Hottest Heat Wave

Heat Wave: Newark by Drew Hunt-5

While the truck’s A/C was being worked on, the two men decided to go eat. Despite claims to the contrary, Mexican food in Britain just didn’t taste authentic. Ben had told him South of the Border was famous for its Mexican menu so Aaron chose tacos. From the first bite Aaron knew the reputation was deserved.

The two were sitting opposite each other in a booth next to a window. Aaron was just glad to be inside where it was cool. Ben’s happy mood of earlier had evaporated and he’d withdrawn into himself.

“Ben?”

The big man continued to absent-mindedly play with the lettuce on his plate. Ben had been insistent all he wanted was a plain garden salad.

“Ben.” Aaron lightly caressed the man’s left hand, which rested on the table.

Finally Ben looked up. “If you think Chad’s gut can bend light, what would mine do?”

Aaron wished he hadn’t said what he had to Chad, because Ben was larger than Chad. Speaking softly so they couldn’t be overheard, Aaron said, “Your big belly makes me hard.”

Ben grimaced and set down his fork.

Aaron grasped both of Ben’s hands. He guessed to the casual observer it would look like they were praying. “It makes me feel safe and protected when I’m snuggled up against it.”

There was a ghost of a smile on Ben’s lips, although it didn’t reach his eyes. Aaron determined to do some more convincing later that night when they were alone in the back of the cab.