Song and Dance - 3. Chapter 3 Strangers In The Night

Song and Dance

Chapter 3

Chet couldn’t believe he had done something so fucking stupid. He didn’t know what it was about this guy… Arron… damn, he loved that name, but he’d wanted this evening to go perfectly, and he was off to a piss-poor start. He had to force himself not to speed towards the man who was his destination. Arron had given up on him and left the restaurant. That freaked Chet out, big time. He must have been angry, thinking he’d been stood up... the same way Chet had felt when he thought Arron had done that to him.

Chet knew he had his hopes up way too high, but he was powerless to hold back. He still couldn’t believe he’d said what he did about Arron’s eyes. He was probably coming on too strong, but again, it was out of his control. Just knowing he’d already disappointed that beautiful guy had almost sent him into a tailspin. Please, God, don’t let anything else go wrong tonight. His silent plea was meant in earnest because his gut told him there was a lot at stake here. He had learned to trust his gut.

Pulling his Jeep into the parking lot, he could see Arron waiting for him in front of the restaurant. With his attention on the handsome cop standing under the entrance lights, he almost plowed into the rear of a big black car backing out of a parking space. He had to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision. Reversing his Jeep to allow the car to proceed, he didn’t dare to look over at Arron. He knew his face was now a brilliant shade of red, and just hoped it wasn’t noticeable from where Arron stood. Obviously, God hadn’t heard his prayer, or he had a sick sense of humor.

Finally getting parked, he got out trying to look nonchalant, and strode over to a waiting, smirking Arron.

“Was that my 'eyes’ fault too?” he asked with a laugh. The receding blush on Chet’s face returned, and he had to laugh.

“Something like that… smartass.” Arron’s beautiful grin was infectious, and they both entered the restaurant looking like happiness personified. Waiting to be seated, Chet leaned in close to Arron and murmured, “I hope I’ll be able to hold onto my cutlery tonight.” Arron’s grin got bigger as he took in Chet’s handsome features with a sweep of those wolf eyes.

“If you can’t manage it, I’ll just have to feed you.” His eyes had stopped their movement and focused on Chet’s mouth. “Or we could order the ribs and give you lots of napkins.” His deep voice sent an electric thrill through Chet.

“That would work, but I think I like the idea of you feeding me better.” Arron laughed aloud at that. Okay, this was looking good. Chet was relieved there was no attitude or coolness coming off of Arron. In fact, it was the opposite. He was definitely flirting, and it made Chet think he didn’t screw up too bad after all. He was at ease now, and allowed himself to relax.

Dinner was superb. It was the ideal place for a first date. The ambiance was both charming and subdued, the lighting romantic, and they had a nicely private table in an area all to themselves. Maria the waitress was a gem who seemed to understand their desire to be left to themselves. The conversation was indicative of a special rapport they shared. They started off talking about Michael and Kendall, but as they opened up to each other they began to realize just how much they had in common.

Eventually the casual aspects of their conversation got more personal, and much more real. Arron revealed the pain he carried around after finding Dwayne with his best friend, christening Arron’s new couch in the worst of ways. The most surprising aspect in revisiting and telling of that memory was the difference in the impact he felt from it. It no longer felt like it was a yesterday pain. In fact, the agonizing memory of pain became a distant, almost non-existent one, in the presence of the attentive man sitting across from him. Here was a man who got it, and that seemed to help make what had happened in the past become insignificant. The understanding and the commiseration reflected back from those softened green eyes validated Arron’s taking his time to get past it. There was no judgement in those eyes, only a compassion for what Arron had endured.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, Arron. I understand the feeling of betrayal. We think it should be easy to find that one person to love and build your life with, but my experience is there are those who are lucky and hit the jackpot right off the bat, and those, like you and me, who have to do the song and dance, over and over, never seeming to have the luck or karma or timing or whatever it is it takes to get off the dance floor. Does that make sense to you?”

“Yeah, perfect sense. I thought I was one of those lucky ones, but it turned out to be a big fat lie; like you said, a song and dance. Unfortunately I was the last one to know. My… our friends knew, but not one of them had the decency to tell me. Instead they all went around thinking ‘poor Arron’, and left me oblivious, in the dark. That made Dwayne and David’s betrayal even worse. It felt like I had lost all control, and there was no one to count on. I don’t want to be angry and bitter anymore, you know? I’ve had enough of it.”

