You’re getting ahead of yourself.He quickly remembered to look up as Toby made his shot.Yes, that asshole in the lane to the left side of them was still watching, but Ernest kept his eyes on his mate—it was Toby who was important, no one else.“You did it, babe,” he said, fist pumping the air.“You got another strike.My, you’re so good at this.”
“I’m not usually this good,” Toby said, dancing his way back to their seats.“I’m sure it’s because you’re here.”He sat down with a sweet plop and leaned into Ernest’s shoulder.
That was something else Ernest couldn’t ignore.Toby was happy to be with him.The joy was showing over every inch of that gorgeous face—that face that really looked like it needed kissing again, but Ernest wasn’t sure how Toby felt about PDA like that, and he wasn’t about to maul the man.
We’ve still got to eat, he reminded his pushy elephant.We’ve still got to get through the food side of the date that our mate has requested.We can’t just go rutting him over the nearest seat just because we want to stake the claim.His elephant wasn’t so sure why not, and Toby didn’t help.
“Your last go.I wonder if I can do something to distract you from making a perfect strike.”Toby laughed as he did another dance in his seat this time.
Your existence distracts me in the most perfect way.Ernest didn’t think that sort of declaration was appropriate at a bowling alley either, although he might need advice on that.He couldn’t remember the last time he’d needed to use any romance skills, but Toby deserved them.I can do this.I can bowl one more frame.Just get this game over, and then we can eat.
Although Ernest took some comfort in seeing Toby discreetly tugging at his crotch seam as he got up after him to grab another ball.At least I know my precious mate is having the same problem.He might not be thinking about housing or our future, but he’s definitely thinking about what’s going to come after the food side of the date.
That couldn’t come quickly enough.
Toby was quiet when they grabbed themselves a plate of food each from the buffet provided, sitting at one of the many plastic tables.Ernest was pleased that Toby was sitting across from him because if Toby had taken a seat next to him, he might have tugged the man onto his lap.
“Did you enjoy the bowling?”he asked, remembering he was meant to be making a good impression.
“It is fun going out and doing different things, isn’t it?”Toby nodded.
Ernest nodded.He had a mouthful of food by this point, so it’s not like he could be expected to reply.
“I always had a thing with other people, like a rule, I suppose you could call it.”Toby seemed almost hesitant.
Ernest nodded, raising his eyebrows to hopefully encourage Toby to keep going.
“I’ve always stuck to my three-date minimum rule… you know, before I took a person back to my apartment,” Toby added, blushing.
Ernest froze mid-chew.
“Niall used to tease me like crazy about it, although Morty seemed to understand—his dates were always disastrous before he met Hector, but I have always believed that just because a man bought me dinner or took me to a club that didn’t mean they could expect me to sleep with them afterwards.”
Swallowing around the lump of food still in his mouth, Ernest coughed and said, “No one should ever assume that.You’re exactly right to set your own rules and standards.”Inside, Ernest was thinking,has he changed his mind about the sexy stuff?
“That’s why I thought bowling was such a good idea.”Toby nodded, seemingly pleased with Ernest’s response.“From the moment I saw you, all I wanted was to climb all over your body and see what it looks like without clothes.That’s why the bowling was perfect, because playing the game was one date, eating the food was another.”
Ernest held his breath… his brain thankfully blank.His eyes didn’t leave Toby’s face.
Pushing his plate aside, Toby rested his elbows on the table and smiled.“I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.”
Ernest quickly chomped down his last mouthful and pushed his plate aside, too, swallowing hard.The last thing Ernest wanted was for a crumb to get stuck in his throat.“Does that mean we need to go on another date with food?”he asked, keeping his tone low.
I’ll accept it, he was thinking.If that’s what my Toby wants, I’ll accept it.He might have to shift and knock down a few trees or something after he’d dropped Toby off home—just to get rid of his excess energy—but he would do it.
Only Toby was shaking his head.“We met and sort of had a date, even if it was a visit to the ER—sort of.You’ve taken me out bowling and you’ve taken me out for a meal.Now I think I’m ready to go home… with you… for the next part of ourthirddate.”
Thank the blessed Fates.Ernest reached over the table, grabbed Toby’s hand and almost yanked him out of the chair before heading for the exit.He was really pleased to see that Toby was sprinting alongside him and even beat him to the door.It seemed they were both on the same page.
Chapter Fifteen
Toby
Ernest’s eagerness made Toby hot and a little sweaty as they got back to the car in record time.Toby wasn’t sure how he managed to buckle up with his trembling hands and the scent of arousal filling his nose with every ragged breath he took.
Bowling, yeah, it was an aphrodisiac the way Ernest played it.All that strength made Toby shiver with anticipation.He wanted to be manhandled like that so much in bed.On any flat surface, really.Toby wasn’t going to be picky.
Ernest never took his eyes off the road as he blasted past cars at speeds that made Toby grin and think his mate was in some sort of race.
