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A Changed Life Ch. 01

By: ingarlm



Author's note: This is a slow and (I hope) romantic story that builds up to sex in later chapters. It's written from both perspectives.

If you've read any of my other gay stories, this is the tale of Mark and Charlie, who are Simon's neighbours in A New Life. 

* * * * * *

Mark

It had always been my ambition to run a restaurant, since I was a child. I couldn't explain why, since I didn't enjoy cooking. I liked socialising though and I had this idea of flitting from table to table, entertaining my guests and joking with the important people as they enjoyed the fine cuisine. If I'd known when I was young how much work was involved perhaps I would have found another thing to keep my interest. I took business courses at college so I would be able to run the financial side, and worked as a waiter in my free time to keep me in beer money. That certainly gave me a taste of real life in the trade. Obnoxious customers, chefs with egos so big it was a wonder they fitted in the kitchen, long hours for low pay, and getting flirted with by old women and desperate middle-aged men.

That was the downside, but there were a lot more ups than that. There were friendly staff and customers, big tippers from time to time, I got to flirt with the customers I liked, and I lived in a strange nocturnal world, especially on days I didn't have classes, when we would finish serving late and all head out for drinks and junk food after. I figured after a day making posh food most of the kitchen staff just wanted a burger or fried chicken. I learned a lot doing the menial work, even washing up in the kitchens when they were short-staffed.

Probably the thing I enjoyed most about meeting the customers were the few, and it wasn't all that many really, that I found a shared interest with. That was my favourite extra-curricular activity, sex. There were often good-looking men having dinner and a surprising number of them would either start flirting or respond to mine. I wasn't a total slut, and I always had safe sex, but I did get my fair share. And I had some morals. If they had a ring on their finger, or were out to dinner obviously with a date either male or female, I didn't take it any further. I did take pride in the amount of phone numbers I gleaned along with my tips, but I was selective about who I called. I didn't have time for clubbing often because I needed the money from working, so I used work to find like minded people who were up for some fun.

By the time I was 25 I was working full-time in the trade and although I still did some waiting I also worked on the books and the ordering, and was assistant manager at a well-known and respected restaurant. Then the day came when my world fell apart. I would probably always remember the policemen coming in that night, assuming they were checking drinks licences or something. They came to tell me that my parents had been in a car crash. Dad was dead instantly and Mum never regained consciousness but lasted another two days in the intensive care unit. At the time they could only tell me their car had been hit by a lorry. It turned out the driver had exceeded his hours and fallen asleep at the wheel, veering onto the wrong side of the road. He got a suspended sentence for it, and I lost my whole family.

I don't really remember the next few weeks. I know I organised their funeral, and I sorted out paperwork and cleared their house. I saw the Solicitors and instructed them to deal with applying for probate. It wasn't any great surprise to learn that I had been left everything except for a couple of small legacies. It was more of a surprise that they had a lot of investments and life assurances, and I was going to be very well off. I didn't work much over the following months, drifting by and drinking too much, but it took a long time for me to come to terms with my loss.

Strangely, seeing the first big cheque sobered me up and made me think about my future. I could have just blown it on a sports car or something pointless, but I knew that's not what my parents would have wanted. Nor would they want to see me drinking myself into an early grave. I knew what I was going to do -- buy my own restaurant. I could fulfil my childhood dream. It made me smile for the first time, remembering how I would play act being the restaurant owner and organise my parents to sit down in our kitchen for dinner of chips and fish fingers as though they were in a high-class establishment.

It must have been fate, because after only a few weeks of looking the perfect place came onto the market. The owners had built up a great reputation and it was a thriving business. The head chef was not only excellent, but also not a total arsehole. He could get a bit stroppy now and again, but generally he had an easy manner and his staff enjoyed working for him and didn't live in terror that they would be hit or sacked for making a sauce wrong or overcooking something. I bought it after my first visit. When all the paperwork was complete a couple of months later I walked into my own restaurant for the first time, and just stood and stared in disbelief that it was all mine.

I could have stopped work then. I knew from the books that I could turn enough profit to live more than comfortably without having to ever set foot in the place, but I couldn't resist. Most of my friends worked in the trade as well, so I'd never see anyone if I stayed holed up at home. Also, I couldn't resist the opportunities that working presented me to meet available men. I spent the next few months much as I had been before the accident, working when I wanted but using the restaurant as a pick-up joint. There were even one or two I saw on a semi-regular basis, although one of them I had to stop seeing when he wanted something more, and I wasn't prepared to offer it. The sex was great, but I didn't want a boyfriend cramping my style. 

Chef used to joke with me that I only worked for the tail it got me. I enjoyed waiting tables though, somehow more now that I didn't have to if I didn't want. It was very rare for me to need to cover a whole shift because I had a lot of good staff, and this meant if there was someone who I wanted to hook up with I could leave immediately. Sometimes I even headed back to work afterwards, so I could check on things as we cleared up from the dinner service. On those occasions Chef just gave me a wink. He was straight, but always had several women on the go and his attitude to his liaisons was very similar to my own. 

In fact, Chef and I became firm friends over the following months. I was an easy-going boss and let him deal with everything in the kitchen which he appreciated, and I respected his talents both in cooking and in dealing with that side of the staffing. We went out together sometimes, getting drunk and regaling each other with stories of our latest conquests. Once in a while we would see a couple and joke about trying to split them up so he could have her and I could have him, but we would never have really done it. 

We both did well for sex and didn't want more from anyone we had met so far, but in our most drunken moments we both admitted sometimes that we hoped one day we would meet someone who would make us want to settle down. I thought it more likely he would than me, but I did still hold out some hope that I could find a man to share all my life with. Little did I know then, but it was just around the corner, and more than that, it was going to be damn hard work.

* * * * * * * 

When Chef told me he needed to hire someone else to work in the kitchens I left him to it. I contacted a few agencies and got resumes for him to look through. He did the interviewing and subjected the candidates to tests in the kitchen to see what they could do. He came back to me after a week and told me he'd found the guy he wanted. He was young and talented, and had a few years experience working in professional kitchens, starting off with the most menial jobs but soon gathering more skills. I told the agency and arranged the paperwork without ever meeting him, knowing that if he wasn't up to the job Chef wouldn't have asked me to hire him.

A few weeks later I got to the restaurant as everyone was setting up ready for the dinner service. The place was empty apart from the waiting staff who were busy setting tables. I said hello to everyone there and headed back to the kitchen where I knew they would also be busy getting ready, to make sure I met the new guy before his first shift started. I might not be that bothered about who Chef hired, but I wanted to make sure all the staff knew me and I was considered one of the team despite being the owner. 

As I entered the kitchen there were three staff busy working to Chef's orders. I couldn't see the new guy immediately but said hi to those I saw. It turned out Chef was showing him around the larders and freezers so he'd know where to find everything. I headed to the back of the kitchen to find them and stopped dead in my tracks when I did. 

He was beautiful. I felt my heart thud in my chest and my mouth went dry. I had never had a reaction like that to a man before. My cock reacted to men I liked the look of, but not my whole body. I just stood there and watched, drinking my fill. I noted the lean body and the way his whites hugged his legs and a very nice butt, his blond hair tied back in a neat ponytail showing the skin on his neck that I instantly wanted to nuzzle until he moaned. And then he turned, as he and Chef became aware of my presence, and I saw his bright blue eyes in all their glory. And I watched as they darted over my body just as I had been looking at his, before catching me in their stare again. 

He gave me a knowing smile. He knew I'd been checking him out, and didn't seem to mind. My heart leapt again. I could only hope and pray he'd liked what he'd seen too. I was dressed up for work and my suit fitted me well and showed off my best features. I was slightly taller than him but also lean, and I had a good body that my suit hinted at. Please let him like me, was all I could think right then. 

My perusal was broken when Chef coughed to get my attention, and I saw an unexpectedly stern look in his eyes. It cooled me down rather, and there was no doubting from his expression that he had an idea what was in my mind. He introduced us, making it clear that they had work to do and I wasn't welcome. Very odd.

"Charlie, this is Mark. He works here but he owns the place too. He doesn't run things in the kitchen though, and right now we have loads to do. I need you to get started on pastry."

Charlie shook my hand as he came past on his way back to the main kitchen. His touch was electric and when he smiled at me my stomach turned over. I couldn't stop myself from turning and watching him as he walked away, in particular one part of him. I almost moaned, but the sudden presence of Chef at my side brought me back to reality. He leaned close and whispered in my ear.

"I know what you're thinking Mark, and don't." I looked at him surprised before he continued. "You were practically drooling over him, but I need a good chef a hell of a lot more than you need another lay. I'm not going to have him leaving after you chuck him once you've had a few nights fun."

I stared hard at him, and answered firmly but also quiet so we couldn't be overheard. "And what if I want him for more than a few nights?"

Chef just laughed and walked off. And I stood there, shellshocked after seeing such a vision, then having Chef warn me off, but mostly at what I'd said. Seriously? I hadn't even thought about what I was saying but I actually meant it. I'd liked what I saw, a lot, but I hadn't immediately thought about bedding him, I'd wanted to kiss and cuddle him, not bend him over and fuck him hard. That was a new one on me. I practically ran through the kitchen to get out to the restaurant, mindful of Chef, but turned on and scared about what I was thinking at the same time.

* * * * * * * 

Charlie

My first day at work started well. I was so pleased to have got a job in this place I was desperate to make a good impression and eager to get started and prove myself, hopefully without getting any nerves and messing anything up. Chef was respected and working for him would do my cv the world of good when I wanted to get a head chef position in the future. I managed to keep my excitement and nerves together for a whole hour, and then I met Mark.

As Chef showed me all the storerooms so I could get to grips with the kitchens, I had the sudden feeling that someone was watching me, and when I turned there was a very cute waiter there, clearly eyeing me up. I felt a thrill run through my body. He had dark hair and eyes and was slightly taller and broader than me but not musclebound. Probably a bit older than me too but not scarily so, he ticked all my boxes. And a cute man in a suit, well, I couldn't believe my luck. I made it clear I knew what he was doing and took the opportunity to look him up and down as well. It was fairly subtle I thought, but Chef was not impressed. And then he dropped the bombshell that this guy was the owner. Not a good idea at all. I resisted the pull of staring into his eyes as I went past, and settled for a handshake that left me tingling all over. Great start Charlie, flirting with the boss before I've even done the first dinner service.

Thankfully we were so busy that I didn't have much time to dwell on being an idiot while we were serving. This place was always packed out and there was a wait for tables so there was no danger of us having a quiet evening. As things finally quietened down and I was busy cleaning down Chef headed towards me.

"Good job, Charlie. I hope we haven't scared you off already."

I shook my head no, and then wondered why Chef looked nervous. He pulled me back towards the larders away from everyone else, and practically whispered to me.

"About Mark. I know you saw that look he gave you. I want you to know there's nothing to worry about there." I must have just looked dumbfounded. I guessed Chef had not seen the look I'd given Mark in return, which was now seeming a very bad idea. Chef continued. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea, he's one of my best friends, but he's also.... well, I would say he's a bit of a ladies man, but that's obviously not the right phrase. He's not one for settling down, shall we say. And I've had a word, but there's no need to be concerned about him, he will take no for an answer."

"Okay. Thanks Chef. I wasn't worried, but I appreciate the heads up." He nodded at me and we headed back to the cleaning. That didn't keep my brain occupied and I tried hard not to analyse what Chef had told me over and over, but it didn't work. I'd met plenty of men like Mark in the past, and despite the fact he definitely pushed my buttons, that kind of guy was not for me. I had this notion of true love. Sounds corny to everyone else, but I truly believed it could be out there even for a gay man. A couple of guys over the years had got past my defences on that front, but I was pretty sure I could keep them up now, I was more confident in myself. And so what if the guy liked what he saw (or I did), he wasn't going to get in my pants. I wasn't taking them down for anything less than the man of my dreams who wanted everything, and a guy who picked up anyone he had a fancy for was definitely not that.

It was a real shame though, because aside from the fact he played the field, he was otherwise pretty perfect, and I didn't manage to stop him slipping into my dreams over the next few nights, or my fantasies when I was awake. The strange thing was, after our first meeting he'd barely spoken to me, and he'd certainly not been trying it on. It seemed that Chef's concerns were unfounded, or perhaps whatever he'd said had worked. And I was only a little bit disappointed that the flirting had stopped. I reminded myself that I didn't just want a quick fuck, but then realised that if I did, I'd want him to be the one.

* * * * * *

By the next week at work, I had forgotten about my moment of madness and Mark had been the picture of professionalism and I hadn't seen any more glances from him. I heard more stories, about his special customers who came to the restaurant and got him as a takeaway. That made me even more certain that if his demeanour did change I would not be going there. Still, I wasn't able to keep myself from looking at him when I could. I wondered why he still worked there if he owned the place, but I was told by one of the waiters with a great deal of laughter that he enjoyed giving a personal service. 

I think everyone there knew about him apart from me as the new boy. It wasn't that they disliked him, and I heard the same sort of stories about Chef too, but neither of them were that discreet. The idea of boasting about their conquests seemed a little sordid to me, but then some of Chef's stories were very funny. As long as you weren't the one who'd been on the receiving end.

I'd got so used to things by the end of week three that I was no longer shocked, but I still didn't want to be the one being talked about. Not that there had been any improper comment from Mark at all. He talked to me and the others when we were working and sometimes when out for a drink afterwards, but nothing more was said, and I could barely remember the shiver that had gone through me when I'd first been caught in his gaze. I clearly wasn't his type, even though he'd eyed me up then. Probably just checking out the new guy and seeing what his chances were. I was only thankful that the fact I'd made it clear he had one had not been an issue, because now I'd have to turn him away. 

On the Saturday evening my attention was drawn by some sniggering when a couple of the waiters came through to collect orders. I was busy cooking fish but managed to get myself a bit closer so I could hear what was going on.

"... One of Mark's regulars. Sitting at the window table, and he's seriously gagging for it."

"The blond one?" someone asked. I couldn't see who was talking because I had to concentrate on not burning anything.

"Yep, that's him. I swear to god, he's practically stripping to get some attention. Mark must just be playing hard to get because we know he's on a cert there."

"Isn't he serving him?"

"No. He asked me to cover the table. Maybe he's trying to give him the brush off."

The speculation stopped hurriedly when Mark came in to collect food for his tables, and the other waiting staff sped off with the plates they needed to deliver. I jumped when he called me. "Charlie, I need another tuna steak here."

I had a couple just done and quickly dressed a plate and took it over to him at the serving counter. He looked at me intently when I got to him and I wondered what was going on. 

His voice was so quiet when he spoke that what he said was clearly just for my ears. "I can guess what they were just saying, but I'm not going home with that guy." And then he picked up the plate and walked away, leaving me wondering what on earth he had told me that for. Why did he need me to know?

I couldn't get my mind off that whispered sentence for the rest of the service. I burned two tuna steaks while I was thinking it over and Chef was not impressed. He ordered me to stay behind to do some heavy duty cleaning. My heart sank, but it was a pretty normal punishment for wasting food for no good reason. It's not like they were just a bit overdone either, they were practically black and it was obvious I hadn't had my mind on the job. And I still couldn't work out why.

