Pete's descent into depravity may have bottomed out with his role in the bukkake party and takes an unexpected twist when he meets Nick and his daddy instincts re-emerge.
Author's note: A special thanks to reader and friend, Andro, who was the real-life inspiration for Nick in this story. He was a valuable sounding board as I, Pete, wrestled with the dilemma that the character Pete is faced with. Thank you, Andro, for your wisom and friendship. I won't forget you.
Please contact me with thoughts and questions: psorenson9@hotmail.com
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Chapter 13
I had had no expectations going into my lunch with Nick, it was merely a networking opportunity for him which is always a smart move for an executive at any level. But I left leaving....I'm not quite sure how to put my finger on it. Curious? Energized? Intrigued? Even a little attracted?
Being back in the world of marketing and coaching a young executive on his career explained some of my feelings. It was great to be back in the saddle and Nick had appeared to be very coachable. But it was more than that; I couldn't shake the feeling. Was he tapping into the paternal (and yes, sexual) feelings I had had for Pook? He was bright, charming, engaging, athletic, and--damn him--so fucking handsome. When I met him the previous Saturday night, it nagged me that he reminded me of someone I knew or recognized. I was in a fog when we met so it's no surprise I couldn't bring that person to mind. When I saw him today it hit me immediately -- he was Taylor Zakhar Perez, the handsome young guy who played President Uma Thurman's son in the gay romcom, Red, White and Royal Blue. Like Perez, Nick was strikingly handsome (and completely oblivious to it), vaguely ethnic, good natured, with a lanky body that appeared to be nicely toned. The more I thought about our lunch, the more I found myself thinking about him. I deliberately tried to keep him in the "professional" part of my brain, not the "personal". I was still conflicted with the kinky encounters I had had with Charles and Jack, and the last thing I needed was to further complicate it by introducing one of their friends into the mix.
As the afternoon drifted on, no matter what I was doing or working on, my mind seemed to drift back to him. Then I'd start thinking about, what next? Should I invite him to another lunch? No, that would be awkward, we've covered everything professional that needs to be covered. Dinner out? Maybe, but that would certainly look like a date. Here at my place for dinner? No...way too forward. Look what happened to me the time I accepted a dinner invitation at Charles's place. Do nothing? That was probably the best course, but it wouldn't advance the cause of getting to see him again.
This continued throughout the afternoon and before I could formulate a game plan, I got a text from Charles:
"Hey Pete, hope you're recovering from the weekend..:-). Thanks again, you stud. Nick just called Jack to tell him how much he enjoyed your lunch today. He was really energized and said you were incredibly helpful. I'm not sure what else he said, but Jack got the clear idea that Nick thought you were pretty terrific.
To thank you again for last weekend, I'd like to take you to dinner this Saturday night and have Nick Join us. Jack is already reaching out to Nick. I hope you guys can make it. I've already made a reservation at Monarch for 7:30 for four people. I won't take `no' for an answer. Charles".
Well, it looked like Charles had solved it for me, and I wasn't entirely unhappy. First off, I really did want to see Nick again, and this way neither he nor I had to make the first move. Secondly, having Charles and Jack there would help keep the conversation lively. And third, we wouldn't be at their condo where things could awkwardly become romantic like they had when I was there alone.
Coincidentally, I got a text from Nick a few minutes later:
"Pete, forgive me for the delayed thank you for lunch but I got slammed the moment I walked back in the office. But I'll say it now...Thank you! for a terrific lunch. You are a fountain of wisdom; I only wish I had taken better notes. And it wasn't necessary for you to pick up the tab. So, thanks for that too. Best, Nick"
A second one followed immediately after:
"...and I suspect Charles has reached out to you regarding dinner Saturday night for the four of us. I can make it and I hope you can as well. It would be great to see you again. Fondly, Nick"
This guy had it going. The first note was professional and appropriate. The second note was genuine, and, notably, ended with "Fondly, Nick" instead of something more professional like "Best, Nick". Was I imagining just a hint of desire behind his note? Of course I'd join them for dinner. I wouldn't miss it. I let some time elapse, again, before responding.
The first one was to Charles:
"Charles, dinner at Monarch Saturday night sounds great. Please don't think you owe me a `thank you' for Saturday night, but I'd never refuse dinner there; it's my favorite restaurant in town. See you Saturday, Pete"
I intentionally omitted any reference to my lunch with Nick; I wanted to keep them guessing. To Nick I wrote:
"Nick, thanks for your notes. I enjoyed lunch as much as you did. You're a bright guy with a great future. As for dinner, I moved something so I can join you guys. I wouldn't want to miss a chance for dinner at Monarch and it will be great to spend more time with you. Looking forward to seeing you then, Pete"
I tried my best for my response to match his level of interest. I think I succeeded.
