Chapter Six

Jude rushed off the stage that night, his heart hammering. What a great concert! Everyone had hit their marks and notes. The set did look like they’d dragged summer along with them. The crowd was energized and there had been only two signs commenting on Blake being out. Jude thought more people would’ve been upset, but appreciated not seeing their anger.

He collapsed onto the golf cart and into Blake’s shoulder. Jude hated being sweaty, but refused to wear less than his full suit to start the concert. Blake looked fantastic in his leather pants and wildly patterned shirt. He’d toned down his makeup, but wore oversized glasses and a straw hat to emphasize the summer fun aspect of the concert series.

“Did you have fun?” Rachel hopped onto the golf cart. “You looked like you were having a blast.”

“I did,” Jude said. “It was magical. The heat, lights, the energy…it rocked and felt like a perfect night.” As the cart sped out of the lot to the RV, Jude welcomed the breeze. He’d rolled his sleeves up and ditched the suit coat, but sitting next to Blake kicked the heat up around him a thousand degrees.

“Agreed,” Blake said. “I thought I hated palm trees, but they added the right atmosphere to the stage. It felt tropical, like being on the beach.”

“Then this worked,” Rachel said. “I can’t wait for you to see my surprise. I worked hard for this, so I hope you like it.”

“Oh?” Blake grinned. “I love surprises.”

Jude wasn’t a fan, but he trusted Rachel.

“Ready?” She applauded as Darnell turned the corner. “You have a private oasis. We’ve got a perimeter set up and no one gets in without my knowing. This is just for the two of you tonight.”

Jude marveled at the set-up. There were two chaise longues, lights strung from the awning of the RV, palm trees made of LED lights like the ones on the stage set, a cooler between the chairs, a small TV on the side of the RV and a grill. Like having a picnic of our own.

“The only thing we didn’t get set up properly was the grill. There aren’t any supplies to cook stuff that way, but I’ll get it for you for the next stop. I’m bringing dinner in half an hour.” She clutched the back of the seat and grinned. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Jude appreciated how she took care of him on every other tour, and this one was no different. “It’s wonderful.”

“Yes.” Blake touched her hand. “I love it.”

“Dinner is on the way, so get cleaned up and relax. There’s water and sports drinks in the cooler, plus munchies in the fridge.” Rachel stayed on the golf cart as they climbed off. “I’ll be back.”

“We’ll be here.” Jude nodded once. “Thank you.”

Blake stood beside him. “Ditto.”

“You’re my boys. I have to treat you right,” she said. “Plus, it’s fun.”

“You’re only three years older than me,” Jude said. “I’m more like a brother to you.”

“I’ll take it.” She waved as Darnell drove them away.

“She’s a ball of energy,” Blake said. “How did I miss that before?”

“Because all she ever did was glare at you when we were together.” He ventured over to the RV and opened the door. “We have thirty minutes before she comes back, and the shower isn’t big enough for the both of us. I know because I looked.” He stopped midway up the steps. “Shower or wait?”

Blake shrugged. “I don’t mind enjoying the view. You’re sexy when you’re naked.”

Jude’s cheeks burned. He wasn’t used to such kind words. “Thanks.”

“But knowing her, she’ll be early, and you won’t parade naked in front of her, so why don’t you get a shower first?” Blake patted Jude’s ass. “Tonight, when she’s gone, you’re mine, and the bed is plenty big enough for activities.”

Jude shivered. “Yes.” He couldn’t argue. He cared about Blake, and no matter how hard he tried, he’d started to fall for him all over again.

Blake swatted Jude’s backside a second time. “I’m going to watch for Rachel.”

“Yeah.” His mind was a mess. He wandered into the RV and ignored his fears. Blake wanted him. Why should he let his concerns win out every time? This was his chance to follow his heart. He closed the blinds in the bedroom and stripped. On the last tour, he learned he’d have to let the water run a while to get it hot enough for a shower. He stepped into the stall and switched on the spray. The hot water stung his body. The tension in him washed away with the soap. He didn’t dislike touring or playing live, and if he could have such luxuries with Blake—hot water, hot nights and a supportive partner—then he could be persuaded to continue on through the summer.

He soaped his body, then rinsed. Once he shampooed and washed away the suds, he sighed. He turned off the water, then dried himself. A thought occurred to him as he left the stall. He and Blake were supposed to relax. Normally, he’d wear one of his button-downs and slacks, but if he was going to de-stress, then why not wear something to lounge in?

