****
Gage stood, quietly staring at Trent, with his fist clenched and tucked in his slacks pockets in order to keep from reaching out to touch the man who had haunted him for last six days. Trent looked exceedingly gorgeous in every way… From the toned, buff body, to the hard, chiseled face and all the way down the brand new suit he wore so well. Tonight, something about Trent seemed to call straight to his soul and he knew that from the minute he pulled into the driveway. Gage had panicked a little sitting behind the driver’s seat. His breath hitched as he looked over the small suburban house. Without question, he knew if he went through with this date it wasn’t going to be the usual one night stand; he’d be connected here and yet he’d still opened his car door and walked the steps to the front porch.
Trent’s family met him with excitement, and he loved watching Trent interact with them. He could tell Trent tried hard to be the man of the house, but his family came with too much personality to do such simple things as follow a few well-placed rules.
“You’re nervous?” Trent appeared surprised by the thought.
“Mmm hmm, I’ve never dated anyone. I’ve actually never been on a date; not that I can remember anyway. This’s a first for me,” Gage said, still not moving, only standing there watching this stunning man in front of him.
“Well, you’re doing great. I never would’ve realized this is a first for you,” Trent said.
“Mmm… Well, let’s see, I scheduled dinner at Sapore di Casa. I thought we would start there, then maybe dancing if there’s time,” Gage said, watching for Trent’s reaction.
“I should probably be home early tonight. I have a crew starting at six in the morning. I’ve got this bear for a boss on a remodel I’m working,” Trent said, a hint of a smile tugged at his lips and Gage laughed.
“Well, then, we better be off. I moved our reservations back a little. Oh and from here on out, I get the doors. I asked you on this date—had I waited for you to ask I would have been a very old man—since I did the asking, I get the doors. And I pay the bill tonight. No question or fight about it, got it?” Gage said, he loved this new look on Trent’s face. He loved when Trent smiled, but this look of pursing his lips together, his brow narrowing while forming his reply, was absolutely one of the hottest looks he’d seen, and he stepped in closer, losing the debate going on inside him. His eyes focused on Trent’s lips as he spoke.
“It’s only right. You can do it when you do the asking. I find I’m looking forward to ending this date. Your lips have been foremost in my thoughts since I first laid eyes on them,” Gage whispered, slowly leaning in.
“Daddy, go so we can watch you leave.” Emalynn stuck her head out the door seconds before Gage made lip contact for the first time with this man of his dreams. Trent’s breath rushed out, sliding like a balm over Gage’s face, and he turned his head to the front door.
“Em, go inside and tell Sophia to stop making you do things like this,” Trent said. He turned back to Gage, worry set in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry. We do need to get going. Besides, anticipation’s an enticing reward in getting you home early,” Gage said wiggling his eye brows with a gleam in his eyes. He stepped away as he extended his arm for Trent to lead the way. Trent gave a smile, and if he was interpreting correctly, looked a little disappointed by the interruption as he walked forward and then down the steps. The smile, though, completely melted any part of Gage’s heart which remained his. He loved Trent’s smile and vowed again to see it there more often. As he followed behind, taking the few steps down, Trent spotted his car, stopping in his tracks.
“Oh my God, it’s a Ferrari, Gage. You drive a Ferrari? You drove a Prius last night…” Trent said. The night was full-on and they stood in a darkened area of the walkway leading to the driveway. It gave Gage the opportunity to step forward and brush his hard-on against Trent’s ass. He wrapped his arms around Trent’s waist and slid one hand down the length of his body to see what might be going on inside his slacks. He wasn’t disappointed with the feel or the slight roll Trent’s hip gave into his hand during the brief touch.
An intake of breath pushed Trent back further against Gage’s chest, more into the circle of his arms, and Gage breathed in Trent’s scent while running his nose along his neck. Gage didn’t move or blow it off as an accident. Instead, he tightened his arms, pulling Trent even closer to his chest. Judging by where they stood, Gage didn’t think they could be seen from the window or the front doors because he couldn’t see the children or Sophia.
Finally, after so many long agonizing days, Gage got to hold this man in his arms, and he couldn’t bring himself to let go. His heart pounded in his chest. He could feel Trent’s heartbeat matched his own. Gage stood slightly taller than Trent, but not really enough to matter, and he bent his nose in, allowing it to make contact with Trent’s skin, before running it up into the back of his hair. Gage smiled when Trent finally lifted his arm to hold his head in place, sliding his fingers into the ends of Gage’s hair.
“I love your scent. You’ll have to tell me what it is so I can make sure you never run out,” Gage whispered into his hair. He could feel Trent wanted him as much as he wanted Trent. After days of trying to convince himself this would never happen, it felt so good to finally have this one in his arms.