A New Road Ahead

Chapter 1

Mark stared at the cracked mirror in his bedroom, the reflection of his tired, sunken eyes staring back at him. He didn’t look like someone who had just graduated high school. His clothes were wrinkled, his brown hair unkempt, and his skin pale from days spent inside, stewing in his thoughts. The diploma on his desk taunted him like a cruel joke. It was proof he’d survived school, but barely. No scholarships, no community college acceptance letters—nothing.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Driving,” he muttered. “That’s all I’ve got.”

His stomach churned at the thought of living paycheck to paycheck like his parents, working dead-end jobs and hating every second of it. He needed to get out of his head, out of this dingy little room, and out of his rut. He picked up his phone and scrolled through his messages. A friend had texted him earlier about hitting up Pulse, a gay nightclub downtown.

Mark had never been to a nightclub before. He barely had the money for the cover fee, let alone drinks. But tonight, the idea of drowning his worries in music and distractions sounded better than pacing his room in silence.

By the time he stepped through the club’s doors, the music was pounding so loud it felt like it shook the floor beneath his feet. Mark blinked against the flashing lights, his nerves buzzing with both excitement and discomfort. The dance floor was packed with men—most of them shirtless twinks, grinding together under the neon glow.

“Mark!” a familiar voice called.

He turned to see a few friends waving from a booth. He made his way over, squeezing past sweaty bodies and spilled drinks. For a while, they talked, laughed, and watched the crowd. Mark relaxed a little, enjoying the energy of the place, even if it felt overwhelming.

Then he saw him.

A man—no, a presence—strode across the room toward the bar. He towered over most of the crowd, his broad shoulders and thick chest commanding attention. He wore a button-up shirt that strained against his large frame, dark chest hair spilling out from the open collar. His beard was thick and neatly trimmed, and his face had a rugged, confident handsomeness that made Mark’s throat go dry.

Mark couldn’t help but stare. The man turned, locking eyes with him, and a slow smile spread across his face. Mark’s stomach flipped as the man started walking toward him.

“Hey there,” the man said, his voice deep and warm. “You look like you could use a drink.”

Mark swallowed, trying to keep his composure. “Yeah, uh… sure. Thanks.”

The man gestured for Mark to follow him to the bar. “Name’s Ben,” he said, holding out a large hand.

“Mark,” he replied, shaking it.

Ben ordered two drinks, handing one to Mark. “So, what brings you here tonight? You look a little… out of your element.”

Mark laughed nervously. “First time at a place like this. Just needed to get out of my head, you know?”

Ben nodded, taking a sip of his drink. “I get that. Been there myself.”

As the night went on, Mark found himself relaxing more around Ben. They laughed, joked, and shared stories. Mark admitted his struggles—his crappy home life, barely scraping through school, and feeling like he had no future.

Ben listened intently, his dark eyes kind and understanding. “Sounds familiar,” he said after a moment. “I was in the same boat at your age. My parents weren’t great, my grades sucked, and I had no clue what to do with my life.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “What changed?”

Ben grinned. “I got into trucking. Didn’t think it’d be my thing at first, but it turned out I loved it. Pays well, too. I work for a good company, and they’re always looking for new drivers. You’re good behind the wheel, right?”

Mark’s heart skipped. “Yeah… it’s the only thing I’m good at.”

Ben pulled a business card from his wallet and handed it to him. “Talk to my boss. Tell him I sent you. I think you’d be great at it.”

Mark stared at the card, a spark of hope lighting in his chest. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely,” Ben said, his voice firm. “I see something in you, kid. You’ve got potential.”

Mark couldn’t stop smiling. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he had a direction.

By the end of the night, Mark found himself in Ben’s apartment. It was small but cozy, the faint smell of leather and cologne lingering in the air. As they stood close, Ben leaned in, brushing a hand against Mark’s cheek.

“You’ve got a big future ahead of you, Mark”, Ben said as he slowly caressed Mark’s cheek.

“Don’t you mean bright future?” Mark giggled

“I’ve said what I said, kiddo.” Ben’s voice was firm and rough.

As they stood in the soft glow of the apartment, the world outside seemed to fade away. Mark felt his pulse quicken, his nervous energy crackling in the quiet space between them. Ben stood close, his towering frame radiating warmth and a quiet confidence that made Mark feel simultaneously small and safe.

Ben reached out, his rough, calloused hand brushing against Mark’s cheek. The touch was gentle, almost reverent, and Mark found himself leaning into it, his breath hitching as he looked up into Ben’s dark, steady eyes.

“You’re something special,” Ben murmured, his deep voice low and intimate.

Mark felt his cheeks flush. He opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say Ben’s hand lingered on Mark’s cheek, rough but warm, his thumb brushing gently against his skin. Mark’s pulse raced as their eyes met, the moment charged with a tension he’d never felt before. Ben leaned closer, his presence overwhelming in the best way—his deep, woodsy cologne, the soft sound of his breathing, the sheer heat radiating from his massive frame.

Mark tilted his head slightly, his heart pounding as Ben’s lips finally met his. The kiss started slow, tender, as if Ben were testing the waters, giving Mark time to respond. But Mark didn’t hesitate. He leaned into it, his hands instinctively finding their way to Ben’s chest, fingers brushing over the thick fabric of his shirt and the coarse hair beneath it.

Ben made a low, pleased sound in the back of his throat, and the kiss deepened. His lips were soft, but the pressure was firm, commanding, as if he were drawing Mark into him completely. Mark gasped softly when Ben’s other hand slid to his waist, pulling him closer until their bodies were flush.

The warmth of Ben’s body against his was electric, his broad chest and soft belly pressing into Mark’s smaller frame. Mark’s hands moved up, slipping around Ben’s neck, his fingers tangling in the thick curls of his hair. Ben’s beard tickled against Mark’s face, a strange but intoxicating sensation that made him shiver.

Ben’s tongue brushed against Mark’s lower lip, asking for permission, and Mark parted his lips without hesitation. The kiss grew hotter, more urgent, their tongues meeting in a dance that sent sparks racing down Mark’s spine. He let out a quiet moan, his knees going weak as Ben’s hand at his waist tightened, steadying him.

Ben broke the kiss for a moment, his forehead resting against Mark’s as they both caught their breath. His dark eyes searched Mark’s face, a small, teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“You’re a good kisser,” Ben murmured, his voice low and gravelly, sending a thrill through Mark.

Mark blushed, his lips tingling and slightly swollen. “You’re not so bad yourself,” he managed to reply, his voice breathless.