A/N: I deeply apologize for the delay. R/L has been a killer lately between work and home. Okay, this is the beginning of the 'date'. This date night should bridge across several chapters - not sure if that's a good or bad thing. We'll have to see about that! Thank you all that have been reading & commenting. I appreciate that so much. That is what motivates me into moving forward. I hope you enjoy the chapter! :)

Chapter 12

Ste stood and posed in front of the bedroom mirror, adjusting his tie for at least the tenth time. He was wearing one of his best suits. Black and sharply cut. One that fit him to a T even though it had been purchased directly off the rack. He didn't know why he was making such a fuss about his appearance. Amy would probably laugh at him if she could see him now. Then again, perhaps not. She had made no secret of her dislike of Brendan Brady. Like anyone with a bit of common sense, the man made her nervous. The power and danger that Brendan exuded was apparent to even an outsider. Ste continued to wonder why he had let himself become involved with him – outside of a professional relationship.

Straightening his tie for the last time, Ste wondered if he'd ever had a real choice in that. One thing was crystal clear – what Brendan wanted was what he got; by fair means or foul, he found a way to make it happen. Ste found himself smiling in a goofy, dreamlike manner as he thought of being what Brendan wanted so badly. Danger or not, there was something to be said for being desired by that man. A position he never would have imagined himself to be in, but one he was enjoying nonetheless. He couldn't help but to wonder if this was only a temporary aberration for Brendan – or if it could be more. He was trying to keep his head clear and his eyes open. The last thing he wanted was to have a broken heart at the hands of his mesmerizing boss... and then have to deal with him on a daily basis in the aftermath.

Checking his appearance for the last time, Ste smiled as he heard the brisk tapping on the door. He moved to answer knowing he was the only one at home. After he'd agreed to have dinner with Brendan, he had suggested to Amy that she enjoy the evening out with the kids. She had been hesitant at first stating they didn't need that added expense, but he had worked to assuring her it would be fine. If anything, Amy was always practical. Unlike any girl he'd ever known. She didn't live in the moment, Amy looked at the big picture. More often than not, she was right. She was convinced in short order when he reminded her of his new job and salary. Things were not nearly as tight now. He only hoped his personal relationship with Brendan didn't affect his professional one.

Opening the door with a timid smile on his face, Ste prepared to greet his date. His breath nearly caught in his throat at Brendan in the black suit obviously tailored to fit him like a glove, the white starched shirt underneath... and a red tie that looked to be fashioned from silk. He didn't think he had seen Brendan sporting a tie to date... but, now that he looked at him in full dress form he was undoubtedly the most spectacular sight he had ever beheld. He flushed as he met Brendan's knowing gaze, realizing he was busted in his thorough perusal. Stammering slightly he offered, "Come on in, Brendan."

"Thank you, Stephen," Brendan answered, slowly chewing his gum as he stepped inside; his eyes moving over every visible inch of the gorgeous younger man. "You look... nice."

Closing the door behind him, he averted his eyes from Brendan's, still finding himself nervous and a bit hesitant following the events of last night. Noticing that his guest wasn't looking to take a seat, Ste ventured, "Uh... thanks. Would you like a drink before we go?"

"No, Stephen. What I would like is for you to relax. Is that too much to ask?" Brendan asked, as he ran a finger under the lapel in Stephen's jacket. His eyes honing in on the lower lip that Stephen suddenly began to chew on, Brendan asked in a low rasp, "Are we alone here, Stephen? It seems very quiet."

Ste nodded. "Amy took the kids out for dinner and a movie."

"How nice," Brendan purred. "Well then, I think that means you should greet me properly before we go. Don't ya agree?"

"I – uhmmm, probably..." Ste hedged, uncertain if he had the nerve to proceed with such a request.

Brendan's eyes fell to Stephen's tongue nervously wetting his lips. He elicited a low groan as he watched the tongue slip out, before returning into his mouth. "I wish you'd stop that, Stephen. I wanted to get through dinner before feeling the need to go at you. Those actions make it extremely difficult..."

"Stop what?" Ste asked innocently, having no idea what Brendan was beginning to go on about.

