The New Principal

3. The First Date.

*Thomas texts will be in italics. Joel texts will be in bold.*

It's been a month since Joel hounded me about avoiding him. I've since stopped, but I haven't allowed anything to happen, either. We often spend time in the break room, sneaking touches under the table, his hand often finding a place on my thigh. Steph seems to notice something is happening, but Reena is completely oblivious, thank goodness.
I'm in my classroom, having a free period for planning when my phone buzzes in my desk drawer. I already know who it is.
Thomas. What are you doing?
He's an idiot. He knows what I should be doing.
I'm working. You see, my boss is kind of a hard ass. Makes me work all the time.
I hope my text makes him laugh and not get angry. I think by now he's gotten used to my sarcastic kind of humor.
Then maybe that boss should reward you. In the form of dinner tonight maybe?
He's asking me on a date? This is unexpected. He's always seemed interested, if I think about it, but this is more blatant than he's ever been.
Are you asking me on a date, sir?
I am. Is that okay with you?
I know I should say no, that its unprofessional and we should just be friends. But for some reason, I can't say no to Joel. Once he worked his way in, he's stuck.
Sounds good to me. When and where?
How about 7? I'll pick you up. I have your file, I know where you live. (;
That doesn't sound like a stalker at all. And 7 is perfect. See you then.
He doesn't answer, but I know he sees it. Something I've noticed with Joel is he's a bit bossy. I mean yes, he's my boss. But I mean in normal life. He sees to like to be in control. It doesn't seem like I mind much though. The day goes by as usual, and soon it's time to head home. I have a couple hours to kill and no idea what to wear.
•••
The doorbell rings at exactly 6:54, his promptness being a bit of a turn on honestly. I open the door to find him looking very, very good. He's wearing dark slacks, a white button down with the sleeves rolled up. It makes me feel better about my outfit, dark jeans with a black tshirt under a grey button up I left open. My hair is in a bun again, but Joel seems to like it. "You look fucking adorable," he says to me, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Are you ready?" I nod and follow him to his car.
It's when I sit down I realize I haven't said a single thing to him yet. He gets in, starting the car and pulling out from my driveway. "You look good too, Joel. You really do." He smiles at me, reaching over to rest his hand on mine. It's comfortable, and warm. I'm shocked by how okay I am with everything.
He drives carefully, turning to gaze at me every once in awhile. "I hope Italian is okay." I love it. "It's perfect, thank you. It's my favorite." He smiles, rubbing a light pattern on my hand with his thumb.
     We reach the restaurant in no time, being directed to a table since Joel had made reservations. We're seated, a bottle of wine ordered and Joel just stares at me. "I really like your hair, Thomas. I wanna play with it." I laugh at his words. "Someday, if you're lucky." He smiles at me, reaching under the table to stroke my knee with his hand.
     We order, barely looking at anything but each other. I feel weird, off balance almost, seeing as how a few weeks ago I was attempting to avoid him. But here we are, him looking downright edible, and watching me with eyes that say he finds me the same.
     "I'm really glad we're here, Thomas. Thank you for saying yes." He's so sweet. "Thank you for asking me, Joel. I really am happy you did." We talk while we eat, Joel telling me stories of his family in California. I tell him bits and pieces of my childhood, leaving out the painful part of when I told them that I would never have a wife. They looked at me different after that.
     We order dessert and gossip a bit, mostly about the people at work. I'm pleased to find out Joel loves Steph and he mentions not caring if she knows about our date. Joel pays, against my wishes, and ushers me out the door, a hand on my back.
     He goes slower on the drive back to my house, not wanting our time together to end. I don't either, but I'm not sure inviting him in would be a good idea yet. We arrive to my house and Joel walks me to the door.
     "I had a wonderful time, Joel, thank you." He smiles at me. "I did too, Thomas. Think we can do it again? Soon?" I laugh, taking his hand. "Yes, I think we could do that." He smiles, leaning in to kiss my cheek. That's not good enough for me, so I angle my head, his lips catching mine. He pauses before kissing me fiercely on the mouth.
     His hands find my face, keeping me against him as his tongue licks across the seam of my lips. I part them, his tongue pushing its way into my mouth, licking and tasting. My hands hold his waist, pulling him closer to me.
     He then pulls away, panting, and rests his forehead against mine. I open my eyes to watch him place a small peck to my lips. "Goodnight, Thomas. I'll see you soon." With that, he's gone.