Noah accepted the rose, warmth spreading through his chest at the gesture. “It’s perfect.” He caught Luke’s hand, tugging him inside. “I wasn’t aware you owned anything other than your work boots and stained jeans.”
“Hey, I clean up okay.” Luke gestured at his dark jeans and charcoal button-down. The shirt pulled just right across his shoulders, and Noah had to force himself to maintain eye contact. “Though if you’re into the tool belt and boots, I’m sure we could arrange something…”
“Later.” Noah set the rose in a glass of water, hyperaware of Luke’s presence behind him. When Luke stuffed his hands in the pockets of Noah’s pants, Noah considered suggesting they stay in. They could survive on cold sandwiches and chips, right? He whimpered when Luke kissed the hollow beneath his ear. “Right now, I believe you promised me dinner?”
The drive to Brew & Barrel was comfortable, filled with easy conversation about their days. But underlying the familiar rhythm was a current of anticipation. This wasn’t grabbing a quick bite between repairs or sharing dinner while Eli did homework. This was intentional. A date.
The parking lot was busy but not packed when they arrived. Through the windows, Noah could see the usual mix of locals and tourists that kept the place running. Jules spotted them as they entered, their knowing smile warming as they grabbed menus.
“Your usual booth?” they asked Luke, already leading the way. Noah wondered how often Luke was here that he had ausualbooth. It struck Noah that as much time as they spent together, he didn’t really know much about Luke’s life before they reconnected.
“Perfect.” Luke’s hand found the small of Noah’s back as they wove through tables. The casual touch sent sparks along Noah’s spine. It felt like a proclamation that they were together. The squared set of Luke’s shoulders practically dared anyone to say something. Noah hoped that one day, he’d feel that same confidence.
They settled into their booth, knees brushing under the table. Noah studied Luke’s face in the dim lighting, noting how his usual easy confidence had softened into something more vulnerable.
“So,” Luke said, fiddling with his menu. “First official date. I know I told you it was going to be the best first date ever, but I have a confession to make. I don’t really do the dating thing.”
“You’re doing a great job so far.” Noah reached across the table, stilling Luke’s restless hands with his own. He brushed his thumb over the side of Luke’s. “And this is unfamiliar territory for both of us. I’ve never been on a first date with a man before. But I’m pretty sure no matter what happens, we’ll be just fine since we seem to be doing things backward.”
Luke’s smile reached his eyes, warming them to honey-gold. Noah’s words seemed to ease something in Luke, and he relaxed into his seat. Noah stared at their joined hands, gently rubbing Luke’s thumb with his own. “Sorry, I know it’s stupid to be nervous.”
“Not stupid at all,” Noah assured him. “I just hope you won’t think I’m easy for putting out on the first date.”
Luke leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “We both know I’ll be the one begging for you to fuck me the second we walk through the door. I’ve missed your cock.”
“Oh, is that all you keep me around for?” Noah teased. His heart raced and his skin tingled as he imagined spreading Luke out in the middle of the bed, reacquainting himself with his partner’s body.
“Nah, I figure if I keep putting out for you, you’ll let me do more around the house. I know we have a lot of the critical repairs done, but there’s so much more we could do to bring that old girl back to life.” Luke’s gaze held on Noah’s lips. “Fuck, maybe we should have just ordered pizza or something. Not being able to kiss you right now is killing me.”
Jules appeared with their drinks—beer for Luke, wine for Noah. “Ready to order, or do you need a minute?”
“Actually…” Luke glanced at Noah, something mischievous in his expression. “Should we be adventurous tonight?”
“Surprise us,” Noah told Jules. “But make it something worthy of a first date.”
As Jules moved away, Luke’s thumb traced patterns on Noah’s palm. “Look at you, living dangerously.”
“Well,” Noah said softly, “sometimes you have to take a risk.”
Luke’s breath caught, and something electric passed between them. Because they weren’t just talking about dinner choices anymore. This was about them, about choosing to build something together, about letting themselves want more than stolen moments and careful distance.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Luke’s fingersdrummed against the steering wheel as they drove home from Brew & Barrel. The evening had been perfect, with easy conversation, shared laughter, and lingering touches that promised more. But now, heading back to Noah’s empty house, anticipation thrummed through his veins.
“You’re quiet,” Noah observed, his voice soft in the darkness. His hand found Luke’s knee, stilling the nervous movement. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Luke covered Noah’s hand with his own, lacing their fingers together. “Just…thinking about how different this feels. Being with you like this, knowing we have time.”
Noah’s thumb traced patterns against Luke’s palm. “Good different?”
“The best kind.” Luke’s breath caught as they pulled into the driveway. The house loomed before them, all its familiar angles and shadows holding new meaning. This wasn’t a job site anymore or even just Noah and Eli’s home. This was where everything had changed for him.
The porch light cast a warm glow as they made their way up the steps. Noah fumbled slightly with his keys, and Luke pressed closer, unable to resist trailing kisses along the back of his neck.
“Trying to open a door here,” Noah laughed, but he tilted his head to give Luke better access.
“Maybe I’m trying to distract you.” Luke’s hands found Noah’s hips, steadying them both. “Is it working?”
