Interlude Page 2

  “What else would I be doing at four-thirty in the morning, Ty? I’m not you.”

  For the first time, he noticed the shine in Tyrone’s eyes, the slightly bloodshot whites. He’d been drinking. Had he slept with Kira? Probably. The picture it painted soured AJ’s mood even further.

  Pushing over AJ’s legs, Tyrone sat next to him on the couch and propped his own feet up on the coffee table. He leaned back his head and closed his eyes, a long line of dark scrumptiousness that made AJ’s mouth water even now.

  “Man, you would not believe the night I’ve had. That Kira is a girl and a half, let me tell you.”

  AJ grimaced. “Aw, come on, do I really need to hear all the gory details?”

  Though his eyes stayed shut, Tyrone smiled wide. “You don’t want to hear how she wants us to open a new restaurant in the New York, New York? Okay, I’ll spare you those and just tell you how good she is at giving—”

  “The New York, New York? The casino in Vegas?”

  “No, the one in Albuquerque.” He smacked AJ’s thigh. “Of course, the one in Vegas. I told you she books acts there. You never listen to me.”

  “I listen. You just say an awful lot that never means anything.”

  At the gibe, Tyrone’s smile softened, and he turned his head in order to level those baby browns right at AJ. “That’s why I like you. You call me on all my shit.”

  It was impossible to stay annoyed at Tyrone when he did that, even worse when he looked like that. Against his better judgment, AJ relaxed and shifted in order to make both of them more comfortable.

  “So you had a good time tonight?” he asked. If Tyrone wanted to tell his stories, AJ would listen. He might put up a fuss at first, but honestly, it was better than Tyrone leaving him alone again.

  “Not for the reason you think I did. I didn’t sleep with her. You know I said that to mess with you.”

  “Because I think so clearly when I’m woken up at four-thirty in the morning.”

  “You’re going to remind me of that until the day we die, aren’t you?”

  “No, just until the next time you pull a stunt like this again.”

  Tyrone chuckled. “Kira loves us.” Back to the earlier subject, it looked like. “She’s been scouting around, trying to find something that’ll mesh with the vibe of this new restaurant, and she thinks we’re perfect for it.”

  “She thinks we’re perfect after one show?”

  “Nah, this was the fourth one she saw. You never saw her watching before?”

  AJ shook his head. Unless they were right up by his piano, he rarely remembered anybody in the audience. All his attention was fixed on Tyrone.

  “Anyway, we’d get a three-month probationary contract, twice what we’re making now, plus tips. In Vegas. You just know those are going to be sweet.”

  “But we live here, Ty. You really want to up and move like that?”

  A frown replaced Tyrone’s smile. “What’s wrong? This is our dream.”

  “No, it’s your dream. I’m perfectly happy here.”

  “You call this happy?” He gestured around the dark apartment, the silence echoing back at them. “You live the quietest life of anyone I know. I can’t even remember the last time I saw you go out on a date.”

  “Because it sucks being gay in Reno,” AJ countered. He might have had to hide his feelings for Tyrone all this time, but at least he hadn’t had to worry about disguising the truth about his sexuality. That had been blurted out the very first time he saw Tyrone kissing a guy. His hopes had soared for precious seconds until Tyrone laughed it off and explained he was bi. Which in AJ’s book meant straight, but horny enough to take it anywhere he could.

  Tyrone made a face, brushing him off. “That’s no excuse. Plenty of guys come through who look at you twice. You’re just too much in love with your piano to notice them checking you out.”

  No, I’m just too much in love with you to want anyone else. He wondered how things would change if he ever found the nerve to tell Tyrone the truth. But almost as quickly as he wondered, he laughed at the idea. It was ridiculous to even contemplate because he and Tyrone weren’t cut from the same cut of cloth at all.

  “I’m not interested in one-night stands,” AJ said. “I can’t dissociate like you can.”

  Dark, liquid eyes searched his, long enough for AJ to start getting lost in them. “Which is even more reason for you to move to Vegas with me. If there’s anyone I know who deserves to find someone, it’s you.”

