“I love you, baby.”
I end the call, grab my gym bag and head inside. Most of the team is already here. I’m not late, but I’m pushing it. I rush into the locker room and change quickly before doing some stretches.
Memories of last night flood my mind as I warm-up on the treadmill. I enjoyed being with Evan. We think a lot alike and have a few things in common. The best part was the kissing. It’s been a long time since I kissed someone like that. The last few years have been about sex and taking care of my needs not relationships. There’s little talking or kissing involved. I prefer talking and kissing. It’s more intimate.
After thirty minutes on the treadmill, I hit the weight machines. Tyson has been eyeing me for the past several minutes with an odd look on his face. What is that all about? When I drop the dumbbell, barely missing my left foot, he jogs over to me.
“Are you okay?” he whispers.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Because you almost tripped on the treadmill twice andthat dumbbell you dropped missed your foot by centimeters. You can’t afford a broken foot. You seem off.”
“I’m not off,” I snap. Then take a calming breath. It’s not his fault I keep my sexuality a secret and now I’ve got to figure out how to approach whatever is happening between Evan and me. “Sorry. I’m tired. That’s all.”
He eyes me warily for several seconds before nodding and returning to his weight bench. He doesn’t believe me, but he also knows if I need to talk, I’ll come to him. I appreciate him giving me some space.
The rest of the workout goes a little smoother with no more near mishaps. After a quick shower, I’m heading back to Evan’s and getting more and more excited with each passing mile.
ELEVEN
EVAN
A glance at the clock on the microwave tells me I’m running out of time. Isaac will be here in a few minutes, and I’m not dressed. After eating a small breakfast, I showered and brushed my teeth, but I’m still sitting here in a pair of gym shorts, trying to decide what to wear. I finally gave up on the pile of clothes on my bed and came to the kitchen for a glass of water.
I’ve never had trouble figuring out what to wear on a date. I’ve also never been this nervous. I consider texting Isaac and requesting a rain check, but I don’t want to do that to him. Even though I’m nervous, I’m excited about spending the day with him. He’s a big deal in Miami and he’s not out, which means we won’t be holding hands or kissing. We both know it’s a date and that’s what’s most important, but we will have to behave like two friends. I’m overthinking the whole situation. It’s not as if I’m a big proponent of PDA. Even though my sexuality isn’t a secret, I like my privacy and respect Isaac’s. The topic of dating hasn’t come up with anyone I’vemet here other than Isaac, so my new colleagues don’t actually know I’m gay.Today will be fine,I assure myself. Two friends enjoying an afternoon together. I can do this.
After my silent pep talk, I walk back to the bedroom and pull on a pair of khaki shorts and a navy polo shirt. I want to look nice, but the heat is stifling. After I slip my feet into a pair of loafers, I put away all the clothes I tossed everywhere when trying to make a decision earlier. As I’m hanging up the last few shirts, the doorbell rings. I do one last look in the mirror to ensure I look okay before going to let Isaac in.
“Hey,” I greet as soon as I swing the door open.
He rakes his eyes over my body sending a shiver down my spine. Today may be harder than I thought. Isaac pushes me against the wall, and I hear the door close behind him as he crashes his mouth onto mine. The kiss is rough and needy, and I love everything about it. Isaac’s hands find their way to my hair as I wrap mine around him, pulling him flush against me, so I can feel every muscle against my chest. He pulls on my hair, and I moan into him. Damn he feels and tastes good. Isaac pushes against me, showing me just how turned on he is, causing me to moan again. Maybe we should skip this date and stay here after all. Before I can finish the thought, Isaac pulls back.
“All I thought about for the past three hours was getting back here so I could kiss you.”
“It was worth the wait.”
“Are you ready to go? I’m getting hungry.”
“Ready.” I grab my keys from the hook by the door and follow Isaac out to his car.
Before pulling out of my apartment complex, Isaac connects his phone to his car and pulls up his favorite playlist. I know because the playlist titleFavorite Playlistshows on the dashboard screen. A song I don’t recognizeplays through the speakers. The title and artist show on the screen. Last night after a few drinks, Isaac admitted that he likes boy bands, so I’m not surprised it’s a One Direction song. I definitely have to do some research into his music taste if we’re going to spend time together. Before last night, I couldn’t name a single boy band. Isaac pulls onto the highway, and we wind our way east toward the beach.
A few minutes into the ride, I find myself tapping my foot to his music. Surprisingly, I actually like the stuff he’s playing. I’ve never been adventurous with music, but I might have to start trying some new genres.
Isaac reaches over and takes my hand, holding it as we continue driving. He glances my way several times. His features are tight. His body is stiff. He’s definitely wound up about something.
“Are you okay?” I finally ask when he doesn’t say anything.
“Uh-huh,” he mumbles.
“Isaac, talk to me. Something is bothering you.”
“I’m sorry, Evan. I want to spend time with you and I’m looking forward to this date, but…” he trails off, not finishing his thought. I wait several seconds before I finish for him.
“You’re not out.” He nods as a guilty look flashes across his face. “You told me last night. It’s okay not to be out. Your personal life is no one’s business and if you don’t want the media to run with that kind of story, you should keep it private.”
“That means we can’t do this,” he shakes our joined hands, “Once we’re out of the car.”