“I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but I’d like to be someone you can count on.”

Looking closely at Chet, Arron saw nothing but sincerity there. It was such an honest face. Was this too good to be true? Not wanting to get caught up in the sensations bubbling up inside, Arron pointed the conversation in a different direction to give himself time to reel those feelings in. “So what’s your story? Why is a gorgeous guy like you not hog-tied to someone’s bed for all eternity?” His eyes twinkled in the soft lighting.

“Gorgeous?”

“Yup. Stop stalling and answer the question. I spilled so you owe me, green eyes,” Arron teased. Chet’s heart hitched at the thought that maybe Arron was giving him a pet name, like Michael and Kendall had for each other. Like the one he used to have. That was ridiculous though, to be thinking of these things on a first date. Man, he was needy.

“My story is different from yours, but the moral is the same. I lost the ability to trust for a while, and I turned tail and ran.” Chet hesitated and looked away.

“You didn’t judge me and I won’t judge you. I ran away too. Sometimes it’s what we have to do to make it through. Keep going,” he said softly, capturing and holding Chet’s gaze in his, grasping his hand at the same time. Chet’s eyes flicked down at their hands and then back up to that gaze.

“I was so in love, and I was sure he loved me just as much. It’s been over a year and it still hurts. The day we were going to move in together, he said he was too young to tie himself down. He just walked away, like I meant nothing to him.” Chet’s eyes filled up with tears and he pulled his hand back to wipe them away before they could fall. “Three days later, I went to get my Dad’s watch from him, and saw him through the window of his door, already fucking someone else. Someone he told me was just a friend.” The next tears he couldn’t catch in time.

Arron could feel the pain radiating off of Chet in waves. He almost looked ashamed, and Arron wasn’t sure if it was because of what had happened or because he was crying. Standing up, he went around to Chet’s side of the table. “Stand up.”

Chet understood right away, and stood up and folded himself up in Arron’s outstretched arms. They held tight to each other, breathing the other man in, memorizing the scent. Neither one cared about the other patrons. It was as if only they existed, as the hug gave each of them something they needed. Reassurance, support and the promise of something more. A connection, a special one, had occurred and they were feeling it, needing it like they needed to breathe. It was the best hug Chet could ever remember getting, and as much as he didn’t want to, they eventually had to let go. Both of them sat back down. “Thank you… I needed that more than you know.”

“No problem. It was good for me too, but just so you know, I don’t usually hug on the first date.” Chet laughed at that, feeling better than he had in a long time. The simple human contact had pulled him back from the depths of a despair he was finally ready to let go of.

“So you’re telling me that’s all I’m getting… tonight?” There was a sultry twinkle in the look he gave Arron, almost like he was accepting a challenge, and Arron got the playful vibe right away.

“We’ll have to see about that. It depends on how charming you can be.” There was a challenge in that remark.

“How am I doing so far?” he joked.

“You got the hug, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did, didn’t I? Prepare to have your pants charmed off, my friend.” “Wait, I didn’t mean….” He was drowned out by Arron’s laughter, a gut-busting laugh as he took in Chet’s beet-red face. There was something so endearing about this sweetly-blushing man.

“Relax, I know what you didn’t mean,” he continued to laugh. Chet joined him as the embarrassment faded.

The rest of the dinner was magical. They interacted like they had known the other man forever. Talking about so many different things, the conversation flowed from one subject to another. This was no ordinary date for either of them, and the connection they shared continued to cement itself. When they finally agreed it was time to go, both were in the highest of spirits, seeing much of themselves in each other. They were at the same place in their lives, with the same outlook on life, both ready and looking for something real. It was unspoken but it was present in both their minds, that each was what the other wanted… had been looking for.

