Not wanting to make any assumptions, David squeezed Kevin’s hand but chose to wait for him to make the next move.
“David, I know you haven’t had any guys in your life before, but I was hoping you’d be comfortable enough with me by now to come upstairs.” Kevin looked directly into David’s eyes. David bit his lip. “No pressure, but I would like to have some time alone with you. We haven’t had the chance to be alone at either of our homes yet.”
Glancing at the stairs and turning back to Kevin, David offered no resistance to his plan. “Okay. Let’s go upstairs. I’d like to see your room.”
Unsure of how he would feel, David tried to take a deep breath and relax. He had never had the chance to be with a guy in any way before. David hoped he wouldn’t embarrass himself, chicken out and run, or do anything to cause Kevin to regret asking him out.
The pair walked upstairs and Kevin opened his door. After crossing the threshold into the bedroom, David stood near the entrance and scanned the room. It was decorated simply, with a tall bookshelf, a dark wood desk with a computer and printer sitting on top, a highboy dresser, and a double bed with a cedar chest resting at the foot. “Nice room. You keep it really neat.”
“I have a confession to make.” Kevin faced David and slowly pressed the door closed as he spoke. “I hoped you’d be willing to come upstairs, so I cleaned it for the first time in months this afternoon. It’s a good thing it’s the weekend and we didn’t have practice today. I’m sure everyone was happy to have downtime this afternoon before going to all the Halloween parties I heard about from a bunch of different kids.”
“Yeah, it was cool for Steve to give us the day off, especially since we have a big exhibition meet in a couple of weeks.”
“The meet should be great. It’ll give us the chance to see the statewide competition we’ll be facing in the spring.” Kevin gestured for David to have a seat on the chest, and he sat next to him. “David, I really like you and to be perfectly honest, I don’t want to talk about track or running right now.”
“Me neither.” David drew in a breath. He wanted Kevin to be close, more than David had ever wanted anything in his life.
“I’m not going to push. We have plenty of time, but I really want to kiss you.” Kevin looked at David and licked his lips. David felt himself automatically mimic the action.
Slowly, Kevin brushed his hand over David’s cheek. David could feel the heat rising in his face as well as the anticipation. He hoped Kevin couldn’t actually see his heart beating through his chest because it felt like it was banging like a tom-tom.
Before he had another moment to think, Kevin released David’s hand and wrapped his now free hand tenderly around the base of David’s neck, drawing him close. When Kevin pressed his lips to David’s, he felt every part of his body come alive, as if by comparison his entire being had been in a state of suspended animation for the previous fifteen years.
Without thinking, David wrapped his arms around Kevin’s back, holding him close. Returning the kiss, he detected a smile on Kevin’s lips but neither broke away. David thought for a moment, now I know why people think kissing is so amazing. It is.
Breaking contact for a moment, Kevin leaned back and stared into David’s eyes. Neither saying a word, Kevin brought their lips together again. This time he slowly opened his mouth. David felt Kevin’s tongue touch his own. A shiver ran through him. David wanted this incredible feeling never to stop.
Kevin’s hands moved from David’s face, and he felt the warmth of the embrace. David had never felt so connected to anyone before.
After what might have been ages, yet felt far too short, Kevin broke their kiss. Kevin and David laughed, both huffing to catch their breath. “David, we’d better stop. Otherwise we may do something neither of us is quite ready for.”
“I’m glad you said that, because I don’t think I could have stopped otherwise.” David touched his own cheek, feeling the heat of his blush deepen as he voiced his true feelings. “I’ve never felt like this before, Kevin. I hope that doesn’t sound too lame.”
“Not at all.” Kevin dared to ghost his fingers over David’s cheek again. David felt another rush of electricity through his entire body. “You’re beautiful and I’ve never felt like this either.”
“But you’ve had a boyfriend before. Maybe more than one.” David lowered his eyes.
“Look at me, David.” Kevin waited until David was looking him in the eyes. “I may have had other guys in my life, but I’ve never felt this way before, and I’m not just talking about physically.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Despite his building nerves, David smiled. “I like being with you, I like touching you, I—” David cut himself off, afraid to utter the next words.
“What? Tell me.”
Kevin’s eyes pleaded with David to continue and he couldn’t resist. Kevin’s dark brown eyes were so beautiful and seemed so needy at that moment. “I more than like you.” David had said it and was hoping he hadn’t scared Kevin away.
A huge smile spread across Kevin’s face. “Me too. I’m glad it isn’t just me.”
David was so relieved. This was the best day of his entire life. He was doing great in school, he was running laps around most of the guys at track, yet they seemed to all welcome his developing skills rather than demonstrate envy or resentment of them, and now he had a boyfriend who completely reciprocated his feelings. His father was still a hurdle to be dealt with, but David put that thought out of his head for the moment. He had a boyfriend, an incredible boyfriend.
“You know what this means, don’t you?” Kevin was still smiling as he took David’s hands in his.
Confused, David tilted his head trying to figure out what Kevin was thinking.
Kevin chuckled. “It means we have to change our relationship status on Facebook.”
David nodded, still overwhelmed with the happiness of the moment. “I’m ready when you are.”
