At Long Last

Preston. The gesture, though a bit autocratic, touched him to his soul.
    Get a grip, Scotty. It's just an apple, not a ring.
    A couple of hours later a loud knock sounded on his door.
    "Yeah, come in."
    The door opened and Preston stood there dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, crisp white shirt, and a pale blue tie. He made Scotty's mouth water.
    "Sorry, is the music bothering you?" Scotty asked.
    Preston stepped into the office. "Well, actually, yes. But that's not what I came in here for."
    Scotty swallowed and offered a hesitant smile. "Oh? What's up? A case?"
    "No." Preston closed the door and leaned against it. "I wondered if you'd like to come over tonight for dinner."
    His heartbeat raced at that. For just the tiniest second Scotty had feared he was about to get the brush-off. Relief flowed through him.
    "You gonna cook for me again?" He couldn't believe how appealing the idea actually was.
    "Someone has to make sure you have something healthy to eat."
    Scotty's cheeks heated with his blush. "Uh, yeah, thanks for the apple." He grinned. "It went well with the pastry."
    Preston's lips curved in a small smile. "I'll bet. Anyway, you're welcome. Say about seven o'clock. Plan to stay over."
    It was on the tip of his tongue to blurt out that maybe they should talk about this. About them. About the fact Preston wasn't supposed to like men but had been all over Scotty last night. He really wanted to know where Preston intended to take this. But he didn't miss the guarded expression on the other man's face. He had a feeling if he insisted on talking about it right now Preston really would give him the brush-off.
    "Sounds great," Scotty said.
    Preston nodded. "Good. And...do me a favor, okay?"
    "Sure."
    "Don't mention anything about this to anyone, all right?"
    It took a great deal of effort to manage, but Scotty didn't let the disappointment show. Or at least he was pretty sure he didn't. But it nearly choked him. He regretted agreeing to dinner and staying over. He didn't like hiding who he was.
    "Scott?" Preston frowned.
    He opened his mouth to say the words, oh forget it , when he caught the naked vulnerability in Preston's eyes. This was new for him. He was still completely unsure of himself. There was no need for Scotty to be a jerk about it.
    Scotty smiled easily. "No problem. See you later."

    * * * *
    Preston took the salad bowl out of the cabinet and set it on the counter next to the romaine. He glanced at the clock on the microwave for the fifth time. It was already fifteen minutes past seven and no sign of Scott.
    He prided himself on being punctual. Unfortunately, Scott did not have the same ethics. Inhaling deeply, Preston tried to squash his annoyance. He was simply anxious because he just didn't know what the hell he was doing.
    Last evening and night he'd had sex with Scott. A lot of sex. And it had been amazing. He could no longer pretend he didn't want Scott. He definitely did.
    But what the hell did it all mean? Did it mean he was gay? Hell, Preston didn't know. He supposed wanting another guy was the definition of being gay. Except he'd been married and had never had sex with another guy before Scott.
    Preston tore off leaves of the romaine and tossed it in the bowl. His glance went once more to the clock and he cursed. Twenty minutes late.
    Then a horrible thought occurred to him. What if Scott had changed his mind? What if he was being stood up? Scott could be with some other guy laughing at stupid Preston right now.
    Or maybe Scott had been in an accident on the way over? He should have given him a ride. Scott had never been a great driver.
    His stomach now twisted in knots, Preston wondered if he should check his cell phone to see if Scott had called.
    The door bell rang and he closed his eyes in ridiculous relief. He set down the romaine and went to answer his front door.
    "You're late," he growled when he opened the door to Scott standing there looking far too sexy. He'd changed into faded jeans and a tight, thin white T-shirt. His jaw was covered in stubble. Preston's cock, which had already been half-erect thinking of Scott, now rose full to press against his slacks.
    Scott grinned unrepentantly and pushed Preston aside to come in. "Yeah, sorry. You know how unpredictable traffic can be." He held an overnight bag in one hand and a navy suit in the other. "Where can I put this stuff?"
    "Come with me." Preston closed and locked the door and headed down the hall to his bedroom. He