Cayson bit his lip again, afraid to ask his next question. He’d only admit it to himself, but he was terrified of more rejection. If he didn’t take control of his life, then it was going to pass right by him. “How about a movie tonight? Then we could go to this nice Italian restaurant I’ve been hearing a lot about.”
Silence.
“Joe. Joe are you there?”
“Yeah. I’m here. Look, Cayson I just realized that I’m on call tonight. I better not.”
Cayson gritted his teeth at the slew of curse that lingered on his tongue. “You called me, remember. You called to ask me over to fuck, but when I suggested a date, now you’re on call. That sounds—”
“I made a mistake. Got my days mixed up is all. I’ll talk to you in a few weeks.” And Joe hung up.
Cayson shook his head as he stared at the now black screen of his phone. Seriously. I can’t even get a basic dinner and a movie? He was going to be alone forever. He hoped Duke realized how good he had it. Because he not only had an amazing man like Vaughan to have his back, but his life was full of friends that adored him. How had Cayson ended up with no one?
I was a good kid. I worked hard at school. I was good to my folks. I’m not mean to people and I try to help anyone that asks me to. Cayson put his car in drive and headed towards his house. One question was in the forefront of his mind and probably would be for the rest of the night. Why doesn’t anyone want me?
“I like your place, babe.” Vaughan smiled, walking around Duke’s condo. It wasn’t anything that would make Ideal Home magazine, but it was his and it was clean. Duke dropped his own bag by the couch and sat down to look through his mail; Charlie had stacked it on his coffee table.
When he’d finished separating what was important from what was junk, he leaned back and linked his fingers behind his head, resting his throbbing skull against the back of the couch. Vaughan leaned in to read the spines on the vast collection of mystery novels on his bookshelf. He had biographies and documentaries lining the bottom shelves as well. Vaughan kicked his shoes off before coming and settling next to Duke.
“How you feeling?” Vaughan asked.
Duke pulled Vaughan into his side so he could bury his nose in his hair and breathe in his clean scent. “I’m alright. I’m just concerned about Quick. He’s fighting this and I don’t know why.”
“You really think my dad is attracted to men?” Vaughan slowly shook his head like it was inconceivable.
“No. Not men. At least I don’t think. It’s just Dr. Chauncey.”
“He is handsome, but they sure seem to be extreme opposites.”
“That’s the most fun. I don’t think you noticed how the doc looked at your old man when he came in dressed like that the way he was. Like the prim and proper man had always dreamed of dating a bad boy.”
“Oh, god,” Vaughan groaned miserably. “No. No. No. My dad is not some hot bad boy. Come on, Duke.”
Duke laughed. “I wouldn’t expect you to think he was.”
“He was so upset, though. I hate that. What can we do?”
“We’ll pull back. Give him some time to figure shit out in his head first. If he really likes the doc, then he’ll bring it back up when he’s ready.”
“Okay, then. If you think that’s best.” Vaughan wrung his hands in front of him, a nervous habit Duke had recognized in his man.
“What I think is that we should get comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.” Duke smiled.
“Sweetheart, that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. Besides… you know.” Vaughan winked and brushed a kiss against Duke’s cheek. “I’m gonna go freshen up.”
Duke pointed Vaughan down the dark hall. “Last bedroom on the right, bathroom is across the hall, and the linen is under the sink. I’ll clean up in my bathroom and meet you back on the couch.”
Vaughan’s smile bordered on predatory. “Sounds like a plan.”
Duke’s cock was already half-hard. Just the thought of them being in his home alone was enough to make his stomach flutter with expectation. They also didn’t have to worry about anyone overhearing or listening to them. Now that Dr. Chauncey gave them the go ahead for light activity. Light was better than none and he was going to take full advantage.
Duke looked around his living room, picking up here and there. It was only him, so his place never got dirty. He had a nice size microfiber sectional with a chaise lounge on the end. Duke pulled a lightweight quilt from the closet and draped it on the back of the chaise. His most favorite possession—his sixty-five inch 4K 3D curved TV—was perfectly positioned in front of the couch. The television had one of the most amazing pictures he’d ever seen. He was so excited he was almost vibrating. This felt very similar to a date. They’d order in, watch a movie, and then… bed. Duke put a few takeout menus on the coffee table for them to choose from for dinner.