Knowing they would have to separate soon, because Kevin had to take David home, they made the most of their final few minutes together. In some ways David was disappointed to have to part for the night, but he knew deep down, if they were to have a healthy relationship, it would take time and patience. Anything rushed could just as quickly burn out.
David and Kevin took a few minutes to change their Facebook profiles. It was a good excuse to spend a bit more time together. David relished the feeling of the closeness they had shared. Unable to postpone the inevitable, Kevin stood, held David’s hand, and led him to his car.
David hoped his father would already be asleep. The last thing he wanted was for the night to be tainted by his part-time parent trying to play at his new role of full-time daddy. David planned to talk to Steve when they had their morning run. As it was the weekend, they could go out for a long run together. He wanted the time to share these new and welcomed feelings with the person he felt best fit the role of parent in his life.
Chapter 13
DAVID FINISHED getting dressed later than he expected the next morning. After a great run with Steve where he had the opportunity, without the risk of his father overhearing, to share his experiences with Kevin from the night before, David felt like he was flying high. He had begun to look forward to the inevitable feeling once the endorphins kicked in during a run. David’s stomach growled. Wanting to indulge in a big brunch, David was preparing to head for the kitchen when a text message from Kevin sidetracked him.
I don’t know about you, but I’m still smiling. :) Yes, I can be a hopeless romantic, but don’t tell anyone.
David snickered as he quickly typed his reply.
Your secret’s safe with me. Still feel your lips on mine. How’s that for romantic? Today?
He hoped Kevin would be interested in getting together again and was surprised he felt bold enough to ask. Despite having already showered, he must still have been feeling the high from the run.
Noon. I’ll stop by your place and come up to the condo to pic
k you up.
Time is great. I’ll meet you downstairs.
Although David was thrilled Kevin wanted to see him, he didn’t want him stuck in a room with his father.
Great, see you in front of your building at noon. I’ll text when I pull up.
OK!
Closing his bedroom door behind him, David was glad he had an hour before Kevin arrived. He didn’t want to wolf down a power bar like he did most mornings when he was running late for school. Today he could relax and have a light, normal breakfast. Although David was hungry enough to eat the equivalent of two breakfasts, he didn’t want to overdo in case Kevin wanted to grab lunch. David never understood people who made plans to go out to a restaurant and then ate almost nothing in the name of vanity. It didn’t make any sense.
Before he turned the corner, he heard his father speaking with Steve. “How was the run this morning?”
“Refreshing. Autumn mornings can be some of the most refreshing times to run.”
“We both know that’s not what I’m asking about. David made it clear he didn’t want me joining you this morning. Announcing he wanted to run five miles, when he knows I can barely get through three, was certainly less than subtle.”
David stood out of sight and bit his lip. He could hear the sadness in his father’s voice and for the first time felt a pang of guilt and regret for his own part in the ever-growing wall building between them.
“Rob, he’ll eventually come around. He can’t help but realize how great you are. After all, I found your inner beauty and never lost sight of it over the years, no matter how distracted you get when your work calls.” Not for the first time, David admired how Steve could be supportive and honest all at once.
“Thanks. I love you for saying that, but David just sees me as one ongoing disappointment he’s attached to by DNA.”
“He’s fifteen. It takes him longer to see the issues and choices adults have to deal with day after day. He just cares about his own—” Steve stopped talking. David was relieved. It was obvious Steve had inadvertently come close to divulging the details about his night with Kevin.
“David confided something in you this morning.” Rob sighed. “I won’t ask you to break his confidence, but you would tell me if he was doing anything that could get him in trouble, wouldn’t you?”
“You don’t have to worry, Dad. He’s fine. David likes someone and it would seem the feeling is mutual.”
“They’re not going too fast, are they? I don’t want him in over his head.” It sounded like Rob was genuinely concerned.
“Calm down, Rob. He’s taking things at the right pace for a kid his age. They both are.”
“So why speak with you privately? What’s to hide?”
“What do you think?” David remained still, needing to hear his father’s response.
“He wanted to share his feelings, new feelings about this guy, with someone he could trust; someone who had earned his trust, and from what I can tell, his admiration.” David was glad his father was finally reading the situation accurately.
“Got it in one.” Steve spoke quickly, probably sensing David would be with them shortly. “The ball’s in your court now.”
“How can I fix this?” Rob sounded desperate.
“Be the father I know you can be.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only one you’ll get from me. I have faith in you.”
“Then you’re in the minority.”
David couldn’t listen to any more and proceeded down the hallway toward the kitchen. For a man who spent a good portion of his life in front of a TV camera, his dad certainly seemed more insecure than the average guy. David wondered if insecurity was genetic.
“Good morning.” He tried to be nonchalant, giving no indication he had heard their conversation.
“Good morning, kiddo. How was the party last night? I heard you come in but decided not to get up and ask last night since it was so late.”
David wasn’t sure how to take his father’s question. “I was home before 1:00 a.m. That was the curfew, right?”
Rob’s brow furrowed. “I wasn’t accusing you of anything. You were home on time.” David noted Steve gently rubbing his father’s back as he passed him when heading to the counter to refill his coffee cup. The calming gesture was telling. “What I meant was you must have had a good time or you would have left the party early. Am I right?”