He dried the rest of the way off, then selected a T-shirt and running shorts. He slid his feet into a pair of boat shoes, then combed his hair. He didn’t look perfect, but whatever.

He strode out of the RV. “Your turn.”

Blake grinned. “Have I told you how much I love it when you let your hair down?” He captured Jude in his embrace. “You’re hot as hell when you’re all dressed up, but I like this way, too.”

“I’m trying to relax.” He spent too much time tensed up.

“Good.” Blake slid his hands under Jude’s shirt. “Every time I looked at you on stage, I wanted to get you naked. I want to explore your body, memorizing every inch. I’ve got a thing for making love on the beach. We should add that to our bucket list.”

Our. The word warmed him to his core. “Then we get cleaned up so we can,” Jude said. “The faster we eat, the sooner we can do other things.”

“Say it,” Blake murmured.

“Say what?”

“We can fuck.”

“We can make love,” Jude said. “Tonight.”

“Yes.” Blake kissed him, then disappeared into the RV.

Jude settled on one of the chaise longues. Quite comfortable. Despite being in the city, when he looked up, he thought he saw the stars. The sparkles were probably jets overhead, but whatever. He crossed his angles and listened to the music playing. Swing music. He’d forgotten how much Blake enjoyed swing music.

He allowed his mind to wander back to the memories of their time on stage. The sizzle hadn’t died and he’d fed on the energy from the crowd. The fever in the audience mattered, but he’d performed and peacocked for Blake. He loved the heated glances and the passion between them. If he wasn’t mistaken, Blake’s harmonizing had improved over the course of the night, too.

He detected movement in his peripheral vision. The relative quiet unnerved him and brought him out of his memories. When he spotted the security detail keeping watch, he relaxed.

The golf cart returned with Rachel in the passenger seat while Darnell drove. He sped up to the RV and parked.

“Hi.” Jude stood. “Where are you all staying? Not too far from here, right? I feel strange sitting here in the parking lot.”

“We’re part of the line of buses over there.” She pointed to three more tour vehicles. “Bob realized he’d save more money putting everyone on buses and Blake is paying for your tour bus. It was his idea and his plan to give you some privacy. He set this all up—well, your RV part and the cozy atmosphere. Told me what he wanted and everything. Said ‘make it feel like a lazy summer evening.’”

“He did?” He should’ve guessed. He wasn’t upset, but he should’ve known Blake would add his own personal touches. “Then you all succeeded.”

“I like it.” She offered up two boxes. “Dinner is served.”

“What’s on the menu?”

“Turkey wraps and pita chips.” She hooked her hands into her shorts pockets. “He’s trying really hard to romance you. I wouldn’t usually believe in this kind of schlock, but he’s pulling out all the stops and it’s cute. He might have been a jerk in the past, but he does love you.”

“I know.” He put the boxes down on one of the chairs. “I’m starting to fall for him again, too. It’s dangerous because I know I could get hurt, but he’s charismatic.”

“And you never stopped loving him.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then enjoy him. You don’t get a lot of second chances in life.” She winked. “We’ll be right over there if you need us—just don’t fuck outside. If you want a group of voyeurs, then sure, but I don’t think you do.”

“I’m not that adventurous,” he said. “Thanks for dinner.” He waved as she walked over to the golf cart then left with Darnell.

He scrubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. She’d given him a lot to think about and he’d admitted he still loved Blake. When he exhaled, the energy seemed to seep out of him. Life was a gigantic puzzle to solve, but he didn’t have to put it together in one day. Why not forget his fears and accept what he wanted?

Blake emerged from the RV. “She left.”

“She did.” Jude gestured to the boxes. “She brought food. Turkey wraps.”

“Yum.” Blake sat beside him. “I’m starving.”

Jude’s stomach rumbled, as if on cue. “I guess I am as well.”

“Then sit. We’ll eat and enjoy the evening.” Blake dug into his dinner. “Smells good.”

“I heard you set this all up.” He held on to his box, but didn’t open it.

“Me?” Blake feigned shock, then shrugged. “I—okay, I did. I won’t lie. So?”

“Thank you for taking the time to ensure we got one good date.” He opened his dinner box. “The feeling is perfect—like being in our back yard, but with a lot more asphalt.”

