Before he knew it, he was standing in front of Jeff’s door. Just as he raised his hand to knock, it dawned on him that maybe he should have brought something. Flowers? Candy?
Shit. He was going to screw this up so bad.
He sighed and knocked. The door flew open in seconds. Chad’s breath hitched in his throat and he could only stare at the gorgeous man standing in the doorway. Jeff wore dark gray slacks that hugged his lean body, and a burgundy button-down. He was stunning.
The corner of Jeff’s lips curved into a smile. “Hi.”
“Hi. You…you’re so beautiful,” Chad whispered as he stepped forward.
Jeff blushed and tilted his head. “You look pretty great yourself, Charming.”
Chad slowly dragged his knuckles across Jeff’s jaw. “You ready?”
Jeff swallowed hard and nodded before pulling his door closed. Chad grabbed his hand and walked him to the car, even remembering to open the door for Jeff before rounding the front and climbing into the driver’s side.
They were really doing this date thing.
6
Silence blanketed the car at first as neither seemed able to come up with something to say. Chad laughedat the awkwardness.
Jeff smiled. “Guess you’re feeling a little weird, too?”
Chad grinned. “Yep. But it’s a good weird, Jeff.” He moved his gaze to the road.
“Where are we going?”
“AG’s Ocean of Seafood Grill. You ever been?”
“Yum. I love that place! Haven’t been in a long time, though.”
Chad’s gut twisted as the image of Jeff out with another man at the same restaurant hit him. He hadn’t even thought about that. Hell, he’d never cared about anything like that in his life. He frowned as he merged onto the highway and tried to get his emotions under control.
“What’s wrong?”
Shit. He wasn’t too good at hiding his feelings. “Nothing.”
“Look, Chad. I know I forced you on this date. I thought you wanted it. If you want to change your mind—”
“Are you kidding me? I’m already in these damn dress pants and we have reservations! You backing out on me?”
Jeff laughed. “No. I just thought you looked pissed off for a minute.”
Chad shook his head. “Look, it’s like I told you, Jeff. I don’t believe in love. At least, not for me.I’ve always been upfront about that with you. But I admit…I’ve been having a hard time with this situation.”
Jeff was quiet for a moment. “You’re right. You’ve been honest with me. I just thought that maybe your feelings had changed.”
“They have. But I’m confused as hell about it all.” He turned in time to see Jeff smile. “What?”
“Confusion is okay, Chad. Let’s just have a good time tonight, okay? No pressure? No talk of future plans?”
Chad breathed in deeply and let the air whoosh out. He suddenly felt lighter. No complications tonight.Just fun. He was good at fun—he could handle that. “Deal,” he agreed as he pulled up to the parking lot. “Let’s go have a good time.”
* * * *
The first thing he noticed was the quietness of the small restaurant. The second thing was that every table seemed to have only two people. Couples. Some cozied up to each other, talking intimately, while others sat across from each other holding hands.
Low-level lights hung above each round table, covered in pale blue tablecloths. Candles in glass hurricanes stood in the center of each. The far wall consisted of a giant aquarium filled with a varietyof tropical fish, while antique ship’s wheels dotted the opposite wall. Soft music poured from hidden speakers as the two men followed the hostess to a corner booth.
Chad and Jeff slid in across from each other, but the U-shaped booth allowed them to move closer to each other if they wanted. Without looking at Jeff, Chad chose to do exactly that after the hostess left.
Jeff did the same until they sat only inches apart.
But no pressure, Chad reminded himself. Everything looked romantic, but he didn’t need to think of it like that. It was just he and Jeff. Having fun. Hanging out. Nothing stressful.
Jeff’s leg brushed against his and all thoughts flew out of Chad’s head. He reached under the table and brushed his hand across Jeff’s thigh and smiled when he heard the quiet gasp.
Hmm, this really was going to be fun.
A perky brunette took their drink orders before Jeff could say anything. They both ordered a beer. “Okay. Be back in a few minutes with your drinks and basket of bread.”
Chad squeezed Jeff’s leg again, and this time, Jeff slid his hand on top of Chad’s and twined their fingers together. Warmth unfurled in his belly and he looked at Jeff, staring back at him.