Chapter 6
6
Z eke dreamed about Wesley all night.
It was odd, because usually, when he dreamed, he dreamed of Jack, he dreamed of crying, of screaming, of hurting. But this morning, he sat up, and he smiled.
Weird.
Weird, but a little cool.
He rolled up, grabbed his phone, and smiled wider at his text from Wesley.
Wesley
Goodnight Zeke
Feeling cheeky, he texted back.
Zeke
Good morning Sir
He got a quick reply.
Wesley
GM. Do you dance?
He knew what that was about; it was Saturday night, and they always had live music and a nice dinner since lots of folks left on Sundays.
Zeke
I do. U?
Did he? He used to a lot, and now he danced in his living room—his stereo system was absolutely amazing.
Wesley
I suck at it, and I love it anyway. Can we make it a real date?
He read that and then a second text popped up.
Wesley
Sorry. Would you like to join me for dinner and dancing tonight, boy?
That was followed by a toothy grin emoji.
Oh god. Would he? Was that possible? Was it not?
“It could be wonderful,” he whispered. “Amazing.”
Zeke
Yes, pls
His hands were shaking, but he’d done it.
Wesley
Wonderful. I’ll pick you up at 7. Tell me what you need from me.
Zeke
Have you had breakfast?
Wesley
I was just about to head down. I’m in desperate need of coffee. Someone kept me up late night watching stars.
Zeke
What an asshole.
He gave up and called, blurting out when Wesley answered, “I could. I mean, if you want…”
“I’d like that even more than coffee. Please join me?”
“I have to get dressed and all, but okay. Yes.” He could be put together quick.
“Take your time. I’m just heading down, so I’ll find a quiet table and order coffee. Do you like juice?”
“Yes, please. Grapefruit. I love grapefruit juice.” Zeke shivered as he hopped out of bed and hunted his boxers.
“Oh, me too. Perfect. See you soon, boy.” Wesley sounded pleased.
Boy. Oh, wow. That made him swallow hard. “Yes, Sir. In a bit.”
He hung up, his heart slamming in his chest.
He didn’t know what to wear to breakfast with a… date? Dom? Either one.
Both?
Fuck.
Jeans and a big sweater. That would be warm and snuggly, and he could hide in it.
That was good, right?
It’d better be. He was happy for the sweater because it was chilly out. The air was still damp and foggy, and the lodge had a surreal sort of look to it, warm lights poking out through the mist.
He found Wesley at a corner table, sipping coffee and looking at his phone.
“Morning, Sir.” Are you glad to see me?
“Good morning.” Wesley stood, smiling, and offered his hand, then pulled him into a quick bro-hug. “You look great. Please, sit. I got you juice, and the coffee is—here it comes.”
“Oh, that’s kind, Sir. Thanks.” How sweet. He sat with his back mostly turned toward curious eyes. “How did you sleep?”
“Well, I will say that I was happy to snuggle under the warm comforter, and once I was comfy, I was out until the sun was well up.” Wesley sipped his coffee. “It’s funny; I don’t even really know what time it is, and I don’t much care. How about you?”
“I—” Dreamed about you. And it was good. Weird but good. “I’m fine.”
Wesley made a face, head tilting slightly. “Fine? You know how I am. I ask a lot of questions. One-word answers are going to get you the third degree.” Wesley leaned closer, giving him a conspiring grin. “And if you’re my boy, even just for dinner and dancing, one-word answers won’t be permitted.”
His teeth sank into his bottom lip, an unexpected arousal flooding him. “No?”
Wesley shook his head. “No. Never. If I ask a question, I expect a full answer.”
“That’s good to know.” His cheeks were heating, and he hid for a second in his coffee.
“Mm. Yes.” Wesley sat up straight and looked over the breakfast specials. “So? Why are you just fine after such a spectacular night?”
“I’m not. I’m not just fine. I’m good.” He was great, even.
“Good.” Wesley nodded. “That’s better. What would you like to eat?”
“I hadn’t thought about it, honestly.” Was he even hungry?
Wesley squinted at him, then waved the server over. “Can we please have two chorizo omelets, fried potatoes, and biscuits instead of toast? Also, maybe some fruit to start?”
