Chapter 11 Evan
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’ve met 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 title Favorite Playlist shows on the dashboard screen.
A song I don’t recognize plays 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.”
“I understand.”
“We can’t kiss,” he continues.
“I know.”
“We have to act like we’re nothing more than two friends hanging out. In the likely event that I get recognized, you might have to step aside while I take photos. There may even be some flirting involved with women we pass.”
“Isaac,” I say firmly, getting him to stop talking, “I understand all of this, and I knew these things, well, not the flirting with women part, but everything else. I knew all of that when I said yes to the date. I understand why you aren’t out and would never do anything to make it appear like we’re more than friends in public.
It’s not my place to decide if and when you come out.
Only you can make that decision, and I will support you no matter what you decide. ”
Isaac breathes a huge sigh of relief as his features soften and his muscles relax.
“Thank you. I rarely date for that reason. There are a few private clubs where discretion and privacy are required, but it’s hard to find someone who wants a relationship at one of those clubs.
Most of the men are looking for a hookup, nothing more.
The last guy I dated lost his shit on me when I told him I wanted to keep things private, and then he threatened to expose me.
That was three years ago. I haven’t been on a date since.
I hit one of the clubs to take care of my needs then go home alone. ”
“That’s terrible. What a jerk for doing that to you. I see why you are worried about today and how things will go with us. No matter what happens between us, you never have to worry about me revealing your secret. Even if things don’t work out.”
“I appreciate you saying that, Evan. From the talks we had last night, I believed you felt that way which is why I was eager to take you out. As the morning went on and my excitement grew, so did my anxiety. Then the voices screaming at me to take you home and not trust you, got a little too loud. You’re not like most guys I meet.
I never know if people like me or my status. ”
“I’d like you even if you weren’t some football god. That’s just an added bonus,” I tease, causing him to laugh.
“Football god,” he repeats, reverence in his voice. “I like it.”
“I’m not calling you ‘god,’” I deadpan, causing him to laugh even harder.
He sobers and firmly says, “Don’t be so sure about that.”
Aaaand now I’m hard. The smirk on Isaac’s face tells me he knows exactly what he did.
“Payback’s a bitch,” I mumble with a satisfied smirk as Isaac busts out laughing. Challenge accepted.