The Journey of a Lonely Heart, Part 2 by DGB
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Dr. Trevor Smith. Now the man Derek had drooled over from the safety of his car had a name. And this time the smile was for him, the dimples even cuter up close. His eyes were a deep emerald green, scrunched up at the corners the way only a genuine smile could cause.
And the good doctor was holding out his hand in greeting. Derek recovered quickly, he hoped, and slipped into business mode returning a firm handshake. This was so unlike him, normally he was always in control. "Sorry, for a moment there you looked familiar and I was trying to decide if we've met."
"I don't think so" Trevor replied. "I'm usually pretty good with faces, and I'm sure I'd remember you."
Derek thought he detected a hint of a blush as they both took their seats. There was no doubt his face felt warm. The waiter arrived to go over the specials of the day and take drink orders. Lindsey and Derek both ordered iced tea, when Trevor surprised them both by ordering a glass of Chianti. "I'm off today and already finished my errands, so I figure why not. This is one of the few places that serve it by the glass, and it's one of my favorite wines."
Derek filed that information away for later. Hopefully he'd have an excuse one day to share a bottle with Trevor. Lindsey interrupted his thoughts as she started the meeting. She apologized for making the lunch all work, but she was due back at the clinic early that afternoon. It was clear she had a passion for supporting the foundation, and was full of ideas to expand their work. Trevor was a pediatric hematologist and held a board advisory seat, explaining that he liked to support the foundation when he could, but that his patients kept him busy most of the time.
The group worked well together, and soon ideas for new fundraising sources started flowing. Derek ended up taking over five pages of notes, some areas they could get easy wins and as well as long term projects. He'd occasionally look up from his writing to find Trevor' green eyes watching him. Could this man actually be interested in him?
The rational part of his mind said that dating a board member probably fell into the same category as dating a coworker, risky and potentially disastrous. He'd have to check the HR manual he got yesterday to see if this was covered. A heartbeat later he knew it didn't matter. Following supposed rules of professionalism had gotten him career success but also left a hole in his life. Following his heart led him to this job, so maybe it could lead him to more.
Derek grabbed the bill knowing that lunch was considered an organizational expense. This could definitely be considered a working lunch since he now had the strong basis of a work plan for the next few months. Derek had fed off the excitement of his lunch companions and was excited to get to work. While waiting to sign off on the receipt, Lindsey asked "So Trevor, are you and Tiffany all packed for the trip?"
"Almost. I picked up the last few things I needed to buy this morning."
Trevor mistook Derek's brief look of disappointment with confusion, so he explained that Tiffany was his partner. They were headed to Belize in the morning for a conference, before a week long research exchange in Brazil.
Derek thought to himself that even though Tiffany had been described as his partner, it was obvious her relationship to Trevor went beyond work colleagues. Maybe blindly following his heart wasn't the best idea after all. Of course, he still got the familiar tingle in his balls when Trevor shook his hand on the way out and said he looked forward to working closely together in the future.
On the way back to the office Derek resolved to do a little digging to see if Trevor was available or not. Maybe they had some board member biographies on the network he could read through. When Robyn stopped by his office to talk about lunch he saw an opening. "They were both great and full of ideas. I plan to follow up with Lindsey later this week, but Trevor was headed out of the country with someone. I think he called her Tiffany?"
Robyn unknowingly took the bait "Oh that's his partner Dr. Tiffany Smith. All the children love both the Doctor Smiths. I'm sure you'll meet her at the donor appreciation dinner."
Professional Derek took control as Robyn went into detail about the dinner, only three weeks away. The foundation was raising funds to refurbish the clinic and fund more research. They were looking into selling naming rights to areas of the clinic as well as sponsors for the various activities and events run at no cost to the patients.
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Derek slipped into bed that evening like usual wearing nothing but his boxers. Thinking back through the day he quickly came to dwell on Trevor. Of course it had just been a lusty crush, but he still felt a twinge of disappointment. Why was he so infatuated?
Trevor's personality had instantly put him at ease; like he was talking to someone he had known his whole life. Those cute little dimples were enough to make anyone, man or woman, weak in the knees. And those eyes, he could get lost staring into those emerald depths. Derek was rock hard by the time his mind moved on to thoughts of the most perfect ass he had ever seen.