“I’m not wild about sitting in a parking lot, but it works.” Blake nibbled on his pita chips. “I looked at some property around Cleveland. I figured Bob has the studio and we’re permitted to use it, so why not? Three of the properties are right on the lake—like the back yard is part of the beach.”

“No kidding?” He wouldn’t mind putting down roots.

“One is inland and the house is bigger, but I don’t know if I want a huge place.”

“Room on the property might be better.”

“Agreed.” Jude ate his dinner and mulled over what Blake had said. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he dug in, but the mention of home searches rankled him. He and Blake weren’t an actual couple. They were touring partners. Drat. He was falling back into the fears that held him in check before.

Blake finished before him and tossed his empty box into the recycle bin, then stretched out in the chair.

Jude ate the last of his chips. “Delish.” He had to stop thinking about what might happen and focus on right now.

“It was.” Blake took the box from him. “The stars are out.”

“I see that, but they’re airplanes.” He held Blake’s hand. Why not start embracing the now? “I can see us growing old together. It gets clearer by the moment.”

“For you, too?” Blake left his chair without letting go of Jude’s hand and stood before him. “It’s late. Come inside with me?”

“You’re ready to cash in for the night now?” He wanted to be with Blake and enjoyed playfully annoying him.

“I am.” Blake hauled Jude to his feet. “I want to make love to you.”

“I want everything with you.” The words left his mouth before he could take them back, but did he really want to? He rushed into the RV with Blake and didn’t stop until he sprawled on the bed. Screw it. He wanted to make love to this man.

Blake landed on top of him. “Why, hello.” He ground on Jude. “My cock seems to know where it wants to go.”

“Always did.”

Blake rolled off him long enough to settle on his back and tug Jude onto his chest. “Hi.” He didn’t give Jude a chance to speak. Instead, he kissed him. Not the sweet, tender ones like before, but craving, crushing ones, the kind that stole Jude’s breath.

Jude loved the feel of cock on cock, despite the fabric between them. Passion simmered in his body, blood rushed to his erection. He’d never get enough of Blake. Never.

Blake sucked hard on Jude’s tongue, then let go and swatted Jude’s ass. “I want you.”

“I’m right here.” He slid down Blake’s body and removed his shorts. Blake’s cock bobbed and pre-cum slid down the blunt head. Jude crooked his eyebrow. “Commando?”

“You love it.” Blake folded his arms behind his head.

“I do.” Jude settled between Blake’s legs and nuzzled his inner thigh. When Blake groaned, Jude went for the gusto and took him between his lips.

“Oh, God, yes.” Blake rocked his hips. The change in position pushed him in and out of Jude’s mouth.

Jude curled his tongue around Blake’s shaft, learning every inch of him. He nibbled at the blunt head of his lover’s cock, then caressed his balls.

“You’ll make me come apart.” Blake unfolded his arms and palmed the back of Jude’s head. “Love it.”

Good. Jude wanted Blake to come apart. He bobbed his head, setting a steady rhythm, taking him to the hilt before withdrawing most of the way.

Blake planted his feet on the mattress and tugged on Jude’s hair. The bit of pain added to Jude’s pleasure. He loved making his boyfriend happy. A thought occurred to him as he sucked on Blake—was he truly his boyfriend now? Sure feels that way. His body warmed at the idea of being part of an actual couple. Why not? He cared for Blake, maybe even already loved him. The relationship going romantic was the next logical step.

“Fuck. Your mouth should be a registered weapon. I’m right at the edge.” Blake pushed Jude’s head, increasing the tempo. “Oh my God.” He tensed and the muscles in his legs twitched.

Jude hummed around his boyfriend. Each time he took Blake to the back of his throat, a new burst of excitement crashed within him.

Blake groaned and jerked in Jude’s mouth. “I need to be inside you. Won’t last.” He let go of Jude’s head and scooted away from him, forcing Jude to release him. “On your back.”

Jude left long enough to remove his clothing, then crawled onto the bed, nude.

“There’s my sexy man.” Blake removed his shirt, then stretched out on Jude.

The skin on skin, cock on cock, contact damn near blew Jude’s synapses out. The heat and stickiness turned him on. He’d missed this contact. No, he’d missed his man.

Blake slid one hand between their bodies and grasped their erections. “Like that?” He stroked both shafts. “More?”

“Yes.” Jude kissed him, blotting out anything else Blake might say. He didn’t want words, but rather to experience this moment. He sucked hard on Blake’s tongue. No matter what he did, it wasn’t enough. He needed more.

