Chapter Fifteen
A lunch date with Tory and his mom was a step forward.
Diesel was nervous and couldn’t explain why.
Maybe it had been his mom’s reaction when he confronted her about their relationship.
He recognized how big of a deal this was for her.
While sitting in the parking lot waiting for the pair to arrive, Diesel couldn’t do anything except stare at Kuba.
“I’m sorry for rushing you out of the house.”
Kuba played a game on his phone. “Don’t be. This is a huge step for Nova.”
He didn’t look like he had an ounce of anxiety going on inside his head, even though they were about to be seen in public together as a couple. Everyone knew they were more than client and bodyguard now. Kuba closed out his game and put his phone away. His calmness looked genuine.
“You’re brave as fuck. You know that, right?”
Kuba looked his way. The sight of his gorgeous dark eyes made Diesel’s heart skip a beat. “You just now figuring that out?”
A snort burst from Diesel.
Kuba smiled. “What? You knew I was cocky before you decided to keep me.”
Diesel couldn’t stop smiling. “I love you.”
Kuba leaned his way. “I love you too. Give me a kiss. I want those lips.”
Diesel chuckled as he shifted closer and kissed Kuba. As always, things turned heated fast. He couldn’t get enough of the way Kuba tasted. Diesel had to force himself to pull away. “I can’t meet my future stepmom with a hard-on.”
Kuba’s sexy laugh had Diesel’s stomach cramping with need. “Don’t worry. When we get home, I’ll fix you.”
“Tease.”
Kuba’s eyebrows shot up. “Don’t challenge me, baby. I’ll have you meeting Tory coated in cum.”
Damn, he would do it. Diesel needed to chill. Thankfully, his mom’s Volkswagen Beetle pulled into the parking spot on Kuba’s side.
Kuba glanced over and then looked back. He wore a huge smile. “Nova is so cute. This Tory woman better treat her right.”
Every second they were together, Diesel fell a little deeper in love with Kuba. He knew he had made the right decision. When they were together, there wasn’t a single doubt that Kuba loved him. They climbed out of the car at the same time. Nova and Tory did the same.
Diesel moved straight toward Tory and hugged her. She had no idea how thrilled Diesel was to meet her. He honestly hadn’t thought his mom would let him. “Holy shit.” He realized he probably shouldn’t have cursed. “Oops. Sorry, but you’re gorgeous. Mom didn’t warn me.” He pulled away. “I’m Diesel.”
She laughed. Her green eyes sparkled with good humor. She had freckles and red hair. Tory was every bit as beautiful as Diesel claimed. Wow. His mom had done well.
Tory playfully slapped his arm. “Me? Look at you two. You look just like your mom.” Her gaze moved between Kuba and Diesel. “I mean, dang. You two are stunning.”
Diesel blushed.
Kuba smiled and shook her hand. “I’m Kuba, Diesel’s boyfriend.”
The pride that slammed into Diesel nearly took him off his feet. That was right. Kuba was his.
Nova took Tory’s hand. The pair beamed. Nova nodded toward the restaurant. “We should probably head inside. It’s hot as hell out today.”
Diesel dipped his chin and motioned toward the door. “Ladies first.”
Kuba fell into step beside him as they made their way inside.
He tried to ignore the way people pulled out their phones the moment they stepped inside.
Kuba subtly shifted closer, as if proud to be with Diesel while people openly took photos and videos.
A hint of nervousness set in. He hoped Kuba didn’t bolt over so many eyes on them.
They had just gotten back together, and this was the first real test.
“It’s going to be about a twenty-minute wait. Are you okay with that? Or would you rather go somewhere else?” Tory’s question pulled Diesel from his growing worry. He glanced Kuba’s way.
Kuba shrugged. “We’re here.”
As a group, they shuffled toward the corner to get out of the way of the door.
Diesel leaned against the wall. “I guess we should’ve come in and secured a table when we got here.”
Kuba leaned his shoulder against Diesel’s chest like he was the wall. Diesel automatically wrapped his arms around Kuba’s waist.
Nova shrugged. “It’s no big deal. Unless you’re in a rush?”
“Nah. We don’t have anything else planned for the day,” Kuba answered for them both.
Tory smiled. “Good, us either.”
Diesel was curious as hell about her. “What do you do for a living? I don’t think Mom’s ever said.” He hated to start with that question, but he didn’t know what else to talk about.
“I’m a pediatrician. Your mom tells me you are a bodyguard and you’ve worked for some pretty famous names. Anyone I might know?”
Kuba and Diesel laughed.
Diesel couldn’t stop smiling as he responded. “Well, this one.” He pointed at Kuba.