It seemed like his father was really trying. David decided to be a little less defensive. “It was fun. Thanks for helping with the costume. The props from your studio added to the look, especially the cool cane.”
“It was my pleasure.” Shifting in his chair, his father continued. “I know the party was thrown by your friend Jesse and her brother, but Steve mentioned it was Kevin who invited you. I don’t want to pry, but was this a date?” Before David could answer, his father further qualified his question. “This isn’t me cornering you; it’s me caring about you—honestly.” David smiled when he saw his father swallow and then audibly let out a breath.
Nodding, David sat at the small kitchen table and poured himself a glass of nonfat milk. “It was a date, and I had a great time.” David paused, bit his lip, and looked at his father. “I like Kevin. I really like Kevin.”
“Thank you for telling me. Steve mentioned he’s the captain of the track team, and his peers and his teachers respect him. It sounds like you hit the jackpot, but from the look on your face he’s even luckier to have you return his feelings.”
Pleased with his father’s reaction, David gave him a little slack. “He’s special, Dad. I’m seeing him at noon today.”
“Great. When will he be here? I look forward to meeting him.”
Now it was David’s turn to sigh. There was just so far he was ready to go and was glad he had made arrangements with Kevin to meet outside. “He’ll text when he arrives. We’re meeting out front.”
“I see.” It was clear his father felt the obvious and purposeful roadblock.
“It just seemed easier, less complicated.” David quickly looked down at the scrambled eggs Steve placed in front of him and shoved a forkful into his mouth.
“No problem. I’m planning to watch the exhibition meet coming up in a couple of weeks. Maybe you can introduce me then.”
David nearly choked on his food. “You’ll be there?”
“Of course. My son is making his track debut. I wouldn’t miss it!”
“What about the chance of a special assignment coming up?”
“Unless we’re in the throes of an unexpected act of aggression leading to all-out war, I’ll be there.” His father hesitantly touched David’s hand. “I already told the team at work, no interruptions on that Saturday.”
Taking another bite of his food, David thought about his father’s assertion. David had been stood up by his father several times. He was afraid to admit how happy he was with this news and hoped he wouldn’t regret his optimism.
David’s phone loudly chimed, alerting him to an incoming text message. He glanced at the screen and grinned.
“A message from Kevin?” His dad smiled.
David nodded. “I have to go. Sorry I couldn’t hang out longer, but, well, you know.” Having had an enjoyable conversation with Steve and his father, David was legitimately sorry to have to leave. For the first time he wished he had asked Kevin to come upstairs, but maybe he was hoping for too much too soon. One step at a time would have to do for now.
“Don’t worry. Just have a great time.” His dad stood up at the same time as David and gave him hug. “I’ll try to be home when you get back, but I won’t make any promises I may not be able to keep.”
“Sounds great.” David glanced at Steve and then looked at his dad. “I appreciate your honesty. It sounds like you’ve been listening to Steve.”
Rob grinned tightly and nodded. “It doesn’t hurt to have a partner who’s smarter about kids than I am. Maybe you would have been better off having him
as a father.”
Looking, once again, from his father to Steve and back, David realized how much it took for his dad to make such a strong declaration. “I’m beginning to think I’m better off having both of you.” Without waiting to see or hear a reaction from either his father or Steve, David left the room, grabbed his jacket, and left the apartment.
As soon as he exited the building, he spotted Kevin’s car and quickly got into the passenger seat. “Hi. Thanks for picking me up.”
“I’m glad you read my message as soon as I sent it.” Kevin squeezed David’s hand and then returned it to the gearshift to set the car in motion.
“I’m glad I did too. This has been a great morning.”
“I hope it’ll be a great afternoon.” Kevin smiled as he drove toward the center of town.
“You can count on it.”
“You’re sounding pretty happy. Did something happen at home?”
“Yeah, my dad thinks it’s great that I have a boyfriend, he was actually honest about his schedule, and he cleared everything on his calendar for the upcoming meet.”
“Sounds like a 10,000-meter win to me.” Kevin chuckled.
“This is going to be a great couple of weeks; I know it.” David leaned back in his seat and felt Kevin taking his hand, keeping his left hand on the steering wheel. This was beginning to feel more and more like a major turning point in David’s life; it had to be.
Somehow David knew the coming weeks would be far better than his first few in Connecticut, culminating with a great performance at the state exhibition, especially if his dad was going to be there to see it.
Chapter 14
DAVID HAD not given any thought previously to the idea he would be so nervous on the day of the meet. He knew it was just an exhibition, but David thought of it as a dress rehearsal for all those who had enough faith in him to let him run the longer distances alongside seasoned runners like Kevin.
Over the period of training in the lead-up before the meet, David realized how much he admired Kevin’s skill. Kevin wasn’t only his boyfriend, he was also his running partner on the team. Kevin and Steve had put in a lot of time during the first three months of the school year to bring out David’s running form and develop it to its full potential. Although he still had a lot to learn, today was the day David could show both of them how much he had learned and how qualified he was to take on the long runs.
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