of culinary sophistication. But Darke’s warm smile puts me at ease, and I admit, “I’m a sucker for a good spaghetti and meatball.”

Darke grins. “Classic choice. I’m more of a pizza guy myself, but I can appreciate a good spaghetti.”

The waitress comes with our drinks, we give her our orders, and leaves us in peace.

The conversation between us flows effortlessly from there, and before I know it, we’re laughing and joking like old friends.

When the food comes, we get right into eating. Darke smiles.

As we savor our meals, the conversation continues, and I find myself feeling more and more at ease in Darke’s presence. He’s easy to talk to, and his smile is infectious.

While I eat, I can’t help but notice his muscles stretch against the tightness of his blue shirt.

At one point, he catches me staring at him and raises an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “See something you like, Bobby?” he teases.

Yes, I do.

I feel a blush rise to my cheeks, but I play it cool, smiling back at him. “Just admiring the view of the restaurant,” I reply, trying to sound suave.

Darke chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I know I’m in trouble. It’s as if he’s knows what I’m really viewing. I’m really starting to like this guy.

As we finish our meals and the check comes, I almost grab it, but Darke gets it before me, insisting on paying. “I invited you, so I get to pay,” he says, his tone firm but gentle.

I nod, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. “Thanks, Darke. This was really nice.”

He smiles, his eyes locking onto mine. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, Bobby. I had a great time too.”

The air between us seems to vibrate with tension, and I wonder if he might kiss me.

* * *

We walk outside, out of the restaurant side by side, I look at him, needing to know, so I’m not wrong. “Darke…. are you, um….. gay?”

Darke’s expression doesn’t change, but a hint of a smile plays on his lips. He looks at me with a piercing gaze, his eyes sparkling with amusement and a touch of curiosity.

“Bobby, I was hoping when you’d ask,” he says, his voice low and smooth. “I am.”

My eyes widen, as he takes a step closer to me, his eyes locked onto mine. “How about you?” he ask with a serious tone.

I gulp slowly, and do a sharp nod. He puts his strong arm on my waist, the touch electrifying me.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all night,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

And with that, he leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, gentle kiss.