Standing next to Chet’s Jeep, they became drawn to one another, not at all aware of the coldness of the chilly winter evening. “So was I charming enough to warrant a kiss, or is that too presumptuous of me?” Chet got his answer from the soft brush of lips against his, their fullness and taste were intoxicating enough that Chet couldn’t stop himself from increasing the pressure, and deepening the kiss. Arron responded with a parting of his lips, letting his tongue meet Chet’s in a gentle, searching caress that tentatively explored the taste of this incredibly magnetic man. Chet allowed Arron to take the lead, responding to each action with one of his own. It was a first kiss worthy of the feelings that were building behind it, and as they slowly drew apart, the loss and the promise of it was felt by both of them. “Wow,” muttered Chet.

“Wow back, green eyes. That was… I don’t know what… that worked for me. Could I ever get used to that!” Arron’s face expressed a kind of child-like wonderment.

“God in heaven, me too, gray eyes. You’re almost too good to be true. I don’t want to freak you out, but I’ve been waiting for someone like you, and not just because of the kiss. Is it too soon to say that? I can’t seem to control my mouth around you. Please don’t think I’m crazy.”

“I don’t think you’re crazy, and maybe it is too early… but I’m feeling the same way. This doesn’t feel like a song and dance to me. I’m not sure if I’ve ever had this kind of reaction to a guy before… not even Dwayne. It feels like we have something here, and that’s kind of scary. Does it scare you?”

“Holy crap, yeah, but I think it’s a good scary. I really, really like you, and I want to know everything about you. You feel like you fit me, like my other half or something. I know that sounds lame and maybe I’m getting carried away again, but I can’t remember having a better night, not ever. Maybe we could go to my place and talk some more if you want?”

Arron raised his eyebrows at that.

“Seriously, just to talk a bit. We both have to work in the morning, and I have a really nice mint/jasmine tea that has no caffeine. What do you say, handsome?”

“There’s the charm again,” he grinned. “I’ll follow you, more-handsome guy.”

“Now who’s being charming? Stick close, and don’t get lost,” he winked.

Chet’s place was both stunning and homey. It could more be described as a loft than an apartment, with great architectural detail still present in the renovated space that had once been an industrial building. “Chet, this is amazing. What did it used to be?”

“Thanks, it was an old shoe factory at one time. I love the bones of it. Some of the building is still being renovated and there’s no security system in place yet, but it’s a good neighborhood, and I have a great view of the park. I’d like to see your Craftsman Style house one of these days.” Putting on a puppy-dog face, he made Arron chuckle.

“Play your cards right, and I think you’ll get your chance.” That felt like a promise to Chet, and he glowed from the inside out.

The tea was a soothing finish to a very satisfying dinner and they enjoyed it while sitting on a deep pile, geometric-patterned rug in front of the gas fireplace. It was a romantic setting, to be sure. “So where do you see this going, Chet. I’m curious about what you’re thinking, and I’m not asking for any promises or anything like that, so don’t freak out.”

“You can ask me anything you want. I trust you, and somehow I know it’s not a mistake to feel that way. I’ll be honest with you. I’m lonely. I feel it every day and I hope it doesn’t sound pathetic to hear it?”

Arron shook his head, intent on what Chet was trying to say.

“The only real friends I’ve had since I left the city, are Kendall and Michael. I’ve been lonely for a long time, but I’m not desperate. I’ve met a bunch of guys since Ian, and I even hooked up a couple of times, but the first time I’ve felt something good, something right, was tonight… well, today, when I first met you. I’m not bullshitting you, Arron. I want this to go somewhere. I want a partner... someone I can trust and count on. Someone who loves me, and is happy and content with only me. I want a monogamous life partner, and I don’t want to jump the gun, but it feels like you could be that guy. If I could make a wish right now, you would be that guy.” Sighing deeply, Chet put his tea down and laid back on the cozy rug, closing his eyes, fearing he had said too much, too soon. His admission made him feel very vulnerable.

The next thing Chet knew, he was being kissed with a passion that surprised him, but he was quick to get up to speed, returning the same passion. That feeling of vulnerability vanished. He had thought their first kiss was great, and it was, but this one took him to the moon. Arron had climbed over his body and was laying full length on him slowly grinding into him as the kiss seemed to go on forever. Chet could feel the hard excitement of Arron as it rubbed against his own equally hard erection. Where had that come from? Chet was in heaven, when they finally came up for air.

