Page 54 of Doyle

"I'm taking you out on a date," Doyle said, winking at me. "A real one."

"Alright then," Otis said and promptly left us. “You guys have fun.”

As soon as he was gone, Doyle turned to me, his eyes full of warmth.

"I thought you could use a night out, just the two of us,” Doyle said.

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"That sounds perfect,” I told him.

We headed into Doyle's room together. It felt like a sanctuary, a place where we could finally relax and be ourselves.

Doyle closed the door behind us and pulled me into his arms.

"You really don't mind sharing a room with me?" he asked softly, his breath warm against my ear.

"Not at all," I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I want to be with you."

Doyle's eyes softened, and he kissed me deeply. I melted into him, feeling the stress and tension of the past few days begin to dissolve.

This was where I belonged, in Doyle's arms, safe and loved.

We spent a few moments just holding each other, savoring the closeness.

Then Doyle pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine.

"I want to make tonight special for you, Michael,” he said.

"It already is," I said, smiling up at him.

Doyle's smile widened.

"Let's get ready then. I've got a place in mind that I think you'll love,” he told me.

We spent the next hour getting ready, the anticipation building between us.

I chose an outfit that I hoped Doyle would like, feeling a little self-conscious but excited.

Doyle watched me with a tender expression, his eyes never leaving me.

When we were both ready, Doyle took my hand and led me outside.

The evening air was cool and refreshing, and I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As we walked to the car, Doyle kept my hand firmly in his, his thumb gently stroking my skin.

It was a simple gesture, but it meant everything to me. Doyle drove us to a cozy little restaurant on the edge of town.

It was charming and intimate, with candlelit tables and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

We were seated in a corner booth, away from the noisier main dining area.

"This is beautiful," I said, looking around in awe.

"I'm glad you like it," Doyle said, taking my hand across the table. "I wanted tonight to be special for us."

"It already is," I repeated, feeling my heart swell with emotion.