Russell Howard and Jon Richardson

Chapter 6

-Russell's point of view-

'Oh sorry', Russell says, a little taken aback.

'No don't be, help me pick the right suit' Jon says, tapping on the space next to him. Russell sits down next to him on the bed, still feeling a little unsure. Russell can't help his eyes from wandering over Jon's body in just a towel and an unbuttoned shirt. He tries quickly to refocus on the outfits. 'Uhm I think black is the best colour on you, with maybe the dark red tie?'

'Can you help me with the tie?' Jon asks innocently. 'I've never been good at putting them on.'

'Sure' Russell replies, picking up the tie and tying it around Jon's neck. His eyes meet Jon's. Jon looks at him challengingly. Russell gently pulls on Jon's tie, moving Jon's face closer to his own. They kiss, and before Russell knows it, his lips are on Jon's neck. He can feel Jon slowly leaning back onto the bed and moves his body on top of him. Russell is painfully aware of the small amount of physical barriers between them. The thin towell around Jon's waist is begging to be removed.
Russell quickly pushes away the thought and pulls himself and Jon back up in an upright position.

'God you are tricky.' Russell utters.

Jon meets his eyes and doesn't look away, a cheeky smile on his lips, his cheeks slightly pink. He knows exactly the effect he has on Russell. Russell has never seen this side of Jon before. Sexy and adorable all at the same time.. God he's attractive.. but Russell swore to himself that he wouldn't rush into anything.
It takes every ounce of will power Russell has to get up off the bed. He tiredly utters: 'Put some clothes on Richardson'. And leaves the room to get dressed himself.

They meet at the front door, both suited up, ready to leave.

'You look.. good..' Jon says shyly

'You don't look so bad yourself, although I liked the towel too, that was quite the look.' Russell says teasingly. 

Jon turns bright red. Russell can't help but peck him on the cheek.

'Okay Jon, let's go.' Russell says, grabbing Jon's hand and walking out the door.

They arrive at the restaurant and order starters and a bottle of red wine. At the beginning they feel a little tense, but within no time, their conversation is back to their favourite topics: football, comedy, politics, and fifa, and it almost feels like nothing has changed between them. 

What has changed, though, is that Russell's hand is now resting on Jon's knee under the table. It feels comfortable and a little sexy to have this continuous physical contact.
The starters arrive and the food is delicious. It's very garlicy though, Russell wonders if it won't make his breath smell when he kisses Jon later. His eyes are on Jon's lips suddenly and his hand is on Jon's knee. Jon's leg slowly moves closer into him, and starts moving along his thigh. Russell looks up at Jon and Jon is wearing the same expression from before, the expression Russell had never seen before today. God, Jon is hot.
Their moment gets interrupted when the main course arrives. The main course is just as delicious and they finish with a lovely desert. They  have a great conversation and after desert they get some coffee. By the end of the night the bottle of red wine is empty and they both feel satisfied and a little buzzed, it's now 10 PM and dark outside.

'That may have been the best meal I've ever had.' Jon sighs happily as they walk out the restaurant, holding hands.

'Couldn't agree more'. Russell says.

They walk to a waiting place and after a couple of minutes a cab arrives.

'So you wanna come over to my place for another glass of wine?' Jon asks, winking comically.

Russell laughs, 'Well all right, but just for coffee of course, no funny business on the first date.'

'If you say so' Jon responds, with a small smile around his mouth.

'I'm serious' Russell continues, looking into Jon's eyes.

'Oh okay' Jon replies, unable to hide that he's a little surprised. 

They get in the cab back home.

As they walk into the living room Russell sees his phone lying on the table. It's been off all day, and he turns it on. 

He has 23 texts and 12 missed calls.