Derek freed his cock from the confines of his boxers and slowly started stroking. This spank session wasn't imagining just a quick fuck, but of claiming the man as his. In his mind he started by running his hands through Trevor's hair, holding his lover's head close for sensuous kisses. He imagined slowly undressing the man of his dreams, trailing tender kisses down his neck until he could suck the stud's nipple. He'd push Trevor back on the bed while he helped shuck off his jeans. Then slowly kiss up his thick thighs before nuzzling his nose into the well packed bulge, mouthing the unmistakable head of a leaking cock.
Derek came hard, splashing his chest with the biggest load he'd shot in ages. He chuckled that he had gotten excited enough to shoot his load before even getting to the good bits. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he looked at the mess, knowing it was hard to wipe sticky globs off his cum off his hairy chest. It had all been a childish fantasy since Trevor was obviously unavailable, and he felt just a tad guilty for making the man an unwitting porn star. Derek drifted off the sleep, satisfied that no harm had been done, and hoping that thoughts of Trevor were now out of his system.
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Derek went to the clinic Friday afternoon to meet Lindsey for a tour and identify areas to sell to donors as sponsorships. He started taking a mental inventory as soon as he walked in the door. The reception area and waiting room looked like they had seen better days. The furniture appeared to be in good repair, just a bit worn around the edges. The same could be said for the white Formica countertop at the reception desk, slightly yellowed with years of use and countless cleanings. He let the receptionist know he was there for a meeting before finishing his survey.
A small fish tank bubbled away in the corner near the usual toddler toys, and with a large bookcase filled with books. The waiting room was fairly empty aside from a teenage boy playing an xbox in the opposite corner, with an elderly woman reading nearby.
The receptionist called over to Derek to let him know Lindsey was just wrapping up a staff meeting and would be out shortly.
"Derek Evans? Is that you? I haven't seen you in years" said the old woman as she sat down her book.
Derek knew the voice instantly, "Gloria! I can't believe I didn't notice you."
The two embraced warmly as they began to catch up. Gloria had worked three days a week answering the phones at the boutique consulting firm he started his career at. Her husband Frank owned the firm, so she helped out of the office simply because she got bored at home. Gloria saw herself as the office mom, and no one wanted to be on her bad list. Even after Derek had switched jobs, Gloria had always been friendly too him.
Derek was happy to see the old woman smiling. "Retirement has let me play grandma more. Today I brought my grandson in for a checkup." Gloria gestured to the kid playing games, "Nothing serious thankfully, but after skin cancer took Frank we didn't want to take any chances."
"I completely understand. Would you mind if I give you a call next week? I'm working on corporate fundraising now for the charity that supports this clinic. It would be helpful to hear from a patient and their family on where we can improve," Derek explained.
"Oh that sounds wonderful! In fact I've been looking for some way to memorialize Frank, something with a lasting impact like a research endowment. Maybe this is the place!"
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It felt like it took over a hundred phone calls over the next two weeks to lawyers, foundation representatives, and the clinic but the details of the endowment had been worked out just in time for appreciation dinner on Thursday. Derek was still negotiating terms for a matching donation from the firm Frank founded. He had played dirty in the last negotiation meeting, bringing Gloria along. Nothing sways opinion like a little guilt, and she had been happy to play up her part.
Gloria had taken the podium to share some memories of Frank. "And now I'm going a little off script. Derek, join me up here please."
Derek headed for the stage, trying to maintain a smile despite the surprise. "I'd like you all to meet the man that has made me being here tonight possible, Mr. Derek Evans. Derek worked for my husband years ago, and I always knew he was special. He is now the director of corporate fundraising for the foundation, and I've been so proud of his work here these last few weeks. It is my honor to tell Derek and all of you that this afternoon, Frank's company has agreed to match my contribution, doubling the endowment."
The entire dinner began cheering loudly and gave a standing ovation to Gloria's announcement. Once the crowd had calmed down she added, "Now I expect you all to get Derek's card tonight and help him raise even more funds for the clinic. Oh and fellas – if you were wondering he's single."
