Ravi was going to call him back but when he saw Parker headed in Rafe’s direction, he knew he couldn’t ruin Parker’s night just because he needed a buffer between him and Harvey. So far he’d managed to avoid being alone with the man, but he gave himself a mental shake.Grow some balls, man.
“You must be looking forward to next week,” Ravi said. “When is it you fly out? Friday?”
Harvey nodded, dark blond waves shining in the low light of the restaurant bar. “It’s awesome, isn’t it?”
The waitress slid another drink in front of Ravi, pausing momentarily to give Harvey a long look. Harvey ignored her, focusing on Ravi, and she moved off.
“Parker’s so proud of you. It’s such an amazing feat for a band from Oz to get invited to Rocktoberfest.”
Harvey grinned. “I probably should be playing it cool, but holy fuck, man, it’s bloody fantastic. All the blood, sweat and tears are finally paying off. Who’d have thought, from small pub band to international performers? Rocktoberfest. Bring it on!”
His excitement was contagious and Ravi grinned as he raised his glass. “Here’s to you, and to HyperOctane.”
“Cheers.” Harvey touched his glass with his own. “Now tell me about you. We’ve hardly had time to chat since you arrived. How’s life been treating you? I’ve only heard some bits and pieces from Parker.”
Oh, God. Where to begin?Ravi’s happiness evaporated at the question.He went with the easy answer which basically meant he said hardly anything at all. “Yeah, I’ve been good. There’s not a lot happening, at least nothing on your scale. Boring really.”
“Hey,” Harvey frowned. “Don’t sell yourself short. My life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
That’s easy for him to say given he has success and fans falling all over him.
Ravi took another swallow of vodka tonic, ignoring the fuzziness of his thoughts, then held up a hand and touched his pointer finger. “Let’s see. No glamorous career,” he started. “Still living within spitting distance of where I grew up, no international travel, can’t keep a boyfriend let alone having adoring fans throwing themselves at my feet.” He pushed a finger down as he rattled off each point, ignoring Harvey’s dark look. “So yeah, I’d say you definitely have the short end of the stick.”
He regretted the sarcasm the instant the words were out of his mouth. What the fuck was he doing? Harvey must think he was crazy. He half thought that himself given what he’d admitted to.
“Ravi—”
“Do you want ’nother drink?” He held up his glass, liquid splashing over his hand.
“I don’t think—”
“You stay here. I’ll get ’em.” He rose partially to his feet, then fell back on his arse at the wave of dizziness. Luckily, he was in a booth or else he would have been arse over tit and on the floor.Thank God for small mercies,he thought, flushed with embarrassment. He placed the glass back on the table, both grateful it was empty and that he’d managed to hit the tabletop.Fuck that vodka soda was strong!Or maybe it was the… shit, how many drinks had he had?
“Come on. How about I take you home?”
He blinked at Harvey’s beautiful face.When did Harvey get around this side of the table?
“The party—”
“They’ll all get along fine without us. I was going to head out shortly anyway.”
Ravi found himself nodding. His head was fuzzy and all he wanted to do was go lie down before he made more of a fool of himself. He stood and sidled from the booth, following Harvey. When Harvey casually threw an arm around his shoulders, he stiffened but let Harvey led him to the exit.
The car ride home was a blur and the next thing he knew he was being led into Harvey’s apartment.Harvey’s home.“I like your place,” he mumbled.
Harvey chuckled. “Me too.”
Ravi stumbled down the hall. Harvey’s firm hands guided him to the bathroom and placed a loaded toothbrush in his hand. He made a half-hearted attempt to brush his teeth before spitting out the toothpaste and obediently drinking the glass of water Harvey passed him. He stripped to his underwear—or did Harvey help?—he had no idea, but it was a relief to face-plant the pillow. And soon he was in a deep sleep.
Chapter Three
Theviewfromthewindow never failed to being a smile to Harvey’s face. Waking up to the beautiful blue water peeking through the trees was the perfect way to start the day. That and a cup of coffee, of course.Yeah, it’s the sunshine and coffee that put a bounce in my step, not the gorgeous man I’ve left lying in my bed.It didn’t matter how innocent it was, he loved the idea of Ravi in his bed. He shook his head—he had no business thinking about Ravi in the way he found himself thinking about him.
“Morning.”
He looked over his shoulder at Parker’s greeting. “Hey.” Seeing his little brother was the icing on the cake because it was awesome having him stay. He’d seen so little of him during the time he’d lived in London. “Coffee?”
“You bet. Thanks.”