Seconds later from Nick:
"EXCELLENT! Glad you can make it. This'll be great! See you then. Nick"
I'd say that his response qualified as enthusiastic. I hated to admit it, but it made my heart beat faster and my cock twitch, just a little. But I refused to take my relationship with him to a sexual place, at least so quickly. He was a fine young man and I was coming off a very strange chapter in my sex life. I didn't want to screw it up.
The days between then and Saturday were filled with CrossFit, saunas, steams, and a few meetings. I was proud of my body and I wanted to be as taut for Saturday night as I'd ever been. I kept telling myself this was natural behavior for me...nothing out of the ordinary, but I couldn't deny I wanted to look great for Nick. And then I'd think to myself, `snap out of it!' Why did I care at all if I looked good for Nick? I hadn't even sorted through my feelings about Charles and Jack and the kink of being their boy. How could I even contemplate feelings for Nick?
But, for whatever reason, the genuine daddy feelings toward Nick were helping me pull out of the bizarre world Charles and Jack had pulled me into. My head was spinning. The times with Charles and Jack, particularly the bukkake, were so far from my previous life that I have no idea why or how I let myself be used that way. But being used like that held a strange appeal. At the same time, thinking about Nick took me back to my comfort zone and made my heart start to beat in a way it hadn't since Pook. What the hell was going on with me?
Saturday night arrived and I dressed to kill. Not overtly sexy, just handsome, but appropriately so given we were at an expensive restaurant. I drove myself as I knew it wouldn't be a heavy drinking night and I wanted the independence to leave whenever I wanted to. I pulled up to the restaurant's valet behind an expensive Mercedes with two men in it. As they got out I could see clearly it was Charles and Jack. Both handsome and well dressed, with Charles guiding Jack through the entry into the restaurant. They made a dashing couple and, again, I couldn't help but think back fondly of my time with Pook. I valeted my car and by the time I arrived they had been seated. When the maître de and I approached their table, they both popped up and gave me a warm hug.
"Gentlemen", I greeted them. "So good to see you in such sumptuous surroundings," acknowledging the lovely restaurant we were in.
"Only the best for you, Pete", Charles offered. "You earned it", he added with a wink.
"Ok, let's not spend too much time on that tonight", I protested. I wasn't ashamed, but I didn't want to dwell on it either, particularly when Nick arrived.
"Of course," Charles agreed.
Jack interrupted with the news that Nick's uber had stood him up and he'd be late. "He said he'd be here in about 15 mintues. He says to start without him." Looking at us, he added, "We're in no hurry, let's just order a cocktail."
"Well," I began, "you know this extravagant thank you dinner wasn't necessary. Saturday night was my choice; no one forced me to do it."
"Oh, we know", Jack quickly responded. "I just want you to know how special you both made it for me. Charles put it together, and Pete, you...made it memorable."
Charles then added, "And that's all that needs to be said. Let's have a drink!"
Cocktails were being served, but Nick hadn't yet arrived so I took the opportunity to poke around that subject. "I was happy you invited Nick tonight. Any particular reason?" I asked, unable to hide a half-grin.
Charles answered immediately, "Well, you didn't say a word about your lunch together, but Nick sure filled Jack's ear. He was blown away by you. Your success and advise. And frankly," he paused for a moment, "have you looked in a mirror lately? He told Jack he's never known anyone quite like you. In fact, he said he couldn't take his eyes off of you."
It was nearly impossible to hide my delight at hearing that and I didn't need to formulate a response because, as if on cue, Nick had arrived.
"Nickie!" Jack jumped up and bear hugged him. Warm handshakes followed from Charles and me. "We were just talking about you, weren't we Pete?"
Damn, him' I thought. Now it's back in my court'. "Sure were," I chirped. "I was telling these guys how impressed I am with you and what a great future you have in public relations."
Nick, now sitting down, replied, "Oh, that's kind of you, but Pete here is a gold mine. I told him how much I've enjoyed getting to know him". And then turning to Charles, he added, "So let me thank you now Charles for inviting me tonight." Interestingly, when he said the word `tonight' he looked directly at me, implying I was the reason he was thankful for being invited. He continued, "I've heard about Pete since I came to Dallas, but spending 1-1 time with him has been invaluable." He then picked up his water to offer a toast, saying, "Thank you Charles for tonight's dinner", and once again looking at me, "...and the introduction."