Derek wasn't sure he had ever blushed so hard in his life. He could never be mad at Gloria though, and laughed along with the crowd. He helped Gloria off the stage during a final round of applause.
The next hour was a blur as donor after donor came up to meet him. His feet were killing him and his throat was dry when the most handsome man he had ever laid eyes on walked up. "Here, I thought you could use this," Trevor said as he handed him a glass of water.
Derek greedily drank down half the water as he noticed how striking Trevor looked in his suit. Sure the jeans had been sexy, but his smile really lit up the room regardless of what he was wearing. Feeling a new burst of energy he said "Thanks! I really needed that. Gloria's announcement has had me busy," Derek replied as a statuesque blonde woman joined them.
"Hello, I'm Trevor's partner, Tiffany Smith. I'm a pediatric oncologist at the clinic."
Derek was glad he was already firmly in business mode and quickly replied, "It's great to meet you. Your partner is my new hero for bringing me a drink. I had no idea I'd be so busy tonight."
"That's him, always looking out for others. I know you're tired tonight but I'd love to get to know you better. I know, Trevor's cooking Saturday and always makes a huge meal, why don't you join us?"
Derek was torn. He knew it was wrong to lust after Trevor, but he would like to make some new friends. Sensing the hesitation Trevor continued "Don't worry, you don't have to make a decision on the spot. Give me one of your cards and I'll text you Saturday morning."
"I'd love to come," Derek replied, "but I would appreciate you texting me your address."
With the plans agreed they parted company. As the crowd thinned Robyn caught up with Derek to tell him that it was traditional to only work a half day from home the day after a dinner, so they'd catch up on Monday.
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Derek checked his phone every five minutes Saturday morning, silently praying that Trevor wouldn't forget to send his address. He got more agitated as the morning passed until his phone beeped around 10. It took only a few seconds for Derek to respond that he was looking forward to dinner and confirm he'd be there at 4. His mind instantly shifted into overdrive debating what to wear when a second text arrived "Can't wait to see you! It's just the 3 of us and I plan to grill steaks, so feel free to come casual."
Khaki shorts and a polo shirt was the de facto dress code of the casual male in Houston.
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When Tiffany answered the door, Derek apologized for being a little late, explaining he had gotten a little lost navigating the neighborhood. Trevor's face lit up when he saw the two bottles of wine Derek had brought. "You remembered!"
"Honestly I kind of cheated a bit," Derek admitted. "I called the restaurant this afternoon to double check the name, and the hostess offered to sell me the bottles. I picked them up on the way here."
"Well I'm opening a bottle right now and I insist you have a glass," Trevor beamed as he got out the corkscrew. He poured and passed out three glasses, and said "A toast, to friends new and old."
The three clinked glasses and took a sip before taking seats at the large kitchen island. Trevor had made fresh bruschetta and toasted ravioli for snacks before dinner. "So I take it you are a fan of Italian food?" Derek asked.
"You could say that," Trevor grinned, "My mother was Italian, growing up in a small Tuscan village. She met my father when he was a graduate student there for research. By the end of the summer they couldn't stand to be apart, so she followed him back to the states. They settled here when my father became a professor in European history at the university."
"Ah ha, so you're part Italian. I couldn't quite figure out what your heritage was," Derek commented.
Trevor chuckled, "Don't worry, you aren't the first to say that. South America had a lot of Italian immigrants, so most think I'm from there. For the record, I was born and raised here without any real accent." More somberly Trevor continued, "Anyway, my mom loved to cook big feasts for family and friends, so when I have time to cook a big meal it always reminds me of her."
Derek noticed Trevor's eyes shined slightly with tears starting to form. "Excuse me for a minute, I should really get the grill lit," Trevor said as he quickly headed outside.
Tiffany explained as soon as the door shut, "He lost his parents to a drunk driver about three years ago. Time has helped heal the wounds of course, but he still gets chocked up now and then when he thinks of them. He'll be fine in a minute."
"I can't imagine what it would be like to lose both my parents like that," Derek reflected aloud.
They sat in silence for a moment finishing off the wine. "Can I get you a refill?" Derek asked as he reached for the bottle.
"No thanks, I have to pick my husband up at the airport later so I'm sticking to one glass."
