Page 57 of Dragged Home for Christmas

Close enough to kiss.

Except Anthony was starting to despair of ever getting to that point. Every time Phil performed, Anthony was by his side. He spent a few evenings each week in Phil’s apartment, listening to him play, occasionally singing along. And every time he came back to the hotel, his heart would sink a little further.

Is he just a fan? Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Phil cleared his throat. “Have you given any more thought to my suggestion?”

Anthony had a few suggestions of his own, and most of them were carnal. He wouldn’t make the first move, however, much as he ached to say something.

I’ve wanted him for so long, but I want him to want me too.

Then he realized Phil expected a response.

“About me singing in the show, do you mean?”

Phil nodded. “Because I had an idea about it. Including what song would work, and who’d be singing it.”

He blinked. “Miss Dixx, of course.”

“I don’t think so. In fact, I think you should have a whole new character.”

Anthony stared. “Oh youdo, do you? Well, okay then. Spill.” Phil mentioned the song title, which he recognized immediately. And when Phil outlined his ideas for not only the character but the costume, Anthony had to grin.

“You know what? You might have something there. Of course, it’ll need a new costume, new wig…” As soon as he was done there, Anthony was going shopping. He knewexactlythe kind of fabric he needed. The wig might take a little longer, but he’d get on it ASAP.

“Then you’ll do it?” Phil gazed into his eyes. “For me?”

The look of naked adoration sent trickles of heat through him.

“Yeah, I’ll do it for you.” Then his heartbeat quickened when Phil leaned in closer, closer, until their lips were almost touching. “Yes,” he murmured in encouragement.

Please, don’t stop.

Phil’s eyes widened, and his breathing hitched as he cupped Anthony’s cheek. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he whispered.

Then Anthony forgot about everything but the man whose arms enfolded him, whose lips claimed his in the sweetest kiss he’d ever experienced. He cradled Phil’s nape, deepening the kiss, pouring into it all his desire, his need.

When they parted, Phil stared at him, his breathing erratic. “Whoa. When you kiss, you do it with your whole body.”

Anthony chuckled. “Want to see what other skills I have?”

“Is that a rhetorical question?” Phil sighed. “I’m sorry I took so long to show how I felt. But you should know by now I am by habit a nervous person. I never make a move until I’m certain of the outcome.” He stared at Anthony. “About those other skills of yours…” His eyes sparkled. “You’ve intrigued me.”

Anthony glanced down at the piano bench. “You know, I’ve seen porn videos where the actors fucked on one of these.” Anthony met Phil’s gaze, noting his flushed face, his large pupils. “Think that might be something you’d like to try?”

And please say yes.

Phil swallowed. “I think I could be persuaded.” He stood and walked away from the piano.

“And where areyougoing?”

He grinned. “Well, unless you’ve got a bottle of lube in that man bag of yours, we’re going to need supplies.”

Anthony snickered. “Honey, we’re gonna be doing this so often, you’ll need to keep a bottle in the piano.” He wanted to dance, sing, whoop and holler. He felt as light as a feather, and happier than he could remember.

Don’t they say good things come to those who wait?

It seemed his waiting days were over.

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