Best. Friend. Ever.
Now, Jackson and I were headed out to dinner. We’d both showered and were ready to have our first date. It should’ve happened at lunch, but the sex had been the right choice, since I feared the plug and my growing need for Jackson would’ve made the date hard to get through. Now we were both sated and could just enjoy each other’s company. Maybe with another fun ending after? Not anal, becausehonestly my ass needed a break, but I had so many other things I was dying to try out with him.
“You always look hot,” I countered with what I hoped was a flirty smile. I really should practice more in front of the mirror. I wasn’t born naturally seductive like Jackson had undoubtedly been. I couldn’t imagine him ever having to practice his moves, no, he was born with it.
He kissed me, and what he’d likely planned to just be a quick peck, turned into much more as I leaned into him. When I was satisfied and had gotten my fill, I finally let him go, both of us catching our breath.
“Still want Chinese?”
I shrugged. “I know it’s not exactly considered romantic, but I love Chinese. And I would pick that place over those expensive restaurants that serve plates with food so tiny you can barely taste it before it’s gone.”
He chuckled, “Noted. I myself love Chinese food, so it appears we’re a good match there too.” I smiled at that. Everything had just been going great between us. Yes, we still hadn’t discussed much about the BDSM stuff, but I had to admit I wasn’t as worried about itas I’d been at first. We also hadn’t quite figured out how to be together around Mike, but that would change eventually too. I’d given them time together and stayed away from their apartment, but there was no way I was coming home after our date. I needed to snuggle up with Jackson the entire night. I longed to wake up in his arms. To be the first thing he saw when he woke up.
We drove Jackson’s car to the familiar restaurant, which was a family favorite, so I knew just where to sit. I liked to people watch as I ate, but since this restaurant had a buffet, I also had to sit far enough away from the food as possible to enjoy the meal without having people walk past constantly. It was a true balance, and since I’d made the booking, I knew just how to ask for the perfect table.
We were led to my table and quickly told the waitress what we wanted for drinks and were soon left to ourselves. “I like it here,” he said, glancing around with appreciation. “It’s so warm and comforting.”
“I know, right? And the music is just loud enough to hear, but not so overpowering you won’t be able to talk.”
“It’s rather calming, the music, like we’re in China.”
I laughed at that. “I feel the same, like a mini vacation. It’s relaxing, and the food is amazing here as well.”
“Well, then let’s get to it.” He stood and offered me his hand. Together we neared the buffet with plates and quickly parted ways to each grab what we wanted, crossing paths as we each moved around the long tables with the steaming food. I loved showing Jackson this place, loved having him here with me.
When I was satisfied with my first plate, I walked back to our table. Our drinks had been placed, so I sat down and sipped the cold lemonade. Jackson was still moving around, so I took him in, not even bothering to hide it. He wasmyman. I saw several people eyeing him up, and it felt amazing knowing I was here with him.
He walked back to our table with a soft smile on his face, and I returned it. “Like it here so far?”
“Very much. It’s easy to see just how much you love this place. I mean, your whole being is so content.”
I blushed at that. Was it lame being this excited about a restaurant? No matter, this was Jackson, he’d had his dick inside me just hours ago, I could admit a restaurant offered me some kind of calm. I couldn’t exactly explain to him that it was the lack of ghosts thatcalmed me. With places like these, there were too many people for the ghosts to notice if I looked their way, and this particular place had zero ghosts, making it a safe haven for me. No work. No interruptions. Not like that old Greek restaurant that was haunted by the owner’s grandma. She wasn’t thrilled with his cooking, and it ruined the experience for me. Hearing her yell, “No more, No more!”wasn’t pleasant.
“This place is… a retreat for me. Like you said, I feel like I’m on vacation, and with my job, a quick sense of being away, even for a few hours, means everything.” There, I’d said the closest thing to the truth I could.
His expression warmed, his eyes gleaming. “I love that. I hope this place will mean the same to me too. Now, let me try the food.”
We began eating, my heart beating away happily inside me. I bumped his foot with my own, wanting to touch him, but needing both hands to eat with. He returned the touch, leaning his leg against mine.
“Pete?” a familiar voice pulled me from my Jackson trance. I looked up and smiled.
“Kyle!” I quickly stood up and hugged him. We had trained together to work as mediums for a year, and this was the first time I’d seen him since. “How have you been?”
He gave me his beaming smile. Kyle wasalwayssmiling. “I’m great! I just got back a week ago. Big case, but thankfully over now. You?”
“I’m doing good! Just finished a big case myself, nowhere near as long as yours, but still tiring.”
“I bet. I heard you had to call in Rino.” He shuddered for effect and I giggled.
“He’s not so bad!” I defended the man, knowing Kyle wasn’t truly serious.
“I heard he’s hot as fuck.”
“You’ve never seen him?! How is that possible?”
He shrugged. “Just me being unlucky. I do have a meeting with him tomorrow for my next case. I got promoted, by the way.”
“Seriously? I’m under him now too! Maybe we’ll work together on cases again.” A warm hand snaked around my waist and I blushed. I’d forgotten to introduce Jackson. The man I was currently on a date with. I mentally slapped myself. But I hadn’t seen Kyle in over a year!
