Beginnings of an Unexpected Romance
The weeks following the charity event passed by in a blur of business meetings, art gallery openings, and the occasional social gathering.
Xander (Top ML)
** Everyday I found myself caught between my usual routine and something I couldn’t quite place—a pull toward Milo that I couldn’t ignore, despite my best efforts.**
Milo.... The artist had wormed his way into Xander's life, showing up at events, drawing him into conversations without fail.
Despite himself, Xander couldn’t ignore the growing attraction.
At various high-society gatherings, Xander and Milo would find themselves standing next to each other, exchanging quiet words, their glances filled with unspoken understanding. Xander knew something was shifting, but he wasn’t ready to confront the intensity of his feelings.
A fundraiser for the arts. Work.
Xander (Top ML)
** Tonight’s gala.... Same crowd, same routine. But my mind keeps drifting to one person. * *
It was Milo that kept pulling Xander's attention.
Xander (Top ML)
(Searching the crowd, hoping for the familiar figure)
Xander (Top ML)
(Eyes scanning the room until he spotted Milo)
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Standing by the bar, laughing with a group of guests)
Milo’s charisma seemed effortless—his laughter filling the air, drawing people in like a magnet.
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And guess who was watching him??😉
Xander (Top ML)
Hey Authy... Shut up and continue the story😖
Xander (Top ML)
(Watching Milo from afar, his grip tightening on his glass of champagne)
Xander (Top ML)
(Couldn’t stop looking at him)
Even from this distance, the energy between them felt charged.
Milo (Bottom ML)
(As if sensing Xander’s stare, Milo glanced over his shoulder)
Their eyes met—an electric moment.
For just a second, the rest of the world faded away.
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Grinned)
(Acknowledged Xander, before turning back to the group)
Xander (Top ML)
(Heart racing,
But he forced himself to look away)
Xander (Top ML)
** I shouldn't be staring like this **
But despite himself, Xander couldn’t tear his gaze away from Milo. He found himself drawn toward the bar, his steps instinctive.
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Still holding court with a group of men)
Each trying to outdo the other with stories of their art acquisitions
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Talking with the group)
And I told them, if you don’t like my work, fine, but remember, I’m not here to paint for your approval. I paint because it’s the only thing that makes sense to me."
The group laughed, impressed with Milo
Xander (Top ML)
(Couldn’t ignore the way their eyes lingered on Milo, with a gaze that made him uncomfortable)
Xander (Top ML)
(Possessive heat rose in his chest)
Xander (Top ML)
(whispering)
I don’t like the way they look at him.
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Caught Xander’s gaze and excused himself from the group)
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Walking toward Xander with a playful glint in his eyes)
Milo (Bottom ML)
You look like you’re ready to murder someone
Xander (Top ML)
I’m just... not a fan of people who don’t understand boundaries
Xander (Top ML)
(Voice was sharper than he intended)
Milo (Bottom ML)
(Raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips)
Milo (Bottom ML)
(With A challenge in his voice)
You’ve got a jealous streak, Xander?
Xander (Top ML)
(Didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he took a sip of his drink)
Xander (Top ML)
(Gaze drifting to the men who’d been surrounding Milo)
Xander (Top ML)
I don’t like the way they look at you
Milo’s smile faltered for a moment before returning, his expression softening
Milo (Bottom ML)
I’m not interested in them. They're just fans. They like the idea of me, but they don’t get it. They don’t get me.
Xander’s chest tightened, but Milo’s honesty calmed him. The rawness of his words made him feel as though he was seeing a side of Milo no one else did.
Milo (Bottom ML)
You’re not one of them, are you?
Xander (Top ML)
(The word slipped out before he could stop it)
Xander didn’t know why, but it felt like the truth. The more time he spent with Milo, the more he felt something shift inside him. He wasn’t like the others.
Authy
Thanks for reading...
Milo (Bottom ML)
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Xander (Top ML)
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See you in next chapter 😁
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