Derek did a double take. "Husband? I thought, I mean..." he started to say, "Dr. Smith partner of Dr. Smith?"
Tiffany laughed heartily, "I thought you already knew! It's just a coincidence, and besides you're more his type than I am."
Trevor chose that moment to walk in and ask, "What's so funny? I could hear you laughing from outside!"
"Dr. Smith, the poor Mr. Evans here thought you and I were married", Tiffany responded, before she and Trevor broke out in a fresh round of giggles. "Sorry, we really should start introducing ourselves as no relation. We met when in med school. We got paired together the first semester as lab partners based on our last name, and we've been best friends ever since. I kept my last name when I got married since I was already established professionally.
"It just seemed natural for us to work together and keep our partnership going. It's so rare to find someone you can trust completely and be yourself with. Hell, Trevor probably knows a few secrets even my husband doesn't know."
The somber mood had lifted and the group was back to having fun. Derek had caught himself flirting a few times now that he thought he might have a chance with Trevor. Tiffany excused herself to the restroom when Trevor had gone to put the food on the grill, so Derek finally took a minute to observe his surroundings.
The kitchen was obviously the heart of Trevor's home. Modern stainless steel appliances, sleek granite counter tops, and richly toned wood floors. The kitchen was open to family room, with a large sectional couch angled towards an entertainment center on one wall, and gas fireplace flanked by built in bookcases on the other. Derek resisted the urge to check out the books, since you could tell a lot about someone by what they read. Even though the furnishing were all modern, they overall effect managed to be a warm and inviting home. The home reflected Trevor perfectly, solid and masculine, with softened edges and something that just drew you in.
Dinner was served family style on the kitchen island, and Derek was pleased that Trevor felt comfortable enough with him to not make it a formal affair. The food was all delicious, proving Trevor was an accomplished chef. Trevor opened the second bottle of wine, declaring he needed liquid courage to fend off the assault since Tiffany was on a mission to inflict maximum embarrassment. She shared stories of mischief they had gotten into during med school, as well as the pranks they still played on each other and the clinic staff.
They all pitched in clearing away dinner. During a lull in conversation, Derek had mused to himself that the silence wasn't the least bit awkward. He felt so domestic stacking the dishwasher as Trevor handed him plates, their fingers gently touching with each hand off. By the third plate he realized the contact was intentional, with each touch sending a jolt of warmth through his body. Being this close he could smell Trevor's scent, an earthy musk with just a hint of smoke from the grill. Derek thought a man could get used to this kind of life mighty quick if given the chance.
Trevor excused himself to change and clean up a bit when they were done. Derek hadn't been able to take his eyes off the man as he had walked towards the back of the house, only looking away when Trevor turned a corner out of sight.
He blushed when he turned to see Tiffany watching him. "So earlier when you said I was more his type... Did you mean me specifically or just men in general?"
"I think you know that answer, but let's just say he mentioned you more than once on our flight to Belize after your lunch, and he couldn't stop staring at you during the donor's dinner," Tiffany paused, unsure how to work what she wanted to say. "Look, I don't know what your intentions are, but he doesn't have much experience dating. He's never had a serious relationship, and we almost never meet single men through work. He is so afraid of getting hurt that he rarely let's someone in, so take it slow if you do pursue him."
Almost as an afterthought, she smiled broadly and added "Oh, and if you hurt him, my knowledge of anatomy means I can cause pain in ways you never imagined."
"Yes mam," Derek saluted as Trevor walked back into the living room. He knew that the threat had only been half serious.
They all settled in on the couch after that. Trevor had moved close to show him pictures from Belize on his phone. Sitting this close had a dizzying effect on Derek, but the spell was broken when the alarm on Tiffany's phone dinged. "Well boys, that means it's time for me to head to the airport."
Derek decided that was probably his cue to leave as well, and excused himself to the restroom while Tiffany gathered her things. He returned to find Trevor alone, "The flight status was showing the flight landing 15 minutes early, so Tiffany already headed to the airport. She told me to give you her regards, and that she looks forward to seeing you again."
Derek responded, "Tonight has been great, I don't remember the last time I had this much fun. Hopefully we can do this again sometime. I don't want to overstay my welcome so I guess I'll head out too."
