They were allthe onewhenever he went out on a first date.
That was the problem with hopeless romantics: They never have realistic expectations. Everything has to be bigger, more over-the-top, and beyond belief.
Hopeless romantics didn’t just settle for the mundane. They wanted excitement and surprise! Something that would make all others envious.
Reaching into his pocket, Gavin pulled out his phone and switched the camera view so he was able to record his reflection in the fancy restaurant lobby mirror.
This, here, was for his fans.
“Hey, everyone, Gavin here. Tonight, I wanted to give you all a one-of-a-kind exclusive into my first date with Mr. Surgeon. You’ll be the first to hear how my hot and steamy date went… fingers crossed.”
Gavin held up his crossed fingers and said a silent prayer up to the heavens. He really needed this date to go well. He was getting pretty lonely and was so fucking horny.
It had been ages since he dated anyone, and he was getting tired of the random hookups on sex apps. They all felt the same: an awkward hello, followed by fifteen minutes of desperate humping, then a hurried goodbye with no follow-up plans to meet up again.
He just wanted someone nice to talk to and some good, old, reliable dick.
Was that too much to ask for?
“Tonight, we will be dining atRestaurante Piccoloright here in beautiful Colorado. I’m just about to head in and meet my date for the first time in person! He sounds amazing in his profile, so let’s hope that this one isn’t a dud. Wish me luck!”
With that, Gavin ended the recording and posted it on his social media. That should get his followers talking.
Gavin took a breath and slid his phone back into his pocket. He took one last look at himself in the mirror and grimaced when he saw his hair. He pushed down that stubborn piece of hair that kept plaguing him. He looked like a goddamn cockatoo.
His hair sprang back up, but this time it was not as noticeable.
“Well, here goes nothing.” Gavin exhaled at his reflection. He turned and smiled at the hostess waiting behind her podium.
“Hi there, I’m meeting someone. The reservation is under Ashford. Robert Ashford.”
“Oh, your party is already here,” the woman graciously noted.
Of course he was. Gavin was running late, once again. Would he ever be on time for anything in his life?
Gavin gave the woman a weary smile as she offered to escort him to the table.
Soft brown eyes greeted Gavin when he arrived at the table, followed by a warm and inviting smile.
The man stood, happy to see him.
“Gavin? It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the man said, offering Gavin his hand and giving it a firm handshake when he accepted it.
“Wow, good-looking and has manners,” Gavin noted, releasing the man’s hand and taking a seat across fromhim. “I’m so sorry I’m late. Once again, couldn’t find anything good enough to wear.”
“That’s not true. You look amazing in what you’re wearing,” the man offered, smiling at him while making Gavin feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
Perhaps this wasthe one, after all.
“You really are a sweetheart,” Gavin admitted, forgetting that the server was still at their table, waiting to take their drink order.
Eyes locked together, they picked up their menus and began perusing.
The rest of the night flew by in a haze of laughter and heart-shaped eyes. Gavin had never been on a date that flowed so well. It was as if his date could read his mind. They both enjoyed old romantic movies—anything with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. They preferred summer but loved a good white Christmas. And of course, they both loved puppies! Because, let’s face it, what kind of monster doesn’t love a good puppy?
“I still can’t believe we matched on a hookup app of all places,” Gavin remarked as he enjoyed the last of his chocolate dessert.
“And why is that so hard to believe?” Robert asked, leaning up on his elbows like Gavin was about to divulge some deep, dark secret.
