Page 13 of Falling Faster
Every minute I spend with him leaves me craving more. Lunch together stretched into a full afternoon, then dinner together. If I hadn't had to head to the venue for sound check, we'd probably still be wrapped up in each other.
Holding a guitar, my first love, is an acceptable substitute, but I can't deny how much I enjoy holding Ty.
On the mic at center stage, The Fury's frontman, Luke, sings about love and loss. His powerful voice tears into every corner of the room and every heart.
I move forward for my guitar solo, shredding the fretboard. When I received the call from Luke, asking me to fill in for their guitarist who'd broken his arm, I hadn't anticipated anything other than a night of playing music with one of the first friends I made after moving to LA, but knowing that Tyis somewhere out there increases the pressure for an amazing performance. Losing myself in the music, I let it flood over me.
Light moves over the crowd, and three familiar faces come into view. Just off center stage, Ty stands with Slater and Noah. I catch Ty's gaze and electricity surges through my body. My heart beating faster, I move to the music, rolling my hips a tad more suggestively than my usual style, but I've never had such a captivating audience of one before, either.
Ty's gaze dips to the zipper on my jeans. His tongue peeks out to wet his lips and his focus holds on the sway and thrust. Groaning, I harden. That tongue and those lips wrapped around my cock were the focus of my fantasy as I lay awake, unable to sleep last night. That, and then doing the same to Ty, slowly unraveling him with kisses and caresses until he's breathless and sated and whispering my name.
When Ty's focus journeys back to my face, the naked desire in his eyes tempts me to jump off the stage, grab his hand, and drag him off to someplace where we can play and explore and discover each other's secrets.
Movement to my left jars me from the mini-fantasy. Luke sways closer. I end my solo, diving back into the rest of the hard driving song, and spin toward the singer. The way Luke smirks, I have zero doubt my friend caught me staring at Ty. Grinning, I shrug and go back-to-back with my buddy, playing the melody to accompany Luke's voice belting out the lyrics.
I can't help glancing at Ty again. The light beams over the audience once more, casting a pattern of soft white, then blue, then yellow, painting the people in rapidly changing hues. Wearing a smile, Ty nods along to the beat. He seems to be fully enjoying the show.
Several members of the audience, encouraged by Luke tosing along, join in with the final chorus. Ty is right there in the mix, singing as he bumps into Noah, then cheers at the song's end.
I strain my hearing, attempting to catch that one voice out of over a hundred. It doesn't work, but I still feel Ty's support, still see those brown eyes shining up at me, that brilliant smile, and those strong hands clapping together.
Ty is surprising in the best possible way. A breath of fresh air. Warm and inviting, friendly and sweet. Sexy and talented. And a damn good kisser. In all the hours we've spent together over the past day and a half, every minute is like unwrapping a new layer of an incredible present.
For the rest of the show, my focus keeps drifting to that spot in the audience, and almost every time, my gaze collides with Ty's. As much as I love playing music, impatience laces through my body, frustrated with anything keeping me from holding Ty, kissing him, talking to him, and exploring our connection. The knowledge that he is flying back home on Monday morning hangs over me like a ticking clock.
After the final song, Luke addresses the crowd. "We love you all. Thank you for being here. Put your hands together for Brendan Gallagher on drums, Landry Marx on bass, and filling in for our boy Zander, Craig Simms on guitar."
I take a bow and wave. Applause and cheers swell and drown out Luke's final message of thanks.
Backstage, I stow my guitar in its case, my movements quickened by my eagerness to get back out on the floor and find Ty. Behind me, the band's members joke and chat. Their friendship reminds me of the bond I share with my original bandmates. "Guys, it's always great playing with you."
Luke pulls me in for a hug. "Thanks for filling in. I owe you one. Want to join us back at my place, or are you heading out?"
"I have someone waiting for me in the bar, but thanks."
A knowing smile graces Luke's lips. "The blond guy you were looking at the whole show? New boyfriend?"
I exchange hugs with Brendan and Landry. "We, ah, just met yesterday."
Luke's smile widens. "So, brand new then. As soon as I saw you today at sound check, I knew something was up. You look happy. It's been a while since I've seen you that way."
"I am happy. Hey, tell Zander I hope he heals quickly."
"Will do. We have a three-week, mini-tour along the coast starting in a few weeks. We're hoping he'll be ready to play by then, but if he's not, are you free to fill in?"
"For you guys? Of course. Text me with details."
"I will. Thanks, man." Luke claps his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. "Appreciate it."
"Night, guys." With a wave, I leave the room.
Luke's voice calls out, "Have fun with your new man. Happy looks good on you, buddy."
Happy.
The word sticks in my mind as I make my way through the crowd of people dancing and drinking. I spot Slater's red hair right away. He, Ty, and Noah stand at the far end of the bar, engrossed in a conversation. Slater glances up, sees me, then nudges Ty.
Ty turns, our gazes collide, and he rushes toward me. I move fast as a flash in his direction, meeting him halfway. Amid a sea of dancers, his face lights with a smile that steals my breath. "You were amazing."
