Page 23 of Saving the Rockstar

Mason groaned. "Okay, first of all, I'm going to need you to never say 'wicked way' again, because it makes you sound like a regency romance heroine and that's not a mental image I need in my life."

I flipped him off halfheartedly, feeling my lips twitch in spite of myself.

"And second of all," he continued, his expression sobering, "looks like you've got it bad."

I huffed, annoyed and amused in equal measure. "Gee, thanks for the insight. Any other wisdom you'd like to impart?"

"Oh, I've got plenty. Starting with the fact that you owe me fifty bucks." Mason wagged a finger at the camera. "I believe your exact words were, 'I'll never be dumb enough to fall for a client.' Pay up, buddy."

A startled laugh punched out of me. "Christ. You're seriously calling in that bet? Now, when I'm having a full-on gay crisis?"

Mason's grin softened into something more sympathetic. "Hey, I'm just messing with you. I know this is heavy shit."

I sighed, slumping against the balcony railing. "That's an understatement. I've never felt like this before, Mase. Not about a man."

It was hard to put into words, the magnetic pull I felt toward Asher. The bone-deep need to hold him, comfort him, chase away the demons that haunted him.

Mason hummed thoughtfully. "So, what, you're having a sexuality crisis on top of everything else?"

"I guess? Fuck, I don't know." I scrubbed a hand through my hair, agitated. "I've always identified as straight. But with Asher, it's like all the old rules don't apply anymore."

"Hey, listen to me." Mason's voice was uncharacteristically serious. "Sexuality is fluid, man. It doesn't have to fit into some rigid box. And labels are bullshit anyway. What matters is how youfeel."

"Easy for you to say," I muttered. "You've always been comfortable being bisexual."

Mason chuckled. "Sure, after years of confusion and self-doubt and a few memorable freak-outs. Sound familiar?"

I rolled my eyes, even as some of the tightness in my chest eased. "Yeah, yeah. I bow to your superior wisdom, oh enlightened one."

"Damn right you do." Mason paused, his expression softening. "For real though, J. Don't get too caught up in labels or expectations. Just follow your heart. See where it leads you."

I swallowed hard around the sudden lump in my throat. "And if it leads me somewhere I can't follow? He's still my client, Mase. It's all kinds of unethical."

"Bullshit," Mason said. "You and I both know you'd rather cut off your own arm than let anything happen to that man, feelings or no feelings. You're the best damn bodyguard I've ever seen. And if anyone can figure out a way to do your jobandlove that crazy, beautiful disaster of a rock star, it's you."

"God, I hate it when you make sense," I grumbled, but I could feel the corner of my mouth ticking up. "Thanks, man. For talking me off the ledge."

Mason flashed a megawatt smile. "Anytime, J. What else are bros for?"

We said our goodnights and I slipped back into the dark hotel room, trying to be quiet so as not to wake Asher.

No such luck. As I eased the balcony door shut behind me, I heard the rustle of sheets, a soft indrawn breath.

"Jared?" Asher's sleep-roughened voice floated out of the shadows. "Everything okay?"

Guilt pinched at me. I hadn't meant to disturb him. "Yeah. Go back to sleep."

Instead of subsiding, the rustling grew louder. A moment later, the bedside lamp flicked on, illuminating Asher's face. He was sitting up against the headboard, covers pooled around his waist, watching me with eyes that were far too alert for three in the morning.

"Can't sleep either, huh?" I sighed, giving up on stealth and padding over to sit on the edge of his bed.

Asher shrugged one shoulder. "Brain won't shut off."

"I know the feeling." I hesitated, weighing my words. "Wanna talk about it?"

For a long moment, Asher was silent. Then, so quietly I almost missed it, "Do you miss her? Your ex-wife?"

The question caught me off guard, sending a familiar pang through my chest. It had been over a year since the divorce was finalized, but some hurts lingered like old battle scars.

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