Chapter 122 Dinner crash
The tension in his face is easing just a little. “I know,” he said, his voice low. But then it shifted again, back to something firm and protective.
He reached up, lightly brushing his fingers against Lucas’s cheek before letting his hand rest there.
“Just, be careful,” Alex said, his gaze locking onto him. “This isn’t something I fully understand yet. And until I do…” His tone hardened slightly. “Don’t trust anyone.”
Lucas frowned faintly. “Anyone?”
“Yes, anyone,” Alex repeated without hesitation. “People we know, people we don’t, just be alert. If something feels off, even a little, you tell me immediately.”
There was no fear in his voice.
Just certainty, like a little quiet warning. Because whatever this Mac issue was, it could lead to a dangerous situation though he prayed not.
Lucas nodded his agreement and hugged him tight. When he pulled away he said, “Don’t worry much about it, it might just be a prank too, hmm.”
“Baby, please be careful, okay.”
Lucas smiled, “I will but will pretend not to know a thing, hmm.”
Alex smiled lightly and caressed his cheek. “What about compensation for being mad at me, hmm?”
Instantly, Lucas threw his hand around Alex’s neck. “What do you want me to do?”
Alex smiled mischievously. “Do you mean that anything I say, you will do it for me?”
Lucas smiled, his hand playing with his hair around his neck. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Like how?
“Like, you’re thinking what I wasn't thinking.”
Alex leaned in and kissed him lightly. “And what do you think I was thinking, baby?”
“I don't know what you're thinking but I was thinking you would ask for a kiss but I guess I was wrong?”
“Why will I ask for a kiss when I can get it quickly like this…” He leaned in and kissed him again, again and again lingering but Lucas pulled away laughing softly.
“Alex, easy, I need to go to work.” He tried to step out of his embrace but Alex held on tight.
“Oh baby, your lips are irresistible. I can't get enough but let me hold on until lunch. Remember you agreed to have lunch while in the car.”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Then concerning my compensation, let me cook dinner for us in my place, tonight.”
“Hmm, just dinner? Lucas asked.
“Just dinner but you can add anything else.”
“Like what?”
Alex leaned in and kissed him. “I don't know, we will find out after dinner.”
“Okay then, I'm off to work.” But before he could turn, Alex held him for one more kiss before letting him go.
The rest of the day passed more smoothly than either of them expected. The tension from the morning didn’t disappear completely, but it softened, replaced with something quieter and more understanding. They moved around each other with ease again, not fully back to normal, but close enough to breathe.
By lunch break, they found themselves sitting together. It wasn’t forced this time. Lucas picked at his food for a moment before glancing up at Alex. “So… what time should I come over tonight?”
Alex looked up from his plate, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re really holding me to that cooking promise, huh?”
Lucas shrugged lightly. “You chose that or have you changed your mind?”
“Never,” Alex admitted, laughing lightly. Then, after a brief thought, “Come around eight.”
Lucas nodded. “Alright. Cook something delicious, I trust you.”
Alex smirked. “You’ll love it.”
Lucas raised a brow, clearly happy. Then there was a hint of warmth glinting in his eyes again.
It didn't escape Alex and that was enough for him.
By the time evening settled in, the city lights flickering to life, Lucas stood in front of Alex’s door.
He adjusted his shirt slightly, then rang the bell.
A second later, the door opened.
Alex stood there, already looking like he’d been waiting. For a brief moment, they just looked at each other all smiles.
Then Lucas stepped inside, and before he could say a word, Alex reached for him.
The door clicked shut behind him as Alex pulled him closer, one hand settling at his waist, the other brushing lightly against his cheek.
And then, he placed a kiss on his lips. It was soft, warm, welcoming, it wasn’t rushed, nor demanding but just enough to say everything words hadn’t.
“I missed you but we’re okay,” Alex muttered.
Lucas stilled for a heartbeat wondering if it was just for a few hours. However, he melted into it, his hand instinctively gripping Alex’s shirt as he kissed him back.
When they finally pulled apart, the distance between them was barely there.
Alex rested his forehead lightly against Lucas’s, a faint smile on his lips. “You’re right on time.”
Lucas exhaled softly, a small smile forming despite himself. “You sound surprised.”
“Not surprised,” Alex murmured. “Just excited you’re here, maybe too excited.”
Alex started walking him to the dining table
And this time, there was no distance between them at all.
Dinner turned out better than expected. The food was good and the atmosphere even better. Laughter came easily, flowing between them like nothing had gone wrong. The earlier tension had melted away completely, replaced with warmth, teasing, and the quiet comfort they always seemed to find in each other.
Lucas leaned back slightly after a bite, eyeing Alex. “Okay… I’ll admit it.”
Alex raised a brow. “Admit what?”
“This is actually good.”
Alex scoffed lightly. “Actually?”
Lucas smirked. “Don’t let it get to your head, chief chef.”
Alex shook his head, but the smile on his face gave him away. For a moment, he just watched Lucas, really watched in admiration.
The ease in his expression, the way he looked relaxed again, it was the right moment.
Or at least, close enough. So, Alex set his fork down, his tone shifting just slightly. “Baby, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”
Lucas glanced up. “What?”
Alex hesitated for a fraction of a second, then went for it.
“Jason’s having his runway launch tomorrow. I'm a special guest there.”
Lucas nodded slowly. “Okay, that's good, even if you’re not a special guest, it should be a must-attend for you.”
Alex held his gaze. “Two seats were reserved for me and you. He wants me to bring you.”
That earned a small pause. Then
Lucas tilted his head slightly, studying him. “Me?”
“Yeah,” Alex said, more softly now. “I told him you might not be up for it, but…” He shrugged lightly. “I wanted to ask you myself.”
Lucas didn’t respond immediately. He looked down at his plate, then back at Alex, his expression thoughtful.
After everything from today, the tension, the threats, the warning to be careful. A public event wasn’t exactly the safest place.
Alex noticed the hesitation and quickly added, “We don’t have to go. I mean, you don’t have to go. I just…” He stopped, exhaling lightly. “I’d like you there beside me.”
Silence lingered for a brief moment.
Then Lucas spoke. “You want me there?”
Alex didn’t hesitate this time. “Yeah. I do.”
Then Alex’s phone buzzed, it was Mac.