Acts of Deception... - 2. Chapter 2 The Act Begins...

The ride over to the restaurant was a quiet one. Alec wanted to drive his own car, but Heath insisted he share the ride with him, that way they could talk and get to know each other a little better.

Alec was hesitant at first, but after spending most of the evening with Heath and his friends; who all seemed cool, except for Nina anyway, he conceded. He called Kaila from the car, to make sure she made it home okay and to let her know they were heading over to ‘Kristie’s Chicken and Waffles’

“A penny for your thoughts?” Alec leaned closer to Heath’s ear pulling him out of his trance.

“Hmmm?” He chuckled nervously. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Heath sent him a weak smile.

Alec smiled tilting his head while trying to gauge Heath’s demeanor.

“How about a couple of pennies?” Alec smiled.

“Nah.” Heath retuned the smile, and then focused back on the road. He was clearly distracted.

“Well, you said you wanted to ride together so we could talk, but the only one talking is the DJ on the radio. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Heath said reassuringly as he glanced over to Alec then back to the road. “I guess I’m more tired than I thought, you know?”

“Oh.” Alec cleared his throat. “Well we don’t have to go eat if you are tired. You can take me back to my car and we can do this another time,” Alec replied pointing behind him toward the club.

“NO, no.” Heath shook his head adamantly. “I still want to spend time with you,” he laughed bouncing his brows trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, I’m starving. All the dancing you had me doing made me hungry.”

“Oh, the dancing I had you doing, eh?” Alec questioned teasingly. “It was definitely the other way around.”

“Anyway, I just wanted to hang out a little longer.” Heath swallowed. “I think you’re kind of cute.”

Alec blushed ducking his head.

***

The rest of the ride to the restaurant was a comfortable one. They made small talk keeping the conversation light. Alec glanced up “Oh, here’s the place.” He pointed out.

Heath found the parking spot closest to the entrance and parked the car.

Alec unbuckled his seat belt and was about to exit when Heath stopped him by gently placing his hand on his arm. Alec looked down at his arm and frowned looking back to Heath.

“Wait,” he pressed his lips together and cleared his throat before speaking. “I wanted to say thanks again for agreeing to have breakfast with me.”

Heath gently released his hold on Alex, meeting his gaze head on.

“It’s no big deal, Heath. I wanted to.” Alex smiled softly.

Heath chuckled softly before returning the smile.

“We better get inside.” Heath nodded toward the door. “You ready?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Alec inhaled a large breath of air. Heath exited the truck first and made his way to Alex. He extended his hand, his eyes asked for permission to hold Alec’s and it was granted. Alec placed his hand in Heath’s and together they walked across the parking lot. Once inside the restaurant, Heath dropped Alec's hand and placed his arm around the young man’s waist. The host approached them almost immediately.

"Welcome fellas. Two for breakfast?" The hostess asked kindly. She smiled noticing Heath’s arm. He returned the smile and tightens his embrace.

"Yes," Alex cleared his throat, "two for breakfast."

Heath sheepishly smiled at the young woman and kissed Alec on the top of his head.

"Sure, follow me." She gestured heading into the dining area. "How about this?"

Heath glanced around spotting a nice cozy booth near the window. "Instead of this table how about over there?" He asked pulling Alec over to the booth before allowing her to object. "What do you think Alec, is this OK?"

"Sure it's fine.” Alec smiled. “As long as we don't confuse the servers. It’s cool."

"Sooo.” Heath leaned into the host looking at her name badge. “Heather, is it cool with you?" He winked sending her a sexy grin.

"Hum...well." She looked around making sure no one was watching. "Sure." She smiled. "Have a seat."

Heath allowed Alec to scoot in; he slid down making room for Heath to sit.

“Here are your menus." Heather handed one to each of the young men. "Have you ever been here before?"

"I have, it's his first time." Alec replied nodded toward Heath.

"Cool well let me show a few things-."

"That...won't be necessary," Heath cut her off. "Alec has been here, I'll have whatever he thinks is good,” He said scooting over toward Alec. He tried to stifle a yawn before laying his head on Alec’s shoulder looking over the menu with him.

"Thanks." Alec nodded to Heather and smiled as he patted Heath on top of the head and went back to scanning the menu. Heather just smiled warmly at the two’s public display of affection.

"Okay, I'll get your server for you but before I go can I get your drink order?”