With the place given a general clean down by everyone, Chef left me with any final pudding orders that came in and one of the ovens to clean so well he could see his face in it in the morning. I set to it with gusto, hoping it would help get my mind off things, but the look in Mark's eyes as he had whispered to me was still bugging me. I couldn't work out why he had said anything, especially not to me. I sighed and scrubbed harder at the ring where I had burned the fish earlier, some of the bits having escaped the pan and welded themselves to it.


A Changed Life Ch. 01



I wasn't expecting any more orders, but I knew there were still a couple of tables in the restaurant, so it wasn't that surprising when the waiters came through, but they were done and going home. I guessed I'd not be too far behind, Chef hadn't been that unkind. I'd been given worse punishments in the early days. It was amazing how long it took to clean out every shelf in an entire freezer or larder, wipe everything down and then put all the food back where it came from.

I heard someone else come in, but as nothing was said I kept cleaning. Anyone still sitting down would be on coffees by now and not want more food. Then I heard footsteps stop right beside me, and looked up to see Mark, and the look on his face was not dissimilar to that when we had first met. I groaned internally. He was back to try again. At least this time I had more sense than to flirt back.

"Does someone want dessert at this time?" I asked.

He looked nervous. "No, the customers have gone. We're the only ones here."

Uh oh. That did not sound good. "I've got to finish cleaning this for Chef. I won't be long and then you can lock up."

"Carry on. I just wanted to talk to you for a bit if it won't distract you."

I knew it would, particularly what he was likely to say, but I shook my head and gazed intently at the cooker, hoping to find more splatters of food that would take my mind off things as he continued talking.

"I know I wasn't very subtle when I first saw you, and believe me, Chef had words about that. But I thought I saw some interest from you too, and I was wondering if I could take you out sometime."

Okay, that put everything out there. How do you let your boss down gently? I kept looking at the hob as I replied. "I'm sorry, but I really don't think that's a good idea. I work for you, and to be honest, I am not interested in being a notch on your bedpost."

He grabbed hold of my wrist to stop me cleaning, and I turned towards him. I was annoyed at him for grabbing me, particularly since it had the wrong kind of effect on my body having that contact, but when I saw his face he looked really hurt. My expression softened, but my traitor cock didn't. Didn't it know I wasn't going to sleep with the guy?

Mark looked at me intently, his gaze expressionless for a moment and then determined. "I don't want any more notches." He said firmly. What the hell did that mean? "I want something different, and I hope you can be it."

Okay, now I was really confused, and also getting a bit worried about this whole situation, but at least he had dropped my hand. I tried to make a joke of things. "Come on Mark, you've barely spoken to me since my first day, and now you want what? A relationship?" He didn't flinch at the word as I was expecting him to. 

"Yes," he replied. No trace of irony in his voice either.

"You and Chef are legendary here you know. Just different targets. How many guys have you tried this line on and then dumped when you've had your fun?" I kept hoping he'd break and give me an exit, because this was just getting weirder.

"None. I've always made it clear to a guy what I'm after. And I've never wanted anyone for more than just sex... until you."

Holy shit! He still wasn't laughing. Practically declaring he loved me, and with a straight face. I kept searching his expression for some hint that he was just after a quick lay, but it wasn't there. He was just looking quite serious, and desperate for me to say something in reply, and I had run out of replies that would put him in his place. I started to wonder if I should give him the benefit of the doubt, but my head told me it was too soon to do that. My body was trying to tell me I should shut up and kiss him.

"I don't believe this. I don't know what to say either."

"Tell me you're not at all interested in me, and mean it, and I'll leave you alone."

Shit. I couldn't. And I had a feeling he knew that. If he was truly interested in a relationship then I was very very interested in him. He'd been in my thoughts and in my fantasies, but I was planning to keep him there, right up until this conversation. 

"I can't do this Mark. I don't believe you can be a changed man after three weeks. You might have blown that guy off tonight, but it's going to take more than that to convince me."

"What do I need to do?" 

Dear lord, he was still serious. "Prove it."

It was his turn to look confused. "How can I do that?"

"If you're serious, you'll think of something."

* * * * * * *



A Changed Life Ch. 02



* * * * * *

Mark

Now I was stuck. It took me a while to overcome my fears and accept that Charlie was different to anyone I'd ever wanted before, or at least I wanted him in a completely different way. When I thought about him, which I did a lot, I pictured us together making love not just fucking, and having him in my house just being around me. I wanted him to be there when I woke up and when I fell asleep. No-one got to stay the night in my bed, but it suddenly felt very big and empty. I realised I was falling in love and I nearly laughed when that thought first came into my consciousness. I was definitely a screw them and leave them kind of guy, but I even dreamt about waking up with Charlie in my arms. 

Then of course, I had no idea how to approach him. I knew it would devastate me if he said no, but I was too impatient not to try. It could hardly be as bad as the pain I felt when my parents died. I must have worked through a hundred different ideas of what to say, and then I'd found him in the kitchen and realised we were alone, and I decided just to be honest with him. When he didn't believe me it hurt, but when I was aware quite how much gossip there was about me and that he'd heard plenty of it, I could understand him not accepting what I was saying.

Still, I gave him the perfect get out. I honestly would have left it there if he told me he wasn't into me. When he didn't, or hopefully couldn't, my heart leapt. He did like me, he just didn't want to be one in a long line of lovers. I knew that wouldn't happen, but somehow I had to convince him I was serious. At this point I had no bright ideas of how to do that though. I did know it was going to take some time.

I rang my friend Tess and invited myself over to see her the next day. She was outside the situation and maybe talking things through with her would help, and she might have some good ideas. She'd known me since infant school, and been the first person I came out to. Now she was my confidante, although sometimes I got the feeling she'd rather not know. She was single too, but not into pursuing men. Not that she minded too much if they pursued her.

I couldn't help smiling when she opened her door to me next day. It was always great to see her and it didn't happen all that often because she worked days and I worked evenings and weekends. We sat and had a cup of tea while we chatted to catch up on events. I didn't mention Charlie straight away, just filled her in with how well the restaurant was doing and what Chef had been up to. That was mainly to make sure she never fell for his lines, because he'd had his eye on her as an option since they first met, and I had already warned him off. He could do what he liked with most women but he was not going to be adding my best friend to his little black book.

"So what's wrong?" she asked after a while.

I wasn't sure what I'd done to make her think there was anything up. "Nothing's wrong."

"It's just you've been here nearly an hour and I haven't heard anything about your latest conquests." she teased.

It gave me the opening for what I wanted to talk to her about at least, even if she was laughing at me. "There haven't been any."

She looked surprised. "Has your dick dropped off?" she continued to tease.

I pulled a face at her. "Of course not. He's in full working order. It's just who he's pointing at isn't taking me seriously."

She looked confused now. "You're waiting for someone to give you the green light? That's not like you, just move on honey, you've been knocked back before and there's always someone else around the corner."

I tried not to look embarrassed, but it didn't work. "I don't want anyone else. I want Charlie, badly, and he thinks I just want to add another notch to my bedpost."

Tess suddenly started looking serious. "Are you actually saying you've found someone you want for more than just sex."

"Yes."

She exhaled hard. "Are you sure. It's not just that he's playing hard to get and that offends your male pride?"

I looked offended. "I'm sure. I've never worried about being knocked back before, you said it yourself. But I can't get him out of my mind, and I'm not going to give up without a hell of a fight."

"Where did you meet this guy. What's happened?"

"He works at the restaurant. Chef hired him because he needed more hands in the kitchen, and I met him when he did his first shift, just over three weeks ago." I remembered what had gone on. "He did instant things to me Tess, but not like usual, it was like I wanted to hold him tight and not let him go, not fuck him and make him scream.' I went red. 'Not that I don't want to do that, but it's so much more. And Chef saw me looking and instantly warned me off."

She interrupted me. "Dan warned you off someone? I thought you guys didn't do that, you're more like partners in crime and proud of each other."

I pouted at her. "I'm not proud of him, it just amuses me. And I warned him off you."

She looked at me sternly. "Don't you think I'm capable of resisting him if I want to? I'm not sure your warning worked, he tries it on every time he sees me. Still hasn't got any though." she smiled.

"Keep it that way. I don't wanna be hearing tales about you."

"I'll do what I want." 

I groaned. That sounded too much like she was going to end up riding his cock at some point, and I didn't want to think about that right now. "Back to my problem, if you don't mind." She looked attentive. "When Chef told me not to go there, I didn't even think about it but I told him I wanted Charlie for more than a bit of fun. That was straight away Tess. It's been freaking me out ever since, but I realised it's true. I want him to come live with me, be my boyfriend and my lover. Hell, I'd even marry him if he wanted. And since I saw him no-one else, not even a couple of my regulars, has so much as made little Mark stir."

"So what exactly is the problem. Is he straight? Or married? Or just doesn't fancy you."

"He's gay, he's single, and he definitely fancies me. But, he won't go out with me because he's heard the tales of me and Chef and he wants the full on hearts and flowers stuff. I told him I want a relationship with him, but he doesn't believe me and he's not going to let me in until I prove to him that I'm serious and I've changed."

"How are you going to do that?"

"Great, thanks for the question. I was rather hoping you would have some bright ideas."

"Okay. What have you tried so far?"

"I asked him out, told him I wanted a relationship not just sex. Told him I've never wanted anyone the way I want him."

"That's it?"

I looked puzzled. "Isn't that enough?"

"Apparently not, or you would have worked your magic on him by now. When was this?"

"Night before last after dinner service."

She just started laughing. I know I looked annoyed, because she tried to calm herself, but clearly found this all really funny.

"Sorry Mark. But you've known the guy three weeks, you told him less than 48 hours ago what you want, and you expect him to instantly say yes to you? You said it yourself, he wants proof, and he wants hearts and flowers. You're going to have to treat this as a long haul. Don't put any pressure on him, no more deep and meaningfuls until he's ready, but meanwhile you show him how much you think of him. First step will be getting him to agree to a date. And that is a date with no expectations on your part. You need to treat him like he's precious. Show him you care and you aren't going to give up, but you're also going to give him as much time as it takes."

This wasn't quite what I wanted to hear. "How do I get him to agree to a date?"

"I don't know. You'll have to woo him. Little gifts or something. Can you write poetry?" she was laughing again.

"No, I can't." I said firmly, trying to get her to stop laughing at me.

"Well, little notes then. That don't say anything sexual either. Say you care about him, you want to make him happy. Whatever comes to mind. Make him swoon when he sees you. If it's working you'll notice him look at you differently for starters, and then maybe you can ask for that date. And no matter what, that has to be a date that does not end up in sex. Not even a kiss." I know I looked disappointed then. "Maybe on the cheek, but no tongues. If you start doing that you'll make him sure you only took him out so you could get some. Baby steps, Mark. It's all new to you, and if he realises that it will be a good start."

"This is going to take a long time isn't it?" I asked, the disappointment clear in my voice.

"Yep. Is he worth the wait?" I nodded firmly. "Then talk to me in two weeks. We'll decide if he's ready to go on that date by then. Meanwhile you'd better brush up on your poetry!" I pulled a disgusted face at her. "You've got to undo what he's heard about you, which he's probably aware has been going on for years. Would you believe Chef had changed if he told you tomorrow he'd fallen in love?" 

"No. But that's Chef, not me."

"Honey, you're both players. No-one is going to wipe that thought out of their mind in five minutes. I know lots of guys who play the field and eventually settle down, but it takes someone really special, and often takes a long time to build trust. If Charlie cares about you he'll see it eventually."

"Fine. Operation Romance is now underway!" This time I laughed with her.

* * * * * * * 

Charlie

On Mondays we didn't open the restaurant, and I was glad of not having to see Mark that day either. Saturday night he'd largely left me to myself, but he smiled when he saw me, as if he was pleased that I was there, or perhaps that I was still speaking to him. Sunday night he hadn't been working and it was a relief not to have to keep half an eye out for him as I worked. He unsettled me, even more so after our conversation. I couldn't help thinking though that my challenge would not be answered. It was too much hard work for him to change so much that I could accept it. I didn't believe he could prove he'd changed either, I don't know what I expected him to do.

All I had to do now was clear all thoughts of him from my mind, and perhaps I could move forward and one day meet a guy who would catch my interest like he had but not be after anyone he could get. There had to be some other guys waiting for the perfect one. My thoughts of Mark were interrupted by the doorbell, and a quick look outside revealed a flower van. I bet my neighbour was out and they needed to leave some huge bunch of flowers from her boyfriend with me. No-one ever sent me flowers.

Or they hadn't up til now. When I answered the door I was presented with two yellow roses. I kept checking the little envelope to make sure it really did say my name, and it was a long time after the delivery woman left before I actually opened it. That just increased my confusion. On the card was written the single word "I". No name, no more information. I turned the card over, but there was nothing on the reverse either. It had to be from Mark, didn't it, but what was he trying to prove with a cryptic card and two roses? I put them in water on my table, and pinned the card to the message board in my kitchen. Only so I could keep wondering what it meant, not because I actually cared that Mark had sent me flowers. Or at least that's what I tried telling myself, but if I was honest I did get a warm glow from the thought.

The next day, after a night spent still wondering what the message was meant to mean, another delivery turned up. Two more yellow roses, and another card. This one I practically ripped open to find out what it said. "want" was written on it. "I want" it now said on my message board, and four roses sat on the table. He wants what? Me naked? A shag? There were about a million different ways that could go, and I didn't have high expectations of how the sentence would end. I wondered how many flowers I was going to get. It was kind of sweet really. That sort of thinking was not going to help me keep my guard up.

Mark wasn't in work the next two nights, the benefits of being the boss. By the time I did see him on Thursday evening I had four more roses and the pinboard now read "I want to make". I still didn't know what that was supposed to mean, or whether the rest would be delivered in person or with more flowers. When I saw him that evening I couldn't help giving him a shy smile. He practically beamed at me in response, and it made me warm inside. Oh dear. I saw him infrequently during service because we were both busy, but when he did come in to collect orders he was his usual jokey self. Even though we were together a couple of times when we could have lowered our voices and not be overheard I didn't know what to say and he didn't try. He was friendly but he didn't say anything untoward or suggestive. 

I checked the website for the flower shop and they delivered 6 days a week, so if he was going all out I could expect two more deliveries. A dozen roses, too, but I guess he'd worked that out. At least they weren't red ones. A further hunt on the internet revealed that yellow roses meant friendship. If he actually knew about the colour thing then he was going at it slow and gentle. It could of course mean nothing in particular. Maybe he just liked yellow. I found myself eagerly waiting for my delivery on the next days, and glad to see Mark in the evenings. Perhaps he really could change.

On Saturday I completed my dozen roses, and finally had his message. I felt bad for assuming that it would be something sexual. The full message read "I want to make you happy". I half wanted to tell him that he had, but I still didn't think that was enough to prove he was going to change and he really did want everything with me. Still, I got warm and fuzzies when I saw him now. I just wasn't going to let him see that, yet. When he left on Sunday night after the shift I'd still not had any improper comments from him, and I'd relaxed enough that I didn't instantly freeze up when he came close to me at the end of the shift. Although when he lowered his voice to talk I did for one moment panic, and I fully expected him to ask me for sex. Clearly I still didn't believe him.

His hushed tones did things to my body that I really didn't want, but he didn't say anything like I thought he would. "I got you something I thought you might need. It's in your locker." And then he walked off. I couldn't wait to finish the cleaning and find out, but I hung back so I was the last one there. If it was something dodgy I sure as hell didn't want the other kitchen staff seeing it, I would be teased for weeks. When I finally opened my locker I just laughed. Sat in amongst my stuff was a vase. I packed it up in the box he'd kindly left with it and took it home, wondering if that meant I could expect more flowers.

