“Settle.” Nigel used his stern father tone, pretty effective even though he was probably only a year or two older than the guys in the band. But RG was known to get hot under the collar and needed reining in at times. “The article is actually complimentary. It talks about the sold-out concert tour, the ARIA awards for Best Song, Rock Album, and Highest Selling Single. I think the ‘little known’ refers to not being well known in the States—”
“Bloody wankers.”
Nigel held up a hand, stopping RG’s potential tirade. “Which is true. We might have cracked it here in Australia, but it’s a very different market over there.”
“Which is why this tour is so important. This is our big chance to make it—a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Rafe said. “It’s not every day something like this comes along. We’re lucky Sheila managed to wrangle us an invite to the festival.” Sheila Kouros was Nigel’s US counterpart, both of them working for Richardson Enterprises, one of the most successful US music powerhouses.
“Hey,” Nigel said, laughing. “I might have had something to do with it.”
Rafe nodded at Nigel.Thank God someone worked their magic.He didn’t care who. This tour waseverything. It was the best chance they had of getting a foot in the door of the US market, something Rafe had dreamed about for… well, forever. Making it in the US was the culmination of all these years of hard work, all the sacrifices. He’d prove once and for all that he could not only make it but be top of the game.
Rafe noticed the waiter at his elbow and grabbed the fresh glass of whisky, directing the Cokes to be placed on the coffee table in front of Parker. Parker looked at him in surprise but picked up one of the glasses and put the stainless steel straw in his mouth, his plump lips making a Cupid’s bow around the tube.Oh, to be that straw!
“What’s Rocktoberfest?” asked the girl at RG’s side.
RG looked at her as if she were crazy. “Only the biggest outdoor rock festival to be held this year.”
“Oh, sounds awesome.” She snuggled next to him. “Can I come?”
RG snorted. Rafe wasn’t sure if it was because of the location of the event or the fact that RG had probably planned to never see the girl again.
“I don’t think so. It’s not really possible,” RG replied. At least he was letting the girl down easy.
“Please.” She had a whine in her voice and wasn’t going to give up without a fight.
“Maybe if it had been in Australia, but it’s in Nevada,” Rafe cut in. “We leave in a week. I’m sure RG wouldlovefor you to come, but given how soon it is and that it’s a fifteen-hour flight just to get as far as LA.” He shrugged. “You know.”
She pouted. RG put his arm around her shoulders and mouthed a thanks to Rafe. Rafe winked back. He couldn’t imagine spending fifteen hours on a flight stuck next to that girl—too clingy and demanding.
His gaze flicked to Parker. Now, sitting next tohimfor hours was something he definitelycouldimagine. There was something appealing about Harvey’s little brother—all that passion for the band, and admiration for Harvey’s talent, and standing up for himself when it was easy to see he was more the shy type. Rafe admired his spirit—the fiery personality in contrast with his sweet good looks. He wondered if the sweetness went all the way through and if he’d get a chance to find out.
4
The party was in full swing now. The noise level had risen a few decibels, and conversation was pretty much only possible if you were a few inches away from the person you were talking to. Not that Parker was finding that an issue at all. No, he didn’t mind the closeness; his problem was he wanted to get even closer still. The scent of Rafe’s aftershave, mixed with the hint of whisky on his breath, tempted Parker more than he wanted to admit. For a brief second, he closed his eyes and imagined what it would be like to lean in and nuzzle his neck, to inhale his fill of that scent, or maybe even dare a taste of the liquor from Rafe’s lip. He bit back a groan.
“Hey, are you all right?”
Parker opened his eyes to see Rafe’s concerned gaze. He blushed and dipped his chin, embarrassed at being caught in a daydream. While he was fantasising about Rafe, thinking how gorgeous he was, the object of his desire thought he was ill.Great.
Rafe took the glass from Parker’s shaking hand and placed a hand on his shoulder, albeit briefly, to Parker’s disappointment. “Do you need to sit down?”
Parker forced his eyes upward and tugged at his collar. “I’m fine. It’s just a bit hot in here.”
“Let me get you something more to drink. Do you want another Coke or a water this time? Or perhaps some fresh air?”
God, he felt like a fool having Rafe fuss over him. On one hand, it felt nice to be looked after, but what if Rafe thought he was too much trouble? He’d been having an amazing time and didn’t want the evening to end. He straightened his back and forced a smile into his voice. “I’m fine, Rafe. Honestly.”
Rafe smiled back. “Great. But how about we grab some air anyway? It’s too crowded in here, and I can’t hear you properly over this music.”
The balcony wasn’t much better. Yes, it wasn’t stuffy but there were people crammed everywhere and alcohol flowing freely. At least conversation was more possible without the thumping beat.
Parker took a deep breath. “So, I think we were at the part where you were about to tell me what an awesome skier you are.”
Rafe chuckled. “Ha ha. It’s snowboarding, and no, I’m not awesome. Let’s just say I can get myself from the top of the slope to the bottom and not look like a total fool in the process.”
“Unlike some of us.”
Rafe raised a brow. “Not a skier?”