Brendan looked at Stephen intently, his gaze purposeful and unflinching. He tugged at the jacket until their bodies almost touched. Reaching up, he stroked a line down Stephen's cheek, whispering softly, "I wonder... can anyone truly be so naïve?"

Stephen flushed brightly, hating how this man so quickly unnerved him, but knew it to be the case. "I – uhhh – don't know what you're talking about, Brendan."

"I will admit this shyness is very hot. It would be a shame to discover it to be all an act," Brendan said, as his finger moved to stroke along Stephen's lips, his eyes following with hunger the slight parting of them as Stephen gasped. "There's one thing I know for certain, Stephen."

"What's that, Brendan?" Ste asked shakily.

Brendan slowly moistened his lips, before he murmured softly, "If I don't kiss you soon, I will go completely mad."

In a sudden moment of bravery, Ste slid his hands up Brendan's broad chest, before he whispered flirtatiously, "We wouldn't want that... would we?"

"Playing with fire, aren't ya, young Stephen?" Brendan hissed, as his lips came closer. "I didn't even scratch the surface with you last night. But, I have the feeling I will, Stephen. Very soon."

Ste swallowed nervously, knowing he had foolishly goaded the lion... and, yet found himself thrilling to the entire prospect. He was so confused about himself and what his reactions to Brendan meant. Was he gay or was it just all about Brendan Brady? He knew he had to answer that question and lay it to rest once and for all... however, for now he just wanted to be closer to this man. If that meant being in Brendan's arms, devoured by him once more – he was more than up for that challenge. As Brendan's mouth determinedly closed the gap, Ste moaned at the initial contact knowing instantly this hadn't been a one-off... nor, had it been just a night of exploration. He still wanted Brendan. Wanted him badly... and, he had the feeling Brendan felt exactly the same.

Brendan snagged a hand behind Stephen's neck as he angled his head for the level of penetration he not only wanted, but determined to have. He growled as his tongue deftly sliced through Stephen's lips, reacquainting himself with the warmth and taste that was simply defined as Stephen Hay. Fuck. He tasted so good. The problem that nagged at his mind – he knew exactly how good he tasted in other areas... ones that he wanted to possess once again. Getting through dinner would be torture, for he had no doubt as to the end result. Stephen would be coming home with him. No other outcome could he possibly accept.

Ste sighed against the dominant penetration of Brendan's tongue, his own stretching out to meet the one of his aggressive boss; knowing without a doubt this was what he wanted. As his hands moved to clutch onto Brendan's back, his senses quickly became overtaken by the skill and finesse of the man that was determined to conquer him. Ste wondered if he had a hope of resisting him; that is – if resistance was even anything he wanted to contemplate with Brendan Brady. Moaning as Brendan's mouth continued to move on his with increasing vigor, Ste groaned in sublime pleasure... knowing if their kiss didn't end soon, their plans for the evening would be changing drastically.

"Mmmm, now that's a proper kind of hello, Stephen. One that we need to end in order to continue with the evening as planned..." Brendan rasped, as he reluctantly pulled free of the enticement of Stephen's lips. Kissing him once more, quickly accompanied by more teasing swipes of his tongue, Brendan stepped back as he brushed a hand across Stephen's face. Gruffly he told him, "Okay, Stephen. If we're going to do this, we had better be leaving now. Although, I'd much rather drag you off to your bed..."

Ste nodded, as he moved towards the door. "I'm ready when you are." Flushing at what he had said, Ste nervously amended, "I – uhh, meant for dinner."

Brendan smiled as he chuckled in delight. Whacking him on the backside, Brendan murmured, "Such a delicious and engaging lad. I'm going to have so much fun with you. Off we go, young Stephen. I have a feeling it's going to be a very eventful evening."

Ste concurred with that assessment. As he followed Brendan from the building and towards his car, Ste wondered just how this passionate and hard to control man would react when he suggested he wanted to slow things down just a bit. Would Brendan allow him a bit of space to fully realize who he truly was... or would he use what he assumed to be the standard Brendan Brady charm and override him once more? No matter what, Ste didn't doubt this would be an evening to remember. Not only for him, but for both of them.

TBC