Chapter Two

Gavin

I knocked on Richmond"s front door and tried my best to appear calm and collected, even though my heart was racing. I wasn"t expecting to have alone time with Richmond so soon; this dinner was supposed to include Wade as well, but he got sick and had to cancel at the last minute.

Of course, I knew he wasn"t actually sick. I"d known him nearly my whole life and I was familiar with all of his tricks. He waited to dip out of our plans until he knew Richmond would already have the food prepared, so he wouldn"t reschedule. Wade gave only a few, vague details about his "illness", and winked at me when I left our house. He was totally faking and I totally loved him for it.

Because what he was actually doing was giving me uninterrupted time with his father. I was excited for the party he invited me to the following week, but the thought of having this one-on-one time with him was exhilarating.

Seeing Richmond the night before was everything I hoped it would be after so long. He was even more handsome and charming than I remembered. And I loved his surprised (and delighted) expression when he saw me. For the first time, he saw me as a man.

The door opened and Richmond appeared with a smile. I didn't miss the quick once-over he gave me, and I was grateful I chose to wear a tight shirt. I'd worked hard on my body and wanted to show it off to him.

"What's with the knocking?" Richmond teased. Throughout the years, I'd barged into his home many times, but always when Wade was at my side. I wouldn't dream of doing it alone. "Come on in."

He ushered me inside, but I paused as he closed the door behind us. "Are you sure you don't mind my being here?" I'd double checked over the phone before coming over, but I wanted to be sure he was okay having dinner with just the two of us. If he wasn't, that placed my life goals right in the toilet.

"Don't be silly; of course I'm sure." He motioned me forward and I followed him into the kitchen, where a familiar scent hit my nostrils. "I just took it out of the oven."

I beamed when I saw a piping hot pan of lasagna on the counter. "Oh man, I've missed that." It was always my favorite dish Richmond cooked. "Wade is gonna be pissed when he finds out." Lasagna was his favorite as well.

He chuckled as he pulled on an oven mitt and moved the dish onto the table. "I'll send some home to him."

"If there's any left," I only half joked. It had been a long time since I enjoyed Richmond's cooking, and I fully planned on overindulging.

"I was actually doubting my choice; I wasn't sure you'd want lasagna." I cocked my head and he added, "I don't know many people who eat like this and look like that." He gave my body another glance, making my heart pound. I thought I noticed his cheeks pink before he turned around and hurried to retrieve two plates from the cabinet.

Thrilled he noticed but not wanting to draw attention to it, I replied, "I watch what I eat most days, but I definitely splurge now and then. Especially when it's on something this delicious."

Richmond faced me again and served two heaping portions onto our plates. "I need to do better about watching my diet; my metabolism isn't what it used to be."

"I think you look fantastic." His figure had spread and softened a bit over the years, but it only made him more delectable in my eyes. His frame promised warm embraces and pillowed cuddles; things I fantasized about often.

"Thanks," he whispered as his blush returned. I hoped I didn't make him uncomfortable. He was unaware of my feelings for him, and I knew I had to take things slowly, but I wasn't going to shy away from complimenting him. "I might have to hit you up for some workout tips, though."

"I'd love to go to the gym with you sometime." I didn't think he needed to change a damn thing about himself, but I'd never turn down time together; especially sharing something I enjoyed.

"That sounds great," he smiled as he pushed a loaded plate in front of me.

I scooped up a big bite and moaned as it passed my lips. "This is straight out of a wet dream."

Richmond's stomach jerked as he laughed. "I'm glad I haven't lost it." He gleefully watched as I shoveled in a few more bites. "You are quite the cook as well. You said you learned in college; did you take a class?"

I shook my head no as I swallowed. "I watched a ton of YouTube videos. I figured it was time to learn how to take care of myself. There was only so much I could do with an illegal hot plate in the dorm, but it worked out okay. Wade was happy to be my taste tester."

"I'm sure he was," he chuckled.

I placed my fork on the plate and regarded him seriously. "I want to thank you for everything you did for me while I was growing up. You always gave me somewhere to hang out without getting frustrated that I was constantly in your space. You made sure I had enough to eat, and gave me rides if I needed to go somewhere. None of that was your responsibility, but you did it without question. I didn't know what to say to thank you as a kid, but please know that none of it went unnoticed. I appreciate everything, and I wouldn't be who I am today without you."

Richmond blinked his wide, surprised eyes before his expression softened into a beautiful smile. "It was my pleasure. Even with everything you had going on at home, you were always a polite and cheerful kid. I'm happy you were in Wade's life…and my life as well. You always helped me remember to be positive and grateful."

His words warmed me to my core. I had no idea I'd had a positive effect on him, or that he ever thought of me as anything but his son's clingy friend. I hoped one day our relationship could bloom and grow into something beautiful.

