As the car smoothly glided through the busy streets of Vancouver, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on Ryan's sleek car. Inside, the atmosphere was filled with a comfortable silence, interrupted only by the soft hum of the engine. Alex, sitting in the passenger seat, couldn't help but steal glances at Ryan, who seemed to be navigating the traffic effortlessly.
Breaking the quietude, Alex grinned and turned towards Ryan. "Last night was incredible, right?"
Ryan met Alex's gaze with a fond smile. "Absolutely. I'm glad your parents took it well."
Alex nodded, a sense of relief evident in his expression. "Yeah, they're on board with us. It feels good to have their support."
Ryan's eyes reflected genuine happiness. "I'm glad to hear that, Alex. Family is important, and I want them to know I care about you."
Alex leaned closer, placing a gentle hand on Ryan's arm. "They see that, Ryan. And they appreciate it."
As the sleek sports car purred to a stop in front of Ryan's luxurious downtown penthouse, Alex couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking view that surrounded them. The two floors of the penthouse provided a 360-degree panorama of the glittering city lights and the tranquil waters beyond.
"This place is incredible, Ryan," Alex remarked, his eyes wide with amazement.
Ryan grinned, leading Alex through the spacious living room adorned with modern decor. "Glad you like it. The kitchen is right this way."
They entered the open-plan kitchen, complete with state-of-the-art appliances, sleek countertops, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city. The city lights poured in, creating a magical backdrop to their evening.
As Ryan set about preparing their meal, Alex couldn't resist teasing him. "Remember the last time we cooked together? I think you spilled more ingredients than you used."
Ryan chuckled, glancing over his shoulder. "Well, tonight will be different. I've upgraded my skills."
The kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of their cooking, and soon, they sat down to enjoy the fruits of Ryan's culinary efforts. The meal was delicious, but it was the shared laughter and easy camaraderie that made the evening truly special.
After their plates were cleared, Ryan suggested they move to the spacious balcony, where the city stretched out beneath them. They settled into comfortable chairs, the cool night air tinged with the scent of the city.
As they gazed at the twinkling lights, Alex turned to Ryan with a soft smile. "Tonight has been amazing, Ryan. Thank you for making every moment special."
Ryan returned the smile, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the evening. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Alex. You know, these moments with you are the highlights of my days."
Taking a sip from his glass of wine, Alex decided to delve into a topic he was genuinely curious about. "You've mentioned your work involves M&A. That must be quite a challenging yet exciting field. How did you get into it?"
Ryan leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "It all started when I was pretty young. I had a knack for numbers and a passion for understanding how businesses worked. I guess you could say I was a bit of a prodigy."
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A prodigy, huh? Tell me more."
Ryan chuckled, reminiscing about his early days. "Well, by the time I was in my early twenties, I'd already made a name for myself in the financial world. I started by working for a small investment firm, and my ability to analyze opportunities and predict market trends caught the attention of some big players."
Alex nodded, genuinely impressed. "That's impressive. So, what was the turning point in your career?"
Ryan took another sip of his wine, the city lights dancing in his eyes. "The turning point came when I spearheaded a major merger that significantly impacted the industry. It was a high-stakes move, but it paid off, and suddenly, doors opened. I found myself heading mergers and acquisitions for multiple companies."
Alex couldn't hide his admiration. "That's a meteoric rise, Ryan. You must've worked incredibly hard."
Ryan grinned, a hint of modesty in his reply. "Hard work, timing, and a bit of luck. You know how it goes. But enough about me. What about you, Alex? What sparked your interest in business?"
Alex took a thoughtful sip of his wine, contemplating the question. "Well, unlike your meteoric rise, my journey into business has been a bit more meandering. I initially chose business as my major because it felt like a safe bet, but my real passion lies in photography."
Ryan leaned in, a reassuring smile on his face. "Photography, huh? I remember our first meet-up was about capturing moments. What drew you to photography?"
Alex's eyes lit up as he reminisced. "Yeah, our first meet-up sparked something in me. I love how photography allows me to freeze moments in time, to capture emotions and tell stories through images. It's more than just a hobby for me; it's a way of expressing myself."
Ryan nodded, appreciating Alex's enthusiasm. "That's beautiful, Alex. Pursuing your passion is essential. Have you considered combining your business acumen with your love for photography? There's a growing market for creative industries, and your unique perspective could make a significant impact."
