“We had to come all the way across the country to drag this guy back.” RG frisbee’d a coaster across the table. “But it’s been cool to visit the west coast again.”
The cardboard circle bounced off Harvey’s chest and landed on the timber tabletop. He snagged it and tossed it back. “You just wanted an excuse to get away from… Actually, I’m not sure exactly what it was you were running from.”
“I’m not running, but you know what they say—a change is as good as a holiday.”
RG waved him off, but Harvey knew there was something he wasn’t saying. Before he could ask, Rafe and Gibbo shoved their way into the booth followed by a guy holding a tray of drinks. The booze flowed as the night went on, and Harvey relaxed, listening to the guys’ banter. Bo was in his element as they joked around sharing stories of gigs, and after parties, but also reminiscing about their days growing up. The guys loved hearing the stories of what Harvey got up to with his brother, Parker, and Parker’s best friends Ravi and Bo. It didn’t matter that Harvey was five years older than his brother; they’d always been close, probably bonding over the issues faced by their mum.
Harvey watched Bo as he told the story about the first time Harvey had taken them all out clubbing. He obviously had good memories of the night although Harvey wasn’t so sure he shared them. All he remembered was keeping an eagle eye on the three eighteen-year-olds as they’d danced in a crowd of men who relished the young newbies in their midst. Still, he nodded and grinned back at Bo.
One of the things Harvey loved about Bo was his open smile—his face reflecting his happiness at most things in life. He’d worked hard at his studies, and now put in countless hours at the hospital but he never complained. Bo epitomized light and laughter; he was fun, and like a breath of fresh air. Harvey found himself glued to Bo’s every reaction, and when he started talking about his new career, he hung on every word. His chest warmed at the knowledge that Bo’s hard work had paid off, and how he’d matured over the years. No longer the sassy kid, he was now a man. A gorgeous man, who pressed all of Harvey’s buttons judging from the rock-hard erection he now sported.
Harvey adjusted himself in his seat and picked up his drink.Fuck! Why does he have to turn me on like this? He’s Parker’s best friend for fuck’s sake.
The bourbon burned as it went down. Harvey coughed and pushed the glass away. He’d definitely had enough of the hard liquor tonight.
“Are you okay?” Bo asked.
Harvey melted at the concern in his voice. “Sure. Just thinking of calling it a night.”
“Oh, you’re not going to pike on us are you?” RG said. “The night’s just getting started.”
Harvey’s gaze flicked to RG. He was obviously buzzing and ready to party. “Yeah, sorry, man.”
He didn’t trust himself to stay around Bo, especially if booze was involved. He didn’t know if he could trust himself to keep his attraction under control as it had gotten more and more difficult with each visit home, and the last six months had been torture.
“Come on. We’ll share a cab,” Bo said, his words negating any idea Harvey had of staying away. Bo shoved him, encouraging him to get out of the booth, sliding his own body along the seat until he was pushed up tight against him.
The familiar scent of Bo’s shampoo and the cologne he always wore, filled Harvey’s nostrils. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, enjoying both the scent and Bo’s temporary closeness, wishing for more. Wishing for something he had no right wanting at all.
“God, you look like you’re going to pass out.”
Harvey’s eyes snapped open at Gibbo’s words. “I’m fine. Just tired.”
“All right. We’ll give you a leave pass tonight, but only because we have to be at the airport early tomorrow. You head home and we’ll take your gear,” RJ said. “Just make sure you don’t miss the plane.”
“I won’t.” Harvey slid from the booth.
Fuck, there was no way he was going to miss that plane. That plane would put thousands of kilometres between him and Bo, kilometres that would stop him doing something he’d regret.
The night was quiet. The taxi that had just dropped them off, rounded the corner at the end of the street, the noise of the engine fading, just leaving the familiar distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Bo looked at Harvey, suddenly nervous. He didn’t know what to say but he didn’t want the night to end. Not yet. “You’re leaving first thing tomorrow?”
“Yeah, got to be at the airport early.”
“Do you want me to drop you off? The offer still stands.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I’ll grab an Uber.”
“Okay.” Bo swallowed hard. Stupid that he should feel so disappointed that he didn’t have to get up at the arsecrack of dawn on his day off. “I should give you back your guitar.”
Without waiting for an answer, he crossed the road in front of Harvey’s house, and walked up the driveway to his own home, before taking the outside steps that lead to his apartment above the garage. At least he didn’t live in the main house with his parents. He unlocked the door, then crossed the room to flip on the lamps. The living room was small with an adjoining kitchenette, and a bedroom with ensuite at the back. The lamps cast a gentle golden glow, giving a warm feeling to the room where they’d spent countless hours these past months. Somehow Bo didn’t think he’d enjoy spending quite so much time at home without Harvey to share those evenings.
He turned and almost ran into Harvey. “Oops. Sorry,” he mumbled as Harvey grabbed his upper arms to steady him.
Harvey studied Bo’s face, a tiny smile at the corner of his lips. The gaze was penetrating, and Bo squirmed under the scrutiny, but he was disappointed when Harvey finally cleared his throat and stepped back.
“You should keep the guitar.”
