“You know? Fans of HyperOctane? They’ve shortened it to the initials, so the fans are HOs. A bit like Directioners?”
“Huh?”
“Beliebers? Beyonce’s Beehive?”
“HOs? You’re serious?”
“As cancer. You need to get on social media more.”
“Are you stalking the band?” Parker asked with a laugh.
“Maybe. But enough about me, back to you and Mr. Voice-that-melts-your-panties.”
Parker snorted at the very aptness of that image. “There is no me and Rafe. At least….”
“At least, what?”
“Look, I’m attracted to him. Like high-voltage electric sparks kind of attraction.”
“So, what’s stopping you then? I thought you were determined to have a good time this trip and to get over that ex of yours. A quick roll in the hay is exactly what you need.”
“Did it work for you?” Bo was quiet for a moment, and Parker wondered if he’d gone too far. “Listen, I’m not slut-shaming you. You can have all the sex you like, but did it achieve what you wanted it to achieve?”
“If you’re referring to orgasms, then yes.”
“You know—”
“I’m not saying you have to jump into bed with every man that shows an interest.”
Parker took a deep breath. “Here’s the thing. I’m okay with having a one-night stand, in principle at least. I’m just not sure that Rafe is the right person.”Or if he’d give me another chance.
“Are you kidding?” Bo’s voice was so loud, Parker had to temporarily pull his phone away from his ear.
“He’s just…. He reminds me of….”I hardly know him, but there’s something about him. Feelings.“It’s too close to home. I don’t want to fall into another situation where I can get hurt.”
“I think that’s a conversation for another time, but think about this, Parker. You deserve a bit of fun, and you sure as hell deserve a bit of slap and tickle.”
“Slap and tickle? Who the hell says that?”
Bo ignored him. “You’re in Sydney for a short period of time. The band fly out in… What? A week? Everything ends then anyway. How much can happen in that short period of time? Surely not enough to break your heart.”
“Bo—”
“Just give it some thought, Parker. You deserve to have a good time and not deny yourself happiness. Grab it while you can.”
He smiled. “Think of it like balm for my poor tortured soul?”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but sure.” He could hear the grin in Bo’s voice. “And keep me posted. I want photos. You know the drill.”
Parker ended the call feeling a lot lighter. Maybe Bo was on to something.What could happen in a week?Why not scratch an itch? The one-week cut-off meant there was no risk of his heart getting involved at all, so there was no harm in thinking with his dick.
You only live once, right? YOLO and all that.
9
The afternoon at the restaurant on Wooloomooloo Wharf had been fun. It was hard not to have a great time with the spring sunshine dancing on the water while listening to the conversation of good friends. Because that’s what they were—every member of the band and team that supported them were good friends. They had to be to get where they were today. You didn’t get places without having a good team behind you and people you could count on. The guys in the band were his brothers.
Speaking of brothers… Rafe gazed over to where Parker sat with Harvey. They’d moved to the bar area of the restaurant when the sun had set, the late lunch transitioning into early dinner and finally drinks. Parker was engrossed in whatever Harvey was saying, the two of them with heads together. Rafe debated going over.Would I be interrupting something important?Parker looked across at him, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. Rafe took that as an invitation.