“Yes, Sir.” The server nodded and hurried off.
“How is the juice?” Wesley asked.
“Perfect. I love grapefruit.” What the hell had just happened? He couldn’t believe this.
“It’s a nice pink juice too. I like that better than the yellow ones. It’s sweeter, right?” Wesley didn’t seem to think anything of what he’d just done.
Two bowls of melon were set on the table with forks and two little bowls of yogurt.
“Yes, Sir. What’s your favorite?” He was betting on cran-apple.
“White cranberry peach. If you haven’t tried it, you need to. I discovered it in the grocery store, and I’m addicted. If you can’t find that, cranberry apple is next in line. But I do like this grapefruit.”
He grinned. That was close enough for government work.
“Why are you grinning at me?” Wesley’s eyebrow arched almost comically.
“Because I guessed almost right. Because I slept well.” Because I’m down here.
“Oh-ho! So now, you’re not just good, you’re right, and you slept well.” Wesley rolled his eyes.
“I am totally right.” And feeling amazing about that.
“Noted. I think I’m right about breakfast,” Wesley said as the food arrived. Two omelets, a plate of potatoes, and another of biscuits. “Oh, this smells good.”
“Oh, wow. You were hungry.” He blinked at all the food. “This looks amazing.”
“Breakfast is my favorite meal. Try the omelet.” Wesley picked up his fork and took a big bite. “Mmm.”
He peppered it, then he took a bite, humming as he enjoyed the spice and eggs and cheese. Oh, he liked that.
Wesley glanced at him and nodded approval, then took another big bite. “Chorizo for the win. Keep eating.”
“Nom nom nom.” Zeke chuckled, enjoying this more than he’d even hoped.
Wesley served him some potatoes and a biscuit too. The eyes that had been on them had gone back to their own business mostly, with just the occasional glance in his direction. If Wesley noticed at all, he didn’t let on.
“What’s your favorite part?” He had to admit, the omelet was delicious. He might have one again sometime.
“Oh, the sausage for sure. Much better than just having coffee, right? Breakfast is the best.”
“I never have breakfast. Thank you for… letting me come eat with you.”
“I’m happy you accepted my invitation, Zeke. I didn’t let you join me. I wanted you to come.” Wesley shook his head. “I’m glad you came.”
“I… I am too, Sir.” He was. This was the most fun ever.
“You need to change your thinking, boy.” Wesley put his fork down and picked up a biscuit. “The way you think. There may be things you need permission for, but an invitation is just that. You can say yes, or you can say no. You have control over that.”
“I do. I mean, I did know. I wanted to say yes.” And he had. He’d said yes.
“But I didn’t let you come. You decided to yourself, you know? Words matter. I feel like they matter a lot.”
“They do.” He was a lyricist. He understood.
“Okay. That’s your assignment today, between now and our date tonight. Make the words you say to yourself in your head matter.” Wesley finished his biscuit and poked at the potatoes with his fork.
“I—” He was a little wigged out, but Wesley seemed to be fine, calm. Easy.
Okay.
“Hm?” Wesley forked up a potato and popped it in his mouth. “What?”
“Nothing. I lost my train of thought.” He’d just been so damn surprised at himself.
“Okay. Hopefully, you’ll find it before tonight. Do you have something to wear? Not dressy, but something good for a party?”
“Jeans and a sparkly shirt?” It would be warm, dancing inside.
Wesley smiled. “I bet you look hot in sparkles.”
“I like a little glitz. I save it for special occasions.” Like a first date.
“This is special. I hope to explore each other a little tonight.” Wesley sat up again.
“Only a little, Sir?” He was stupidly excited to go and dance with Wesley.
“That will be up to you.” Wesley pushed back from the table and stood. “This was a very nice breakfast. Thank you for joining me, and I hope you have a lovely day.”
“Yes, Sir.” Okay, no teasing. He could not tease. He needed a cup of coffee and to go home. He maybe needed to spend a few hours playing or napping or something.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” Wesley kissed his cheek, then turned and left.
He grabbed his coffee cup, kept his head down, and ran home.
He wasn’t sure what the hell he was feeling right now.