Devon’s voice made him jump, and he covered the flinch with a smirk. “Jesus, do youpractisesneaking up on people?”
Devon looked apologetic. “Force of habit. With Elias, I like to keep an eye without him knowing.”
Sebastian hadn’t met Elias yet—Devon’s six-year-old son—but already the idea of being liked by him knotted Sebastian’s stomach.
What if kids can smell the cracks adults ignore?
Devon nodded toward the poster. “You’ll do it, won’t you?”
Sebastian bit his lip. “You think I should?” His voice came out lighter than he meant, the kind of false-casual that always betrayed him.
Devon smiled. “I heard you singing in the shower this morning. You’ll rock it.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, hiding the flush creeping into his cheeks. “Everyone sounds good in the shower.”
Except it was a boost to his ego to know he still had it.
Do it. You need something to focus on.
Then he remembered his latte.
“I’ll grab some tea and join you, if that’s okay.”
Sebastian smiled. “That sounds good.” He waited until Devon was at the counter before doing a search on his phone. The audition was the following week, in a studio in Soho.
His heart hammered as he added his details.
Devon sat facing him. “So what will you wear? Do you own any leather?”
Fuck.
“Who says I’m going to audition?”
Devon rolled his eyes. “Don’t kid me. You’re just like Nate—impulsive.” He grinned. “Youhaveapplied, haven’t you?”
Sebastian let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. Yes. I’ve applied. Happy now?”
“Then I return your attention to my previous question. Got any leather?”
“I’ve never had the money to buy a leather jacket, but it’s something I’ve thought about.”
A lot.
It was also something he’d never dared to do.
“Leave that to me.” Devon’s voice rang with confidence. “I’ll have you looking fabulous.” He sipped his tea.
Sebastian tried not to stare, but Devon’s neat dark beard and round, black-rimmed glasses drew his attention.
You are one gorgeous guy.
And totally oblivious of the effect he had on Sebastian. Not that Sebastian was about to make a move on him.
How does that saying go? Don’t shit where you eat?Devon was the only thing standing between Sebastian and homelessness.
Don’t mess this up.
Holy fuck.