  Sentiments like that made it harder to stay annoyed with Tyrone. Because AJ knew he meant it.

  “Moving is a lot of work,” he tried instead. “And what about Freeman? We owe him a lot.”

  “We’ll help him audition replacements. And you know he and Janie want only what’s best for us.”

  “I won’t know anybody.”

  “You’ll know me.” Another devastating smile. “And with me as your roommate, maybe you’ll finally start letting everybody else see what I do.”

  Roommates. Living together. Vegas. AJ’s head whirled at the possibilities. On the one hand, living with Tyrone would be torture. Having to see him bring home the men and women he hooked up with on a constant basis? AJ was setting himself up for heartbreak every single night. On the other hand, maybe seeing Tyrone on a daily basis would dispel some of the perfection AJ saw. If he could see the object of his affections at his worst, maybe he could finally move on. And if anybody could help him find someone, Tyrone was the one.

  “It’s a big step,” AJ said slowly. “Did you tell Kira about my music?”

  “She knows all about it.” Tyrone sat up, turning so that his bent knee was between them. “You wouldn’t believe how many people she knows in the business. We hook up with her, and you’re going to have access to pros you’ve only dreamed about.”

  The whole thing sounded too good to be true. In AJ’s experience, that usually meant it was. Not in Tyrone’s. This enthusiasm was typical.

  “You don’t really expect me to make that decision now, do you? I’m going to need time to think about this.”

  For the first time, Tyrone seemed wary. “Well, you don’t have long. They want us to open the restaurant in two weeks.”

  “Two weeks?” Now, AJ was awake. “Two weeks? Are you shitting me? There’s no way we can find replacements, find subletters, pack up, and find someplace to live in Vegas in two weeks. It’s impossible.” When Tyrone just continued to look at him, he repeated, “Impossible.”

  “It’ll be tight, yeah,” Tyrone conceded. “But we could divvy up the apartment work. You take care of your place here, and I’ll cover packing and finding someplace in Vegas. All I’m asking is that you try it out. Who knows? Maybe I’ll hate it after three months and want to move back. But we won’t know if we don’t try.”

  AJ didn’t think for a minute Tyrone was going to hate it. Las Vegas seemed right up his alley. This whole offer seemed like a dream come true. In the end, with those pleading brown eyes fixed on him, there was only one answer he could give.

  “All right.” He held up a warning finger before Tyrone could leap from the couch in excitement. “But only if Freeman’s good with it, and we can find guys to replace us. Otherwise, no dice.”

  “Those are the only dice I need.”

  When Tyrone pulled him into a sharp hug, AJ stiffened, hesitating to return it. He was too aware of just how hard his friend’s body was, the press of a sharp hip into his, the musky scent of Ty’s cologne filling his nose. It wasn’t that they never touched. Tyrone was a very touchy-feely kind of guy. But that was when AJ was better prepared for it, when he had time to brace himself, to put up the walls that he needed to remember this was his friend not his lover.

  If Tyrone noticed, he didn’t say anything. He was too busy getting up and heading to the kitchen, complaining about how hungry he was, to pay AJ’s pause much mind.

  With a sigh, AJ followed.

  Because it was Tyrone leading the way.

 
* * * *

  “This one. And this one. And this one if you want someone to bring in customers because he’s pretty.” AJ pushed the applications across the table to Janie and Freeman before sinking back in his seat. Auditioning replacements had taken almost the entire day; the response had been far more overwhelming than any of them had anticipated. So overwhelming in fact, Tyrone had skipped out after lunch, saying he needed to start the ball rolling on a Vegas apartment for them.

  “It’s like shooting fish in a barrel here,” he’d said. “You don’t need me.”

  AJ didn’t argue. It was easier to concentrate on the music without Tyrone fidgeting next to him. Every time the man jiggled his leg, his thigh rubbed against AJ’s. No one should have had that kind of energy.

  Freeman picked up the three applications and flicked through them. “You think the first two will have the same chemistry as you and Tyrone?”