Alex sighed, feeling a sense of validation. "I've thought about it, but the pressure to conform to a more traditional career path always lingered. Your success story is inspiring, but I feel like I'm still finding my way."
Ryan placed a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder. "Hey, blending your passion with business is a journey in itself. Don't rush it. Let your love for photography guide you, and who knows, you might discover a path that uniquely aligns with both your interests."
As the city lights continued to cast a mesmerizing glow, Alex mulled over Ryan's encouraging words. The idea of blending business and passion seemed more attainable, and a newfound sense of optimism filled him.
Alex suddenly remembered the upcoming weekend and Cam's party. Turning to Ryan with a curious expression, he asked, "Speaking of friends, who's this Cam?"
Ryan's eyes flickered with a hint of reminiscence. "Ah, Cam. He used to be a business partner and a good friend. We ventured into the business world together, but our paths diverged at some point. We chose different routes, but I still consider him a friend, even though we don't talk as often as we used to."
Alex's interest piqued. "What happened? Why did you both take different paths?"
Ryan leaned back, his gaze drifting to the city lights. "Sometimes, people have different visions, different goals. It's a natural part of business. Cam and I had our differences in how we wanted to approach things. It led to a respectful parting, but friendships, you know, they linger. We hardly talk these days, but if we meet, there's still a camaraderie there."
Alex grinned, adding a hint of mischief to his expression. "Are you sure he's not an ex trying to win you back? I mean, inviting us to a party filled with young university students—classic move."
Ryan playfully rolled his eyes. "Alex, you're the only one I'm interested in," he said, leaning in to plant a sweet kiss on Alex's lips. "I'm all yours, and that's exactly how I want it."
Ryan's eyes locked onto Alex's, a tender intensity reflecting the depth of his emotions. Closing the distance between them, Ryan pressed his lips against Alex's, igniting a passionate flame that resonated with the fire of their love.
Their kiss deepened, each moment a testament to the connection they shared. With a graceful and effortless motion, Ryan gently lifted Alex off the ground, their lips remaining locked in a sweet embrace. The city lights of Vancouver framed the scene, casting a soft glow on their shared moment of intimacy, making it nothing short of remarkable. In the silent language of their entwined bodies, they reveled in the magic of their love, a love that soared to new heights with every heartbeat.
Gently and with a sense of reverence, Ryan began to undress Alex, their eyes never breaking contact. The room was filled with a quiet anticipation, the air charged with the electricity of their desire. Piece by piece, layers were shed, revealing the vulnerability and intimacy that bound them together.
Once Alex stood bared before him, Ryan's gaze swept over him appreciatively. Without hesitation, Ryan began to undress himself, his physique revealed in all its sculpted glory. Their connection deepened with every shared moment, and with each layer removed, their passion intensified.
With their bodies now laid bare, Ryan pulled Alex into another lingering kiss. The heat of their embrace transcended the physical, an intertwining of souls that spoke volumes in the silent language of love. In the warm glow of the city lights, their union became a celebration of their shared desires and an affirmation of the deep connection that bound them together.
As the cityscape glittered beyond the window, Alex lay comfortably in Ryan's arms on the plush couch. The soft ambiance of the room was interrupted only by the occasional city sounds filtering through the glass. Ryan, sensing the tranquility of the moment, planted a tender kiss on Alex's head.
While absorbing the serene atmosphere, Alex's eyes caught sight of a grand piano in the living room. Curiosity sparked, he turned to Ryan, asking, "Do you play the piano?"
A subtle smile graced Ryan's lips as he nodded affirmatively. Rising from the couch, he extended an invitation to Alex, who eagerly stood by his side. The piano, an elegant centerpiece, seemed to beckon them.
With practiced fingers, Ryan began to play the haunting melody of "Stay with Me" by Sam Smith. The rich notes filled the room, intertwining with the city's nocturnal symphony. As Ryan's soulful voice harmonized with the piano, Alex found himself captivated, a newfound admiration blossoming.
When the final notes resonated through the air, Alex, still moved by the melody, spoke softly, "I never knew you could sing like that. Why did you choose that song?"
Ryan met Alex's gaze, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "I chose it because I want you to stay with me, Alex. Always."
"I will always stay with you, Ryan." Alex whispers into Ryan's ear.
In that shared moment, the melody of Sam Smith's song lingered in the air, echoing the unspoken promises of their love.