“Two this evening?” the hostess asked, smiling at first Demitri, then Kiernan.
Her gaze returned to Demitri, and Kiernan almost growled at the coy look that she gave him. Even though his date appeared oblivious to the young woman’s interest, he still couldn’t help snapping, “Yes, table for two.”
“Of course. This way,” she replied.
His hand once again resting on Demitri’s lower back, Kiernan urged the young man to follow her. With Demitri’s back to him, Kiernan discreetly leaned forward and sniffed his companion. The earthy, masculine scent pleased his senses, and he just stopped himself from leaning closer to get a better whiff.
“Is this acceptable?” the woman asked, pointing at a table in the middle of the floor set up with four chairs.
Kiernan didn’t care for that seating arrangement at all. He wanted someplace more private, where they could talk more intimately. Kiernan wanted to get to know Demitri and being out in the open like this just wouldn’t cut it. He spotted several empty booths to his right, lining the wall.
Demitri stepped forward to sit, but Kiernan moved his hand to his shoulder. The hold immediately stopped Demitri’s progress, surprising and pleasing Kiernan with the man’s responsiveness. He unconsciously rubbed his thumb over the nape of Demitri’s neck as he wondered briefly how that would translate to the bedroom. Pushing the distracting thought aside, he focused on the hostess.
“No,” Kiernan stated. Motioning toward the empty booths with his free hand, he insisted, “I’d prefer one of those.”
The woman’s brows shot up. She glanced between them, obviously reassessing their possible relationship. Kiernan met her gaze levelly. “O-okay,” she stammered.
Once they were seated, the hostess stated, “Peter will be your waiter tonight. He’ll be with you shortly.”
Kiernan nodded. Before leaving, she glanced once more at Demitri, but he still wasn’t paying her any attention. That pleased Kiernan…a lot. He reached across the table and placed his hand over Demitri’s. “Thank you for asking me out tonight. I’m very flattered.”
Demitri blushed, his green-eyed gaze focusing on where Kiernan held his hand. “I’m glad. I…” He glanced up at Kiernan and smiled shyly. “I wasn’t sure if you’d accept,” he admitted.
Cocking his head, Kiernan took a chance and told him, “I’m still trying to figure out what someone so young and handsome as yourself sees in a guy like me, but I’m willing to not look a gift horse in the mouth.”
The smile still in place, Demitri ducked his head. “How could anyone not be interested?” he said softly.
Kiernan chuckled, low in his throat. “Thanks.”
Not wanting to make his date any more uncomfortable, he opened his menu, slipped on his reading glasses, and perused the selections. He normally ended up getting a steak or burger when he came, but the ribs seemed to be calling his name tonight. “What are you interested in tonight?”
Demitri glanced up from where he looked at his own menu. “I’m not sure. I’m thinking their sixteen-ounce rib eye would be fantastic. Maybe with their onion strings and baked apples.”
Wow! Where would he put all that?
Before he could voice the comment, their waiter appeared. “Good evening, gentlemen. I’m Peter and I’ll be your waiter for the evening,” he said, smiling at each of them in turn. “Can I start you with some drinks? Flavored lemonades or something from the bar?”
Kiernan lifted a hand, indicating Demitri could order first.
“I’ll take iced tea, unsweetened,” Demitri told the waiter.
“Very good. And you, sir?” the waiter responded, looking at him.
“What beer do you have on tap?” Kiernan asked.
The waiter answered, and Kiernan chose one. Before Peter could leave, Kiernan added, “I’d like your loaded potato skins as an appetizer.”
Peter grinned. “Good choice. I’ll get that started for you.”
When he slipped the glasses back in his pocket, he caught Demitri watching the move. He smiled ruefully. “Sometimes getting old sucks.”
“You use them just for reading?” Demitri asked curiously.
Kiernan nodded, wondering at the way the other man eyed his pocket.
“They look good on you.” Even as Demitri complimented Kiernan, he blushed a bit.
Kiernan grinned. “Thank you.”
Their drinks arrived and they placed their orders.
After taking a sip of his beer, Kiernan returned his focus to Demitri. He peered at his date, trying not to groan at the way Demitri licked a smidge of sour cream off his lip, and asked, “I take it I’m not going to be sharing a beer with you for a while?”
Demitri hesitated for just a second, then admitted, “I turn twenty in a couple months.” His smile turned bitter, “My mother already gives me enough shit. I don’t need to add to it by doing something illegal.”
It was a good answer, except…from what Kiernan had seen, Demitri was responsible and sensible, especially for one so young. “Would it be prying to ask what has her so upset?” Realization hit him and he frowned. “Is it the gay thing?”
Shrugging, Demitri’s gaze slid away. “Among other things,” he answered evasively.
Kiernan didn’t like that at all. “Like?” he prodded. He figured they should start as they intended to go, with the truth between them.
Demitri’s eyes narrowed for just a second. He grimaced.
“My friends, the make-up, and some personal choices I’m not ready to share, yet,” he revealed slowly.
“Honesty I can appreciate,” Kiernan replied, smiling.
“Perhaps once we get to know each other better.”
Demitri nodded his agreement, which gave Kiernan hope that the man wanted more than a mentor or fuck buddy. He took a sip of his beer, watching his companion over the rim of the glass. The guy seemed pretty straightforward, maybe he should just ask.
“So,” he started, putting down his beer. “What are you looking for here, Demitri?”
His date opened his mouth, then snapped it shut and a blush worked down his neck. Kiernan watched the coloring, wondering if it went all the way down his chest. Maybe I need to be more specific.
Leaning forward, he gently clasped one of Demitri’s hands