  AJ shrugged. “Not without hearing them together, I don’t. But they were the two who were quickest, and knew the widest selection of music. My suggestion would be to call them back and have them play together.”

  With a grunt, Freeman rose from the table and headed for his office. “I’ll call ‘em all, just so they don’t think the job’s in the bag. A little competition never hurt anybody. Thanks, AJ.”

  Janie stayed behind. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing,” she said without preamble.

  “Now you sound like Tyrone. I can’t remember the last time I saw him this excited.”

  “I’m not talking about the new job, though that’s the right thing, too.” She went behind the bar and grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge. “I mean going with Tyrone. I’m glad you’re taking a chance with that.”

  “Whoa, there’s no chance there. Not the kind you mean.” With fresh alarm, AJ hopped up from his seat. “I’m doing this for our careers. As soon as we’re more settled, I’m sure Tyrone is going to want his own place.”

  “What’re you going to want?”

  “Can you let this go?”

  She was like a dog with a bone. Ever since Tyrone had made the grand announcement, Janie had taken every opportunity she could to comment on their new living arrangements, or how good they were together, or how good Vegas was going to be. She never did it when Tyrone was around, though, which AJ found more than puzzling. And a little irritating. Because if she did, maybe Tyrone would set her straight on the whole situation and she’d just drop it.

  “I’m trying to make you see what this could do for you.” She passed over one of the bottles. “The two of you are going to be on your own. Tyrone’s going to need you.”

  AJ rolled his eyes. “Tyrone doesn’t need anybody.”

  “Then why didn’t he just tell Kira you weren’t interested and they could find him another partner?” Janie answered the question herself. “Because he knew he couldn’t do it without you. And he’s not going to know how you feel about him if you don’t get off your tuckus and tell him.”

  “My tuckus is just fine, parked where it is.”

  “Except you want your tuckus parked in his lap.”

  AJ set the bottle down on the bar and went back to the table to start packing up his things. “I am not having this conversation with you. Tell Freeman if he wants me to come listen to the callback to give me a ring.”

  Someone rapped at the glass in the front door. AJ’s stomach plummeted when he saw Tyrone outside, waiting to be let in.

  “Or maybe I should just tell Tyrone what a good thing he has in you, and let fate take over.”

  “Don’t you dare,” AJ warned as he went for the door. His palm slipped on the handle as he fiddled with the lock. By the time he stepped back to get out of Tyrone’s way, it wasn’t just his hands that were sweaty.

  “Tell me you got winners.” Tyrone’s cologne drifted behind as he walked past, a musky scent that always made AJ want to sink to his knees. “Because me and Kira found the perfect place for us. Straight shot to the Strip, security, even a lock-up for storage like you wanted.”

  “See?” AJ looked pointedly at Janie, hoping she would take the hint. “He and Kira worked it out.”

  Tyrone stopped between them, his slight frown hopping back and forth. “You doubted me? I am deeply dismayed.”

  “Of course, we didn’t,” Janie said. “I just didn’t expect you to find something so soon, that’s all.”

  AJ uttered a silent prayer of gratitude. Janie might be eager to see them paired off, but in the end, she would respect his boundaries. She didn’t know Tyrone like he did. AJ suspected nobody did.

  With his efficiency no longer in question, Tyrone’s broad smile returned. He hopped up on one of the bar stools and leaned his elbows back against the counter, his shirt pulling taut over his well-defined chest. “All that’s left is signing the papers,” he said to AJ. “I think after the show tonight, we should drive to Vegas and get it done. You can see the apartment then, too.”

  Another one of Tyrone’s whirlwind decisions. “Tonight? That’s an eight-hour drive. We’ll be exhausted.”

  “So you sleep, while I drive. It’s not like it would be the first time I’ve pulled an all-nighter.”

  How did every topic of conversation come back to Tyrone’s sex life? Regardless of the other man’s protestations, images of Kira’s long body writhing atop Tyrone’s resurfaced to torment AJ, mingling with Tyrone’s cologne still lingering in the air to leave AJ’s mouth dry.

