He was tall about 6-foot 2, black hair curling over his ears and down the back of his neck. He had emerald green eyes, a square jaw and a mischief smile. He was wearing faded Levis, a white t-shirt and a vintage black leather Harley-Davidson motorcycle jacket. You know, the kind of jacket with all the zippers and black motorcycle boots. He was the bad boy type which was very appealing to me.
Apparently he wasn’t with any of the girls, because they came and went between him and the group of friends they came with. I also noticed that as the girls came and went, they bought drinks for him rather than him buying theirs. I heard one of the girls call him Brad.
Since this was a straight bar, I knew I had to tread lightly. Even if he was interested, the wrong move could get me thrown out and most likely beaten up first. Under the guise of hearing the game better on the TV, I moved to the bar. Fortunately I was knowledgeable about football so it gave me a door to strike up a conversation.
“Hey man, what’s the score?” I asked him casually as I sat down next to him.
“All tied up, twenty one each,” he said in a deep voice looking me over.
“I’m Clark and you are Brad right? I heard one of the girls call you Brad,” I said matter of fact like.
“Yes, one of the never ending stream of women. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting my drinks for free but those tramps do not interest me at all,” he said laughing and downing his beer.
Just then a blonde came up to Brad. She was rubbing her big tits all over his back, just like a slut. “Time for a refill Brad honey?” she asked.
“Sure thing Sandy but make it two this time. Need one for my friend Clark here too,” Brad told her winking at me. She ordered the beers and paid. As she left she whispered something in Brad’s ear and I saw him roll his eyes.
When she was back at her table, Brad turned to me, “She wants me to have a three-way with her and Gena over there,” he said tipping his head in their direction. I let my eyes scan the room and saw Sandy with a brunette at her table.
“Told you, they are all tramps,” he said laughing.
He continued, “There is a difference between being pursued for sex and romanced for a relationship.”
I laughed but realized he was dead serious. “You’re a bad boy type. You mean you don’t take advantage of these women throwing themselves at you?”
He looked deep into my brown eyes with his emerald green ones. “NEVER,” was the only word he said and I knew right then he was gay.
“That’s why they work on me so hard because I have never been to bed with any of them and never will,” he said downing his beer and ordering another for both of us.
“Hey Brad, thanks for the beer man,” I said.
“No problem Clark. I like your company. Hey, the home team is winning now,” he said pointing to the forgotten game.
I was only interested in looking at him, not the TV. But I had to play the part of a straight guy in a straight bar or risk getting both of our asses beat.
“Great, I want them to win the game or at least cover the point spread so I can collect on all my bets,” I said.
“What kind of money are we talking about Buddy?” he asked
“About five hundred bucks I think,” I replied watching the game more closely.
I watched the TV and drank my beer, not looking his way even though I could feel his body heat. Then I felt his leg on mine for few seconds and looked his way.
“Let's go outside for a smoke,” I said, standing and downing my beer. He did the same and we walked out of the bar into the warm summer night. He produced a vintage Zippo lighter and lit both our Marlborough's. I knew of a park nearby with a nice large Gazebo that was lit by strings of small white Christmas lights and hanging flower baskets. Taking a drag, I said, "Tell me more about you. Where do you work?" as I lead us in that direction.
“I own a wood working shop downtown. I’m a woodworker, I design and make specialty cabinets tables and chairs. Clients come to me from all over the state to craft things for them or to buy things of mine that I make. I even do a lot of restoration on antiques. I always use the best wood and take great pride in my work,” he told me.
Damn, I would have never guessed this about this handsome man but I liked that he worked with his hands.
“How about you Clark, where do you work?” he asked.
“I teach down at the local collage. Math and creative writing, been there for four years now,” I answered as we reached the park and I continued to lead us toward the Gazebo.
“Wow a book man. A teacher. Very impressive Clark,” he said smiling.
The park was deserted and dark. The only light was the moonlight and the stars so I reached out and took his hand as we walked. He laced my fingers in his and squeezed my hand as he laughed.
“You’re you a romantic man, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Yes indeed and very affection too,” I said laughing.
“I think I like your company more and more Clark,” he said surprising me.