“Was it something I said, gray eyes?” Chet looked flushed and dazed, and absolutely beautiful, his face lit by the flickering firelight.

“Something like that… smartass.” Arron’s gaze was unwavering as he took in Chet’s open, honest face. “Sorry I got carried away, but you did say the perfect thing, mister charmer… exactly what I wanted to hear, but never thought I would. I really want to believe you, and I think I do. I want the same thing, and I think you could be the one too. Are we kidding ourselves here? Are we getting carried away? It’s been one date and two kisses.” What Arron was asking for was reassurance, and Chet wanted to give it to him.

“And a lifetime of looking. We’re both getting close to twenty-eight and while that’s not a reason to start a relationship, it’s a damn good reason to have some faith in what our instincts are telling us. I think we have to give this a chance… not get scared by how we’re feeling. We’ve both done the dance, and we know not just what we want, but what we don’t want, right?”

“Right. You know, you’re a very persuasive man, Mr. Little, and, ah, I should get up now, before we do get too carried away.” Arron looked a little sheepish at his very forward action to Chet’s earlier words.

“I happen to like you right here. It feels just right to me.” He was grinning like a fool.

Arron laughed. “I’m sure you do, but there isn’t enough room in my pants and it’s getting kind of painful, and I think we should maybe take this part slow, at least. I know I started this, but you have to let go now, and let me up.” He gave Chet’s lips a quick but sensual kiss. Chet hadn’t realized that he still had a tight hold on Arron’s warm, powerful body, but he reluctantly let go so the man could sit up and adjust his impressive bulge to a more comfortable position. Chet sat up and did the same.

“So are we saying we’re both on the same page about us… that we’ve got something here?”

Arron had to drag his eyes upward.“I think we are. I think we have gone from one date to officially dating. What do you think?”

“I think I haven’t been this happy in a long, long time. It’s like we got struck by lightning or cupid’s arrows.”

Arron laughed at that.

“Honestly, Officer Bailey, I have never had this happen before. Do you think there’s such a thing as love at first sight?” That was a loaded question that quickened Arron’s heart-rate.

“Yesterday, I would have definitely said no. Now, I’m not so sure.” He leaned over and kissed Chet softly, tenderly, expressing so much emotion in that kiss. “I think we are getting carried away now, and I should go. I want lots of time to dream about tonight… about you.”

“I know you’re right, but can you give me just five more minutes, please?”

“For what?”

“I really want to sit on the couch and hold you for five minutes before you go. Would you mind?” Chet’s blush made his request all the more adorable and Arron felt his eyes burning at the sweetness of this big man.

Chet was propped in the corner of the couch, Arron’s back to his chest between his spread legs, and he felt such a peace with his arms wrapped around the guy he wanted to be his guy. Resting his chin lightly on Arron’s broad shoulder he felt like the luckiest guy in the world, and he murmured how he felt into Arron’s ear. Arron sighed in total contentment. “You say that, green eyes, and you haven’t tasted my cooking yet.” He turned his head to receive one of Chet’s affirming kisses.

“You look this good, and you can cook too?”

“Damn right, I can cook. I could fatten you up in no time.” That earned him a gently tweaked nipple, eliciting a quiet groan.

“Did I just find one of your spots, Officer Bailey?”

“I am neither confirming nor denying, Mr. Little.”

“That would be a yes, then,” Chet laughed. “So when are you going to cook for me, Emeril?”

“Don’t set your sights too high. I’m no Emeril, but I think I can make you happy, so just say when and I’ll make it happen. I’m off at four in the afternoon all week. What about you?”

“I’m usually home by then too. Surprise me. My calendar is wide open; there’s only one name penciled in it from now on.”

Arron choked up on hearing that said. This guy was too good to be believed. “Okay, deal. Now I really have to go.”

The kiss at the door was scorching, something both men would take to their separate beds with them. After a suspect start, the night had turned into the best night of Arron’s life. He was damn near giddy with the joy he felt as he raced down the stairs, almost barreling some guy over as he practically flew out the door. Life was fucking good… so fucking good.

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