Alec glanced up “I'll have a coffee with skim milk and splenda."

"And you sir?" She directed her question to Heath, who just waved her off as if she was irritating him; he snuggled up closer hiding his face between Alec’s neck and shoulder. Alec chuckled and shook his head.

"He'll have the same."

"Ok, coming right up." She turned and walked away.

"Hey," Alec nudged his shoulder causing Heath to lift up his head. "You sleepy?" He asked. Heath just yawned once more before laying his head back down.

"A little," He spoke softly.

"I said we could do this another time if you were tired."

Heath ran his fingers through his hair sitting up straight. "Will you go home with me?" He asked casually locking gazes with Alec.

"No." Alec gasped, almost insulted. He leaned back looking at Heath as if he was insane.

"I didn't think so." Heath laughed, but Alec didn't he just looked at Heath in awe. "Alec, I was joking," He said rubbing his hand along Alec's arm trying to calm him down.

"Really?" Alec asked in an unbelieving tone as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Really...I swear." Heath made a cross sign over his heart. "Really," He said once more ducking his head trying to look into Alec's questioning gaze.

"Shit," He muttered under his breath. He didn't want to come on too strong with Alec. He didn’t want to blow it and besides he actually liked him. There was something about Alec that was different. He wasn’t like the others. Heath could tell that Alec had a good heart and he needed to feel that for a change. Feel something genuine, something real... something good. He opened his mouth feeling the need to explain once again but was interrupted by their server.

"Hello, I'm Liz and I'll be taking your orders,” she informed them. “Oh and I have two coffees with skim milk and splenda," She said setting the coffees down on the table. Heath quickly grabbed his and blew slightly over the rim before taking a sip.

"So what will it be?" She asked.

"Um...let's see." Alec leaned the menu over for Heath to view as he pointed to item 12. Heath nodded his approval and took another sip of coffee. "Number 12 it is." Alec smiled as he handed their menus back to Liz.

"That's a twelve piece wings with two blueberry waffles and grits. Anything else?"

Alec looked over to Heath who shook his head no.

"Nope that's all." Alec grinned, pressing his lips together.

“Great. I’ll be back with your orders.” With that, Liz walked off to turn in their order.

"Hey, Alec," Heath said softly getting Alec's attention.

"Hum?" Alec peeked over to his right as he took a careful sip of his coffee.

"About earlier, I really was joking,“ he stressed, “You believe me, don't you?”

Alec nodded yes, as he swallowed down his coffee. "It's okay Heath, I believe you."

"Good, because what I meant was: yes, I’m tired, but I don’t want the evening to end, and unless you go home with me… and I'm sure that's out," he interjected with a smile. "Then having breakfast with you is my only option. My only way of extending the date, if you want to call it a date," he sighed hoping Alec believed him.

“I believe you.” Alec smiled. “So,” he cleared his throat, “tell me a little about you,” he said in a livelier tone changing topics.

“Hum…what would you like to know?” Heath asked, feeling a little more relaxed now that they were on a different subject.

“I don’t know.” Alec thought for a moment. “What’s your favorite color?” He laughed. “That’s lame I know, but humor me.”

Heath leaned back against the seat and laughed out loud.

Alec was very intrigued by this obscure, handsome young man. He felt captured by his eyes, his voice, and his presence and didn’t understand why. To say Health was confident would be an understatement. He carried himself like a man with the world at his feet. Heath made him feel special and he hadn’t felt that way in a long time. He liked it.

Heath ran his hand down his face stopping at his lips, which Alec thought were perfect. He had to shake himself out of the trance-like state in order to hear the words coming from Heath’s mouth.

“My favorite color is red….I think it’s hot.” He smiled. “And yours?”

“No.” Alec laughed. “I ask…you answer.”

Heath laughed boisterously holding his hands up in defense. “Okaayy…next question.”

Alec though long and hard about the next one. He really wanted to know the answer. “Okay.” Alec sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. “When did you know you were gay?” He asked biting his bottom lip. Heath let out a short chuckle.

“I never said I was,” Heath said with a click of the tongue.

Alec tilted his head and pursed his lips giving Heath a sideways glance.

“Okay,” Heath laughed amusingly. “Hum, let’s see.” He thought for a moment. “Damn, that’s like asking a ‘straight person.’” He used air quotes. “When did he realize he was straight?” He cleared his throat. “Um…I don’t know really.”

