Bailey hadn’t been himself the last couple of days. He’d been distant and Tom could tell he had something weighing on his mind. He just hoped it wasn’t doubts about their relationship and how fast it was going. Tom sure had no reservations and was looking forward to taking Bailey out. He resolved to make the night special and hopefully give Bailey a break from whatever was bringing him down. He’d make sure Bailey was spoiled and had a good time. He hoped Bailey would enjoy what he had planned.It’ll be a great night.
Tom hummed as he straightened the doona cover and gave the pillows a final plump. The whole apartment had been given a once-over, including a long overdue dusting. The bed was stripped and remade with fresh sheets. He would have bought flowers for the lounge room if he’d had the time, but the cafe had been flat out all day and he’d hardly had time to scratch himself. Thank goodness for Cassie, who was turning out to be a lifesaver, giving him the time he’d needed to prepare for tonight.
He laughed to himself as he stroked the pillow.Who’d have thought I’d be prettying up the place for someone who may not even end up seeing it. But if Bailey does….
He shook his head. No time for that line of thought. He had places to go, people to see. Smiling, he turned to the wardrobe to select his clothes for the evening. He wanted to look good. He’d seen a lot of Bailey but it was usually downstairs in the cafe, or when they hung out at one of their apartments, but they’d never been out anywhere where he had to dress up for a real special date.
The warm feeling in his chest still hadn’t left as Tom walked into the bar an hour later, and only intensified when Bailey beckoned from across the room. He slid into the booth beside him, pleased to see Bailey beaming back at him, eyes sparkling with inner light.Maybe whatever has been worrying him has been resolved?
“Hey there, gorgeous.” Tom leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips, delighted to see the faint blush across Bailey’s cheeks. “You’re looking great.”
And Bailey was. He looked amazing in the lilac shirt, the colour setting off the grey of his eyes and the fabric tight enough to show off his slim physique. The top couple of buttons had been left undone to expose the smooth skin at the base of his throat, and with the gentle fragrance of Bailey’s aftershave in his nose, Tom wanted to lean forward and nuzzle at his neck.What the hell.He gave in to the temptation, moved closer, and did just that, ending with another kiss, this one longer than the first. He reluctantly pulled away, gratified to see Bailey’s flush spreading.
“Wow, that was some welcome.” There was laughter in Bailey’s voice.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I can tell.” Bailey’s voice dipped low. “I missed you too. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day.”
“What have you been up to today?” Tom asked as he shrugged off his jacket and got comfortable. “How was your shift?”
“Fine.” Bailey’s tone was clipped.
“Tough day at the office, huh?” Tom chuckled, playing on the old cliché, but when he met Bailey’s gaze, it was as if all the happiness had drained from his eyes. “Oh, it reallywasa bad day. What happened?”
“Nothing much.”
Tom placed a hand on Bailey’s thigh, the muscle tense under his palm. “It doesn’t sound like nothing.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Something in Bailey’s eyes made Tom hold back. Instead of delving deeper, he gave Bailey’s leg a gentle squeeze. “How about I get us a drink?”
“I’ll get them,” Bailey countered.
“Thanks, but I’m closer, plus it’s my treat. Beer? A cocktail? Wine?”
Bailey seemed to consider for a moment, and maybe it was just that he was effectively blocked in the booth seat, but he finally nodded without further argument. “Sure. I’m not really in the mood for drinking much tonight, so maybe just a beer?”
“You got it.” It didn’t take long for Tom to return with two bottles of Fat Yak.
“Cheers.” They tapped bottles.
“If you’re not up to talking about your day, how about I tell you what happened to me?”
“I’d like that.” Bailey took a swig from his bottle, placed it on the table, and swivelled to give Tom his full attention, his smile returning.
“Well….”
“Well what?”
“Well, I think you might be rubbing off on me—”
“Really?” Bailey’s eyebrows rose towards his hairline.
“Wh— no, not like that.” Tom chuckled. “Although, maybe a little later.”
“Definitelylater.”
