13 – The Date With Mr. Right
Robert heard the firm knock on the office door and smiled, anticipation dancing through him. Dinner had arrived.
With eager steps, he hurried to answer. A peek through the security peephole had his smile widening. He unlocked the door, beaming, and not even attempting to hide his emotions from the man who stood in the doorway. “Stephen. Hey!”
His lover winked at him, a sunny smile in place. “Dinner is served. I fancied fish and chips tonight. Is that okay with you?” He stepped inside, his hands full of parcels wrapped in newspaper.
“Perfect brain food,” Robert said, after closing the door. “Let’s eat now.” He led the way to a small room holding a table and six mismatched chairs. “I’m starving and could do with a break. I’ve been working on Ashley’s program for the run-up to the election. So many details to finesse. You should meet her. You’ll like her. Most people do.”
“What I need is a kiss.” Stephen set down the parcels.
Robert walked into his arms without hesitation, but a small part of him wondered at the smile that didn’t quite reach his lover’s pretty eyes. His man had a temper, although thankfully he didn’t lose it often. And the makeup sex—well, it was worth the harsh words and the bruises on his upper arms.
Firm lips mastered his while strong muscles cradled his less conditioned ones. Every day he had to pinch himself at his luck in meeting Stephen. The man had an easy-going charm that had enticed Robert, seduced him during that first meeting while running in the park near his home.
He’d thought Stephen wanted a fling and had been game enough, interested enough, dazzled enough to break his rules regarding one-night stands.
Stephen had surprised him though, turning up at his home the following evening with a bunch of tulips. Robert’s favorite flower. The next week Stephen had moved in with him, giving up his cheap digs when Robert had argued he had room.
“Hey,” Stephen said. “Where did you go? Are you falling for another guy and want me gone?”
“Never.” Robert moved closer and squeezed Stephen’s brawny biceps. “If I’m falling for anyone, it’s for you. This has happened so fast between us.” He grinned. “A fairy tale.”
Stephen leaned forward and stole a quick kiss. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll feed you? You’ve worked a long day. You must be tired.”
“A little,” Robert conceded. “But it will be worth it come election day. At first, I didn’t think the Labor party had a chance, but with Ashley at the helm, things have changed for the better.”
“Hey, no more talk of work. This is a break and a romantic dinner. Sit. Close your eyes and let your mind rest while I get things organized.”
Robert reached for Stephen’s hand and squeezed. “You’re too good to me.” He closed his eyes, focusing on the small sounds Stephen made as he prepared. His phone rang in the outer office. His eyes flicked open. “I’d better get that. It might be important.”
“Stay.” Stephen softened the command with a smile. “If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. You deserve a break to rest and eat your dinner.”
Robert stared at the china plates Stephen had produced, the single candle. As Robert smiled, touched by the thoughtful gesture, Stephen produced a lighter and lit the candle. Oh, brilliant.Someone was going to get lucky tonight once they arrived home.
The phone rang once more, but this time, Robert didn’t move a muscle. The Six Tenors sang in the background. Stephen had turned out the light, and the flickering candle offered the only illumination. Slowly, Robert relaxed, even though guilt cut through him when the phone rang yet again. This time, the caller left a message. He’d make the call his priority as soon as they ate dinner.
Stephen produced a bottle of wine from his bag. Condensation beaded on the glass neck, and Robert saw it was another of his favorites.
“You spoil me,” he murmured, his heart pulsing extra fast for a few beats. Not even during his ill-fated marriage had he experienced this—the caring. The simple things like curling up against a lover throughout the night. Breakfast in bed. Dinner ready when he dragged himself through the door after a long day. And sex. Regular sex. He enjoyed that part too. “Not too big a glass. I promised to finish a report before I leave the office.”
“I’ll drive us home,” Stephen said, his brown eyes serious. “You deserve time out to relax. If you want my opinion, you’re better to take time for yourself and recharge.” He scowled. “Your boss works you way too hard.”
“Stephen.” Robert sighed because he’d explained this before. Several times. “When the election is done, my days will be much shorter. Normal days. Weekends. We’ll be able to take a vacation. How does lying out in the sun with a cocktail sound?”
Stephen refused to meet Ashley. Reckoned he couldn’t be polite to her after seeing the social media posts. It was the only sore point in their relationship. He avoided the mistake of mentioning it because he hated to spoil this intimate moment.
Stephen handed him a glass of wine. “Is it the one you prefer?”
“It is.” Robert took a sip of the crisp, fruity Sauvignon blanc. “Perfect.”
His lover served the fish and chips, produced slices of lemon, a bottle of vinegar, and a small dish of tartare sauce. Stephen’s insistence on taking care of details amused him, but in cases like this, the quirk truly worked.
“Thank you,” Robert said when Stephen joined him at the rickety table. “I promise to return the favor one day soon.”
“I’m not keeping score,” Stephen said. “I enjoy doing things for you.”
The weird note in Stephen’s voice claimed Robert’s attention since the man was normally so controlled. Apart from in bed. As a lover, the intensity and focus to detail produced spectacular results.