“Why don’t you know?” Alec asked causing Heath to really ponder the question before answering. Alec rested his chin in the palm of his hand admiring the handsome young man.

Heath knew he had to be careful with what he did and said around Alec, but he wanted to be as honest with him as much as he could…when he could. “I don’t know because I have always been the way I am.” He paused carefully placing his cup on the table. “I don’t discriminate. I love a well put together woman just as much as a handsome guy.”

“And which do you prefer?”

“Right now?” Heath arched his brow. “You.” He whispered into Alec’s ear before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“Um... hum.” Alec smiled as he took a sip of his coffee. “That’s acceptable.” They shared a warm smile, and then quickly looked away.
…
Heath caressed Alec’s arm and his shoulder massaging it a little, as Alec filled him in on his love for music while they waited on the food. He found himself getting lost in the touch, feeling completely comfortable with it. He’d wanted to touch him for a while.

“I know we just met, but…” Heath sucked gently on his bottom lip as if he wanted to say more, but couldn’t find the right words. “I feel this connection, you know? It’s like I want to know everything about you.”

Though he enjoyed touching Alec, he knew he should never let it happen, never let it get personal. Heath could afford anything money could buy, but feelings were a luxury he couldn’t afford. It was something that could possibly get him killed if he slipped up. Alec was a job. Get in, and get out. That’s all he had to do. So why did it seem so hard? It never had before. Get in, and get out, kept running through Heath’s mind as he continued to caress Alec’s arm. He heaved a heavy sigh.

“Me too.” Heath heard Alec say. “Things like this don’t just happen to me.”

Alec wondered so many things about Heath. He wondered why he seemed so into him, when he could have any man or woman he pleased. He smiled softly when Heath caught him staring and took a quick sip of coffee. He wondered about the mysterious entity that is Heath. How he got the scar above his left eye. Had he ever been in love, or ever had his heart broken and most importantly would anything come from this night.

Alec was always so careful with his feelings, he never got too close to anyone after his last relationship and especially after one meeting, but it was something about this man that tugged at his heartstrings, something about Heath, for Christ sake, he didn’t even know his last name and yet he felt this connection.

‘What’s wrong with me, I never fall this quickly, what is he doing to me?’

“Things like what?” Heath reached for his hand interrupting Alec’s thought.

Liz sat their meal on the table. “Will there be anything else boys?” She asked handing them their silverware.

“I don’t think so.” Alec looked over to Heath who had already grabbed a wing off the plate. “Thank you.” Alec smiled at Liz.

“Okay, let me know if you need anything,” She said before walking away to check on her other customers.

“Hey, these are really good,” Heath complimented as he took another bite.

“Best waffle and wings in town I tell yea,” Alec laughed as he poured the syrup over the waffles. Heath added some more butter then cut through the soft hot dough, with his fork he dipped it in the maple syrup and held the fork to Alec’s mouth. Alec slowly pulled the bite size piece into his mouth and chewed slowly causing a trickle of syrup to drip down his chin. He reached his hand up to wipe it away when Heath stopped him.

Their eyes met, seductively. Heath arched his brow sending Alec a wicked grin and licked his lips. He leaned in and slowly placed the tip of his warm tongue to Alec’s skin, pulling the sticky sweet into his own mouth.

Alec closed his eyes as he felt the warmth of Heath’s tongue softly touch his lips. Alec swallowed his food before slightly parting his lips. Their kiss was sweet, sticky, and incredibly warm. Heath pulled back slowly. Alec’s eyes were closed and his lips still puckered.

“Mmmm…” He ran his tongue over his lips tasting a mixture of sweetness from the syrup but mostly from the taste of Alec’s mouth.

Alec’s eyes fluttered open meeting Heath’s heated stare head on. “Um, thank you?” He blushed before picking up his spoon and digging into his grits. Their eyes met once before they turned their attention back to their food.

“Wow.”

Heath spoke after a few moments. “Things like what?” He reached for Alec’s hand bringing up the subject again.

“Huh?” Alex mumbled between chews.

“You mentioned earlier that things like this.” He nodded between them. “Don’t just happen. What did you mean?”

“You know.” Alec shrugged.

“No, I don’t.” Heath shook his head lacing their fingers together. “Things like what?” His voice was deep and alluring.

Alec sighed. “Well, a very attractive, very confident man being interested in me.”