The dinner was a smashing success. It was as if the four of us were lifelong friends who hadn't seen each other in years and had lots to catch up on. Jack shared the challenges of being a junior executive in the ad agency but spent more time on the crazy shit that happens at his agency. Charles regaled us with stories of lawsuits that never should have gone to court and crazy-ass clients. Nick talked about his life in Dallas, and reminisced with Jack about their time together at OU, when Nick was a young professor there. Nick was one of the first out campus leaders there when he was a student, and when he was a professor, he was an informal mentor to many of the gay students on campus. He was well known and respected by all the members of Jack's fraternity, Delta Lambda Phi, and that's what brought him to last Saturday's party.
What blew me away, though, was Nick's athletic background. When I saw him at lunch, there was something special about his body, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It all became clear when he modestly shared that he was a serious triathlete. He had participated in five Iron Man's in the last several years which spoke to both his athletic prowess and his discinpline. Being a competitive athlete myself, I was mesmerized. And it explained his sexy body. Not a typical weight lifter, swimmer, runner, or even CrossFitter. His body was perfectly proportioned, trained and muscled perfectly to tackle an Iron Man. I was in awe.
That was hard to top, but I shared my business careers in Minnesota and now Dallas, the brutality of CrossFit and a little bit about Pook. This was the first any of them had heard about him and it felt good to share what had been such an important and meaningful relationship. That prompted Nick to tell us about a relationship he had ended about a year ago with an older guy (like me) but didn't get into the details. Charles and Jack, still love birds, thankfully omitted the bawdy specifics of what the three of us had done together.
I didn't know if it was my imagination or wishful thinking, but as the evening progressed Nick and I seemed to be forging a relationship that seemed particularly close. We were both committed athletes and had built careers in the same industry, but it went beyond that. We liked the same music, movies, books, even food. And more than once, I caught him staring at me with a curious look on his face, as though he was contemplating something more serious than that moment's table topic. A couple times we'd make eye contact as he was staring, and he looked away sheepishly, as if he'd been caught.
The restaurant was within walking distance to TownHouse South, so we decided to have a nightcap there. The fun continued and we actually closed the place down. I can't remember the last time I was at a bar at closing time, but the four of us forged an easy friendship and no one wanted the evening to end. And after a few drinks, the warmth I sensed between Nick and me was undeniable. I fought it all night long, but it pulled me in like a rip tide.
Charles and I had pulled our cars out of the restaurant's valet, so they were right outside the bar as we left. I knew Nick had Uber'd to the restaurant, so I offered to drive him home. This wasn't a "move" and I hope it wasn't interpreted as such. It simply made sense to drop him off. Thankfully, he didn't appear to read anything into my offer and happily accepted.
He lived close to the bar so it was a short ride to his place; way too fast to get into another meaty conversation, so the ride was merely small talk. There was an empty spot right in front of his building and what happened when I pulled over was entirely unplanned. An outside force took over my body. As he reached to open his door with his right hand, I grabbed his left hand stopping him from stepping out of the car and said, "Wait a minute."
What was I doing? I didn't know myself what was going to come out of my mouth. Moments elapsed before I could speak.
"I really enjoyed myself tonight, especially spending time with you. If you'd like, I'd like for us to go out again, this time just the two of us." There it was; it was on the table. He was staring straight out of the windshield so I couldn't read his expression. Dead silence. `SHIT' I thought to myself, I've really fucked this up'. The silence continued and it was deafening.
He still had his hand in mine and he suddenly clutched it harder, turned to me, reached over with his right hand and pulled my face to his. Looking straight in my eyes, he gave me a short but tender kiss and replied, "There's your answer."
As he pulled his lips from mine, he playfully pulled my right hand up to his mouth and gave it a kiss as well. As he hopped out of the car, looked back and said, "I look forward to hearing from you."
HOLY SHIT!!! I thought. What just happened? I couldn't make up my mind what surprised me more...my invitation or the kiss he gave me as his response. All I know was that he was as enamored with me as I was with him.
I drove home with the biggest smile on my face I'd had for some time. I couldn't get over how fucking cute he was. Not helplessly cute; he was a successful young executive and accomplished athlete. But cute in a way that he appreciated, and even seemed to invite mature guidance. After my years with Pook, I knew that was a role I excelled at and enjoyed. Everything about this potential relationship was pointed in the right direction.
I got home, poured myself the requisite bourbon and couldn't stop myself from doing exactly what you shouldn't do: text immediately after the date.
I picked up my phone, found Nick's contact info and texted him:
Nick, I really enjoyed our evening together tonight and am happy you'll be joining me for dinner. Next weekend is Labor Day, a long 3-day weekend so we can relax. I'd love to have you join me for dinner Friday night if you're free. Please let me know and I'll figure out where and when. Warmly, Pete.
