He shook both men's hand in turn, then the other guys—Parker, Gibbo, RG, and Nigel—introduced themselves, with a round of handshakes and bro hugs.
“I've heard great things about HyperOctane,” Rush said. Rush was the one who’d recovered from cancer—at least, Rafe thought it was the big C. It had also made a bit of a stir when he'd come out publicly with his boyfriend, although it didn’t seem as if the guy was here tonight, or at least not with Rush right now.
“Thanks,” Rafe said. “We love your music too and have been fans for years.”
Rush nodded, his megawatt smile radiating good cheer and good health. He’d obviously come through his brush with illness with flying colours. The guy was certainly easy on the eye—dark hair, dark eyes rimmed with eyeliner, a hint of shadow to his jaw—no sign of what he’d been through.
“Welcome to the States, man,” Colin said, drawing Rafe’s attention from his observation of Rush. “It’s awesome that you'll be playing at Rocktoberfest. Looks like we’ll get to know each other. It’ll be cool to hang out while you’re here. We’re also coming Down Under as part of our world tour in the new year, so maybe you guys can show us around your home town.”
Rafe wasn’t too sure about that, either hanging out with them now or back in Sydney. From what he’d heard on the grapevine, no matter how amicable the rest of the band were, the long-haired drummer was a bit of an arsehole. “Sure, sounds good.”
Mentally he made a note to keep RG away from the guy—RG didn’t need any encouragement to get into trouble.
When Colin wrapped an arm around RG’s neck, it looked like he was too late. “Let’s go get some shots, and I’ll introduce you to some other people. Can’t have you sitting over here in the corner.”God, why does that always happen? RG is like a bloody magnet for trouble and attracted all the rabble-rousers. And when did I turn into someone’s dad?
RG’s grin was broad as he gave a wink in Rafe’s direction, then happily allowed himself to be led away.
“C’mon, guys.” Gibbo looked Rafe and Parker’s way. “Let’s get some more booze and check this place out.” Gibbo trailed after RG and Colin, happily ignoring the fact that things could get messy—RG, alcohol, girls, guys… a lethal combination. Rafe just hoped it wouldn’t be something he’d be reading about on social media in the morning.
But what the hell, it was a party, so he parked his worries and turned to Parker instead. “You up for shots?”
“Sure?”
Rafe snorted. “Was that a question?”
“Um.” Parker ran a hand through his hair, tousling the auburn strands.Christ, he looks adorable!
“I’ll take that as a yes then.”
After a quick nod to Rush, who was deep in conversation with Nigel and Sheila, Rafe grabbed Parker’s hand and pulled him towards the bar. A few moments later, they were standing before a bottle of tequila, together with a bowl of lime wedges and a shaker of salt. He splashed some of the clear liquid into a couple of shot glasses and passed one to Parker before indicating Parker’s left hand. Parker stared for a moment but eventually lifted his hand and licked a broad stripe up the back of his hand, eyes glued to Rafe as he did so. If Rafe wasn’t mistaken, he was prologuing the motion by licking slowly.Oh, so slowly.Rafe heated at the sight of that delicate pink tongue poking out and stroking along his skin. He wanted to be the one licking Parker’s skin or sucking his tongue. He swallowed heavily. Once he’d got himself under control, he tipped a generous sprinkle of salt on the damp strip along Parker’s hand, ’cause let’s face it, tequila tasted like shit and needed all the salt and lime it could get.
He salted himself up, then knocked his glass against Parker’s. “Bottom’s up.”
Rafe licked the salt from his hand, threw back the alcohol, then grabbed a wedge of lime and sucked hard, never taking his eyes from Parker, who did the same.Shit, that’s sexy.Watching Parker lick, sip, and suck was a turn-on, even with the final grimace on Parker’s face.
Parker coughed and spluttered. “Goddamn! That burns. It’s like drinking metho. What are you trying to do, kill me?”
But Parker wore a huge grin as he spoke so Rafe couldn’t help but chuckle. He patted him on the back. “You can handle it. But maybe one’s enough for now, hey? Let’s check out the rest of the club. Maybe dance?”
Rafe didn’t often dance, but the thought of dancing with Parker was enough for him to get over any embarrassment at any lack of coordination. They detoured via the table, where Parker left his suit jacket, then moved through the body of people, the crowd getting heavier as they left the safely of the VIP area and ventured down the short staircase into the main area of the club. With so many people milling around, it was easy to get lost in the mass. They pushed through to the dance floor and let the music take hold. The pulsing bass and strong beat demanded movement, and Rafe allowed the music to move him. You’d think with his musical ability, dancing would have been second nature, but he’d missed the dancing gene. The rhythm in his body didn’t extend much beyond keeping beat by tapping his toes or clicking his fingers or moving his hips while he swayed and sang—getting the rest of his body to move smoothly was a whole other story. But Parker had mastered the art of sensual motion—damn, but the guy could move! His slim body was attuned to the rhythm as he gyrated and swayed in perfect time to the beat. He was sex on legs, and Rafe couldn’t resist moving closer even through the music wasn’t the slow dancing type.Who cares anyway?It was more important to be close to him.
Parker’s delighted smile as he pulled him close showed he didn’t mind having his movements hampered.
Rafe threw his arms over Parker’s shoulders. “You’re an amazing dancer.” Parker tilted his head, obviously not having heard, so Rafe leaned in closer and spoke against his ear. “I said, you’re an amazing dancer.” He could feel, more than hear, Parker’s hummed acknowledgment.
Bringing them closer brought their bodies together, and Rafe used the opportunity to slip his hands along Parker’s back, feeling the tight muscles undulate and bunch under his palms. Parker wrapped his arms around him, and he was caught in a fluid, provocative dance, the two of them moving against each other and together.
Suddenly, this night, this party with its over the top opulence and working obligations took on another light. When he had Parker in his arms, things became more than bearable; they became magic.
21
Everything faded away—the loud thumping noise, the people, the flashing lights—all that mattered was Rafe holding him tightly against him. Then the music transitioned into something slower, music that just begged for slow dancing and romance. Parker’s skin tingled under Rafe’s touch, and he wished to God that they were actually skin to skin and he wasn’t just feeling heat through a layer of silk. But on the positive side, the fabric was whisper-thin and he could feel every stroke along his back. And his front—Jesus! His nipples peaked and rubbed against the seams of Rafe’s dark shirt, and his hardened dick was pressed into Rafe’s thigh. Every time they moved, the friction was near unbearable, an agony of desire washing through him. Rafe was in the same predicament, hard-on pressed against Parker’s hip, and all Parker wanted to do was rub against the man; not difficult to do, given they were moving to a sensual rhythm. If this kept up much longer, he’d come. He lost himself in the dance and the pleasure, closing his eyes and inhaling a scent that was all Rafe—his cologne and a hint of sweat from dancing in the crowded space.
Crowds.
Parker’s eyes flashed open.Christ!He was getting himself off on the dance floor. He moved to pull away.
“Don’t.” Rafe held him close, the words said against his ear sending a shiver through him and keeping him wrapped in Rafe’s arms. “Stay. Just one more song.”
