♱

hot older man at the gas station

living in a small town meant not having many places to go to when you wanted alcohol late at night. there were some local bars, but you really didn't want to get sexually harassed just for some beer. so instead, you and your friend ended up at a gas station down the street from her house.

she goes in first, with you trailing behind. just before you go in something - more like someone - catches your eye. he's a local that you've seen around town plenty. you don't know his name or anything much about him. the only thing you really do know is that he lives in the same trailer park as your grandma. that's when you first saw him. after that, you started noticing him around town more often.

as if sensing your stares, his eyes meet yours, and he smiles softly. doesn't say or do anything to acknowledge you except politely nodding. your friend calls your name, pulling you inside before you can say anything to him.

all the alcohol is tucked away in the back. shelves upon shelves full of it. you're not the biggest drinker, usually only doing it when around your friend. she stares intently at all the options. she tries to buy one of those super expensive six packs, but you remind her of the tight budget you both have. waiting tables doesn't exactly pay the big bucks, you know. she sighs, picking up the cheap six-pack, but makes you carry it to the counter.

after splitting the amount, the two of you head out. she doesn't get far before running back into the store, yelling something about snacks. you decide to just stay outside. seeing no point in going back in for only a couple of minutes. when you look to your left, you notice that the man is still here. only now smoking a cigarette. he doesn't nod or anything like earlier, and you don't wanna seem like some weirdo by just staring, so you look down at your shoes.

"those ones are shit, you know," he speaks up. "that brand ain't ever good."

god, his voice is sexy. it's slightly raspy, most likely from all the smoking he seems to do, but mature.

"yeah, well, it's the only one we can afford. besides, i probably won't be doing much drinking. it's mainly for my friend and her boyfriend," you explain.

"and yours too, right?" his question puzzles you.

"i'm sorry?"

the man chuckles at how polite you are. "you got a boyfriend too, sweetheart?"

sweetheart. you like the way he says it. "uh, no sir. i don't."

he hums. "mind if i have one?"

you shake your head, grabbing one of the glass bottles for him. he kindly thanks you, popping the cap off with the ring on his middle finger. before tipping it in your direction and having a sip. he doesn't close his eyes and savor the taste like most people do when drinking. no, he looks directly at you. it's almost intimidating. a flood of embarrassment washes over you, making you want to turn away. but you don't. it's like his eyes have got you standing there frozen.

when he's done, his lips are wet from the beer. some of it left behind on his chin. his tongue slowly licks it up, still making eye contact with you the whole time. there's a thick tension now present between the two of you. but before either of you can act on it, your friend comes rushing back outside.

"come on, girl! let's head back home before it gets too late," she says, grabbing your wrist and dragging you down to the sidewalk. as you walk, you glance over your shoulder to look at him one last time. "i'll see you around, sweetheart." you can hear him say, to which you wave goodbye at him.

beside you, your friend is rambling about the 'gas station guy' and how he 'was so weird and must be homeless.' but all you can think about is what his name must be. and when you're gonna see him again.