I never really thought I had a shot at a relationship with this man. I have always felt I was OK looking but not handsome like Brad. But his words stuck with me and I decided to take it slow and not pursued him for sex but romance him for a relationship. Just like he had told me in the bar earlier.
We arrived at the Gazebo and it was lit up and the flowers were beautiful. There was a blind older black man playing the saxophone for tips. I dropped a twenty in his open case and whispered in his ear, “Play Kenny G, Forever in love for me Sir.”
He nodded and stared the song and that old man could make that horn sing. Brad and I walked up the steps and sat on the bench along the side of the Gazebo still holding hands.
He looked at me and said, “This place is lovely and the music is so sweet Clark.”
He stood and with my hand still in his and he asked me “Will you dance with me? I want to be your partner. I want to hold you in my arms under the moon and the stars. I hope you’re willing to pick your feet up and dance with me?”
“Of course I will dance with you Brad. It would be my pleasure,” I said standing as he wrapped his arms around me and started to lead me in a slow dance that made me tingle all over.
I was shorter than Brad and my head rested nicely under his chin. God he smelled great and he was so light on his feet. Brad swayed us all around that Gazebo and the saxophone man kept playing song after song.
“I love to dance Clark and you feel amazing in my arms,” he whispered. “I’ve dreamed of this all my life. Holding a sweet man like you and dancing at night. Thank you Clark for bringing us here and being with me this way.”
“I hope this is the first of many more to come Brad,” I whispered holding him tighter.
He kissed my cheek and whispered, “Yes Clark, many more sweet man. I should get you home, it’s very late and I want you to be safe and sound.”
He released me from his warm embrace but still held my hand and led me out of the Gazebo. We walked back thru the park and toward the bar. The warm wind was blowing through the trees and we could hear the leaves rustling.
“I’ll take you home on my Harley, unless you’re afraid to ride it,” he laughed.
“I’m not afraid at all Brad. I’d love to ride with you and hold you some more,” I said.
He squeezed my hand and said, “Clark I am feeling good about us, really good.”
I didn’t respond, but I was feeling good about us too. It had been a long time since I’d met someone who intrigued me the way Brad did and I was looking forward to getting to know him better.
We arrived at the bar and Brad walked me to his motorcycle. I wasn’t surprised to see it was a vintage 1959 Harley Davison Duo- glide Panhead fully restored. She was beautiful a deep blue with white wall tires. I took the 'bitch' position on back of the seat behind the driver as Brad handed me a vintage Harley helmet. He got on and cranked her up and her engine rumbled deep like only a Harley can.
Before he put on his helmet I gave Brad the address and directions to my townhouse. He nodded. I squeezed him tight and held on as Brad pulled out of the parking lot and turned in my direction.
Damn it felt so good to ride with him. Riding on his bike felt so freeing somehow. We arrive at my place far too soon for my liking. We both dismounted and Brad walked me to the door.
“I don’t know your last name Clark. What is it?” he asked as he leaned on the porch railing crossing is feet and looking so damn hot.
“Brooks … Clark Brooks,” I said smiling.
He laughed saying, “Your nickname is now CB to me. CB you hear me calling?”
“Yes I do…you funny man. What do you want?” I asked.
He moved to me and gently took my face in his hands, “A kiss CB…Clark, a sweet kiss before you go inside and leave me for the night. Is that OK with you?” he asked me.
“Yes, please,” I whispered loving his hands on me and wanting so much more from him.
He pressed his full lips to mine and I moaned in my throat. He licked my lips and I opened my mouth for him. We kissed deep our tongues swirling and dancing together as I moved my body closer to his. I pressed into him and moaned louder wrapping my arms around his neck. He released my face and wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me tighter to himself.
Damn he was an amazing kisser and I never wanted that kiss to end. But he broke the kiss and whispered in my ear, “You taste so sweet CB, I could kiss you all night, but I need to stop before we go too far.”
He stepped back from me and asked, “Will you go on a proper date with me tomorrow night Clark?”
“Yes, I’d love to Brad,” I answered as my heart pounded in my chest from excitement.
“I need your phone number so I can call you about our date,” he said.