Tory’s gaze moved to Kuba. “Oh. Nova said you were some sort of fighter or something.”
Diesel answered for him. “He’s the MMA middleweight champion.”
Her eyes widened. “Whoa. That’s amazing. You must’ve worked really hard to achieve that.”
Before Kuba could respond, a guy appeared from nowhere. “Could I get a selfie?”
Kuba straightened away from Diesel. “Sure.” They shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries. Kuba leaned closer to the guy and smiled while pictures were snapped.
“Can we get one with your bodyguard too?”
Kuba looked his way with his eyebrows raised.
Diesel shrugged. “Sure.”
They got a few pics with the man between them. His mom took a few with the guy’s phone to get a better picture. She passed the phone back.
“Thanks. I really appreciate that. You guys have no idea how excited everyone was at Dugouts when the news broke you’re a couple. We don’t have enough representation in pro sports. Your willingness to be open will help a lot of people feel less alone, and maybe we’ll see more athletes do the same.”
Diesel was moved and taken aback. Dugouts was a sports bar in the gayborhood that was always packed. Diesel had been there once on a date. The place had been too loud for him, but lots of big games and fights had watch parties there. It sounded like Kuba’s fight had been one.
Kuba looked as if he took every word to heart. “I’d love to see it. People shouldn’t have to live in fear.”
They shook hands again as their name was called for their table.
Kuba took his hand as they made their way to the back.
Diesel fought a smile at the sight of Kuba in front of him with his hand behind his back, refusing to release Diesel’s hand.
He swore Kuba stood a little taller and held himself with pride.
It was obvious he had needed exactly that to happen.
There were people out there who felt alone, unseen, and unrepresented.
It was important that teens saw being gay wouldn’t stop them in life, no matter how big their dreams were.
Part of the reason Diesel had always been out and proud as an adult was due to all the major celebrities he had worked with who had paved the way for people like Kuba. His career would be fine.
The moment they were seated, Kuba pulled his chair closer to Diesel’s.
Diesel draped his arm across the back.
Nova and Tory shared a menu, chatting happily over what they might split.
Diesel looked around the table, and so much pride filled his chest. This was exactly the life he had always wanted for himself.
“I thought I saw you two come through the door.”
At the heavily accented words, Diesel turned to find Krystof.
Kuba immediately stood. “I didn’t know you were still in town.” They hugged.
“Just one more night.”
Kuba turned back to the table. “This is my dad, Krystof.” He motioned toward each person at the table, making introductions. “This is Diesel’s mom, Nova. Her girlfriend, Tory, and of course you’ve met Diesel.”
Krystof nodded toward each person. “Charmed.”
Tory and Nova responded simultaneously. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Nova turned into the mom she was. “We can get them to bring us another chair. I’d love to get to know you. Kuba already feels like part of the family. We absolutely love him.”
A kind smile touched Krystof’s features. He honestly was a gorgeous man. Even though he wasn’t related to Kuba by blood, they stood the same and had the same mannerisms. He could see the influence and wanted to know the man.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m just on my way out.” He focused on Kuba. “There’s still business in L.A. for me, but you know I’m only a phone call away. Maybe you remember to use that phone for more than emergencies.”
Nova chuckled. “The joys of raising boys.”
Krystof flashed her another smile. “They think they outgrow you.” He focused on Diesel. “I’m glad we ran into each other. I’d planned to stop by tonight, but this is better for my flight schedule. Would it be a terrible inconvenience if I spoke with you privately?”
Diesel immediately stood. “Of course not. Kuba knows what I like, so there’s no need for anyone to wait on me to order.” He cast his mom an apologetic look. “I’ll be back.”
She waved him away. “No problem. We’ll still be here when you get back.”
Krystof hugged Kuba again. “Love you.”
“Love you too, Dad. Let me know when your plane lands safely.”
Krystof nodded and then headed for the front. Diesel joined him. They stepped outside together before Krystof focused on him. “I wanted to thank you for being so understanding with Kuba. Losing his mom hit him in ways I didn’t know how to reach. You have him smiling again.”
Diesel took every word to heart. “I love him. You never have to thank me for that.”
Krystof chuckled. “Yes, I do. You could have been done with him when he finally broke over the Dread ordeal. Instead, you heard him out and forgave him. You’d be surprised how many people have no grace to give.
But I can see that you truly care for him, and that’s exactly what a parent wants for their child. ”
Diesel couldn’t say Krystof’s words didn’t warm his chest. “I’m glad we ran into each other. I’d planned to reach out to you. The bonus you sent was way too generous. I’d like to return it.”