Colton grinned and gently led Dean to the railing. “Do you want to be Rose or Jack?”
“Rose, of course!” He struck his bestTitanicpose and Colton stood behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist. Dean leaned his head back on Colton’s shoulder.
After a long sigh, he turned and kissed Colton’s cheek. “This is the perfect first date. Thank you.”
Colton kissed his neck. “You’re welcome. But it’s perfect because you’re here.” He gave Dean a squeeze around his middle. “Let’s go eat. I picked a special menu for us.”
They returned to their private table, where Felix waited. Colton had selected a meal of San Francisco favorites: Cioppino stew, followed by a delicious platter of steamed crab, local oysters, and crab cakes.
Cheesecake with a drizzle of Ghirardelli fudge sauce on top came for dessert.
Dean hummed in approval at his first bite of cheesecake. “Felix, this is delicious. Please tell the chef how much we love the meal.”
“Absolutely.” Felix grinned as he refilled their drinks. He nervously looked around before he continued. “I’m not supposed to say anything, because we pride ourselves on privacy and discretion,” He said as he leaned into the table. “But I’m a huge fan of your music,” he whispered.
Dean beamed. “Well that’s fantastic! Thank you, Felix.” Dean also took a conspiratorial look around the deck before turning back to Felix. “Hey, would you like tickets to my show at Levi’s Stadium?”
Felix’s eyes bulged to the size of saucers. “Really? Oh my God, yes!”
Dean chuckled and pulled out his phone. “Give me your email address, and I’ll send you two tickets for the show.”
Felix quickly entered his information. “Thank you so much! I’ll never forget this,” he said, handing the phone back to Dean.
“You’re very welcome. It’s the least I can do for a fan.”
Felix blushed with a smile and looked between Colton and Dean. “And don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
Colton offered a conciliatory smile, but inside, his blood began to boil. He hated keeping this a secret. He hated that Dean had to keep it a secret. This was the best thing that’d ever happened in his life. If he could only get over his bullshit insecurities, they could go public with their relationship.
As Felix walked away, Dean rested his elbow on the table with his chin in his hand. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight?” He smiled with lustful eyes.
Colton blushed and reached across the table. “You haven’t mentioned it in at least ten minutes,” he joked, then a somber look crept across his face. “I don’t want us to be a secret anymore.” He sighed.
Dean sharply shook his head. “Don’t mind Felix. He’s just doing his job. He didn’t mean anything by it.”
“I know.” Colton shrugged. “But it’s not fair to you to sneak around. You deserve to be out in the open, with a handsome man on your arm.” Colton smirked with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Dean chuckled. “True. But we’re moving at your speed, not mine. I’m happy to wait until you’re comfortable.”
Colton smiled at Dean. How did he get so fucking lucky? Sophie never would have been so understanding. She would demand an announcement as soon as fucking possible. But not Dean. He was perfectly content to love Colton in the shadows, until the time came that he was ready to step out into the light. It warmed Colton’s heart and made him love Dean that much more. He opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. He almost said those three words, but it wasn’t the time. Colton had a plan for that too.
“I think I’m getting close to getting over my bullshit.” Colton squeezed Dean’s hand.
Dean smiled, and those dimples reduced Colton to a puddle in his chair. “Just say the word, baby, and I’ll rent a billboard,” he joked.
Colton snickered. “You’re the best, Dean. And I promise we won’t be a secret much longer.”
Chapter 35
Dean
Dean leaned back onto his hands as he sat on the blanket in the grass. He dropped his head back to allow the sun to warm his face as he inhaled the salty air of the bay. Aside from the rooftop terrace, Bayfront Park was their favorite outdoor space. The park was convenient, literally a few steps from the loft, and with perfect weather like today, it would be an actual crime to not enjoy a picnic in the park.
Colton stood next to the blanket, teaching Aiden how to throw a perfect spiral. They playfully tossed the ball back and forth, and Aiden was getting really good at it. Dean watched their interaction, sipped his beer, and nibbled on bread and cheese. Colton looked relaxed and comfortable with Aiden, skillfully explaining the mechanics while playfully tousling his hair. And, judging from the huge smile on his face, Aiden was clearly enjoying his time with Colton.
Dean sighed and smiled at the two of them. This felt perfect.
Their playful energy was hypnotic. Dean’s mind wandered into dirty territory…he found Colton super sexy like this, being all fatherly, teaching Aiden about football.