Blake stroked harder, then broke the kiss. He stared at Jude and passion burned in his eyes. He said nothing as he released his hold on their erections and pushed Jude’s knees to his chest.

Jude wanted to speak, but the words were gone. He panted as Blake fondled his balls, then down to his hole. The touch of Blake’s fingers on his sensitive skin sent shivers down his spine. He groaned.

“Like that?” Blake resumed stroking Jude’s dick. “You’re getting close?”

“Yes.” Blake hadn’t even penetrated him. All he’d done was toy with and caress the tight pucker of his ass, yet he had him right on the verge of sailing over the edge to climax.

“We need lube.” Blake abandoned him long enough to retrieve a condom and lube. “Have I told you how much I love your ass?” His eyes sparkled as he licked along the shaft of Jude’s erection.

Jude arched his back. The different sensations, hands on him and Blake’s mouth on his balls were almost too much to handle. Blake dribbled lube over Jude’s hole while he nipped Jude’s inner thigh.

Jude moaned and pinched his own nipples. He hadn’t been this free with anyone in a long time, had never allowed himself to be bare. Blake understood him. He knew how to touch Jude in the ways that made his brain misfire.

“You’re so sexy when you’re getting into this.” Blake probed Jude with one digit and resumed licking his cock.

Jude panted. His senses were heightened. He felt every caress and whisper of Blake’s breath on his skin. The scent of Blake’s cologne wrapped around him and he could still taste his lover’s kiss. Blake wasn’t just toying with him. Blake loved him.

Blake nuzzled Jude’s curls as he pushed to the hilt. He added a second finger, stretching Jude.

The burn overwhelmed Jude. “Fuck me.”

Blake withdrew. “Naughty.” He nipped at Jude’s inner thigh. “We’ll make love.”

The need for Blake won out over anything else. He didn’t care what they called it as long as Blake helped him come.

He writhed on Blake’s finger. “More.”

Blake nuzzled Jude’s erection and pumped his fingers. The stretching and fullness burned through Jude’s body. He couldn’t think or breathe.

“Blake.” He trembled.

“Yes?” Blake stopped licking him. “Want me?”

“Yes.” He reached for his lover. “Please?”

“I’m yours.” Blake withdrew his fingers and added more lube. His eyes glittered as he opened the condom wrapper and sheathed himself. “All mine.” He leaned over Jude and stared into his eyes. He pushed into Jude inch by inch, moving slowly, giving Jude time to adjust.

Jude held on to his knees. “More.”

Blake settled to the hilt, then rocked his hips, moving in and out.

Each plunge pushed Jude closer to coming. He panted and met Blake thrust for thrust. When he looked into Blake’s eyes, he saw love there. More than just love. Devotion. Blake was meant to be in his life for more than an affair. Blake was his destiny. His resistance held by the thinnest thread. He stroked his cock in time with Blake’s pushes. Everything focused on Blake and how he made him feel.

Blake’s movements turned jerky. “Fuck. Come with me.” He gritted his teeth.

Jude could do nothing else but give in as the orgasm washed over him. Cum shot onto his belly. His limbs tingled and the rest of the world seemed to melt away. All he saw was Blake.

Blake groaned and pistoned into him. He pushed hard, then slumped over Jude. His breath warmed Jude’s skin.

Jude basked in the perfection of the moment and closed his eyes. He’d been changed. Blake meant too much to him to walk away now. Blake was a part of him.

Blake withdrew and settled on the bed. “Damn.”

“Uh-huh.” He committed every second to memory and had no words to answer his lover.

“We went there.”

Jude opened his eyes and froze. Confusion filled his mind. He thought this was what Blake wanted. “We did.”

“Things won’t be the same.”

“Nope.”

Blake rolled onto his side and faced Jude. “I’m glad. This is what I wanted—you.”

“You got me.”

“Perfect.”

Jude closed his eyes again. He’d had no idea his summer would go this way, and he wasn’t even that far into the season. Being with Blake felt right. He was at peace. Maybe he wasn’t ready to tell Blake he loved him, but he was very ready to keep on this journey and rebuild the relationship stronger than ever.

 

* * * *

 

Blake stood behind the stage during Jude’s act and changed clothes. He’d rather be watching his lover perform, but he had to switch costumes first. The tour had only made six stops, but each night had sold out. When he and Jude sang Summer Song, he loved to wear his loudest print shirt, while Jude performed in his suit. The comparison showed off their differing styles and how they could still mesh.