I could. Another week of yellow roses in fact. I had the first dozen in the living room in my new vase and the new arrivals mounted up in the kitchen. I practically ran to the door when the deliveries got to me. I was behaving like a giddy schoolboy with his first crush. I said hello to Pam yet again. We were now on first name terms. By Thursday she obviously felt brave.

"He's really trying hard to win you over, isn't he?"

I looked at her slightly surprised. "How do you know it's a he?"

She smiled. "I see him when he comes in to order them. Nice looking lad too, but I'm sure you know that."

I went a bit red. I definitely knew that. "And how do you know I'm not shredding them and sending them back?"

She laughed then. "I guess the fact you are always so pleased to see me, and that you've got a vase full on your living room table."

"Okay Miss Marple, I'll see you again tomorrow." I laughed, and watched her walk back to the van. 

By the end of the week I had my dozen roses and another message pinned to the board underneath the first. "Charlie you are an amazing person". It was like he was sending me my own personal mantra. I wondered if I should start repeating it every day into my mirror. And still, he didn't corner me or make any moves on me, and I really was starting to hope and dream that he would.

Sunday I got another vase in my locker, but this time he didn't bother to let me know. I covered by saying I'd got it as a present for my mum. No-one had seen me come in so they couldn't be aware I hadn't brought it with me. I glared at him when he came into the locker room and he saw me putting it away, but he just smiled. "You're going to need it." was all he said. I know I went a bit red, and that he saw it, because his grin broadened. 

"At least I get to see more of the lovely Pam." I said, teasing him. And he didn't look impressed either. Jealousy? Interesting. And like I was going to want anyone called Pam. "She's probably about 50 Mark, and she delivers your flowers. I've got to know her quite well. And I should be the one worrying, she said you're a nice looking lad."

He laughed. "I don't think Pam is my type somehow. Plus I'm not on the market." 

He walked off, leaving me to consider his statement. He was letting me know he was still waiting for me and wasn't looking. That was good. Then I realised I'd said that I should be worried that Pam thought he was good looking. I groaned. That sounded a bit too much like I was considering him mine and not wanting any competition. At least he'd had the decency not to point that out, but if he was like me, going over and over every word we exchanged, he'd be wondering about that. Perhaps he wasn't like me though, he was just focussed on getting me into bed, wasn't he?

Nothing more was said in the following week. I still wondered if I'd said too much, but he didn't make any further comments for me to ponder over. By Saturday though, I had a major decision to make. I had another dozen yellow roses, and this time the note was "Please let me take you out". I spent the whole day after I finished the note trying to work out what to say. I'd knocked him back before, but now I wasn't so sure. Hadn't he done enough to deserve one date? I wasn't going to sleep with him at the end of it though, so he'd better know that up front. 

When I saw him later on I gave him my by now usual smile. I didn't get chance to talk to him until much later though because there were too many people around. I finally found a moment when most of the customers and staff had left. I walked up to him for a change.

"Yes, okay. But..."

His smile showed his delight, and he cut me off from saying what I was going to. "Dinner and a movie, nothing else, I promise."

I guess that was good enough. He probably knew I was going to say no sex. "Pizza?" I asked. My favourite food.

He nodded. "Whatever you want. Can you do tomorrow? I'll pick you up at 7."

I nodded. "Fine."

The next day wasn't fine though, I was a mass of nerves. Why had I agreed to this? I wasn't sure whether I could trust him not to try something tonight, nor was I sure whether I'd be delighted or disappointed if he did. I might need a lot of self-control later, or possibly some self-defence. But when I thought about that, I realised I did trust him. Maybe not that he wouldn't flirt with me, and perhaps try something, but I knew he would take no for an answer. Even Chef had told me that. I wondered what he would think of this whole scenario, his partner in crime gone soft and sending someone flowers and notes. I bet he'd laugh his socks off, if he even believed it. I wasn't going to mention it though, this was private and might be something special if Mark could live up to his good beginnings. 

My nerves only increased when I got another flower delivery. These ones were pink rather than yellow. Pam laughed as I looked at them nervously, trying to remember whether there was some significance in that colour. Perhaps he just got bored of the yellow ones. "It means romance." she informed me. This note was the first one to have two words on it. "Thank you".




A Changed Life Ch. 02



By the time it got to nearly 7 I had already changed three times. The first outfit wasn't casual enough. The second was a bit too tight for my liking. It fitted me like a glove and looked great, but I really didn't want to give Mark too much encouragement. The one I had finally settled on was some looser jeans and a tightish top, not showing my body off too much but I looked good in it. The top was blue and matched my eyes really well, or so I had been told by the very camp bloke in the shop, who was probably flirting with me so might just have been bullshitting.

When the doorbell rang I nearly tripped up trying to get to the door quickly, but calmed myself and gave it a moment before I answered. I didn't want to look too keen. Mark out of his suit was something of a revelation. He looked even better in jeans and a jumper. And he hadn't gone for something a bit looser. My eyes, as we walked towards the car, were certainly not looking where we were going. I did at least manage to stop looking at his ass before he turned around, but it was tough. So was not showing I was affected by his display. He knew what he was wearing, it was the equivalent of a woman wearing a low cut top to get guys to look at her cleavage. I was not going to be tempted, but I'd probably be thinking about it later on when I got home.

We headed to the cinema straight away because there was a pizza place next door. It was easy to pick a film, we both liked action flicks although I suspect we also both liked the muscled men that were usually the heroes in them. Having got tickets for a later showing we went for dinner. Pizza was my favourite junk food, especially with lots of cheese on top so I made sure we had extra. I suspect he let me choose everything to make a good impression, but certainly tucked in when it came. And for the first time I got to chat with him properly. I discovered he'd always wanted to own a restaurant, just as I had always wanted to cook. We talked about where we had worked before, and we'd been at the same place although he had left before I had started. We talked school and friends, and how we had discovered we were gay. And not once did he make an improper comment or a dirty joke, and he completely ignored the flirting from our waiter, which amused me initially but started to annoy me after a while. I found myself wanting to tell him to leave my boyfriend alone, but I bit my tongue. 

When he left us alone for a bit I asked the question on my mind, although I probably should have chosen my words with a bit more care.

"Is that how you pick up guys at the restaurant?"

He looked annoyed. I mentally kicked myself for disturbing the ease that had developed between us. "No. When I used to do that, I'd wait for a sign from them first. And I never flirted with someone who was obviously on a date."

His emphasis was not lost on me. "Sorry. I didn't think before I spoke."

"It's okay. I can understand you still not believing me."

"I do want to."

His smile made my worry worth it. I was going to have to make sure I started thinking before I spoke, because I kept letting things slip that I hadn't intended to. 

I insisted on paying for dinner, because he had bought the cinema tickets. His objection that I was spending more I brushed off. "You can buy the popcorn." He seemed happy with that.

He went to the toilets before we left and our waiter came back. This time I couldn't resist having a word with him. I checked to make sure Mark was still out of sight and earshot first though, and spoke fairly quietly so the other customers couldn't hear either.

"I would normally leave a tip, but since you've been after my man all meal I don't think you've earned one." I glared at him and he scurried away, rushing past Mark as he returned from the bathroom. 

He looked slightly amused. "If I didn't know better I'd think you just warned him off."

"Um, it's nearly time for the film, we'd better go." How I didn't go red when he said that I had no idea. Maybe self preservation was still somewhere in me. I was fairly sure he'd know from me rapidly changing the subject that he was right. Thank god the next two hours we would be sat in darkness not talking, it was going to take a good long breather before I stopped acting like an idiot around him. At least as we walked across and sat waiting for the film to start there were no more revealing conversations. 

The film was great fun. Lacking seriously in plot, but who needs that when you've got car chases, explosions, and gun fights? Plus men in tight t-shirts saving the day. I even managed not to jump out of my seat the once or twice I reached for the popcorn and Mark's hand was already there. And I considered taking it and holding it, but somehow it didn't seem quite right. I did wonder whether the waiter at the pizza place hadn't realised we were on a date because there was no contact between us. Still, I wasn't going to take a step I was unsure about based on my speculations about what someone else thought. The guy might just be a tart. 

Examining what Mark had said to me, I realised I had more respect for him. Okay, so he had used work to pick up men, but only those that were interested, and no-one who was already attached. I guess I had this picture in my mind of him taking home just anyone. I felt kind of special, starting to believe that he hadn't done dating or ever pursued someone. There must be something different in what he felt about me, and now I had to work out what I was going to do about it. 

I knew that my attitude to this whole situation was coloured by my experiences to date, and Mark wasn't like those guys. The first man I had sex with hadn't had to work hard for it, I'd been young and naïve, and probably also a little drunk, and wanted to know what sex was like. Brief and painful, as it turned out. He'd pretty much just stripped me, whacked on a condom and a bit of lube and taken me hard until he came. Thankfully he wasn't well endowed and although I was sore after he didn't tear me. That put me off sex for quite a while. 

After that was a guy I met through mutual friends, and we had hung about a few times as part of a group before one night when we ended up being the only ones left after others had gone home. I was already drunk, and when he started coming on to me I encouraged it. At least he took the time to make the sex good for both of us, and he was the first guy to suck me off. That was a great feeling. And when he took me he worked me well first and it actually turned out to be quite pleasurable. I went back a few times after for more, but he only wanted a fuckbuddy and made it pretty clear that he wasn't into relationships or fidelity. I eventually told him that wasn't what I wanted, and we agreed to call it a day. Not that he didn't try it on a few times after, but I managed to resist. I could quite easily have gone back, but I would have been the one that got hurt because he would never offer me anything more, and even if he had we probably wouldn't have worked out. It really was just about the sex rather than anything more meaningful for either of us. 

Finally, there was the one who had hurt me. He told me he wanted a relationship, he was happy to take me on dates, so long as he got sex afterwards, and it lasted all of six weeks until he showed his real personality and wanted threesomes and an open relationship so he could basically have his cake and eat it. I wasn't going to stick around in that situation but I left it upset and put my walls up to protect me. I needed to find someone who could be just with me and loved me, nothing less.

I was seriously starting to wonder whether Mark could give me what I wanted. I kept giving him sidelong glances as the film progressed, each time taking a good look at him, trying to work out what I felt. Once he caught me looking and just smiled at me before he went back to watching the film. My thinking was that it was too soon for me to let my guard down with him. The notes and flowers and this date all pointed in the right direction, but I wasn't going to be able to believe him just yet. It was going to take a bit of time and I hoped desperately that he would prove he could wait. One major hurdle for him was going to be the end of this date. He could ruin everything that had happened so far if he was expecting anything from me.

I couldn't deny my attraction to him though. I shuddered when we touched even though it was by accident, and I felt the warmth when he smiled at me. If he could only prove to me that he really cared and wasn't just out for what he could get then maybe I would be able to let him past my defences, and it could be really great. I kept trying not to imagine what it would be like to have him hold me and kiss me and make love to me, but the idea kept coming into my head unbidden, and if I did let myself think about it when I was playing with myself, well, I came hard and fast thinking about Mark. 

I'm sure I missed some of the film while I was analysing everything that had happened so far and what I saw of the future. I was scared that he was going to undo my ease with him. Ironic given that I had said so many stupid things this evening. It was almost worth me saying the things I had done without thinking, because his pleasure at them had made me happy too. 

We both seemed nervous when we left the cinema, managing to talk a little about enjoying the film, but suddenly finding it difficult to come up with a conversation. Maybe he was wondering how to end this date as much as I was wondering what would happen next. We got to his car and he drove back to my house with us largely in silence, although he did eventually think of something to say.

"You do know it's a staff night out after shift on Friday, don't you? We all head out to a club for a couple of hours to let our hair down. No major session for obvious reasons, but it's always a laugh."

"Yep, Chef was telling me."

"So you'll be there?" he sounded almost desperate as he said it.

"Of course. Can't resist the chance to see Chef going on the pull!"

He laughed. "It's quite likely. Just so long as it isn't Tess I don't mind."

"Tess?" I asked, not knowing the name.

"She's my best friend. Chef's always had a thing for her, but she's resisted his charms so far. I invited her because she wants to meet you."

"Really?" I asked. It meant that he had been talking about me, I guessed. I couldn't help wondering what he would have said to her. "I hope you've told her nice things."

He looked across at me then. "Of course I have. She wants to meet you because she's never heard me talk about anyone special."

He left it at that, not going any further into why I was special or exactly what he had said, but it was enough for me for the moment. It was a further reassurance. I was still scared when we pulled up outside my house though. I was still worried he was going to blow everything, especially when he started to speak.

"Here you are. Thank you so much for this evening, it's been wonderful to spend some time with you."

I was looking at him as he spoke, and froze to the spot when he leaned towards me. He could have easily kissed me full on, but he didn't. It was one chaste kiss on the cheek before he withdrew and smiled at me. I couldn't stop myself from smiling back. He'd done perfectly.

"Thank you too. I've really enjoyed myself. I'll see you tomorrow." I said as I got out of the car. We just kept smiling at each other until he pulled away, and I watched him drive around the corner before I put my hand to my cheek. It still tingled after that kiss, and I was hard just from that. How long could I keep him away from me? Sooner or later I was going to have to give him more and take a chance that he wasn't going to break my heart.

* * * * * * * 

Mark

The slow and steady routine was strangely rewarding. Not that I wasn't a little frustrated, but those flowers were sure as hell working. Every time I saw Charlie now there was a bright smile from him and that made everything worthwhile. I really did just want to make him happy. When I'd had the bright idea of notes and dozens of flowers it struck me as perfect right away. The flower shop was happy to help and pleased that someone was doing some good old fashioned wooing, although how old fashioned sending flowers to another man was was probably debatable. 

Still, it had felt a couple of times over the evening of our date that it was two steps forward and one step back. We were getting on great until he asked about me picking up men at the restaurant, and how he used the present tense annoyed me. But then after that he had clearly had words with the waiter who had tried to flirt with me. Like I would have been interested, I already had the most beautiful and wonderful man in the world with me. And when he said that he wanted to believe me, that was great news. Once or twice he had let things slip that could only be encouragement, although I got the impression each time that he hadn't really intended to say them out loud. If he was letting himself relax with me it could only be a good thing. And I kept trying to tell him, in little ways, how much I thought of him. He seemed really interested in what I had told Tess. Maybe he'd talk to her on our night out and that would help the situation.

I could only be proud of myself too, when I managed not to kiss him when I dropped him off. I knew for a fact I wouldn't be going in, and I wasn't going to ruin everything by asking. But seeing his lips right there, and knowing I could so easily kiss them, it had been hard to make the kiss a friendly one and not a passionate one. But I could tell he was frozen to the spot when I moved in and I stuck with my intention not to scare him and take it very very slowly. One touch on the cheek might not be the greatest of first kisses, but given that he'd blown me out completely three weeks ago, it was a big step in our relationship. And I'd make him believe that I wanted to be with him somehow. He was going to get a reminder with his flowers this week. His message was "Thank you for starting to believe in me". My original plan was to stick with six words each week, but I couldn't make what I wanted to say quite fit. I didn't think he'd mind.