"I've enjoyed having you here. You really don't have to leave yet unless you want to. Besides, there is still a half bottle of wine."
"Well, if you're sure... I could stay a little longer, but I won't be offended if you're ready to call it a night either. Whatever you want is fine."
"I want you to stay," Trevor blushed slightly when he realized what he said. "Get comfortable and I'll grab the wine."
Derek retook his seat at the end of the couch, with his arm absentmindedly stretched out along the top. Trevor dropped all pretense of dancing around the obvious when he sat down right next to Derek. Both men faintly smiled as Derek wrapped his outstretched arm around Trevor's shoulder as the smaller man leaned against him.
The wine was soon forgotten as the two men continued to talk. Derek talked about his parents, growing up, and the various jobs he had had. They both lost track of time as the night wore on, with bursts of conversation interspersed with companionable silence. It was during one of these pauses that Derek collected his thoughts.
For the first time in as long as he could remember, Derek felt an inner peace. Sitting there with Trevor just felt right. Like home. Without thinking he leaned his head down and placed a tender kiss on Trevor's forehead.
Trevor snuggled against him tighter as he said, "Sorry I didn't mean to go quiet on you. I feel so comfortable with you that I was starting to nod off."
It was then that Derek looked at the clock and realized it was almost midnight. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize it had gotten so late, I should probably head home."
Neither man made an effort to move. Derek broke the silence a minute or two later saying "Come on, it's time for you to get some sleep."
Trevor reluctantly stood up, and offered Derek his hand. "You should stay here tonight; I keep clean sheets on the guest bed. It's late and we've been drinking, so I'd worry about you on the roads." Sensing Derek's hesitation he continued "I insist. You don't want to make me worry do you? Besides I could never live with myself if something happened to you."
Derek acquiesced to the other man's plea. He knew he should probably protest, but he was so smitten with Trevor that his heart just wasn't in it. They shared a lingering hug in the hallway outside the guest bedroom, neither one wanting to break contact. Eventually they had parted, and went their separate rooms.
Derek's mind had started to race the moment he laid down. He couldn't believe he had spent over eight hours at Trevor's house, and now he was spending the night. In the moment this had been easy to agree to, but now it just felt a little weird, like a junior high sleep over. It wasn't like he could just leave in the middle of the night with no explanation though. He couldn't bear the thought of upsetting the man he loved.
Loved? Had he really fallen for Trevor so fast? He smiled to himself knowing he had, and that's what was bothering him most about lying in that bed. His heart longed to still be holding Trevor. Derek resolved that they needed to talk in the morning to work out what was going on between them. He hoped it was the start of something new.
By now the clock read 1:15 and he knew he needed to get some sleep before tomorrow's conversation. Derek climbed out of bed and headed to the restroom in only his boxers, assuming Trevor was fast asleep. He decided to go to the kitchen for a quick drink before heading back to bed.
Derek was startled by Trevor asking "Is everything ok? I heard you get up so I came to check on you." as he entered the kitchen.
"Sorry if I made too much noise, I didn't mean to wake you. I'm having a touch of insomnia, unfamiliar bed and all," Derek replied. Trying to lighten the situation he added "it's just not the same without my teddy bear."
"Oh well if that's the problem, I can be your teddy bear tonight," Trevor replied with an obviously exaggerated wink.
Derek couldn't help himself as he let out a hearty guffaw. Trevor instantly turned a dark red and said "I'm sorry, that made me sound like such a slut, I didn't mean to sound like a horny teen."
Derek took Trevor in his arms saying "I didn't mean to laugh at you babe, it just sounded as cheesy as something I would say."
He ended by placing a quick peck on Trevor's check and pulling him in tight for another hug.
"Hmmm, I guess I can forgive you then," Trevor giggled as he relaxed into Derek's arms, with a quick smooch of his own.
The two men pulled back slightly and met in the middle for a tender first kiss. They stood there with their foreheads tilted together, locked in a warm embrace.
"Come on," Derek said, "let's get to bed. We can talk in the morning."
Not another word was spoken as Trevor led him to bed. After a final kiss goodnight, they quickly fell asleep; Derek spooned behind Trevor, with his arms wrapped around his new lover.