Julian made a move to go to the bathroom.“I’ll get us another drink on my way back, then I’ll get going.I want to keep a clear head for later.”
The bar had filled up around them and Hudson noticed that a lot of the tables outside were also occupied.It was a beautiful evening, and the small outdoor terrace was perfectly placed to catch the late sun.The young singer had returned to the stage and was arranging his equipment for his next set.
Hudson’s eyes were drawn to an exceptionally handsome man at the far end of the bar.He stood with an older man, who had his back to Hudson, but he had noticed Hudson too.The man glanced over his companion’s shoulder to look at him more than once.
Hello, good-looking.
Hudson had been so focused on preparing for the play in recent weeks that he had barely looked twice at any hot guy.He hadn’t even used any hook-up apps to check out the local guys.But there was no ignoring this knockout.
He was tall, a good few inches taller than himself, he would guess, with short, very dark hair and chiselled cheekbones.There was dark stubble on his lean jaw.His looks were almost brooding, until the man he was with said something which caused him to break into the most disarming smile.
Fuck me!He’s stunning.
He wore light suit trousers and an open-necked white shirt.Strong pecs pressed against the shirt front, and the outline of his nipples was visible.
Hudson felt a stirring inside his pants.He didn’t want to stare in a creepy way—he knew how unwelcome that could be—but this guy was like a magnet for his eyes.How old is he?Younger than Hudson, but not by much.Mid to late thirties.There was definite maturity in those fine good looks, but a playful sense of youth in that smile and his twinkling eyes.There was a hint of widow’s peak on his hairline that also suggested he was more man than boy.
Hudson took a swig of beer and forced himself to watch the stage, realising he was getting hot around the neck and throat.This guy was having a big impact on him.
He was about to get out his phone and log into Grindr to see if this hottie was also online when Julian returned with two fresh bottles of beer.They sat quietly and watched the singer for a while.He performed a set of acoustic rock and indie songs.Hudson realised he’d spent enough time in the UK in recent years to recognise a lot of the songs.
“He’s great,” he said.
Julian agreed.“They’ve got another guy on towards the end of the week, Friday I think, who could be worth a look if you fancy it?”
“Sounds good.I really like this place.”
At the end of the next song, Julian excused himself.“Got to go.I want to get back to the hotel before Manuella calls.”
They hugged goodbye and Julian set off.Hudson decided he’d finish his drink and call it a night too.He didn’t want a heavy head for the rehearsals tomorrow.They were planning to run through the first act in its entirety and he wanted to be good.When the singer completed his set, Hudson gave him a warm applause and knocked off his beer.It was after eight.He should be back at the apartment well before nine.He would relax for a while on the balcony then get an early night.
The handsome man was still at the end of the bar.Their eyes locked once more as Hudson stood.Hudson gave him a friendly smile of acknowledgement and his cock stirred as he walked out of the door.Maybe another time, when he had less on his mind.
The sun was hidden behind the high buildings when he stepped out, but it was still a fine and clement evening.He decided to take the long way back.He would go down to the river and follow the waterfront for a while, before heading up into the city.
“Excuse me,” a voice called from behind.“Mr Rhodes.”
He turned, stunned to find the hot guy from the bar following him.The warm sensation returned to Hudson’s neck, climbing over his face.His balls tightened.
As the man approached, the dazzling smile was at full voltage.He was even more attractive than he had appeared from a distance.
And he already knew who Hudson was.
“Hi,” he said, coming closer.Was that a flush of red in his cheeks and neck?“Sorry to bother you.I didn’t like to disturb you earlier, I just wanted to say hello.”He had a strong accent that Hudson had come to recognise as being unique to this city.He was familiar with Geordie, and this was similar, but softer, sexier.
Hudson returned the smile, full on.This guy was not like the typical fans who approached him for selfies.On the whole, he mostly got recognised for a handful of cheesy romcoms he’d made in his late twenties and early thirties, and it was often women who flagged him down.
Through the open neck of the man’s shirt, he caught a teasing glimpse of dark chest hair.Hudson’s dick swelled to a semi state.
“Luke Kamal,” the man said, thrusting his hand forward.
Hudson took it welcomingly, noting the firm, dry grip.“Hi, Luke.I guess you know who I am.”
Luke’s dark eyes focused directly on him, and it was quite disarming.Hudson had worked with some world-famous actors and heartthrobs and very few of them possessed the raw magnetism of this stranger.
“You’re quite a big deal around here.Everyone is excited about the play launching in Blyham.”
Luke was an apparent flatterer, but he was so good-looking Hudson took his comment as a compliment rather than pure bullshit.“You’re coming to see the show then?”