I only spent a couple of hours in the restaurant on Tuesday and Wednesday and I was frustrated. After having Charlie all to myself for a few hours on Monday it was hard not to be able to speak to him properly and he was too busy for me to drag him off for a few moments to have a private conversation. Also, I didn't want any of the staff, particularly Chef, knowing about what was happening. Once it was a done deal, then maybe, but in the meantime I couldn't subject Charlie to the teasing that would be inevitable, and I didn't think Chef would help my case at all. Mind you, if he heard about the flowers he'd probably take the piss out of me rather than Charlie. 

I still got my smiles, and that was all I really needed for the timebeing. Charlie didn't know it but Friday was to be another step forward for us, or at least I hoped so. I wasn't planning on making any major moves on him, but some very low scale flirting perhaps, and if the situation was right I might even get him on the dancefloor. Mainly though I hoped he would be speaking to Tess. I wasn't going to tell her what to say, if anything, but I was keen for them to get talking. She could give a different spin to things and maybe also get some information for me to work with. 

Thursday and Friday shifts were really busy. We deliberately hadn't taken any late bookings for Friday though, hoping to get the tables clear and out on the town sooner than otherwise would be possible. It was one of the things I had insisted on when I took over the place, regular socials and that we arranged work to fit it. I guess it was quite popular with the staff as well because there were very rarely any who missed it, and most brought other friends and family along so we ended up a pretty large group as we headed to the pubs and clubs in town. I was eager to get out of work, knowing it would be an opportunity to speak to Charlie, even if not about anything special. 

Tess turned up about half an hour before we were due to finish, and sat at one of the tables having a coffee to start off. I noted that the kitchen staff were mostly finished except for the cleaning, and I particularly noticed when Chef took a break and headed to talk to her. I was still serving puddings and coffees to the remaining customers, but I kept an eye on the situation. I didn't like the fact she was talking and laughing with him, it made me nervous. Whilst I did appreciate she could handle herself, Chef was a real ladies man and did have a remarkable ability to charm women, and I really didn't like him using it on her. He saw me looking across at him at one point and just grinned as I gave him a warning look. 

I suddenly had a cold shiver down my spine when I realised that I hadn't told Tess that the Charlie situation was not known about at work. Hopefully she'd have the sense not to talk about it here, but I needed to make sure. Thankfully Chef had to go back to check the kitchen and I got to sit down with her while the other waiting staff finished off the final tables.

"Hi honey." I said, giving her a hug and kiss in welcome. "Sorry not to come over before, but I had to finish off those tables."

"It's fine. Anyway, I had Dan to keep me company." She smiled at me when my face darkened. "I saw the look you gave him too. You really don't need to worry about me. More importantly though, where is the young man you've got your eye on?"

I lowered my voice before I replied. "I will introduce you, he's still working right now. I forgot to say though, no-one here knows about it, certainly not Operation Romance, so please don't let anything slip. You can say what you like to Charlie, and if he talks to you I'd like you to tell him the truth about whatever he asks, but no-one else, okay? You haven't said anything to Chef have you?"

She smiled. "Of course not. And I figured you weren't telling everyone at work. Dan didn't even think to talk about you, he's too busy trying to make sure I know how wonderful he is. I've been looking forward to meeting Charlie, and I will talk to him if I can."

"I think he'd like to meet you too. I said I'd spoken to you about him and he seemed interested, but I don't think he wanted to ask me too much about what was said."

"In case you've told me all sorts of odd things?" she smiled.

"No, because I told him you knew that I thought he was special."

I had to leave her then, heading back to make sure everything on the tables was sorted out and we were ready to go. The kitchen staff were all finished too and almost everyone was waiting already having changed clothes and with their coats on. "Looks like we're all good to go. I'll catch you up, head to the first pub and I'll join you in a few minutes." There were lots of happy smiles at the instruction to leave, I knew everyone was looking forward to the night. 

The bustle of people leaving was behind me as I headed into the locker room to change my clothes ready for the night out. I had noticed that Charlie was not waiting with the others, and it had occurred to me that he would be in the locker room. It hadn't crossed my mind that he would be getting changed. Shows how much I thought of him now, I wasn't even anticipating a chance to see him half naked. He had his back to the door, and it was a big shock to discover him pulling up his jeans, a glimpse of his tight underwear making me catch my breath. He didn't have a top on either, and the urge I had to walk over there and turn him around so I could see the rest of him was very strong. 

He did up his trousers before he turned round, obviously unaware of my presence until he had half turned, at which point he went bright red and grabbed for his top quickly. I tried hard to calm my expression and looked down at the floor so he couldn't see the lust in my eyes. I also needed to think fast here, because it wasn't the best idea in the world to be caught looking at him. I decided my first step should be to act normally, no matter how difficult that was going to be.




A Changed Life Ch. 02



"Sorry Charlie, I really didn't think." I said, as I walked across to my locker and thanking the fact that mine was across from his so I could keep my back to him. I stripped off my top and grabbed my clean one from the locker, spraying a bit of deodorant on before I pulled it over my head. 

"What did you see?" he asked quietly, then corrected himself. "I mean, how long were you there?"

I kept my back to him as I answered, and decided now was not the time to take off my own trousers, especially as I would have a huge tent in my underwear. "Only a couple of seconds, honestly. You turned round almost immediately." Not quite true, but I didn't want him knowing I had seen anything below his waist. It might shatter our level of understanding.

"Why are you so worried about it?" he asked.

I turned then, unsure of what to say to him. He looked inquisitive, not annoyed, which had to be a good sign. I relaxed a little. "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. We aren't at the seeing each other half naked stage, and I was surprised to see you were getting changed."

"It's okay, honestly." he said, and then he grinned very cheekily at me and said probably the last thing I would have expected. "It's a good thing I decided to keep my boxers on, I usually go commando outside work." 

He left the room casually, leaving me with my jaw practically on the floor, and a mental picture I was having a lot of trouble clearing. Dear God, he was teasing me, and he knew exactly what he was doing judging by that grin. Perhaps our new level of understanding was rather deeper than I had thought. 

* * * * * * *



A Changed Life Ch. 03



Thank you so much for your comments on chapter 1. I'm submitting every other day and 2 was pending before 1 was up, so this is the first chance to say something. I'm really pleased people are enjoying it, and I hoped you still like the way this is going.

This story came out of me always wanting to know what the characters think and what happens to them, so although New Life was going to be a one-off I got involved with some of the minor characters and ended up writing their stories too, hence Secret Life and this one (and an m/f one that is still work in progress). Sorry about the cheesy titles!

* * * * * * * 

Charlie

I was looking forward to the staff night out all week. The only other thing on my mind was my flower deliveries. Every day I smiled when I placed my new flowers in water and pinned the new card to my message board. By Friday I had the message "Thank you for starting to believe". I wasn't quite sure how that would end, but it was positive, and it was true. I did believe, but I still wasn't going to rush into anything with him. By the time the end of the shift came on Friday I was desperate to spend a bit of time with him socially, even though we would be accompanied. At least in the pub I figured we would be able to have a few words, and if it was loud enough any conversation we had would be for our ears only. I also wanted to meet this friend of Mark's, although whether I would press her for information I wasn't yet sure.

I was last to finish my cleaning because I had been doing the puddings. I headed off to the locker room and the only others who were still in there were nearly changed and ready to go. I opened my locker and got out my jeans and top, planning to get changed quickly and eager to get out of work. I was on my own by the time I slipped out of my work clothes, and I stood there in my boxers putting a bit of spray on me to cover the scent of cooking. I considered taking the boxers off before I put my jeans on, as I usually didn't bother wearing the things except with my whites, but somehow I didn't want to be completely naked at work, so I just pulled my trousers on over them. 

As I did up my buttons I started to turn around and was surprised to see Mark standing there. I hadn't heard him come in. Judging by the red in his cheeks and the fact he was staring intently at the floor, he'd just seen something of me, and I grabbed my top and pulled it on quickly. I didn't feel like having a conversation with him while I was half dressed. He didn't now seem to want to look, but I was fairly sure he had already seen more than I had been planning on showing him for some time. I sent a silent prayer of thanks that I had decided not to take my underwear off. When he moved to his own locker I couldn't help wondering what he had seen of me, and then realised I'd said the question out loud, and tried to cover it by asking how long he had been there. His answer, and the fact he still wouldn't look at me, confirmed he'd seen more than my back.

Despite my worries, I managed to act very calm after that even when he stripped off his own top and I could see his back and shoulders flexing as he put on his deodorant. That was a nice view, and I wondered how soft his skin would feel under my hands. It was too late for me to stop him having seen me, but it wasn't the end of the world. His apology and worry over having pushed me too fast was really sweet, and made me happy. For some reason, I just had to tease him, and it was worth the expression on his face when I told him I usually went commando. It was probably a bit soon to be teasing like that, but I couldn't resist. He wasn't going to get proof for a while, but I enjoyed the fact that he would be thinking about it when he saw me. I was probably way more comfortable with him than I had thought. A few weeks of flowers and I was practically his.

I left him to finish getting changed, knowing that I would not be comfortable seeing him in his underwear at this stage. And if I wasn't mistaken, he'd got an erection and I really didn't want to see that right now. I might end up losing my inhibitions right there and then, and giving my boss a blowjob in the staff locker room was not high on my list of priorities, irrespective of what was developing between us. The thought made me smile as I walked out into the restaurant, and I nearly walked into a woman standing there. I wondered for a moment who she was, and then hoped it was Tess and not a random customer who had been left behind.

"Sorry." we both said at the same moment, one of those lovely English apologies where neither of us is in the wrong but we've nearly collided by accident.

She put out her hand to shake mine. "I was just waiting for Mark to reappear. I'm his friend Tess, and I'm guessing you must be the new chef Charlie."

"Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you." I said, shaking her hand. She did know my name so Mark clearly had spoken about me, but exactly what I didn't dare ask. I wondered if she knew about the flowers, and then had the awful thought that it might all have been her idea. I really hoped not. Still, she hadn't been on the date with us when Mark had done so well, so unless he had some sort of hidden earpiece she definitely hadn't been responsible for that. "Mark should only be a moment, he was just changing his clothes." I said, trying not to visualise what little I had seen of him when I had been in there.

"Right. I thought I'd wait rather than go with the others. Mark would freak if he thought I'd left with Dan despite the fact there would have been at least 10 people with us." she laughed.

I grinned too. It was weird hearing her call Chef by his real name though, nobody here did. "I heard about that. Mark seems worried you'll fall for Chef's lines one of these days."

"He doesn't think I can look after myself, which is a rather annoying habit. He's kind of like a big brother to me, or at least he acts like he is, and then he reckons he has the right to vet any men who come near me. It's a good thing that most of the time when I go out he's at work and can't see what I get up to." she said, ending with a wink that suggested she wasn't always all that well-behaved. 

I warmed to her instantly. If Mark had friends like her he certainly couldn't be all bad. I still wondered how much she had heard about me and how far her involvement had been in his slow seduction, but it must still have been some of him, and he must have wanted to do it or he wouldn't have bothered. There were easy lays out there for him if he didn't care about me. My thoughts were interrupted when he came out and the three of us headed to the pub together, laughing and joking. 

The pub was only just around the corner, and as I had suspected, it was loud in there. Chef shouted over to us asking what we wanted to drink, so it was worth coming later just so it wouldn't be our round for a while. He did pay far more attention to what Tess wanted than either of the others of us, and he had to ask me again. I was amused both at Chef's attentiveness and Mark's clear displeasure at it. Tess and I shared a look and giggled. It was natural, when we went to sit down, to sit by her. I got the impression that Mark would have preferred me to choose the seat next to him, but having already pushed my boundaries tonight I didn't want to do even more just yet. This way I was across from him so I could see him properly, just like when we were at dinner, although it was a lot darker in this place. 

It suddenly occurred to me that in my distraction earlier I had forgotten to let my hair down, another thing I often did outside of work, although I hadn't when I went out for dinner. I took out the tie and gave it a quick shake and ran my hands through it to separate it out a bit. It wasn't all that long, just below my shoulders, but I really liked having some length to play with, or for others to play with. When I looked back at Mark he very obviously liked it. I smiled at him to try and stop him staring, but it only seemed to make matters worse. I decided ignoring him was the best option and turned to speak to Tess, having to speak almost directly into her ear to let her hear me. We weren't even in a club, but this pub clearly wanted to be one.

"It's loud in here isn't it?" I asked. Not exactly the best start to a conversation, but I was only really trying to avoid Mark for a bit.

"Yep. Makes for more private conversations though. I must go talk to Dan at some point, just to wind Mark up. Mind you, us talking seems to be having that effect anyway."

I glanced back at Mark and she was right, he looked unhappy, probably because we weren't including him. It would probably wind him up more that we were blatantly talking about him too. "He'll live. He wanted me to talk to you, so he shouldn't complain that we are."

"I know. Do you have an agenda, or shall we just go with the flow?" she grinned.

"I think I'm supposed to get a character reference from you." I laughed. "The question is whether you are prepared to give one."

"Seeing as we are being honest, my instructions are to tell you anything you want to know. And I will give him a reference as well if you want."

Interesting. "So I can ask anything?". She just nodded in reply. "I can't think of anything right now that I really want to know. It's not as though he hasn't told me a lot, and I've heard plenty too."

She laughed then. "I can just bet you've heard a lot. He and Dan were infamous."

"Were?" I couldn't resist asking.

She suddenly looked very serious, and glanced across to Mark to check what he was doing. He seemed to be trying hard to look disinterested, taking in the scene generally and what the others were up to. Thankfully after a moment Chef dragged him off to the bar, saying he needed to buy more drinks for us all. He didn't seem to want to leave, and looked at me intently before he went, almost as if I was going to ask him not to leave me. I wanted another drink and was very happy to have a moment alone with Tess to find out what she was going to say.

"I know Mark told you he's changed and you don't entirely believe him, although I gather you've now had a date so that's a big step forward. I can only tell you what I know, and I've been his friend since we were at infant school, so 20 years, and in that time I have heard about plenty of his exploits. But I never got given a name until you, let alone told he wants something more. I believe him because it's never happened before. And the way he speaks about you, it's completely different to anything he's ever said. I'm not going to tell you what to do because it's not my decision. But please give him a chance."

"Does that mean a chance to bed me?" I asked.

She looked offended. "Not unless you're ready to do that, no. I meant a chance to get to know each other better."

"Sorry. I keep letting him in a bit further and then freaking myself out. I am giving him a chance, and I do want to believe him."

She smiled at me then. "I'm glad. I think you two could be great together, and it's about time he found someone to love, he's been on his own for a long time now. I'm the closest he has to family and that's not enough."

I wasn't sure what she meant about being alone, and I was going to gloss over the love word. "Surely he has some family somewhere?"

Tess looked uncomfortable. "He hasn't told you about his parents?" I shook my head. She looked even more worried then and glanced across to the bar to check where he was before looking back at me. "He did tell me to tell you whatever you wanted to know," she said, seemingly to herself rather than me. "His parents were killed in a car crash nearly 3 years ago. He's an only child and they were all he had. It gave him the money to buy the restaurant, but to me he's been desperately alone since then. If he wants to let you in, it's a big step forward for him. I can't help thinking that losing them so suddenly made him not want to get close to anyone. Not that he didn't go out and have fun before, but it's been different since, even more impersonal."

