The Hots (mxm)

11. Sweet Peppercorn (Sam)

   "I've got Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Which one do you choose?" I nudge Alec, who is still leaning on the countertop, heavily breathing with a face as red as a poppy.

   "Sauvignon Blanc will be perfect," he barely utters.

   "Alec, relax!" I am trying to calm him down. "It is ok to ask a question about sex. It's not such a big deal."

   "Please, don't say sex." He gasps as if there is not enough oxygen in the room.

   What did he watch? He behaves as if hooking up with another guy is something worse than a tooth extraction without anesthesia, and being a top or a bottom equals to being Jack the Ripper and his victim. The boy definitely needs a drink. This, at least, is something I am good at. Not that I am not good at sex, but God forbid I tell him about it.

   "Come on, help me with the cocktails," I urge him, hoping to distract him from his deep embarrassment.

   He takes a shaky breath and enthusiastically smiles. "Sure! What do you want me to do?"

   "Could you, please, squeeze the juice of a grapefruit and a lemon for me," I give him the first task. "Then we'll swizzle everything."

   "Can I mix it?" He beams. "I've never mixed a cocktail. I really want to try."

   "Of course, Peppercorn." I nod in agreement and pinch his cheek. "But only if you promise to teach me how to cook something nice next time."

   "Yeah, great idea." He quickly gets to work. Obviously, giving him tasks in the kitchen is the only way to keep Alec focused on something else instead of looking at me as if I have grown two heads, or rather two dicks. I snort, trying not to laugh out again.

   I line a jug, two stemless wine glasses, a swizzle stick, and all the ingredients on the counter.

   "I am ready." Alec excitedly claps his hands, bouncing on his feet.

   "Ok, fill the jug halfway with ice and pour two glasses of wine," I instruct him. "Now add half a glass of each type of juice. Stir a little."

   "Oh, my God! This is so cool!" He is enjoying himself and it makes him even cuter. "I love it!"

   "Do I get a kiss then?" I smirk.

   "Yes, you do." He instantly agrees, but quickly adds, "Not before it's ready."

   "Fine! Add a spoonful of brown sugar and just a few drops of lavender syrup and swizzle till it's almost dissolved." He is very careful to do exactly what I say, although I have chosen a cocktail that allows some liberty in the proportions. "Put some ice in the glasses and strain the drink into them."

   "Wow, the color is amazing," Alec exclaims, proud of the result. "You are so good at this!"

   "Thank you! I surely am." What is the point in being modest. I love my profession and appreciate every compliment about my skills. This time, though, I'll give the credit to Alec. "It's time for the most important ingredient. Sprinkle some red peppercorns in each glass."

   He puts the final touch, a slice of lemon, and looks at the glasses with shining eyes. "Sam, they are beautiful. I can't wait to try the drink. How is it called?"

   "Mmm, since we just invented the recipe, we'll have to come up with a name as well." I scratch my nose wondering which would be the best. "Ah, here we go. I have a nice one. This will be the Sweet Peppercorn cocktail. What do you say?"

   "I think it's just perfect!" he smiles. "Do you want your kiss now?"

   His lips glue to mine before I can answer. It is a quick, sweet, clumsy kiss, but my heart skips a beat. I feel a new, strange flutter in my stomach and blink at him, startled at my own reaction. Could this be it? The thing that everyone is so crazy about? The feeling all romantic novels describe? Am I falling for him?

   We sit on the high stools, facing each other. Alec immediately stuffs his mouth with ravioli. I'm only gazing at him. Is it normal to find a trickle of tomato sauce, sliding on his chin, so adorable? I hand him a napkin, fighting the urge to lick it. The movements of his lips are fascinating. How can they be so perfect? Maybe, this is worth trying, to do things properly for once, to ask him on a date and take him to the movies and not show him the scary thing in my pants before the third date. I haven't dated for years, but I'll be damned if this is a one night stand.

   "Sam, aren't you going to eat?" Alec cocks a brow, taking a big gulp from his glass. "Ah, it's so refreshing. Honestly, I have never tasted something so good. This is the first time I really like wine."

   "You mixed it. There was no way it wouldn't be awesome. The accomplishment is entirely yours." His happy face makes me all tingly and warm. I hesitate for a single second before asking, "Alec, can I take you on a date? Would you like to date me?"

   He peeks at me startled, but quickly braces himself and mumbles, "I actually do! But can we take it slow, please. I've never done it. I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to do."

   "Leave it all to me." I wink and finally put a ravioli in my mouth. "Oh my God! This is incredible! Let's skip dating. Will you marry me?"

   Alec starts giggling and it is the most captivating thing I have ever seen.

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A/N

Hello at the end of chapter 11!

Thank you so much for reading and supporting! ❤❤❤

Do you think this is the beginning of a love story or it will all go down in flames? 😂

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Love: Anny