And the one thing he couldn’t deny was how he was even more in love with Jude. He loved the rides in the RV because he spent the time talking to Jude to keep him from getting motion sickness. Each rehearsal, spending hours with his lover, proved he belonged with Jude. He’d fallen harder each day and yearned to keep the good feelings going.

He understood Jude’s hesitancy to say he loved him in return. Jude was scared he’d be hurt again. It made sense, even if Blake vowed he’d give anything to make Jude happy.

A young man strolled up to Jude. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Blake checked his makeup and adjusted his shirt. “Can I help you?”

“I hope so.” The guy smiled. “I was part of the opening act. I’m the leader of Pop to the Max. Did you hear us?”

“I missed it.” Blake finished his costume change. He tended not to listen to the opening acts during this tour. He’d rather focus on getting himself sorted out and going through his vocal exercises. “Sorry.”

“I’m being repped by Kel Templeton. He said I should talk to you. I’m Dixon.” Dixon shook hands with him. “Mind if I bend your ear?”

“Yes, because I’ll miss my cue.” Which should be any time now.

“It won’t take long,” Dixon said. “I’d like to give you my demo tape. Here.” He pressed a thumb drive into Blake’s hand. “There. Now you can listen to me while you’re on the road. I know you’re going to love what you hear.”

“I won’t have a chance to listen to it.” He tried to give the drive back. “I should go.”

“Wait. This is my shot.” Dixon frowned. “Please? I know I’ll impress you if you give me a chance.”

He knew how it felt to be a struggling artist, but this wasn’t the time or place to give Blake a demo tape. “My promoter, Rachel, will handle it. If there’s time, then maybe I can listen to it, but I doubt I will have time.”

“Please?” Dixon grasped Blake’s hand. “You’ll love it. I know I will.” He kissed Blake right on the lips.

The incident happened fast—so quick Blake almost swore it hadn’t happened—but he knew better. “Why did you do that?”

“I’m sealing the deal. I’ll be by the tour bus after the concert. Kel said we’ll tour together.” Dixon continued to hold Blake’s hand, hard. “If you liked the preview, you’ll love the main entrée tonight.” He kissed Blake again.

“What’s wrong with you?” Blake snapped. “Sexual assault is not the way to get anyone’s attention. I don’t care who you are or what you sing. I will not work with you and I sure as hell won’t listen to your fucking music.” He yanked his hand away and when he turned, he collided with Jude. “Shit.”

“What are you doing?” Jude stood at the bottom of the steps. “You’re late.”

Panic filled Blake. He wasn’t sure what Jude had seen or heard, but he had to explain himself. “Jude.” He gestured to Darnell. “I don’t know who his ass is or how he got in here, but get him out.”

Jude glared as Darnell dragged Dixon away. He turned his attention to Blake. “You’re missing your cue. Go.” His eyes flashed. “Now.”

He’d never seen Jude angry this way. Jude was calm and calculated when in a business setting, but on a personal one he became emotional and grumpy. The stoic demeanor scared Blake.

“Go.” Jude inched down the steps. “They can’t vamp forever.”

Shit. The band was right in the middle of the sixteen-bar intro music, but going on at least the third time. Sure, whipping up the crowd was good, but it wasn’t getting him out of trouble.

“Blake.” Jude nudged him to the steps. “Go.”

“But…” He had to fix this.

“You have a job to do. Do it.” Jude turned his back on Blake.

He had no choice. The show must go on. He ascended the steps. He and Jude had created the song of the summer and the concert tour of the season. He couldn’t let the fans down.

He rushed out of the darkness with his mic. The crowd roared and, when he smiled, the band broke into his next song. The energy buoyed him, but he couldn’t forget the look in Jude’s eyes or the pain in his soul. He hadn’t wanted to kiss Dixon and had been assaulted. He wasn’t sure he could explain to Jude in plainer terms what had happened.

Right now, he didn’t have time to talk.

Blake launched into his song, but also went into autopilot mode. Thanks to Kel’s insistence that he perform no matter what, he’d developed a means to get through his songs and feed off the crowd. He might feel lower than low, but the audience wouldn’t see it. His coping mechanism had served him well after he’d split from Jude. Knowing he could use this to get through the present didn’t help much.

His heart longed for Jude and he could only imagine the damage caused. This should be their summer to remember, not the start of something to forget.