I sat stunned. I didn't quite know what to say, but my heart went out to Mark then. I couldn't imagine losing my parents at my age, but at least I would still have my two sisters. It must have been tough. I wanted to hug him to me and make sure any pain he still had would go away. I realised then why he hadn't told me.

"He didn't want me to know because I'd end up feeling sorry for him and might make decisions for the wrong reasons." I said. Tess nodded.

"Probably. But you'd find out eventually. It helps that you know where he's coming from, even if it means you knowing now rather than later. I hope he doesn't mind that I told you."

"I won't say anything if it helps. Thank you though."

Our conversation was interrupted when Chef came over with drinks for the two of us. 

"Drinks for my favourite kitchen mate and the beautiful Tessa," he said with a grin at Tess that made me smile. "Please say you'll have a dance with me later on Tess? I want to show you my moves." he finished with a wink. 

I nearly coughed up my drink and tried to cover my laughter when I got a look from him. I couldn't help myself, seeing his cheeky chappy technique up close. Tess laughed with me but did agree to dance with him at some point. When Chef wandered off, clearly happy, I just looked at her.

"Mark isn't going to like that." I said.

"Tough." she replied. "It's only a dance. Besides which, you might be able to distract him so he won't notice."

"I doubt it. He's very cautious when it comes to you and Chef. He's determined you won't be seduced."

Tess smiled, and her eyes wandered over to where Chef was standing before speaking to me again. "I admire what you are doing, I really do. I can't see Dan changing like Mark is. But irrespective of that, he's probably going to get lucky one of these days. I don't have the control that you obviously do." She looked at me sternly. "Don't for god's sake tell Mark that. He'll be trying to find some sort of chastity belt for me."

"I won't. But seriously, you want to go there?"

She nodded and looked across at Chef again. This time I saw the spark in her eyes. She liked him, but unlike me she was prepared to live with the fact she might just be another notch in the bedpost. I suddenly felt very protective of her as well.

"Don't sell yourself short. It's not worth getting hurt if it will mean far more to you than it will to him."

"It'll just be sex." she replied, but when she looked in my eyes I knew it couldn't be that for her, and she saw I could tell. There was an awkward moment of silence between us, and I was glad when Mark returned and it lightened the mood. He was happy, maybe due to the alcohol, or being out for once, but his joy was infectious. We all laughed and joked and a few more drinks slipped down before we headed off to another venue, this time one where we could go dancing. 

As we headed off Mark held back a little from the group and I ended up slowing my steps as well. We hadn't had chance to talk in the pub although I had got to know Tess. When I saw that Chef was chatting to her again as we walked I had an urge to go split them up, but she knew what she was doing and what the effects might well be, and I wanted more to have a moment alone with Mark. I slipped into step beside him as we wandered up the road. 

"Are you having a good night?" he asked.

"Yes, it's been good so far. And it's been nice meeting Tess, she's lovely." I replied.

He smiled at me. "I'm glad you think that. She's been a good friend to me for a long time, and almost my little sister. All I need to do is find her a good man and my work will be complete!"

"What about you?" I couldn't resist asking.

He looked at me intently. "I've already found one."

I didn't quite know what to say. His look said a lot, but it didn't say that he was just lusting after me. It genuinely was deeper. A second later I knew what to do. A small step forward, but a little movement that meant a great deal to both of us. I moved closer beside him and took his hand in mine. 

The jolt through my body was instant, even at such a small connection. His grin warmed me from the inside out as well, and I returned the smile. He kept walking but slowed down even more, knowing that when we caught up to the others this moment between us was going to end. Neither one of us wanted our workmates to know what was happening, especially not as they would think the worst. When we finally reached the door of the club that the others had already entered Mark looked down at where our hands were intertwined and sighed. He raised our linked hands up and placed a soft kiss on the back of my hand before he let go. "Thank you." he told me, before we headed back to reality.

* * * * * * * 

Mark

By the time we got to the club I was already feeling a bit woozy thanks to the alcohol, and I had been through a wide range of emotions. I was annoyed with Chef for trying it on with Tess yet again, I felt jealous when she and Charlie were talking and I was excluded from it even though I had wanted them to talk. I was desperately hoping that she would help my quest to win Charlie's heart. Right now though I was elated. Charlie had made the first move to make contact with me. Only holding my hand but it was the first thing he had initiated and it was a huge leap forward. And I felt sad when I had to let go of him too, but I kept smiling despite it because it would take a while for me to come down from the high I had.

We weren't that far behind the others when we got into the club, and no eyebrows were raised which was fortunate. I could take the teasing but I didn't want Charlie to be subjected to any of that. To be honest I wasn't sure I would appreciate being teased about this either, because everyone would assume this was me trying to get laid and I wanted so much more. I noted that Tess was talking to Chef and I bristled immediately. Charlie was still close to my side and I knew he noticed.

"Chill out Mark, she's a grown up. She's also well aware of what he wants and the implications, she won't do anything she doesn't want to."

I looked at him. "That sounds suspiciously like she wants to."

He just shrugged and I groaned internally. That was something I really didn't want happening, but there was no way I could stop her. I had tried. Time to stop worrying about her and concentrate on what was happening with me. 

"Come dance with me, please?"

Charlie looked a bit surprised, but gave me a shy smile, which I took as a yes and headed out to the dancefloor. We weren't going to be doing any dirty dancing so it would be fine. There were already some of the waiters and cooks on the floor so we joined up with them to dance as part of a group. Much safer that way and it wouldn't look odd. He looked good though, and I took as many glances as I could at him as his body moved and he got hot and sweaty too. Of course he always looked hot to me. He grinned at me when he caught me looking, and although I liked it I took a quick glance at the others to make sure no-one was noticing our subtle flirting. I guess they wouldn't expect me to be subtle because there was no reaction. It made me braver, to the point where when we all danced together in a circle I quickly moved so I was next to Charlie and we had to put our arms around each others shoulders in the huddle.

He took a quick look at me when I did it and raised an eyebrow in query, but his arm went around me quickly too. We were all pressed close together as we jumped about, so it was fairly inevitable that I would end up right against Charlie's body, and it felt really good. He was pretty much the same height as me and we fitted together well, not to mention how nice it was to have him there. I wasn't sure whether to be sad or relieved when we all broke apart, because I was probably enjoying it too much. In fact the only thing that took the shine off the moment and distracted me was noticing that Tess and Chef were dancing close together also, but definitely not as part of a group.




A Changed Life Ch. 03



When Charlie noticed what I was looking at he dragged me off the floor and over to the bar. I followed him fairly willingly, but I kept checking to see what Tess was doing. 

He looked amused when I finally dragged my eyes back to him. "I should probably feel offended that you're so distracted by a woman." he said.

"Special circumstances." I replied. "Although I'm surprised that anything can take my mind off you, even for a moment."

He blushed, and he looked so cute like that I had a surge of desire to kiss him which I had to fight back under control. He saw some hint of it on my face though because I saw him swallow hard. 

"So, do you want another date then?" he asked slightly shyly. 

I know my smile in response was beaming. "No, I want lots more dates."

"Okay." One little word that made my heart swell. 

I wasn't going to push him any further than that, but we danced some more with the others, and I did kind of forget about Tess, although if I had anything to do with it she would be coming home with me and not going anywhere with Chef. I wished Charlie would come home with me too, just so I could hold him in my arms as I went to sleep. Dear lord, I really was in love.

As people started to drift off it seemed like time to call it a day. We didn't have to work early, but there was still a busy Sunday ahead. I had spent much of the evening chatting to Charlie and got way more from him than I could have hoped for. It was such a weird situation for me, waiting for someone to give me any little contact or word and each one making me so happy I couldn't believe it. I arranged with him that we would go out again on Monday since we always had the day off, and this time we were going out earlier so I could spend the whole day with him. I couldn't wait!

My next issue was getting Tess away from Chef so I could go home, but I was relieved that she quickly agreed to leave when I said I was heading off. Her house was much further out of town so she would be staying in my spare room. My pleasure that Chef was not going to get any was immense, even if I felt a little cruel when he seemed very disappointed. I couldn't look when he gave her a hug and kiss to say goodbye, not that it was a passionate kiss, but even that amount of contact between them made me uncomfortable. They seemed a little too close for my liking, much as they had been all evening.

Charlie stood back from them too, waiting to say goodbye before he headed home as well, sadly not with me, but if tonight was anything to go by that would happen eventually. He gave Chef a firm handshake and Tess a hug and kiss, and then he turned to me. I'm fairly sure I was holding my breath waiting to see what he would do. Chef wasn't paying any attention to us, quite possibly still trying to persuade Tess that she really did want to go with him after all. 

I felt like I was frozen to the spot, so desperate not to push Charlie in any way that might undo any good that had been done so far. He just smiled and then stepped towards me and put his arms around me for a hug, my arms soon moving to hold him too. It felt so right having him there I didn't want to let go, and I sighed deeply with contentment. I just heard him giggle in response, right against my ear and the sound and his warm breath there made me shudder.

"You're going to have to let me go Mark" he said softly, and my arms dropped immediately with my fear that I had done too much. Thankfully when he pulled back he was still smiling. "You really are going to let me take this at my pace, aren't you?" he asked.

I nodded. I stepped a little closer to him so only he would hear what I had to say next, and was pleased to see he didn't even flinch. "I'm too scared of losing what we already have, because it means the world to me."

He smiled so sweetly at me in response it made me fall the rest of the way in love. "You don't need to be so scared. You are making me very happy, and I do believe you." 

He finished his sentence, making me almost weak with relief and happiness, and then he planted a soft kiss right on my lips. I stared at him in disbelief, but the warmth on my lips was so clear I knew it had just happened. My tongue automatically went out to lick them, to gather in any taste of him that I could, and I saw a moment of lust burn in his eyes when he saw my movement. That was another new thing for this evening. He wanted me too. No more would happen just yet, but he wanted me.

I was ecstatic after we left, on such a high after what had happened with Charlie that I was barely able to concentrate on what Tess was saying, and I didn't even have words with her about her closeness to Chef. I could still feel that soft kiss on my lips and every recollection of it made me a bit harder. Finally Tess's laughter impinged on my consciousness.

"Have you listened to a word I've said to you?"

"Huh?" was my only response.

She just kept laughing. "You got one kiss and now you've forgotten the real world exists! By the way, I think Charlie is lovely, and I'm glad you've made some progress. He really likes you too."

I looked at her then. "What did he say to you about it?"

"Not much. It was mostly me talking, but the way he looks at you and how he spoke about you, plus that kiss, well it all adds up."

I couldn't help grinning again at her mention of the kiss. She rolled her eyes in desperation and amusement. "So you really have the hots for him then?"

"No, I'm in love with him. And all I have to do is hope that he can feel the same one of these days."

* * * * * * * 

Charlie

The staff night out turned out to be far better than I could ever have hoped or imagined. I had heard a lot, but to be honest, with the exception of the news about Mark's parents, everything else Tess had told me I knew and I believed. She had just helped me realise what he was doing in order to win me. As I headed home alone I could only smile. I couldn't believe how much I had moved on in one evening or how intense it had been being with him despite that being as part of a group. And only holding hands with him, a bit of dancing, and a hug and kiss at the end of the night, it felt so good and the effect it had on my body was incredible. I could only imagine how amazing doing more with him would feel like, and I was sure that it would happen when I was ready.

His care and what he said to me, and the effects his slight touches had, all added up to me being at least half in love with the guy, probably a lot more. None of my previous lovers had made my body tingle like that until we were naked and I was on my way to orgasm. His smile alone warmed me from the inside out, and I was half-hard at the slightest touch, almost fully after he told me how he felt and we had the briefest of kisses. When I got home I took my cock in my hand thinking about that moment, drawing it out in my mind and remembering how he had licked his lips so sexily afterwards. It was enough to have me shooting harder than I had done for years. I drifted off to sleep imagining his arms around me, holding my body close to him. 

I had my final flowers for the week on the Saturday and headed to work so happy and excited to see him. I had more than started to believe in him, I was falling hard. I smiled at him when I saw him and despite the fact we were both busy there were plenty of times during the day and evening when our eyes met and small smiles would spread across our faces. I was amazed that no-one else noticed, but then we were all very busy when there were customers in. Sunday it was the same, and I couldn't wait for the next day when I could have him all to myself. A few stolen glances were nowhere near enough for me now. At the end of the shift I was alone with him for a brief moment in the locker room as we picked up our stuff. No getting changed tonight, although I was thinking about the view I had had of him the other day and I would be surprised if he wasn't having similar thoughts.

When the others left and the two of us were stood there, we both just grinned. It was a bit dumb but time alone was precious. Neither one of us made a move though, it was more like we were drinking the sight of the other in for what moment we had together.

"So what do you want to do tomorrow?" he finally asked.

"How do you feel about wandering around a country manor? There's one not too far away that has lots of cool paintings plus beautiful grounds and a butterfly house." 

The look on his face changed to nervous as I completed my sentence. "Butterflies?" he asked, starting to go a bit pale.

"Yep, they are beautiful colourful ones, they fly all around you in this giant glasshouse. I love it there."

He went even paler. "Um, I'm cool with the rest of it, but if you don't mind seeing the butterflies by yourself..." he just tailed off.

I almost wanted to tease him, but I had my own phobias and understood irrational fears of things that couldn't hurt you. "You really don't like them, do you? It's fine, I'll do that bit on my own."

He visibly relaxed. "I'm a big wuss when it comes to flying bugs. Especially flappy ones that come right at you."

I just grinned at him, amused by his admission and no longer able to avoid teasing him. "Don't worry, I'll protect you from the scary butterflies!"

He seemed to be thinking for a second. "Well, I guess if you would hold my hand it wouldn't be so bad."

"I'll hold it anyway, even if you don't want to go in the butterfly house."

He just smiled at that. My only thought was how long it would be before I was desperate to do a hell of a lot more than hold his hand. My fear there was that I was going to be so inexperienced compared to him he'd not enjoy it. I would just have to get over that fear because there was no way I would be able to keep him away for ever, I cared far too much already.

I got my two pink roses just before I left to pick him up. "Every" the card said. The start of another cryptic sentence but yet more flowers and notes said a lot. He certainly seemed to want to be with me. I was eager to see him and had to stop myself from speeding on the way to his house. He was waiting for me in the drive even though I was early. He must be keen too, and he beamed at me when I pulled up. It probably matched the smile on my face because I felt like my face was splitting in two.

He got in and couldn't stop smiling at me, I gave his hand a quick squeeze before I headed back out onto the road and drove out to the countryside. I kept feeling his eyes on me as I drove and it was hard not to look back and keep my eyes on the road instead. It was a relief to get to the carpark and not have to worry about that any longer. I parked up and immediately looked at him properly. He just looked so cute, and my stomach instantly did a flip at his expression. It wasn't lust it was love. I raised my hand to the side of his face and caressed it for a moment, the movement completely automatic, I just needed to touch him. The intimacy of the moment was compounded when he nuzzled his face into my hand, and I cleared my throat rather than moan.

"We'd better get out of the car and actually go see some things." I said, and he quickly moved. We wandered around the house and looked at all the historic pictures and furniture. The house itself was a work of art, but nothing like the beautiful man by my side, and I know he was looking at me just as much as I was looking at him. We chatted about nothing really, work, Tess, hobbies, whatever came to mind, just learning as much as we could about each other. I told him about my family and didn't press him for information when he said nothing about his. He wasn't ready to tell me that but I thought I understood his reasons.

