Kevin adjusted the dinner plates for the third time, his nerves getting the better of him. Tonight was important; he had invited Jamal, his boss, over for dinner. A promotion was on the line, and Kevin was determined to seal the deal. Running his hand through his blonde hair he went over the evening in his mind In hopes of everything going right. From the dining room, he could hear his husband Ethan finishing up the dessert. It was a perfect three-course meal topped off with Ethan's world-famous chocolate cheesecake. As Kevin peaked around the corner he could see the streetlights creeping through the window reflecting off the glass of wine Ethan was holding in his hand. Ethan was a 6ft brunette with a pale complexion. They had met seven years ago at a Pride event in Chicago and married two years later.
Kevin stepped into the kitchen. Ethan looked his way but didn't speak. Instead, he cut into the cheesecake, creating a perfect slice. He had been quiet all evening, his eyes distant. "You know, Ethan," Kevin began, trying to break the silence as he handed Ethan three clean dessert plates, "I've got a good feeling about this promotion. I don't want to brag but the others in the office have not had the best track record in regards to sales the past two quarters and with Anna leaving I feel I'm the best suited and just maybe this dinner and your perfect cheesecake will send it over the edge." He gave his husband a kiss on the cheek. Ethan gave him a reluctant smile. Kein didn't know what was wrong but he didn't have the capacity to handle it this evening. Once Jamal had left he would make a point to talk to Ethan and figure out why he had been so distant all day.
The doorbell rang. Kevin felt his body jump. Every hair was standing on end. He hurried to the door, opening it to reveal Jamal, tall and imposing, his dark eyes immediately ran up and down his employee. He carried a bottle of wine. He was a masterpiece of a man. Standing at 6'4, he seemed to tower over Kevin.
"Kevin, good to see you," Jamal said, his voice deep and commanding. He handed Kevin the body but before he could respond, Jamal's eyes fell over his shoulder, "And who's this?" Kevin looked back to see Ethan in his crip clean polo standing in the hallway with a soft smile on his face.
"This is my husband, Ethan," Kevin replied, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. Jamal had never met his husband before. They were meant to attend a family luncheon even a few months back but Ethan had to attend a work conference.
Jamal extended his hand, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ethan, nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." This was true. Kevin hyped up Ethan as often as he could.
Ethan shook Jamal's hand, his eyes lingering on Jamal's broad shoulders and muscular frame, still evident through his navy suit. He must have come directly from the office. "Nice to meet you too, Jamal."
Shutting the door Kevin turned back to the pair.
"Dinner will be done in about ten minutes. If you would like to freshen up the bathroom is at the end of the hall." Taking the bottle in hand Kevin moved to the kitchen, "I will add the finishing touch and get things plated."
Dinner was incredible. Perfectly poached salmon alongside an almond-roasted potato au gratin and asparagus. Of course, Jamal dominated the conversation just as he often did in the office. He was a powerful man with a booming voice. Ethan listened intently as Kevin bragged about his successes. Kevin could tell it bored him but Ethan was playing the perfect partner to clinch that promotion! Kevin tried to interject a handful of times, but his words seemed to fade in comparison.
"Ethan would you mind getting the cheesecake from the kitchen so Jamal and I can chat." He winked his husband's way.
"Can you grab it, Kevin?" Ethan smiled, "Jamal was telling me bout his trip to Jamaica last summer. Did you know he actually wears Speedos on the beach? With a body like that, I can see why." Jamal laughed.
"Thank you." He responded, "I regularly go to the gym each morning before work. Its been a routine of mine for 15 years, roughly"
"Really?" Ethan looked at Jamal from head to toe. Kevin rolled his eyes. Ethan could be a flirt but if it got him the promotion and pay increase, he could look the other way this once. Kevin had hoped to talk about the promotion while his husband was getting, the cheesecake but that plan had gone south, "While Kevin gets the dessert, how about me migrate to the living room?"
"Sounds good to me." Jamal agreed. Ethan watched as Jamal's thighs flexed as he stood. He had already noticed the very prominent bulge Kevin was packing before they stepped into the dining room but suddenly it seemed to take center stage as the pair made their way to the living room.
Moments later Kevin rounded the corner with the chocolate drizzled cheesecakes. Jamal had sat down next to Ethan, his leg brushing against Ethan's. Ethan clearly hadn't pulled away. Kevin was slightly annoyed but he couldn't jeopardize this opportunity.
"You know, Jamal," Kevin said, lowering his voice as he handed his boss and partner their plates, "I had wanted to invite you over tonight in hopes of talking about Anna stepping away from the organization." There was silence in the room. Had Kevin not made his point clear. He watched as Jamal's thick lips ran over the spoon, "I was just thinking maybe I could take a chance and step up to the plate. These past two quarters I have..."
"Let me stop you right there," Jamal said cutting off Kevin mid-stride. He gestured for Ethan to take his plate for him. Ethan obliged and sat it on the side table, "Thanks, baby. Here's the thing Kevin, I'm not going to mince words here. I don't think you would be appropriate for the job.
Kevin found himself wanting to shout, "Why?" But he held back. And did Jamal just call Ethan, baby? Kevin's face fell. Ethan was the only one with the nerve to speak with a simple,