"Warmly"...just the right signal. Way past "Best, Pete", and even a step past "Fondly, Pete", but still not too presumptuous. I saw his "Fondly" and raised him one "Warmly".
Of course, my brain told me to put my phone away; of course he wouldn't respond tonight. He's way too cool for that, and I wouldn't blame him. I didn't regret texting him so soon, but had to manage my expectations.
DING! went my phone.
Pete, Friday is great. Just let me know where and what time. We're on! Warmly, Nick
WARMLY!!!! He got back to me immediately and saw my "Warmly"! I knew I'd sleep well tonight.
The next day I made reservations at a trendy seafood place I know, Montlake Cut. Excellent food, but less of the fuss of Monarch. It had a younger vibe than Monarch that I enjoyed more and I suspected he would as well. Plus, it wasn't downtown so we'd get to spend more time alone together in the car.
I got everything arranged on Monday and texted him Tuesday morning.
Nick, I made reservations at Montlake Cut for Friday night. I hope you like seafood. It's a nice place but more casual than Monarch. I'll pick you up at 6:30. Looking forward to it. Warmly, Pete.
I had put a lot of thought into the plans. First off, I wanted to tell him that I was picking him up at a specified time, not ask what his preference was. Same thing with the food. Seafood isn't universally loved, but I was making the decisions and wanted him to know that.
Nick's response came almost immediately.
Pete, how did you know Montlake Cut is my favorite place? Looking forward to seeing you Friday, 6:30 sharp. Don't be late! Warmly, Nick
Damn, this is getting real, I thought. Ok, no more texts until then...have to build up some suspense.
The week was uneventful, and CrossFit kept me on my game. By the time Friday came around, I felt like I was my best "me". I wore fairly tight jeans, tight black t-shirt and a tailored sportscoat. Casual, but pulled together.
I timed it to pull up precisely at 6:30 and there stood young Nick looking dashing. Tight jeans like myself, but a button down shirt and open sweater. Very trendy.
He hopped in and I wanted so badly to lean over and kiss him, but that would be over-reach. So I simply clutched his left hand with my right, gave it a slightly-too-long-squeeze, and said, "Great to see you again, young man."
"You too...Pete", answered Nick. I swear he almost said, "You too, Daddy" but caught himself. Wouldn't that have been interesting?!
We zoomed through traffic talking like old friends. I knew his industry and agency well so he caught me up on the business challenges, client drama, and agency gossip. Before long, we were at the restaurant, ordering cocktails, without there being a moment of awkward silence. Romance aside, I don't remember enjoying someone as much as I enjoyed Nick. Besides our business lives, we had the whole competitive athlete world to compare and contrast. And while there were vast differences between his triathlons and my CrossFit, we shared the drive and commitment required to succeed in our respective disciplines. Before long, we were finishing each other's sentences.
The one thing I didn't see coming with Nick was his insightful mind. He was wise beyond his years. He brought perspectives to issues that I'd never considered. And I loved that. I loved being back in charge with a handsome young guy like him, but I also found his intellect extraordinarily stimulating.
By midway through dinner and the wine that went with it, we settled into a relaxed, convivial state of mind. Although the conversation had flowed freely, we were past the stage of being aware of it. Now it was just happening.
And another dynamic was shifting as well. As the evening unfolded, and despite the fact that we were nearly equals in every respect other than age, he seemed increasingly respectful and deferential. On more than one occasion, I swear he had to stop himself from addressing me as sir or daddy. He was careful never to one-up me, but rather bask in admiration of my accomplishments. It was subtle, but I felt it. I'd been there before with Pook and it felt amazingly right.
Before long, we were on our after-dinner drinks (actually another glass of wine). I sat back and looked at Nick and liked what I saw. "What are you staring at?" he grinned.
"Nothing..." and I reached across the table and took his left hand into my right, "Ok. You need to know I'm really enjoying tonight." And I intentionally did not release his hand. In fact, he squeezed it harder and he replied, staring right back into my eyes, "Me too...Dd (almost another Daddy), Pete. Me too." I swear he almost said Daddy again. I could tell by the cadence of his voice and how he paused before saying my name.
I hadn't planned what followed, just like I hadn't planned asking him out last week, but I was now in complete control. I squeezed his hand more firmly, locked eyes and said slightly forcefully, "I'd like you to come home with me tonight." I didn't say another word, I just let it sit there.
I could feel the blood pulsing harder in his hand (or maybe it was my own).
Nick looked down, smiled a half-grin, looked back up into my eyes and quietly responded, "Yes, sir".
End of Chapter 13