We had lunch in the cafe and laughed and joked as we shovelled in the fish and chips, particularly given that the standards were not anything like we sold in the restaurant, but it was nice to eat rubbish once in a while. I wondered how many dates with him my waistline would stand though, because if I kept going out and eating junk I'd need to up my exercise routine.

After lunch we went to wander in the grounds, for the first time finding ourselves away from a lot of the people also visiting the house. As soon as I felt that there would be fewer eyes on us I took his hand and wove my fingers between his. He smiled, and once again I wondered how such a small connection could mean so much to me. We wandered further into a bit of woodland, slowly following the paths and listening to the peace of the countryside where just the birds calling and some sheep in a nearby field could be heard. Neither one of us seemed to want to talk then, just taking in the beauty of our surroundings and the dappled shade coming through the branches above us. 

I realised that for the first time we were totally alone and away from anyone who might see us. I listened for the sounds of other people walking or talking nearby but there was nothing. It was just us together in the most wonderful and serene place, a million miles from the bustling restaurant we spent much our time and where we had first met. I turned to face him and he too looked totally content in his surroundings, happy to be with me as much as I was happy to be with him. I watched as his deep brown eyes swept over my face and hair, and settled for a moment on my lips before he looked back into my eyes, and I almost gasped when I saw the depth of feeling in them. It was almost as though I was staring into his soul.

I didn't want to resist any longer, I had to kiss him right then. This was the perfect place and the perfect moment for our first real kiss. I took a step forward and leant towards him, moving one hand to the side of his face again before I brushed my lips over his softly. It wasn't enough and I pressed myself closer to him, moaning at the twin sensations as his arms went around me and his lips pushed back against mine. One of his hands moved up to entangle his fingers in the hair falling at the nape of my neck and I opened my mouth, desperate to taste him. His tongue tangled with mine and our arms wrapped around each other as our kiss deepened and became more and more passionate. It was probably several minutes but it felt like no time at all and certainly not long enough, and if it hadn't been for the sudden sounds of people heading towards us through the woods we might not have broken apart for hours. 

We both sat down by the side of the path, waiting for the family we could hear coming to pass us by. Our peace was shattered, but as I looked at him, his lips slightly swollen from our kisses and his eyes gleaming, I knew we had found a different kind of peace. I also knew that he was having a similar problem to me, and we both sat very carefully as the children and adults passed, keen that none of them should see the erections that were pressing hard into our trousers. I tried to think about something to make mine go down but I usually used recipes and it wasn't working. Being in the kitchen was now linked to me seeing Mark and the thought of him made it worse. I grinned at him once the people had passed, but realised we were not going to stay alone for long. I stood up and took his hand to help him up, noting that I was right about the problem he was having, but trying not to stare at his crotch for too long. 

Our eyes met again and we were both amused at our reactions. He managed to speak first.

"Wow. Can't think of what else to say. That was amazing. I just wish it hadn't had quite the effect on me it has, because we are in public!"

I grinned at him. "Just think dull thoughts. I was trying but I always used recipes before, thinking about quantities and such. Now it makes me think of being in the kitchen at work and waiting for a glimpse of you when you come to collect an order. No use at all!"

"Let's just try and walk them off then. Or perhaps we should head to see the butterflies. That should be as good as a cold shower to me."

I couldn't help laughing at him, but it eased my problem so I could at least walk. We interwove our hands again for as long as we felt comfortable with it, knowing how many people were around. I think for me it was more a case of the unlikely event that someone we knew would see us and our secret would be out. I rather liked having this whole side of Mark all to myself. 

* * * * * * *



A Changed Life Ch. 04



Monday morning I headed to pick up Tess. I had dressed up a bit, making sure I put a shirt and tie on rather than my usual t-shirt. She was clearly amused when she saw me.

"Worried about impressing his sister?" she grinned, as she looked me up and down. "I'm sure it will be fine. He wouldn't have asked you if he thought she would hate you. Plus, you are forgetting the major step forward it is, if he's serious enough to want you to meet his family."

"I already know he's serious. I don't need to be given a heart attack to prove it."

She just laughed and gave me a hug before we headed to my car. I drove there slowly, not wanting to be too early, and still scared despite what had been said. I didn't do families, I hadn't had one for so long it wasn't something I was used to. And he still had another sister and his mother. I tried not to think about that because it was only going to give me more to worry about. This meeting would be reported back to his other relatives, I had no doubt, and I would need to be on my best behaviour.

Despite my concerns, when we arrived at the house and Charlie opened the door I couldn't stop the beaming smile I gave him, or the pleasure I felt when he returned it. I even forgot anyone else was there when he moved closer to give me a hug and a quick peck of a kiss in welcome. If I hadn't noticed the woman moving up behind him I might have swept him up in my arms right then and carried him off somewhere I could keep kissing him for the rest of the day. My nerves must have been showing on my face when he introduced me to Ann, but the way he was almost showing me off to her as something precious, and the smile of welcome on her face, helped me relax a little.

Ann seemed friendly as we chatted but I was glad that I had brought Tess with me. Charlie and I even shared a few amused looks as they took over the conversation and we were left pretty much only to smile and nod at appropriate moments. The two of them got on like a house on fire, and I began to let my mind wander, wondering if they would notice if we just left them to it and I took Charlie away to love him like I wanted. I guess my thoughts showed when I looked at him, because I saw him grin and realised he also wanted to be away from this and on our own. I was at least calm now. Or I was until Ann finally turned her attention to me.

"So, Mark. I guess as the first member of the family to meet you it falls to me to make sure your intentions towards my brother are honourable."

There was a slight smile on her face as she said it, but I really wasn't sure if she was serious or not. Charlie looked uncomfortable, and Tess was amused. I went with the first thing that came to me.

"Your brother is the most amazing man I have ever met, I care about him deeply, and I would cut my own balls off rather than hurt him."

I couldn't tell who was the most shocked by my comment. Tess was clearly amused, Ann wasn't sure, and Charlie was shocked but looking at me with enough intensity that I had to avert my gaze from his look. It was one of those he gave me that made me doubt how long I could keep my hands off him. I was relieved when Ann broke the silence by laughing.

"That's good enough for me. Although I seriously hope you won't have to do the castration. Sounds painful!"

"I hope not either. I certainly have no intention of doing anything to upset Charlie."

"You won't." said Charlie, firmly, as though he was absolutely certain I couldn't ever hurt him. Our eyes locked again and I saw his love and sincerity in them. I couldn't stop smiling at him, knowing he cared as much as I did, or at least I hoped so.

When Charlie went into the kitchen to fetch drinks I had to follow him. I'm sure neither Ann or Tess believed I just wanted to give him a hand carrying them, but nothing was said. I needed one little moment with him, desperately needed some real connection with no-one else there. 

* * * * * *

Charlie

I headed to the kitchen to get the drinks, glad that Tess was here as well and trusting my sister not to interrogate Mark too badly. I just hoped he could hold up to whatever she did throw his way, but his responses so far indicated he would have no problem with it. He'd managed to reassure my sister and make me want to leap across the room to kiss him, although I had to resist the urge because the women were there. I busied myself getting glasses out of the cupboard, and nearly dropped one when the door opened and Mark came into the room. He started to speak, but whatever he was first going to say stopped when he saw the kitchen properly.

"This place is full of roses." he said, grinning. Then the look on his face changed completely, away from amusement to intensity. I followed his gaze and saw that he was staring at my pin board where all his little messages were stuck. I blushed as he looked back at me.

"You've kept them all." he said softly.

"Of course I have. No-one has ever done something so lovely and it makes me really happy to see your notes when I'm in here."

He just stared at me, one of those looks that was intense, and so full of passion and love it made me tremble with desire. He was good at them, and I'm sure he knew what effect they had on me.

"I wasn't completely honest with that last note. The truth is that I've fallen in love with you, probably did a long time ago." he said softly but his intense gaze never leaving me.

I felt like I was on fire with the heat in his gaze and his words. "Me too." I whispered, and a second later we had both moved, drawn to each other by that intense connection. Our arms were around each other, his hands in my hair and mine stroking the small of his back, our lips pressed together and our tongues touching and tasting. I could feel every part of him that was touching me, and I could feel the hardness of our erections pressed together between us. Nothing could be more right than being in the arms of the man I loved, and who loved me.

When we finally broke apart, it was only as far as we needed to breathe. And the power of that kiss and our declarations swept away the last of my defences.

"Please Mark, I need you. Touch me." I whispered breathlessly.

I felt him shake and heard him moan. "Oh God. Why did you have to say that now? We can't love, your sister is in the next room."

My moan of disappointment joined his. That thought brought me back to reality and I pulled away a little further, embarrassed that I had become so desperate. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."

He smiled. "It was over me too, don't worry. I'm just slightly more worried about having your family around than you are. Plus, we are not going to make love for the first time on a kitchen table, it needs to be done right."

My heart swelled again at that. He used the right words, and he wanted our love making to be special. "I know. I just need to calm down a little. Kitchen table has to be at least round five."

He looked at me confused. "I would ask why five but I have the horrible feeling the explanation will not help me leave you alone. You can tell me some other time!"

I just grinned cheekily at him. He was probably right, if he heard my thoughts on the subject we'd both want to be doing more right then. I went back to getting drinks and tried to get my hard-on under control, and trying also not to think about the fact he had just told me he was in love with me, and I had said the same. Or that I had practically offered myself to him on a plate. Well, a table anyway. 

* * * * * * 

I don't quite know how I made it through the rest of that night without ripping Mark's clothes off. If we hadn't had company I'm sure that would have been the end of me waiting. Not that I hadn't thought about him sexually before now, but suddenly it was all I could think about and all I wanted, and the hunger for him was even worse because he wasn't there. Once he had left, Ann must have noticed I was preoccupied, but I hoped she didn't have too much of an idea what was on my mind. She did tell me she approved, and that was all I wanted to hear. I wouldn't have stopped seeing Mark if my family didn't like him, but I was relieved that she did.

It was as though his confession had broken down the last of my walls and my self-control. The moment we shared in my kitchen was the final proof that he wanted and needed me and we could be together without me being afraid of him hurting me. I was ready now for everything with him and I couldn't wait for it to start. When Ann left me on Tuesday morning I wondered what to do now. I should meet Mark at his house before work but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to control myself if I did.

In the end I waited until nearly time to leave before I arrived at his. I was strangely nervous. I thought I had been through all of that but now that I knew it wouldn't be long before I was in his bed, I didn't know how that would happen or what it would be like. Suddenly there was pressure back on our relationship because I was afraid that I wouldn't be as good as any of his previous lovers, and I knew there had been quite a few. There wouldn't be any more though, I was sure as I could be of that.

He flung the door open when I pulled into his drive and he had obviously been waiting for me. My nerves diminished when I saw he looked nervous as well.

"I was beginning to think you weren't coming." he said.

I went slightly red. "It's just I was a bit concerned about getting carried away before work. This way there's no temptation."

His eyes blazed and his voice was soft and very sexy when he replied. "And after work?"

I started shivering with pleasure at the sound of his voice and my thoughts about what we could do afterwards. Somehow I managed to grin at him and not strip him bare like I was tempted to.

"After work... Well, we'll see."

He grabbed me then and I was in his arms being kissed wildly a moment later. I responded to his insistence with some of my own, making it as clear as I could through my actions that I was making him an offer of something a lot more than we had experienced together so far. I just wasn't sure how I was going to get through my shift with the x-rated thoughts I was already having floating through my brain, let alone how frustrated I was likely to get having to wait. Still, I didn't have a choice. 

I'd made him wait so long and now I wanted to take it further I was going to have to do the same, only a few hours compared to the weeks he'd been there until I was ready to take that step, and I wondered how he had coped for so long when I couldn't even contemplate a few hours at work before I could touch him.

When we got to work I was relieved that the place was busy and I didn't have to find anything to occupy myself rather than think about Mark and what his cock would feel like. I was so busy preparing and cooking I almost managed to forget my fears about what we were rapidly heading towards doing, but every time Mark came into the kitchen to collect orders I could feel his presence and it sent shivers up my spine and signals direct to my cock. I spent longer than strictly necessary in the freezers a couple of times, giving my body a chance to cool down whilst I fetched ingredients.

I was about half-way through what felt like the longest shift of my life when I heard the waiters gossiping, and honing in on their conversation chilled me to the bone. 

"He's here again, that guy who keeps trying to get Mark to take him home." said one.

"Is he having any luck this time? Seems like a while since Mark has snuck off before finishing his shift. He must be gagging for it!" replied another. I heard snickering as they laughed about it all.

"He's talking to him. I guess they could be gone any moment now."

I felt a knot in my stomach starting to twist, and although it was gossip and my logical mind was telling me that there was no way Mark was going anywhere with anyone but me, especially given our conversation earlier, I was still terrified he might and jealous as hell of anyone else getting his attention. And that guy had one thing I didn't, he knew how to pleasure Mark when I would just be guessing and discovering the first time. The fear that my inexperience wouldn't be good enough came back with a vengance.

I stiffened my entire body when I heard the door swing again and I knew Mark had entered the kitchen. I couldn't turn round to look at him, my face would be showing my fear. My blood chilled again when I heard Chef speaking to him, picking up on what the waiters had said.

"Are you heading out for a quickie?" he asked, with a dirty laugh.

* * * * * *



A Changed Life Ch. 05



Thanks for the comments and votes on this story - I've had more comments for this than anything I've submitted before and I really appreciate them - it's great to know that people enjoy what you've written.

Apologies now, I meant to submit this thursday night so you'd only have to wait two days (which apparently was still too long for some of you!), but shit happened and I didn't get to the computer. I hope you don't mind the extra day wait too much.

Also, to the person who pointed out they have desserts in high class restaurants and not puddings - fair point! I could try and argue that Charlie might have used the word anyway, but the truth is I didn't notice which just goes to show I don't eat out anywhere posh!

Anyway, this is the last chapter, and I hope I've kept a bit of the romance in even though they get physical.

* * * * * * 

5

Mark

After telling Charlie I was in love with him and him admitting the same, I was on cloud nine. I couldn't even be too upset that he'd wanted more from me and we couldn't do it. I didn't want us to have some quickie in his kitchen with people in the next room. I wanted time to ourselves to find out what we each liked and be able to pleasure each other slowly before making love. And I still couldn't quite believe that I felt this way about him, given how long I had thought my life would be about sex and not about love. But he had me wanting to do everything just right so I would never lose him.

I waited anxiously for him to turn up before work the next day. When he hadn't arrived and it wasn't long before I had to leave I started to be afraid that he wouldn't come and for some reason I had scared him off. My relief at hearing his car come up the drive was immense. Hearing why he hadn't come any sooner was music to my ears, although I thought I would have been able to control myself. On the other hand, I was the boss and I could quite easily have taken the night off and dragged him indoors there and then. I settled for a mind blowing kiss and headed to work too excited about us to think about anything else.

I decided that life was trying to screw with me when I saw Ben come in. I had everything I wanted now, so one of my old fuckbuddies choosing that night for a quiet meal was just unfair. I decided it would be easiest to serve him myself and make it clear that there was no chance of a repeat performance, now or in the future. He looked a bit disappointed, but seemed to understand.