"I also want to thank you for helping Wade and me with the house. Which reminds me…" I dug in my pocket and pulled out a folded check, which I handed to Richmond.

"What's this?"

"It's to go towards the rent and utilities. It's not quite half," I admitted sheepishly. I'd held a job throughout school to help cover my food and necessities, but my classes prevented me from working a ton of hours. I didn't have much left over, but I wanted to help pay my way. "Once I find a new job, I promise to make up the rest."

"I don't want this," Richmond argued, trying to hand the paper back to me. "I'm happy to cover the expenses. Hell, it's worth it not to have Wade in my business constantly," he tried to joke, but I didn't laugh.

"Please, it's…it's important to me." After everything he'd done for me in my lifetime, I wanted to pay him back in some way. Above that, I wanted Richmond to see me as an equal; not some kid he was responsible for. It was the same reason I called him by his first name. When I called him Richmond for the first time, I worried he would see it as disrespectful, but his blush told me he didn"t mind the change.

Finally, he gave me an understanding smile and slipped the check into his own pocket. I had my doubts that he'd ever cash it, but it meant a lot that he accepted it.

I stabbed my noodles as I gathered my thoughts. I had so much to tell him, but I didn't want to cross any lines. Not yet. But there was one burning truth I needed him to know. "You are the reason I chose my degrees."

Richmond furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you always talked about how much you enjoyed your job, and how gratifying it was. You inspired me to go into the business world as well." I swallowed hard and added, "You are the greatest man I've ever known, and I wanted to be just like you."

"Gavin…" No other words followed; they remained swimming in his eyes.

"Financial work wasn't the best fit for me, but I found my niche in marketing. Every class I took and every case I worked on, I thought of you and pushed harder. The main reason I didn't visit much during school is because I wanted a chance to get my shit together. I wanted to wait and show you the finished product, and for you to be proud of me."

Apart from my romantic feelings, I'd put everything out there for him. Because even if he turned me down in the future, I wanted him to know what a great impact he'd had on my life.

Richmond reached over and placed his hand on my arm, the warmth of his skin seeping into mine. "I've always been proud of you. I'm touched that I inspired you, but you have nothing to prove to me. All I want is for you to enjoy life, and to be fulfilled and happy."

He was the kindest, most genuine man I'd ever met. Everything he said only made me fall deeper in love with him. I wanted to bear it all; to confess my feelings and let the chips fall where they may.

But the moment was too perfect. I wanted to cherish it without the risk of everything blowing up in my face. I wanted to craft a memory to hold onto in case things ever turned sour between us.

Richmond squeezed my arm gently before turning back to his food. We ate in silence for a few moments before he asked, "So…did you meet anyone special at school?"

I figured there were two reasons for the question; one, he felt a tiny spark of interest in me, and wanted to see where he stood. Or two, the more likely reason, he felt zero interest, and was just making random conversation.

"Not really," I shrugged. Fishing for more clues to his motive, I added, "I did my share of comparison shopping, but nothing ever lasted for more than a few nights of fun." A quick flash of emotion crossed his face, but I was unable to tell if it was jealousy or disgust. "What about you? Are you seeing anyone?"

I knew damn well he wasn't, because of the way I hounded Wade for information. But I wasn't about to admit it.

"Nah," he replied with a shake of his head. "I've dated a few people, but I haven"t found the right person."

"You will," I assured. "Who knows; maybe he"s closer than you think."

The corner of his lips twitched. "Maybe he is."

That was as brave as I got. I steered the conversation back to safe topics, like my college courses, workout tips, or Richmond"s job. Talking with him was easy, even without Wade being present. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and I loved making him laugh. When we were together, I didn"t focus on the differences between our ages, finances, or anything else. All that mattered was the way he made me feel; light, happy, and safe.

Though I would happily stay and talk to him all night, I didn"t want to wear out my welcome, so after a couple of hours, I made the excuse of needing to go home and check on Wade, whom I knew was fine. Richmond packed up some lasagna for me to take to his son before walking me to the front door.

"Thank you again for dinner," I told him as I stood in the threshold. "And for the great company."

"I"m glad I didn"t bore you too much."

"I could never be bored with you," I told him honestly. "I enjoy every minute we"re together."

Another unreadable expression painted his face before he schooled it into a smile. "So do I." I couldn"t help beaming back at him. "Don"t forget about the party next Friday evening. It starts at seven at the convention center." His company was going all out by renting a fancy venue.

"Would it be alright if I pick you up around six thirty?" I was greedy for his company, even if it was only for a few minutes' drive.

Richmond blinked in surprise before smiling again. "That would be great. I"ll see you then."

It took a great deal of mental convincing to get my feet in motion. I wanted to stay with him; to throw my arms around him and tell him everything in my heart. Instead, I simply told him, "Goodnight, Richmond."

His eyes sparkled overtop of his pink cheeks. "Goodnight, Gavin." My heart fluttered all the way to my car.