Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
He was also older than he appeared—twenty-eight. Stephen would have put him closer to twenty-four or twenty-five. Those cute, round cheeks were deceptive. But that meant there were only four years between them, which was nice. Too many years often resulted in too many differences to overcome, and he was already hoping for a second date.
Besides the raw details, Stephen was delighted to find that Ehren was funny, intelligent, and truly warmhearted. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed having dinner with someone as much.
“Do you mind if I ask…” he began as their after-dinner cappuccinos were served. He immediately regretted starting, but he couldn’t help being curious. It had been a few things Ehren had said during the course of the night. “Well, your name, Ehren…and your last name…but…”
Ehren leaned forward, a devilish smile spreading on his lips. “Go on.”
“Then you went to your uncle’s estate in Turkey…” Stephen’s voice died off at the end as Ehren’s smile got wider.
“Yes? I don’t think I hear a question in there.”
Stephen glared at him. “You’re enjoying this.”
“It’s the first time you’ve been even remotely awkward all night while I am constantly awkward. Yes, I’m enjoying this.”
Stephen huffed, though it was mostly for show. He was enjoying the teasing as well. “I am curious about your family’s heritage, but I don’t want to come off rude or even remotely racist.”
For the first time, Ehren reached out and placed his hand over Stephen’s. “I’m teasing. I don’t think you’re being rude or racist. I’ve seen enough of it firsthand to know the difference. My uncle and my family on my mother’s side are Turkish. She was born and went to school in Ankara.”
Ehren started to remove his hand, but Stephen caught it and turned it over so that they were now holding hands. Yes, he was a touchy-feely guy. He liked holding hands. He liked snuggles, cuddles, and spooning. Physical contact was important to him. He’d tried dating guys in the past where he suppressed that side of himself, and he always ended up miserable. He respected a person’s dislike of PDA, but he needed to know what Ehren was comfortable with.
To his joy, Ehren perked up a bit as he threaded his fingers through Stephen’s. It was slightly awkward due to the angle, but also exciting. Maybe he was a little childish, but he liked being with people who were comfortable holding his hand whether in private or in public.
“Galanis doesn’t sound Turkish, though.”
Ehren nodded. “It’s Greek. My mother is an accomplished linguist—which is where I get my skills. She moved to Athens to work as a translator and teacher. That’s where she met my father and got married.”
“Are they still in Greece?”
Ehren nodded. “And happily married.”
“That’s wonderful. How many languages do you speak?”
“Fluently, about a dozen. And then there are a few others that I can roughly stumble my way through for basic conversation.”
“That’s amazing. You’re a polyglot. I think I’ve only met a couple of others in my life.” Of course, now Stephen’s brain was dying to know which language Ehren would shout in as he was coming.
Nope. Not thinking that. He needed to behave himself. It didn’t matter how adorable and sweet Ehren was. He needed to be a gentleman. Right?
Ehren laughed. “And you’ve got to be the only person I know who has even heard of that word.”
Stephen shrugged. “I’m weird.”
“Not at all.” Ehren lowered his eyes to their joined hands. When he spoke again, his voice was soft and so tantalizing. “But I am wondering if you think I’m amazing enough to go on another date with me.”
Stephen squeezed Ehren’s fingers. “I decided you were incredibly interesting before the salads arrived. I would very much like to go on another date. One that I didn’t steal from someone else.”
Ehren snorted. “No, I think Dave pretty much handed it to you.”
“Then I need to give Dave some cooking lessons as a thank-you gift.”
“Or…” Ehren drawled. “I’ve got some Turkish coffee I brought back with me from Ankara. You could come over to my place and have some with me.”
Stephen froze while his body took a breath to war with itself. His brain was shouting “Danger! Danger!” since he’d just reminded himself that he was going to be a gentleman, and going to Ehren’s place almost promised him being anything but that.
Of course, his dick was saluting and saying, “Aye, aye, Cap’n! Full steam ahead!”
And then there were other body parts he couldn’t name that were celebrating the promise of coffee and more time with Ehren.
Either way, the major concern was that his dick was currently getting more blood than his brain and would soon overpower smarter, more responsible thoughts.
“Ehren,” Stephen started slowly, and Ehren’s shoulders immediately slumped. He tried to pull his hand free, but Stephen tightened his fingers. “Please look at me.”