“Yeah, I’ve heard about that place. I’m a member at the Athletic Club. It’s a little closer to me.”
“I need to check that place out now that the summer is winding down. I usually workout on campus during the school year, but always do Crossfit in the summer.”
Knowing that I already want to see him again, I offer, “You should tag along with me Monday morning.”
“Really?” he asks as he sets his beer down.
“Yeah, I’m normally up there by seven.”
He nods his head and says with a slight grin, “I’ll meet you there.”
Conversation with him is comfortable as we continue to talk about school and what our plans are after we graduate this next year. I never really care to chat too much with the guys I see, but Mark is pretty cool.
“Did you have a busy summer?” I ask after the waiter drops off our food.
“Not too bad. We’ve been playing a lot more gigs, so it keeps me busy. What about you?”
Setting my beer down, I say, “I pretty much hung low. Took some day trips down to Westport to do some surfing.”
“How long have you surfed?”
“My whole life. I grew up next to the beach, so it has always been a part of me. I don’t do much of it anymore though since it takes almost three hours to get to a decent spot to paddle out,” I tell him and then ask, “You ever been?”
“Surfing? No,” he laughs. “I’m from Ohio, remember? The only thing we do in the water is sail and fish.”
He has a beautiful smile, and I can’t help the one that crosses my face when he looks the way he does right now. “Well, maybe one day I’ll get you on a board.”
“Don’t get your hopes up,” he chuckles.
We eat a long dinner and take our time getting to know each other.
After paying the tab, we walk out into the misty night, and I follow Mark to his car. Before he opens his door, he turns around, and says, “So, I guess I’ll see you Monday.”
“Yeah,” I respond as I step closer to him and brace my hand on the car next to his shoulder. I wanted to kiss him last night, but f**k if I don’t feel those same nerves again right now. Nerves I never feel when I’m with a guy. Shoving them down, I lean in, and I’m relieved when Mark wraps his hand around my neck and pulls me into him, pressing his lips against mine. We stand there in the light rain and kiss, all the while, the anxiety that rushes through me has me on edge. He crushes his mouth against mine, and I thrust my tongue past his lips and slide it against his. My body is pressed firmly against him, and I’m getting myself too worked up, so I pull back.
Not releasing his grip on my neck, I stare at him, and he gives me a slight grin when he brings me back to him and kisses me again. This time, soft. Our lips just rest on each other’s for a moment before he drags his off of mine.
“See you Monday?” he says in a low voice.
Stepping back, I nod and respond, “I’ll call you.”
He smiles and then turns as he opens his door and hops into his SUV.
The intensity that’s rolling through my body makes me want to drive straight to his house and continue what we just started here in this parking lot. I get in my car and am knocked out of my indecent thoughts when I hear my phone chime. I take it out of my pocket and read a text from Candace.
Just got home. How was your date?
Usually I tell her about my dates, but there’s never been much to say because I haven’t ever clicked with anyone before. But this is different, and I’m nervous to tell her. I wish that I wasn’t, but I am, and I’m not entirely sure why.
Good. Heading home now.
That’s all I get? No dirty details? ; )
Nothing to tell. We ate. We kissed. What are your dirty details?
I laugh as I hit send because Candace never has dirty details. She’s pretty straight-laced, but I love to tease her nonetheless.
Went to The Bar Method. It was weird. He tried kissing me, but I dodged it. Awkward!
Poor guy.
Whatever. I’m going to bed.
Night, sweetie.
Driving home, my mind starts to consume itself with Mark again, and for the first time, I think that maybe I could give this a chance.
Maybe it’s time.
Maybe.
Chapter three
After lifting weights for the past hour with Mark, I desperately need a cold shower, but instead, he suggested a run, and I somehow agreed. So now we are making our way through the streets of a neighborhood that is not too far from the gym, and I’m dying ‘cause running with a semi is not all that fun. God, I have to get these thoughts out of my head, and fast.
“So, you plan on going back to Ohio after you graduate?” I ask, trying to refocus my thoughts on something else besides his cut body that’s covered in sweat.
“I don’t think so. I really love it here. Although I miss my family like crazy.”
“You guys close?”
“Yeah.”
Must be nice. It’s been years since I felt close with my parents. Ever since Jace died, they just avoid me. Back when I was in high school, it was as if I was no longer their son, but some dude that just occupied a room in their home. We barely even speak now.
“What about you? You close with your family?” he asks as we turn onto another street that happens to have an incline so steep, I swear to God, if I didn’t have decent traction on my shoes, I would slide down it.
Huffing out a short breath, I tell him way too honestly, “No. We hardly ever talk.”