That done, I was light headed and could only think about what Charlie would feel like and taste like. Unless I had mistaken his earlier comments, I could be pretty certain of getting him naked this evening and I thought about how I was going to pleasure him to best effect. I wanted to hear him cry out my name when I made him come for the first time. I was practically shaking with my need and desire.

Heading back into the kitchen, I was humming to myself because I was so happy, Chef managed to take the wind from my sails with just one question. It was immediately clear that the other waiters had mentioned that I had been talking to one of my old customers, and a quick glance at Charlie showed me he was tense and didn't seem keen to turn to look at me like he usually did. Shit. I hated the gossip in this place sometimes. I knew it was my own fault for my behaviour in the past, and now it was coming back to bite me on the arse.

I replied to Chef, but my answers were for Charlie.

"No, I'm not. I've just told him I'm not interested, now or ever again."

Chef looked surprised, and sadly didn't want to let it go. "Seriously? You're onto a sure thing there and you're passing it up?"

"I have something a hell of a lot better than 'a sure thing' now. I have someone I'm madly in love with, and who loves me too. No-one but him is of any interest to me."

The look on Chef's face turned to shock, and I heard so many gasps at what I had said and the certainty I said it with I couldn't be sure if any of them came from Charlie. I saw his body relax though and that was good enough for me. He didn't turn around like I hoped, but I guessed he didn't want to draw any attention to himself. It was probably just me that noticed he was the only one not staring at me like I had grown a second head. Was it really that unlikely that I could fall in love?

Chef recovered faster than any of the others, who were still open mouthed. 

"Really? There's a man out there who's been able to tame you? Why haven't you told me, and when am I going to meet him?" he said with a grin. "I need to shake the hand of the guy that can convert you to a one-man man!"

I glanced around the room, noting all faces still intent on me except the one I wanted to see. I didn't want to commit him to having to 'come out' as my boyfriend there and then, but I did want to challenge the total disbelief I was seeing and hearing.

"Seriously Dan, you're making this sound like a miracle. How many times have you and I sat with a few drinks in us talking about soulmates? Well, I've found mine."

I might have continued talking if it hadn't been for the sudden clatter of a pan hitting the floor. That drew everyone's attention away from me and over to Charlie who had just dropped it. I saw him blushing bright red and wondered whether that blush had come from embarrassment at dropping something or me calling him my soulmate. I rather hoped it was the latter. Something had certainly caused him to lose his concentration. It was time to change the subject and give him time to recover.

"I hate to play the big bad boss, seeing as you are all so interested in my love life, but we have still got a restaurant full of customers. Back to work, all of you."

I gave Chef a pointed look to make sure he understood that included him and I wasn't up for any more questions. I'd said enough for the moment and if Charlie was still tense at least it wasn't from any fear I wasn't sure about what he meant to me. 

The rest of the night passed fairly peacefully, although there were a few moments when I knew my announcement was being talked about, especially amongst the waiting staff since not all of them had been in the kitchen at the time. No-one was too blatant about it but I could tell by the way conversations suddenly ceased when I looked in their direction. I didn't really care though. I was happy for everyone to know that I was in love, and the only thing they didn't yet know, which would probably cause a lot more gossip, was that the object of my affections was Charlie. When they found that out would be up to him.

Almost everyone had gone by the time I saw the last customers out and locked the door. When I headed back to the kitchen Charlie and Chef were still cleaning up, but I noticed Charlie had changed out of his whites into normal clothes to do it. He was bent slightly over one of the counters and I almost moaned aloud when I considered what I could do to him in that position, not that I would ever do it at work in the kitchen. My thought about what was under his jeans made me start to harden. Did he really go commando under his normal clothes, and was I going to find out tonight?

I headed to the locker room to change myself, and was not surprised when Chef joined me only a moment later. I didn't think I'd be able to stop him asking more questions, and as he was pretty much the only one here who was a good friend as well as an employee I guessed that he deserved some explanation. It didn't take him long to start asking either.

"So, am I going to meet the love of your life at some point?" he asked with a smile. I figured he wanted to tease me.

"You will. But not until he wants to do that."

"Has Tess met him yet?"

I laughed. "I should have known you'd bring Tess into the conversation somehow! Of course she has."

He looked affronted. "I am not obsessed. I just wondered how much of a secret he was, since I didn't even know you were seeing anyone."

"I was working things out between him and me, not thinking about when to tell the rest of the world about us. You know now, and you'll meet him when he's ready. Beyond what I've already said that's all you're getting for now."

"No gossip? It must be love!" he teased.

I actually blushed, and he started laughing. "If you're only going to tease me, I'll make sure he never wants to be introduced to you." I responded.

"That could be rather difficult, don't you think?" said a voice from the corridor outside.

The question had both me and Chef turning to the doorway, where Charlie suddenly appeared. He leant on the side of the door, his arms folded across his chest and a smile on his face. His presence made my body yearn to move over and kiss him, but I wanted to know what he was going to say. I stayed silent to listen for his next comment, but Chef wasn't in the mood for deciphering cryptic comments.

"What do you know?" he asked, suddenly aware that Charlie had some information, but not making the leap to who my secret love was even with him stood right there. 

Charlie laughed, and winked at me. I swallowed hard, unsure of what he was doing but not ready to make the first move. It was up to him if he wanted Chef to know more. I almost wished he didn't, because the bemused look on Chef's face was priceless.

I was rooted to the spot as Charlie moved towards me. Well, towards us, but as far as I was concerned right then there was no-one else in the world I could focus on. His eyes were rooted on mine as he slowly approached. It was only a few steps but it seemed to take forever for him to get close. His words when he spoke were right at me as though Chef wasn't present, and his tone was soft and incredibly sexy.

"Your soulmate, huh?" he asked.

I just nodded dumbly, keeping my gaze on his and letting him see I was absolutely serious. Suddenly the moment felt just like the one in his kitchen after we had told each other that we were in love, and the sexual tension cranked up. His blue eyes shone as he looked at me and I moaned as he stepped forward again, this time right up to me. I couldn't move until he stepped right against me and pressed his lips to mine, and then I couldn't stop from moving my lips against his or my arms around him to pull his body as close to mine as possible. 

I dimly heard movement beside me, but I was in a whole other world with the man of my dreams right then. His lips were soft and neither of us held any passion back from the kiss. We teased each other, drawing back a little now and again before increasing the force again, tongues locked in a dance around each other's mouths. 

It was only the sound of a locker door banging that made me pull back properly from our kiss, panting slightly at the intensity. I'd somehow managed to forget that Chef was in the room, and when I looked at him, gathering his belongings and avoiding looking at us, his face bright red, I couldn't help but laugh.

"I guess I don't really need to introduce you, after all." I said to him as he continued to avoid looking at us as he put on his coat and picked up his bag.

"I guess not." he replied. "Just don't go getting frisky in my kitchen."

Charlie's cheeky side came out in response. "Trust me, I'm not going to mess those sides up after I took so long cleaning them down. Besides, we already agreed not to do it on the table at my house, I don't think an industrial kitchen is going to be any better." 

Charlie winked at me as he finished his comment, and laughed when Chef rapidly left the room, muttering something to himself. I had recovered from the intense desire to take Charlie there and then until he winked, and I felt my cock jerk in response. He must have seen the want in my eyes because his hand came up to my chest to stop me pulling his body back against mine.

"Let's go home." he said in a low voice that went straight through me in another wave of lust. His hand took mine to pull me towards the door, and I followed so fast I didn't know I'd moved until I was nearly out of the back door. I had just enough reality left in me to remember to arm the alarm and lock the door before I turned back to him. My groan of want echoed around the carpark when I saw him leaning back against the bonnet of my car with an inviting smile on his face.

Somehow I managed to walk direct to my drivers door and not take advantage of him there and then.

"Get in Charlie. That's no better than a table, and I really need to treat you right."

He was in the car beside me a moment after I was, noticeably trembling. I put my hand on his and squeezed it in reassurance. He was saying it all with his actions and we both knew what we were heading to do, but I could understand his nerves and I felt the same. No matter how many times I had had sex, I had never yet made love and I needed this to be special for both of us.

I had to try and stop shaking myself so I could drive, and my body was aching to touch him finally. I managed to keep to the speed limits even though I had never been more desperate to get home. Something made me sure that if I did go too fast this would be the one night I got caught and that would delay what we both needed to do a hell of a lot longer than a few minutes. I pulled into my drive after what felt like the longest trip home ever.

Charlie still looked nervous when he got out of the car. I could tell from his eyes he was still turned on and wanted this, but it was also clear that he was worried. I knew he didn't have as much experience as me, but it's not like he was a virgin either. And no matter what either of us had done in our pasts, this time was about so much more. It was going to be explosive in more ways than one. I also knew that he was going to be amazing, no matter what we did. I took his hand to lead him towards the house, pleased that despite his nerves he followed without hesitation.

When we got inside I thought a drink would be the best way to start. Charlie had other ideas and as I tried to leave him at the sofa and head for a bottle of wine he grabbed my arm to stop me and turn me back towards him. I didn't know when I had ever seen such intensity in another person's eyes, but mine were soon closed anyway, I was unable to keep them open when his soft lips touched mine gently and then more insistently. All thoughts of wine forgotten, I gently pulled him down to the sofa with me, wrapping my arms around him and holding his lithe body as close as possible to mine.

I could feel his shaky breathing, fairly sure this was turning from his nerves into excitement, and his hands moving down my sides and around what he could reach of my chest in a slow exploration seemed to confirm my suspicions. My hands roamed over his back as I leaned backwards and pulled him on top of me, savouring his soft gasp as more of our bodies came into contact. I could feel my cock straining in my trousers already, but I was going to take this slow and savour every moment of this first time with the love of my life.

Gently I let my hands lift his top so that I could run my fingers across his smooth skin. I'd seen his back before, but now I could trace the lines and stroke down his spine. When my index finger reached the top of his trousers he whimpered and I made a mental note to see how sensitive that area was later on. I opened my eyes to take the sight in properly when he lifted slightly from me and took his shirt off. He was lean, but not without definition. His chest had sparse hair on it but a wonderful treasure trail leading down to the bulge in his trousers. My eyes followed the line and I wondered again what he had in there and whether he really didn't wear underwear.

A moment after his shirt was removed his hands came to my top to push it up and off. I raised my body and my arms to help him strip me, and then took delight in the look of desire on his face as he considered what he had revealed. His fingers moved to stroke through the heavy hair on my chest and I moaned loudly at the sensations that shot through me as he teased. I took his hands gently in mine and moved them away from me, not wanting anything too intense having decided that this time was to be about him. I hoped he would want to give me a lot, but I was not going to let him pleasure me in any way that I hadn't done to him first. This was all about him and I was definitely not a selfish lover, and would prove that to him with every move.

My arms went back around him and pulled him to me so his body would touch mine. The warmth of our bodies meeting skin to skin went through my whole body and I wanted more. I settled for pulling him back for another kiss, putting all my desire into my touches and delighting in every little sound of pleasure that he made. It was strange, but I could almost content myself with this. Kissing him was so wonderful I had to wonder if I would even survive anything more with him.

We pulled back a little from each other, both panting, and I knew from what I could feel that he was just as hard as I was. His face hovering above me, with the light shining through his blond hair, made me smile as I thought of him for a moment as some kind of angel. I moved my hand up into his hair and pulled out the tie, letting it fall around his face and increasing the resemblance. He was certainly my angel. I stroked his face gently, feeling the beginnings of stubble on his cheeks, and staring into his blue eyes.

"You are so beautiful. I love you." I said quietly. 

My response was another kiss, just when I was thinking I was getting my breath back he took it away again, not only with the kiss but with the look in his eyes that preceded it. 

Charlie didn't seem any more desperate to increase the speed of this than I was, despite the fact he must also have been hard and throbbing. Usually I would have had my partner totally naked by now and be well on the way to getting my cock buried in them deep, but with him I had control of my dick. I needed to take small steps, and right now the thing I most wanted to know was how sensitive his back was. My hands moved again to the small of his back and I stroked my fingers across it, feeling a shiver go through him. After a few passes I changed the angle so that my nails raked gently over his skin, and he moaned into my mouth. If he was so sensitive there then rimming him was likely to be a delight.

As I kept up my gentle assault on his back, Charlie started to move against me, and the sudden motion of his hardness against mine made both of us gasp. It was strange how so little contact and such gentle foreplay had my body buzzing so much. Every part of me seemed highly sensitised. I didn't even take in what he whispered to me and had to ask him to repeat it.

"I said, what are we doing?" his sexy soft voice whispered in my ear.

"We're having the best make-out session I've ever had in my life." I replied, equally softly.

"It is. But I thought you wanted more. I mean... I want more." he said, nipping at my earlobe. 

I arched my back at the wave of pleasure that went through me and groaned. I had no idea my ears were so sensitive to touches. I heard a slight giggle from Charlie as he sucked my earlobe in and then swirled his tongue around my outer ear. I always knew my nipples and chest were connected to my cock, but this was a new one on me. I had to get him to stop before I lost all my senses and went from soft and gentle to total caveman.

"I want to play with you," I said, pushing him back a little so I could sit up and then settling him back on the sofa so his body was laid out in front of me. He lay with his head raised on the arm, waiting for my next move. I covered his body with mine and heard him sigh before I kissed him again, still wanting to feel those soft lips against my own. His body moving beneath mine made me move, knowing I had so much more of him still to explore.




A Changed Life Ch. 05



I kissed across his neck and shoulders, licking along his collar bone to shivers of pleasure. I managed to work one hand beneath him so I could gently stroke at the spot I had found at the base of his spine, and moved my lips to his chest. I could feel and hear him panting, and he gasped when I took the first of his erect nubs into my mouth, gently nipping at it and lathing it with my tongue. His responses turned to soft moans at every single touch I placed on his body with my hands or lips and I knew how much this was working for him, and strangely how much giving him pleasure was working for me. 

I worked my way down his body, letting my free hand linger on his nipples to roll and pinch them as he enjoyed it. My tongue and lips worked across his stomach, tracing the lines of his ribs and then his muscles, finally following the treasure trail downwards and twirling his hair as I went. I increased my gentle stroking of his back and he bucked his hips up, making me more aware of his hardness which pressed into my chest when he did so.

Time to find out if he was just teasing me. He moaned a complaint when I moved my hand down his body and stopped playing with his nipples, but when he realised I was starting to undo his jeans he just sucked in a breath and waited. I wanted both hands for this so I brought the other around so I could stroke what I was about to reveal. His hips bucked up again, wanting to keep me in contact with his erection. I had no intention of letting it go, aside from the need to get it uncovered so I could finally see all of him.

As my hands slipped further into his jeans and the zip descended I realised he hadn't just been teasing me. There was no sign of underwear, and when I got the zip open and his jeans pushed slightly down on his hips his erect cock sprang straight up to greet me. I raised my eyes and his expression showed a combination of amusement and lust. If I hadn't wanted to get my mouth on him so much I might have made some smart comment, but I wasn't going to ruin the moment. I paused to appreciate what had been revealed. He was hard and dripping as I had expected, and a good size and thickness. That was going to feel great inside me.

I couldn't resist licking up the tip of his erection to taste him for the first time, and that taste made me want a lot more. He let me lap at him for a moment, probably driving him even more crazy with desire, but then he pushed me away from him. His eyes were glazed and the lust shown on his face was clear.

"I want to see you too," he gasped.

