Too perfect to run the risk of losing it. If the day ever came when he thought Tommy could deal, then he’d consider it. Not yet.
Chapter Twenty
Mike walkedout onto the concourse of Palm Springs’ tiny airport and spotted Don immediately. He’d been the driver the last time Mike had come out there to shoot for TopMen. Don waved at him and grabbed his bag.
“How was the trip?”
They walked toward the parking lot. Mike really liked the airport. It was small but cool due to the concourse being completely open air. Not having a roof was a nice touch. There were only a couple of little restaurants and shops, and they were enclosed and air conditioned, but otherwise passengers were basically outside.
Mike shrugged. “As good as any trip can be when you have connecting flights.” At least Phoenix hadn’t been too crowded, and he’d only had an ninety-minute layover. “Everyone arrived yet?” He yawned and covered his mouth. “Sorry. I didn’t sleep too good last night.” Thankfully the filming wasn’t due to start until Saturday morning.
“You’re the last,” Don informed him. They arrived at the car, and Don dropped the bag into the trunk. “You wanna ride up front with me again?”
Mike smiled. “That’d be cool.”
As they drove out of the airport’s environs and through Palm Springs, Mike reflected on the choice of location. TopMen was a relatively new company, just emerging on the porn landscape. The decision to locate in Palm Springs looked ostensibly like a good one on paper. The town was very gay, but it was a sleepy little place and a touch remote. The residents seemed to have no problem with the appearance of a porn company filming in their drowsy borough, but it was just becoming clear that there’d been a huge problem in the community with drugs. So much so that the authorities were particularly sensitive to the issue.
Mike wasn’t concerned. There’d been no evidence of drug use the last time he’d come out there to film, so it wasn’t as if they’d have the local police breathing down their necks.
About half an hour later they pulled into the driveway of a large ranch-style house set back from the main road. A couple of cars were parked outside. Mike grabbed his bag, his laptop bag already slung over his shoulder, and strode along the cute little path that led to the front door, Don behind him. It opened before he could knock, and Pete, the director, stood in the open doorway, smiling.
“Hey, you made it! These guys have already got the party started.” He stepped to one side to let the two men enter.
The instant Mike crossed the kitchen threshold, he was tackle-hugged by a huge bear of a man, dressed in only a pair of jeans. “Scott! It’s been ages. How are you? Who you doing these days?”
Mike snorted. He wrestled himself free and dropped his bag to the floor. “Good to see you too, Nico. You’ve gotten bigger since the last time I saw you.”
Nico grinned and flexed for him. “Thanks for noticing. I’ve been working on my upper body for the last few months.”
It showed. Nico’s abs were well defined, his pecs a firm handful. He posed, tightening his biceps.
Mike smiled and patted them appreciatively. “Yeah, very nice.” He glanced around the roomy kitchen with its green cabinets. The breakfast bar was loaded with bags of food and bottles. Mike winked at Peter. “I see we’re learning from past mistakes?”
Pete let out a groan. “God, don’t remind me. At least Ryan’s not here to eat us out of house and home this time.” He indicated the two young men seated at the bar. “This is Jesse Bell and Kyler Foster, two of our newest recruits. You’ll be doing a scene with Kyler. Guys, this is Scott Masters.”
Jesse gave a polite nod and a smile in Mike’s direction, but Kyler stared at him with wide eyes. “Oh my God,” he said softly. He whipped his head to one side to look at Pete. “You didn’t tell me I’d be filming with Scott Masters.” He regarded Mike once more, cheeks flushed and licking his lips.
“Well, now you know,” Pete said dryly. “I thought I’d surprise you.” He winked at Mike as he took in Kyler’s large eyes and rapt attention. “Obviously I thought correctly.” Pete shook his head. “C’mon, Scott, I’ll show you to your room.”
Mike nodded to the two young men and followed Pete from the kitchen, with a last pat to Nico’s broad back. As they went along the hallway, Pete let out a low chuckle.
“Young Kyler there has a real case of hero worship going on, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
Mike laughed quietly. “Yeah, I might’ve caught that.” He placed his bag and laptop on the floor and looked around. The accommodation was basic. There was a mattress on the floor, a lamp beside it, and a clothes rail with hangers. One plastic chair stood by the window. “We gonna be shooting in different rooms?”
Pete nodded. “This room, the basement, the living room, and one of the rooms set up like a bedroom.” He pointed to a sheaf of papers on the mattress. “That’s your script. You can go throughit tonight, ready for an early start tomorrow. We’re gonna have us a full day of filming, so trynotto go to bed at four in the morning, huh?” He grinned. “I’ve heard stories of what you and Armando get up to on shoots, so Ihavebeen forewarned.”
“Armando?” Mike became still. “He’s filming here?” There was a sudden fluttery feeling in his belly.
“Yeah, you two are playing the dads who are best friends. You’re not filming a scene together, though.” Peter gave him a speculative glance. “You okay with that?”
“Sure.” Mike gave him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’ve not seen him for a while, that’s all.”
Pete nodded. “Well, you’ll be able to catch up tonight. Nico’s cooking, God help us.” He genuflected, and Mike snorted. “Dinner will be at six, so you’ve got a few hours to read through the script. If there’s anything you want to know, I’ll be in the garage with Tony, discussing final details. We can talk about lines, lighting, whatever.” Pete smiled. “Glad to have you back with us, Scott. Especially after last time.” His smile faltered.
Mike bit back his growl. “Yeah, I’m sorry Alex was such a little shit. I saw the tweets, the posts. He had no goddamn right.” Having a big name like Alex Travis publicly vilify a fledgling company and its director couldn’t have been good for business.
Pete shrugged. “Yeah, yeah. The damage is done. Let’s hope we can salvage something with this shoot, right?” He patted Mike on the back. “But hey, we got Scott Masters!” His eyes sparkled. “And there’s one young man in this house who can’t wait to get fucked by you. Your stellar reputation goes before you.” Pete grinned and exited the bedroom.