“I don’t believe that. You’re gorgeous, Alec. Any man with half a brain can see that,” Heath stated sincerely while rubbing his hand other up Alec’s leg.

Alec found himself getting lost in Heath’s touch. His warm hand almost burned through to his skin. He glanced up meeting Heath’s heated stare, ducking his head shyly.

***

The rest of the meal was eaten with very little conversation; both Alec and Heath were lost in thought. They made small talk about the food, refusing to look into each other’s eyes. Alec, for fear of getting lost and drowning in the sea of blues.

Heath's fear was a little different. Could he work his magic and 'get in and get out?' Alec could be more of a challenge then he thought. He had to keep his focus. He was good at this. The best, some would say. Get in and get out and that was it. But did he really want that? He was questioning himself and that wasn’t a good thing. When Heath looked into Alec's warm brown eyes he could see goodness pure and simple and that made it hard; don't get involved, never get close. He started to wonder if the money was the real reason for him accepting this assignment.

After breakfast, Heath paid for the meal and left a very impressive tip on the table.

"Wow." Alec laughed. "The tip is as much as our meal."

"They make their living off tips," Heath pointed out, "Besides I can write it off as a business expense," he said as he pulled Alec into his arms. “Taking a client out to breakfast."

"Oh...so now I'm a client, huh?" Alec laughed laying his head against Heath's shoulder as they walked out the door.

Heath grimaced at Alec’s joke, feeling a pang of guilt.

“If you only knew.”

***

Once back at Cody's, Heath pulled his truck up to Alec's car and turned off the engine.

"So...?" Heath turned his body to face Alec. "Is this it for the night?" He asked in a sultry tone.

"Yeah, I guess it is." Alec smiled ducking his head. Heath placed his hand on Alec's chin raising his head to eye level giving a sexy grin before speaking softly.

"I had a really good time with you tonight. I would like to see you again, if that's okay with you," he said tilting his head slightly waiting for his reply.

"Yeah... sure, I would like that."

"Good." Heath nodded. “Well I guess I better let you go, otherwise I'll try and take you home."

"Okay, so how will I get in touch with you?" Alec asked shyly.

"Here,” Heath grabbed a pen from the middle console. "You got paper?"

"Um... no you can put it directly into my phon-" Alec's words were cut short when Heath grabbed his hand and wrote his number in the palm of it.

"There." He kissed Alec's hand before releasing it. Alec read the number and smiled. Heath nodded toward the door. "See ya, Alec. Call me."

"Okay, Heath. Bye." Alec smiled then opened the door. Heath watched intently as he got into his car and breathed a sigh of relief. Alec beeped his car horn twice as he passed Heath who started his engine and followed him out of the parking lot, Alec turned left, and Heath went in the opposite direction.

***

Heath pulled up slowly to the two-story brick condominium in front of the perfectly manicured Lawn. He pulled his black Ford truck right next to the two-seater sliver 2013 Mercedes SLK. As Heath exited the truck, the faint smell of cigarette smoke attacked him. He could see in the shadow a small petite frame making its way across the lawn.

"Shit," He said under his breath. "Off the lawn, Nina,” he sighed. “How many times have I told you Not. To. Walk . Across .My. Grass?" He shook his head with disgust.

"It's about damn time you got home." She said as she took one last pull of the cigarette, blowing the smoke into the thick morning air. Heath choked waving the smoke away.

"Those things are going to kill you," He said walking toward the front door.

Nina put out the cigarette with the bottom of her shoe and tossed it into the street.

Once at the door Nina was about to follow Heath in when he blocked her.

"Nina," he chuckled humorlessly, "I'm really tired."

"I know, I won't stay long...I promise." She leaned to kiss Heath on the mouth but he turned his head.

"What do you want?” He asked already knowing the answer. Nina was Heath's "Go to girl." She had no knowledge of his outside business practice, they met on the job. One thing she did know was that Heath could not live the way he did on their salary, so she knew he did something on the side, but what?

“You know what I want.” She used her fingers to daintily push her silky, long black hair back over her bare shoulder. She had changed into a red strapless halter dress that hugged her curves perfectly.

Heath stilled himself as Nina stood on the toes in her black five inch stilettos and leaned forward licking her tongue seductively over his Adam’s apple. The girl could work magic with her tongue.

Heath swallowed hard and sighed heavily before letting her pass. He looked around as if he was hoping no one saw them and closed the door.