Never one to disappoint an audience, I stood for a moment, noting as his eyes went straight to my crotch where he could tell I was just as turned on by this as he was. I made a show of very slowing undoing the buttons on my jeans, enjoying his attention to my every move. Unlike him, I was wearing underwear, so when I had slipped my jeans down I made a show of turning to pull them off my feet, knowing I was displaying my cotton clad ass to him and relishing in the moan he let out while he watched. I turned back so he could see my erection straining at the underwear barely containing it. His eyes almost glowed with the intensity, and if his look could have melted the clothing away it would.

I made just as much of a show of removing that last piece of clothing as before. I didn't let him get a look at my cock at first, I wanted him to get the back view first. I looked over my shoulder, pleased to see him licking his lips as my taught globes were revealed. When I bent to push my underwear right down to my feet to be removed I made a show of shaking it at him. It might have made him laugh if he wasn't so turned on and desperate to see what I was packing. I hoped for a good reaction to that too, so I slowly turned to face him.

His eyes widened as he saw all of me for the first time, and his gaze was glued to my erect dick. I was noticeably longer and thicker than him and he seemed in awe for a moment, before I saw the doubt flicker across his face. I knew he was wondering how he would be able to take it. I knew with preparation he could, but I also didn't plan on that happening right now. He probably wouldn't expect it, but I was not a total top, and tonight I wanted him in me badly.

His arms reached out to me, inviting me back even though he knew I wanted to be there as much as he did. I slid back on top of him, moaning softly as our totally naked bodies met and in particular when our hard dicks met, our proof to each other of how much we wanted this. Even as we kissed I remembered the flavour of him from before and knew that what I wanted now was to make him come and have him moaning my name. I repeated the slow trail down his body I had done before, although this time it was faster because I couldn't wait much longer.

My first lick reminded me of how good he tasted, and I gently slid his head into my mouth, running my tongue around it to collect all the precum that I could swallow. He was leaking pretty hard so I kept being rewarded with more nectar, and with his moans of pleasure. I let him go for a moment, hearing his disappointment, but quickly went to work licking up and down his shaft to get him lubricated for me. That done I took a deep breath and looked up at his glazed expression before I opened wide and deep throated him. His cry of pleasure and him bucking up off the couch would have made me smile if my mouth wasn't already so full of him. 

I could feel my own dick leaking and throbbing wanting some attention, but I knew he could wait, and if necessary I would sort it out after this. My pressing need was to have Charlie come in me, to taste him and hear his cries. As I worked my lips, tongue and throat on him I knew it wouldn't be long. We'd taken so long to get to this point I was amazed he was able to hold out so long, but not complaining because being able to do all this to him was incredible.

Finally I felt him beginning to harden further in my mouth and I pulled back a little, needing to taste every drop I could make him spill. Then suddenly he was there. With a cry of my name which shot through me like electricity, my mouth was being filled with his seed. I swallowed several times, making room for more and it seemed to keep coming, the feeling of him spurting in me and trembling beneath me turning me on even more than I would have thought possible. I lapped at his dick as the eruption ceased, cleansing him and pleasing myself when a final last shot hit my tongue.

As I let his softened dick drop from my mouth I gasped at the sight in front of me. His eyes were closed but he was smiling a lazy smile showing his pleasure and that he was in the afterglow of his orgasm. His face and body were covered in a fine sheen of sweat that just made his attractiveness even better, and his chest heaved as he recovered his breath, while little aftershocks went through his body. My pride at doing this to the man I loved made my heart leap in my chest. He looked so peaceful like that and I wanted him in my arms so I could hold him tight to me.

The sofa was no good for the closeness I needed. He barely stirred as I picked him up, cradled in my arms, except to snuggle closer to my body and lean his head on my shoulder. I took him up the stairs and settled him into my bed, the first time he had been there. I waited a moment to join him, wanting to savour the moment before I lay down and pulled him into my arms. I wasn't even disappointed when his breathing slowed and I knew he had fallen asleep. I might not have got any, but having my angel in my bed and my arms was more than enough right now.

* * * * * * 

Charlie

I woke up not quite knowing where I was but feeling very warm and loved. I knew it was Mark's arms around me and we must be in his bed. He was asleep himself and I tried to remember how I had got here. I remembered the night at work and his declarations in front of all the staff that had had me so turned on I'd dropped a pan on the floor. I couldn't quite believe that I'd been brave enough to tell Chef about us. Well, show him as it turned out. And then we'd come to Mark's and had the slowest and most intense foreplay ever. I'd been hard and ready for anything from the moment he kissed me, and our naked bodies writhing together on the sofa had by far been the best experience of my life, until he'd given me that blowjob.

The intensity of that, the feelings and the memories and still being in his arms made me hard again and fast. Searching my memory, coming in his mouth was the last thing I remembered. Perhaps being in his arms afterwards? He must have brought me to his bed, but that meant I hadn't given him anything. I felt suddenly guilty, and also wondering how I could have managed to keep my hands off him. The sight of him naked and displaying himself for me, and that hard and large cock in front of me, and I hadn't even touched it.

Thinking about him naked had me moaning and shifting slightly in his arms. I wanted to get closer but to be honest we were probably about as close as we could get. He was certainly holding me tight to him and I could feel each time he breathed in or out. My head was by his shoulder, one of his arms was my pillow, and the sight of that soft skin had my mouth watering and I put out my tongue to lick him for a quick taste. One was not enough and I squirmed to get myself a little further down his body so I could reach more of him and lick and kiss him there as well. I didn't notice the change in his breathing, but his arms tightening further around me and a soft gasp let me know that he was awake. I stopped what I was doing.

"I'm sorry," I told him.

"For what?"

"Falling asleep. Especially since you got nothing from me."

He chuckled and I felt the shudders in his body.

"I think I got quite a lot from you, all the contents of your balls for starters, and I relished every drop."

I was glad he couldn't see the flush in my face at that moment.

"You know what I meant."

He shifted in the bed so we were further apart and could look at each other, and stroked the side of my face as he talked to me.

"I know, and you don't have to feel bad about it. It's been a long day and it's not surprising we were tired. We've got forever to do other things together. Making love to you like that was the best sex I've ever had in my life."

"You can't be serious. You didn't even come, or at least not while I was awake to have anything to do with it."

He kissed me softly before he continued. "It doesn't matter to me that I didn't come. I've never done that and not got the same, but I've never done it before not caring if I didn't either. The look on your face, the sounds you made, knowing I'd done that to you was all the pleasure I needed right then. Hearing you cry my name when you came gave me the most pleasure I've ever felt."

My eyes were wide, not sure if I could believe this. He sounded so sure but I still felt bad for him not getting to come, and for me not getting to play with him the way I'd imagined doing so many times.

"It still doesn't seem very fair."

His grin made my heart beat faster. "You can make it up to me any time you like if you still feel that way."

I grinned back. "And I don't think it's fair that I only got to see you and didn't even get to touch your cock."

He laughed and rolled onto his back. "I'm all yours. You know where to find it."

I glanced down the bed and saw the lump in the covers where his dick seemed to be trying to emerge from under the duvet. He was obviously hard and I licked my lips in anticipation, making him laugh again. As he'd rolled over, one of my hands was under the covers resting on his chest and I let it slide slowly down his body towards my prize. I felt the muscles in his stomach contract at the movement. Another look at his face had me moving over for a kiss as I continued the slow motion, wanting to delay the moment just to tease him, but the intensity in his kiss and what it did to my body sped me up.

A moment later he let out a groan as I wrapped my hand around him as best I could. It felt so large and hot in my hand and the combination of that, his moans as I slowly jacked him and our kisses sent me back into overdrive. I needed to lick and suck on him but I had a moment of doubt whether I could do it as well as he was used to. His moans into my mouth gave me encouragement.

Just as he had done to me, I worked my way down his chest and stomach, noting how he responded to where I touched him. He gasped when I licked his nipples so I figured they were just as sensitive as mine and played there a little, making him start to push his cock into my hand with involuntary jerks of his hips. His body displayed in front of me was beautiful and although I wanted to lick every inch over, there were a few inches that drew my attention down. 

I pulled back the covers so I could see him properly, and the sight of my hand wrapped around his hard pole had me gasping as well as him. I looked up to see him, and although his eyes were slightly glazed he was looking back at me with love in his eyes. It encouraged me to take the final step, and I licked across his head, immediately taking as much as I could into my mouth and running my tongue around him. He went from groaning to gasping and stammering my name.

Hearing him talk to me with such lust and so little control made me want to work for his load. I needed to know that I could do to him what he'd done to me, even if that included him falling asleep with me unfulfilled. I kind of got what he'd said, I really didn't care what happened to me, I just wanted to make him feel good. I tried to take more of him in my mouth and throat, but I wasn't able to take it all like he had done to me. Still, I knew I could work him with my lips and tongue and that seemed to be having enough effect.

I listened as his cries and moans increased in volume until I felt him swelling in my mouth and I was treated to his warm, sweet cum. I would be happy to keep drinking that for the rest of my life and I knew that was what was ahead. I couldn't help smiling once I'd cleaned him up and let his softened dick drop from my mouth. His eyes opened and he smiled back at me.

"Come here and kiss me."

I eagerly moved up his body to press my lips to his, still smiling.

"Now do you see what I mean?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"Was that bad even though you're still hard?"

I grinned. "Okay, I believe you. That was great and I don't care that I've not come. Of course, if you did want to do something about that I wouldn't mind."

"How about we both do something about it?"

"Huh?"

He laughed at me and kissed me again. "I love that you are so communicative! I want you to make love to me."

I pulled back from him shocked. "Really? As in me in you?"

"Yes. I want you to take me with that hard cock you're pushing into my stomach, because I know it'll feel a lot better for both of us in my ass."

"Baby, are you sure? I've only been on the receiving end before, I don't know what I'm doing."

"It's not difficult, you know what goes on, or at least I hope you're familiar with lube! You need to start practising, because I'm going to want you to take me as well as me taking you. Don't look so surprised!"

I must have been staring at him open-mouthed to cause the last comment.

"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting you to want this. I'm totally up for it!"

"I can feel that," he replied, pushing his hips towards me and grinding them against my erection, making me moan.

"If you keep doing things like that I might not make it that far. Where's your lube?"

He indicated the bedside cabinet and I opened the drawer, finding a bottle and a dildo. I looked across at him and raised my eyebrows as an unspoken question.

"Not as good as the real thing, but I like being filled from time to time. Don't try and tell me you haven't got any toys."

"I do. But they are a lot better hidden than that."

He grinned. "I'll have to go looking next time I'm over. But I bet you'd rather have the real thing too."

I just nodded, trying not to think about that just now because I needed all my attention on him and getting him ready for me. I really hadn't been expecting this and I was a little nervous. Perhaps more than a little, because my hands were shaking as I tried to open the lube. It might also have been down to how turned on I was, naked in bed with the man I loved who wanted me and who was staring at me with such lust at that moment I had to stop looking at his face just to calm down enough to get some lube on my fingers. I thought about rimming him, knowing it would feel really good, but I couldn't wait to experience this.

One finger slipped in easily, and I heard and felt his moan it caused. I slid another one in straight away and he barely flinched, clearly really into what I was doing already. I made sure I rotated and spread them, opening him up gradually as he started to move towards them, making me push in further. My chest was pounding with my desire to have him and I had to take some calming breaths to make sure this wasn't going to hurt him. A third finger he just welcomed with another groan, but it was all pleasure. His face, eyes screwed shut, just showed how much he loved this.

"Enough, I need you," he croaked out.

I fumbled again trying to get some lube to cover me, and just the feel of my own hand on me as I prepared myself was almost too much. I had no idea how intense being in him would feel. He'd made a point a few days earlier of telling me he had never been bareback and had been tested, and it didn't surprise me that there were no condoms around. It was unspoken that we weren't going to use them and I was grateful I had also been able to assure him I'd been careful so this was a possibility. 

I pressed the head of my throbbing cock against his willing portal and felt it begin to slide in immediately. He was pressing down to make sure I entered him and I might have been too cautious otherwise. As more of me slid inside I felt the pressure of his muscles and the warmth of him and as far as I knew this was the closest thing to heaven I would ever find. He was incredible, his ass hugged me so tight that each movement was a mixture of agony and ecstasy. I knew I had to wait for a moment when I was fully seated, and I felt relief when my balls met his body because I needed to relax myself, the pleasure was so intense. 

I was so focussed on what I was feeling it took me a moment to realise I had collapsed onto his body and he was kissing me. When I responded I felt my cock twitching in response to the kisses and it made us both moan. It was so tight still I didn't dare move, not sure if I would hurt him and desperate not to even though my body was crying out for me to start pounding and make us both come. 

"Oh god!" I groaned. 

His laughter made matters worse because I could feel it around my cock. However, he did seem to be relaxing a little too, and although it was still amazing, I felt a bit more able to control myself and move slowly. I'd obviously judged my first withdrawal right because he made an incredible whimpering noise. The fact that I had such control over his pleasure turned me on even more and I set up a rhythm that seemed to suit both of us, both of us moaning as our bodies crashed together each time. 

Too soon I realised it was going to be over. I was fucking him hard and fast by now, having found the angle and speed that had his eyes widening and him crying out my name, begging me incoherently for more and to make him come. I watched as he jerked and his cock started shooting his milky seed over the pair of us, and felt his orgasm from where I was still seated inside him. A couple more thrusts, even though it was hard for me to move in his clenching channel, was all it took for me to join him and fill his ass with my cum. It felt like a primal way of marking him as mine.




A Changed Life Ch. 05



I let my body press down on his as we both recovered, not even trying to get my cock out of his body although I knew it would soften before long. I just loved that connection, and although I had been taken a few times I never knew how good it could be to give. I knew those men enjoyed it, but now I knew why. Even better, this was Mark, the man I'd been craving for so long. I still couldn't quite believe he'd wanted me to take him first, but I was glad I had and pleased that he'd made it clear this would happen again.

His arms came around me to make sure I didn't move away. I don't think I could have even if I wanted to, but it was great to feel loved and wanted after such an act. The best I'd ever got was the guy rolling off me and starting to snore on the other side of the bed, and this was so far removed from that I felt like I'd never had sex before this moment. Well, perhaps it was just that I'd never made love. The strange thoughts rolling round my head, and the high I was still feeling had me starting to giggle.

"What's making you laugh?" he asked.

"I can't believe I just fucked my boss!"

He grimaced. "No, you just fucked your lover and partner. Less of the boss business. I didn't even hire you. However, I was very very impressed with Chef's choice!"

"I remember. You weren't exactly subtle when you checked me out."

"Neither were you. You fancied me then, didn't you?"

"Cute man in a suit. What wasn't to like?!"

"I hope that doesn't apply to every man you see in a suit." A hint of jealousy in his voice, but I didn't think it was that serious. He more than anyone else knew I was not an easy lay.

"Nope. You were an exception. I liked you even more when I saw you out of the suit."

He laughed at that. "Were you meaning dressed casually, or undressed entirely?"

"Well, I did mean when I first saw you in jeans, but now I'd have to say I prefer the naked version. Shame you can't stay like this all the time!"

"Only you get to see me like this from now on," he told me with certainty.

I wasn't quite sure what to say to that, but I knew it was more reassurance for me that this was real and we were together properly now. I kissed him, letting all of what I was feeling show in the kiss for a moment.

"I love you."

"I love you too Charlie. Thanks for believing in me."

"Always."

* * * * * *