Chapter 11 #2
Kevin gave Mike a hard shove and propelled him forward. Mike glared at him and then walked slowly across to where Tommy sat.
“Hey.” Fuck, he looks amazing. Mike was trying not to stare, but dear God, Tommy was just stunning.
Tommy placed the flowers on the bar. “The usual, please, Mike.”
He nodded and picked up a glass. “You eating?”
Tommy shook his head. “That’s kinda why I’m here.” He inclined his head toward the flowers. He swallowed and then lifted his chin to meet Mike’s eyes. “Those are for you.”
“Me?”
Tommy liked that dazed look on Mike. Damned if Bethany hadn’t been right; the flowers had been a good idea. Mike picked up the bunch of mixed flowers, gazing at the red roses, pink carnations, white chrysanthemums, huckleberry, and lemon leaf.
“I can’t recall the last time someone gave me flowers,” Mike admitted, smiling.
He glanced once more at the bouquet, fingering the silky rose petals.
“These are beautiful. Thank you.” He lifted his chin and regarded Tommy.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” He grinned, his eyes traveling up and down Tommy’s body.
“’Cause I have to say here, looking at you surely is a pleasure.
” His lips parted, and those blue eyes locked onto Tommy’s.
Oh hell. That sent a tingle down his spine.
Tommy breathed deeply. “I wanted to ask if you’d like to have breakfast with me when you’re done here.”
Mike’s smile sent warmth spreading throughout his body.
“I’d like that. I’ll be through here about one, one thirty. That all right?”
Tommy nodded, trying not to let his relief show. “That’s fine. I’ll just be right here, drinkin’ my Cherry Coke.” He grinned. Now that part was over with, he could relax a little.
Until breakfast time at least.
“Well, if that’s all, I’d better get on with my work before Kevin starts bitching.” Mike winked. He picked up the flowers. “I’ll stick these somewhere safe ’til I’m finished.” Mike gave Tommy one last lingering glance and then went to serve some customers.
Tommy spent the rest of the night sipping Coke and watching Mike, who in turn was watching him.
Tommy’d have that prickly feeling at the back of his neck, and when he looked up, sure enough, there was Mike, serving customers, chatting with Kevin or doing whatever, his eyes fixed on Tommy or sneaking a glance in his direction.
And he wasn’t the only one. Guys all over the bar kept staring at him, some smiling, others leering.
It was downright creepy. He tried to ignore them and kept his focus on Mike.
He loved watching those muscles in Mike’s arms bulge when he strained them.
He loved listening to him chat with the customers, laughing and joking around with them.
But most of all? He loved it when Mike would turn and look at him, that measured gaze taking Tommy in from head to foot.
Part of him was relieved his change of clothes had had the desired effect, but that careful scrutiny was having another effect entirely.
It made his heart race faster and his breathing more rapid.
It made Tommy’s dick hard as nails.
By two fifteen they were sitting in the American Diner, having just finished eating. Mike had been very complimentary about Tommy’s clothes, and Tommy had shared the whole shopping experience with him.
“Danny sounds like he’s a hoot,” Mike said, chuckling. “He didn’t really ask to watch you try on underwear, did he?”
Tommy nodded slowly. “An’ I swear, he’d have gone into that changin’ room with me at Atlanta Leather if Bethany hadn’t said somethin’ to her mom.” He snickered. “You shoulda seen the look she gave him.” He pushed his empty plate to one side and finished his coffee.
“You about done?” Mike asked him.
Tommy dipped his chin. Now that the meal was over, it was crunch time. Just the thought of what he was about to lay on Mike had his belly flip-flopping again. He’d rehearsed the words in his head over and over, but now that the moment had actually arrived, damn it, he had butterflies.
He watched Mike pull out his wallet and stopped him. “This was my idea, remember? You’re my guest.”
“You sure?”
“Uh-huh.” Tommy took out enough bills to cover everything and then rose to his feet.
He couldn’t do it in the diner. There were far too many people around, for one thing, and for another, heads kept turning in his direction—male and female.
It was driving him crazy. “Let’s get outta here, okay?
” He led the way out onto Cheshire Bridge, the customary persistent hum of traffic still in evidence.
Mike followed him, putting on his own leather jacket over his black wifebeater and jeans.
Tommy got as far as his truck and then turned around to face Mike, almost stumbling into him, he was walking so close behind.
“That was nice,” Mike said in a low voice. “But I’ve been wondering if maybe you had an ulterior motive for asking me to breakfast.” He grinned. “Not that I’m complaining. I had a great view while I ate.” His eyes shone, the streetlights catching in them.
Tommy’s heart was pounding in his ears, loud and strong. “Actually, there was. I… I had somethin’ I wanted to ask you.”
“Oh?” Mike arched his eyebrows. “Now you got me all curious.”
He fell silent, clearly waiting for Tommy to speak, except Tommy’s throat had seized up. All the muscles in his belly were twitching, and his mouth was dry as a bone. Mike’s expression grew sympathetic.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Whatever it is, it can’t be all that bad. Just spit it out.”
Tell him. Just… tell him.
“I….” Tommy swallowed. “I want you to….”
Mike stared at him, head cocked slightly.
“I want you to….”
Mike placed his hand on Tommy’s shoulder, the weight of it both comforting and yet not, all at the same time. “Tommy, it’s okay. Just say it.”
His voice had a gentle quality to it that soothed Tommy’s nerves.
Tommy drew in a deep breath and met Mike’s gaze head on.
“I want you to be my first.”