Page 39 of Sin Deep
“Yes, sir. I’ll put the gifts here on the table. The cake ought to go in the fridge until after our supper reservations.”
“We have reservations? You didn’t have to get gifts. You are gift enough, petit.” But he was excited by the idea of opening presents. He pulled down a vase and filled it with water. “There should be room on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator.”
“We do! We have to be there at seven thirty, so I’ve called for an Uber.” Harley kissed his cheek.
“You’re spoiling me, Harley. Reservations, an Uber, presents, cake…” The flowers looked so nice in the vase, and he put them on the table with the gifts. “Where are we going? Or is that more mystery?” He took the cake from Harley’s hands and put it in the fridge.
“Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. Is that okay?” Harley looked so worried.
“Wolfgang’s. Goodness. What a treat!” He was almost embarrassed; Harley had only known him a short time and it was such a splurge. But he wouldn’t ruin the boy’s plans for anything. “Tribeca is fun to walk through as well.”
“I wanted to celebrate you, and Ollie suggested this place, so I looked it up. I haven’t had a steak in eons.” Harley beamed at him. “And you look amazing, birthday boy.”
He straightened up at the compliment and smoothed his tie. “Thank you, and you look gorgeous. Fancy shirt, fancy boots…so handsome. I’m proud to call you my date.” Harley was clean-shaven; he loved a nice smooth face. “I can’t believe you did all of this for me.”
“You are important. You deserve it.” Harley wasn’t flattering, or if he was, it was absolutely hidden.
“Thank you, petit.” He wanted a kiss, and it was his birthday after all, so he didn’t hesitate. He cupped Harley’s jaw and pulled him in.
Harley stepped right into him, holding on tight, kissing him like there was nothing else on earth he’d rather do.
“Mmm.” The buzzer interrupted them, and he smiled and stepped away to answer it. “Sorry petit.” He hit the button to respond, and the security guard told him their Uber had arrived. “Our car is here.”
“Let’s go celebrate!” Harley took his hand and led him out, a huge smile on his face.
The security guard nodded to him as they headed out. “Happy birthday!”
“Thank you!” He looked at Harley grinning. “Did you tell him it was my birthday?”
“It was a little obvious with the two-foot-wide happy birthday balloon…” Harley winked over.
Winter chuckled. “I suppose that’s true.”
They laughed and chatted through the car ride, through the line to the maître d’, and all the way to the bar where they waited for their table to be ready.
“I have to tell you, I’ve been in my fair share of nice restaurants, but I’ve never been here. It’s quite posh.” Winter leaned close to his ear. “And feels laced with testosterone.”
“That must be all the meat.” That wink was wicked as could be.
Winter laughed. “I hear the portions are huge.”
“Just laid out there for you to pick from.”
“Pink…raw…”
“Are you gentlemen ready for your table?”
Winter blinked at Harley, so sure they’d been overheard.
“Yes, sir. Lead the way.” Harley nodded to Winter and fell in behind him as he walked.
Such a good boy.
Their table was toward the back of the restaurant, and it was a bit quieter than the bar had been, which was nice. The host left him with the wine list, and someone brought over a gorgeous little boule on a small cutting board with a serrated knife and what looked like whipped butter.
“Mm. Fancy bread. Did you celebrate at fancy places for your birthday at home?”
“My dad used to take my momma to Houston for hers, yeah. It was always a big deal.” Harley offered him a grin. “Momma made Daddy his favorite dinner and a big cake.”