  “I think it’s an excellent idea.” Of course, Janie would. Anything that put him and Tyrone into close quarters for long, extensive hours was a good idea to her. “We can have the new guys play tomorrow night to try them out. It’s a slow night for us, so if they suck, nobody’s out anything.”

  “See?” Tyrone said. “Problem solved.”

  It wasn’t, not by a long shot. If anything, AJ thought the problems were only just beginning.

  For him, at least.

  Chapter 3

  AJ stood in the middle of the living room and gawped. There was no other word for it. His jaw hung wide, his eyelids seemed permanently glued open, and speech was beyond his capabilities.

  The apartment was nothing like he had envisioned. Considering they had such little time to get it all sorted out, he had figured they would end up having to compromise on what they were used to. AJ liked his comforts. He liked feeling safe. He liked nice furniture, and no bugs, and not smelling urine in the hallway. In spite of Tyrone’s assurances that the place he and Kira had found on the Internet was great, AJ hadn’t really believed he wouldn’t have to give up on at least a few of his amenities.

  But this…

  This was better than his place in Reno. By a longshot.

  Typical cream paint colored the walls, but it was immaculate, the scent of a fresh application still in the air. The carpet looked reasonably new, too, a pale gray that covered everything but the kitchen and bathroom. Tyrone had gone for furnished in order to make the move easier, and the navy couch and chair set rested opposite a small, but solid wood—not the prefab stuff he was used to—entertainment center. The galley kitchen wasn’t huge, but the appliances weren’t twenty years old, and it already had a microwave. Even the mattresses on the beds were reasonably firm.

  Tyrone hovered at his elbow. “I figured we can move the dining room table against that wall…” He gestured to the corner by the hall leading to the bedrooms. “And then put our keyboards against this one. There’s power there to plug in, and it’s not an inside wall so the neighbors won’t yell at us if we don’t want to put headphones on.”

  AJ did a slow revolution. “I can’t believe you found this. Are you sure we can afford it?”

  “Well, it’s more expensive than our places back in Reno, sure, but we’re splitting rent now. That ends up being cheaper for both of us.”

  It did. And it was just one more piece of the puzzle of their new lives slipping easily into place.

  When he turned back to Tyrone, he was struck
by the careful set of the other man’s shoulders. The drive to Vegas had been a long one, and Ty had refused to let AJ take a shift. It showed. Faint lines creased the corners of his eyes, and his smile when it came was slower, like it hurt too much to drag the muscles into place. He had faked it with the manager; he was a pro at that. But he couldn’t fake it now. He was just too tired.

  Exhaustion didn’t make him any less attractive, though. AJ had the overwhelming urge to take Tyrone by the hand and lead him over to the couch, pull him into his arms and hold him until he fell asleep. Nothing sexual. He’d be more than happy to feel the weight and heat of Tyrone against his body. He dreamed about it often, actually, almost as often as he wondered what it would be like for Tyrone to turn one of his seductive smiles in AJ’s direction. Ensconcing themselves in the corner of the couch, his longer arms wrapped around Tyrone’s slighter build, seemed like nothing short of nirvana right then.

  “I swear to God, you have the best luck of anybody I know.” AJ shook his head, smiling in bewilderment. “If you tell me Kira’s covering our expenses, too, I will eat that couch.”

  Laughter rang out, clear and true. “No, I’m not quite that lucky,” Tyrone said. “Just determined to get what I want. I want to make this work.” His eye caught AJ’s, held it, refused to let it go. “For both of us.”

  The intimacy of the moment startled him. In another place, under other circumstances, he might have gleaned something different from it. He might have let hope bloom instead of crawl into a corner and hide from the brilliance of Tyrone’s smile. It didn’t feel the same as other times, those incidents when it was just the two of them, working on their act. The camaraderie was there, yes, but nothing quite as delicate as this, nothing that left his stomach fluttering or the skin prickling at the back of his neck.

  The latter was his first clue he needed to rein himself in. Tyrone was talking about their careers. He had always been driven by his desire for more. The fact they were such good friends meant now he just wanted AJ along for the ride.