“Not an anything, really.”
“How is that even possible with a brother like Harvey? That guy throws himself off cliffs, out of planes, and into the depths of the ocean. Surely you inherited some of the Shaw adventure gene?”
Parker shook his head. “I think I must have been adopted. I prefer to keep both feet firmly on the ground, thank you very much.AndI like all my body parts to be attached.”
Rafe nudged his shoulder. “Well, I for one am pleased you aren’t a crazy risk taker. I like all your body parts attached too.”
Parker couldn’t help the grin. He usually got shit for not being like Harvey, for a being boring, for being a wuss. Instead Rafe was flirting—at least Parker thought he was flirting—and it gave him all sorts of fluttery feelings. Not that he’d do anything about it. The last thing he needed was to be used by one of Sydney’s hottest rock gods and tossed aside like yesterday’s garbage. The smile died.
“Do you have any hobbies?” Rafe asked. “What do you like to do in your spare time?”
“I—”
Parker’s words were cut off as he was shoved from behind. Thank God Rafe has already taken the glass from him or Rafe would have been wearing Coke down the front of his shirt. As it was, the force knocked Parker from his feet, and he stumbled sideways. It was only Rafe’s quick reflexes and the hand he placed around Parker’s biceps that stopped him face-planting the tiles. Once his feet were back under him, he turned to the newcomer.
“Sorry.” The guy all but ignored Parker and focused his attention on Rafe, thrusting out a palm. “Hi. I’m Stu. I love your music.”
“Thanks.” Rafe shook the guy’s hand, the move forcing him to let go of Parker’s arm, much to his disappointment.
“I mean it. You guys are awesome. I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a drink.”
He was smooth, Parker would give him that, no hesitation, just a confident invitation, as if he approached famous people all the time.Maybe he did.
“Thanks, but I’m okay here.”
Parker bit back a chuckle at Rafe rejecting Stu’s advances. Stu was good-looking in a polished, sophisticated way—slim-fit suit paired with an open-collar shirt giving a good glimpse of tanned chest. He was most likely not used to being turned down. His brow furrowed as he looked at Parker, giving him the once-over with slightly glazed eyes, a study that left Parker feeling deficient in some way. What did Stu see when he looked at him? An ordinary guy with red hair and fair skin, dressed in jeans and a buttoned shirt.Nothingcompared to Rafe, but he drew himself to his full height anyway. Stu narrowed his gaze, then dismissed Parker with a disarming smile thrown Rafe’s way. “Are you sure? I’d love to talk to you about music. Maybe we could—”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Rafe stepped closer to Parker.
Stu glanced over his shoulder to where Parker could see a couple of guys watching the interaction from where they stood leaning against the wall, before looking back. “I’m with a couple of friends. They’re massive fans, too. We met RG when you guys performed a couple of weeks ago, had a really cool time, if you know what I mean. Perhaps we can all join you?” He raised his brows. “You know?”
There was so much innuendo in that loaded question. Parker could just imagine what they’d got up to with RG and what they had in mind for Rafe. It was the life of rock star, after all, and he’d heard so many stories from Harvey of crazy escapades and fans throwing themselves at them. He wouldn’t blame Rafe for taking the guy up on his offer. But Rafe surprised him.
“I’m not interested.” Rafe placed his hand on Parker’s arm again. “Parker’s only in town for a short time, and I want to make the most of it.”
“Oh—”
“Unless, of course, Parker wants to?” Rafe looked at him for an answer, his grip on Parker’s arm tightening.
Doubt tugged at Parker’s belly, but something in Rafe’s golden gaze gave him confidence. His usual self-doubt was washed away by what he saw in Rafe’s expression. He shook his head. Rafe grinned, and the last of Parker’s insecurity disappeared.
“Wanna get outta here?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Let’s go.” Rafe barely said goodbye to Stu, grabbing Parker’s hand and leading him back through the restaurant towards the exit.
The ride from the restaurant in the city to Balmain hadn’t taken long, but it had been enough time for the nerves to set in. His stomach tensed as he second-guessed leaving the party with Rafe.Parker Shaw doesn’t do these types of things. Wrong. TheoldParker Shaw is the play-it-safe guy. ThenewParker Shaw is going to experience life.
Parker took a deep breath and followed Rafe into the apartment. It was warehouse style and massive—timber floors and high ceilings, with exposed beams and a plate glass window that showcased the glittering lights out on the bay. It was an apartment that reflected Rafe’s lifestyle and reminded Parker that they came from completely different worlds.
Am I doing the right thing?
Jesus Christ. He didn’t do one-night stands. He didn’t hook up. He didn’t do casual, period. It wasn’t that he had anything against people who were into that kind of thing, it was just that he wasn’t comfortable in those situations. Hell, he didn’t know if he’d been truly comfortable inanysituation no matter how long he’d known a guy. He’d dated his last boyfriend for a couple of months before he felt relaxed enough to let his guard down, and look how that’d turned out.
“Can I get you anything? A drink?”
Parker jumped as the words cut through the silence, echoing in the vast space. “I… Ah… no thanks,” he mumbled.