We exchanged cellphone and house phone numbers and with one more small kiss he was back on his bike heading home.
I went inside and locked up. I performed my night time routine, brushing my teeth and washing my face along with taking a much needed piss. I put on my sweat pants that I sleep in and I had just fallen into bed when my cell-phone rang.
“Hello,” I said.
“Hey CB…. I just wanted to make sure you were safe and sound,” Brad said.
“I’m just in bed ready to sleep, all safe and sound. Thank you for checking on me Brad,” I told him.
“Sleep well and I’ll call you around lunch and let you know what time I’ll be there to pick you up tomorrow night,” he said softly.
“Sounds great to me, I’m really looking forward to it. By the way, is your full name Bradley?” I asked him.
“Yes… yes it is. Why?” he asked me.
“I like that better for you. Do you mind if I call you Bradley?” I asked gently.
“Only my Mother calls me that. But for you sweet man, I’ll allow it,” he said laughing.
“O.K. Bradley… good night, talk to you tomorrow,” I said hanging up the phone and cutting off the bedside light. In the dark, I smiled thinking of him. I wondered where he would take us on our first official date. I drifted off to sleep content and happy.
I went to my class the next morning with some pep in my step and looking forward to talking to Bradley at lunch time about our date and just to hear his deep rich voice. My morning classes flew by and I was sitting in the cafeteria eating my chef salad when my cell phone rang.
I pulled it from my pocket and said, “Hello.”
“Hello CB, Its Brad. How are your classes going today?” he asked me.
“Hey Bradley, classes are going good today. How are things at the workshop?” I asked.
“Busy but I’ve been productive today. Can you be ready tonight by seven p.m.?” he said.
“Sure I can,” I answered.
“Oohh, I need you to wear a suit. We have reservation at Michaels Surf ‘n’ Turf for a late dinner,” he informed me.
Wow, Michaels was the only 5 star restaurant in town and it usually took weeks to get a reservation there. “No problem, I have a suit. I’ll be ready at seven,” I told him.
“Great Clark, see you then sweet man,” he said hanging up.
Damn, I sat there thinking he must have connections to get a reservation so quick and that was a very expensive place to eat. I had only been there one time but a dinner for two, with desert and drinks could easily cost you two hundred bucks.
I was very delighted Bradley would want to have such a special first official date for us but I would have been just as happy with a lot less. The day pasted by and I was home at four. I took a long hot bath and began to get ready for Bradley and our date.
By 6:30 I was decked out in my navy blue double-breasted pinstripe Armani suit, my silk floral tie, my favorite white cotton button down collar dress shirt and tasseled black Italian loafers.
I poured myself a glass of my favorite wine, Sauvignon Blanc and turned on some smooth jazz and waited for Bradley. The doorbell rung at five minutes to seven and when I opened the door I was amazed at what I saw.
Bradley was standing there looking handsome as hell in his dark blue blazer, a light blue shirt and gray slacks. His tie was a deep red and he had on black Italian loafers. He hadn’t shaved so he had a black five o’clock shadow and he had his deep black hair slicked back. God a mighty, I wanted to rip off his clothes and have him fuck me raw right then and there.
There was a horse drawn carriage in front of my house. “Hello Clark, you look very handsome tonight. May I escort you to our ride for the night?” he said smoothly in his deep voice. Taking me by the arm, he led me out onto the porch. Turning, he flipped the lock and shut the door behind me.
“Come with me Clark and let’s take a ride before dinner” he said.
He took my arm and walked me to the carriage. He helped me up the steps, got in behind me and shut the small door. Once seated, he presented me with one single red rose saying, “One rose for the one special man in my life.”
I was flabbergasted by all his attention. He popped the cork on the Dom Perpignan champagne bottle and poured two glasses and handed me one. “A toast is needed,” he said holding his glass up.
“Can I make it Bradley?” I asked.
“Yes, please,” he answered.
“Here’s to us and this special night. Thank you so much Bradley,” I said raising my glass and softly tapping his.
As I sipped my champagne, Bradley spoke to the driver and he started the horse trotting. I notice this sack strategically placed behind the horses’ rump and realized it was to catch his poop instead of it falling to the streets.