Chapter Seven

Jude waited until Blake ventured onto the stage before he spoke to the young man. He knew this kid’s type—ruthless in his determination to get what he wanted, certain he should be given a chance and blunt in his delivery. He’d get what he wanted no matter who he stomped on.

Jude refused to stand for it.

“We’re together,” the kid said. “Yeah. I’m doing him. He’s hot.”

Jude rolled his eyes. He might as well let the kid dig himself in deeper.

“We’re running off to do our own tour, too.” The young man shrugged. “So, yeah.”

“Really? Who are you?” Jude inched up to the young man. “I’ve never seen you around.”

“Dixon. Dixon Gray.” He backed up. “So? I’ve been around the tour for the last two weeks.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. When Payday comes off the stage, we fuck. It’s awesome,” Dixon said. “He’s helping me with my career. We’re touring when this is over.”

“You are?” Man, this kid won’t stop digging.

“Yeah. We’re using the formula that worked to resurrect your career. Payday made you and now he’ll make me.”

“Who told you that? It was our little secret,” Jude said. “You weren’t supposed to figure it out.” He was lying through his teeth, but he doubted the kid realized it.

“It was Kel. He knew. He’s the one who said I should approach him.” Dixon grinned. “Here I am.”

“Yes, you are.” He spotted Rachel. “And you say Kel sent you?” Interesting. Kel wasn’t supposed to have anything to do with the tour or Blake.

“Kel Templeton, yes.” Dixon grinned again. “You know him, right? He’s brilliant.”

“He’s okay.” He paused as Rachel ventured over. “Is Kel here? I’d like to speak with him.”

“So would I,” Rachel snarled. “You weren’t supposed to be backstage any longer.” She stepped between Dixon and Jude. “Either answer me or I will have you escorted out by the police.”

Dixon paled and he looked every bit his young age. “Jesus Christ.”

“Well?” Jude snapped. “I’d answer her if I were you. She’s relentless.”

Dixon’s eyes widened and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he stared at her and Jude. “Fuck. I just wanted to get discovered. Kel said this would be the way.”

“What way?” Jude bit out. “Tell me.”

“He said I should play with the opening act,” Dixon said. He backed up into Darnell. “Shit. He said to kiss Payday and get the tabloids to see it. Get the scandal seen and I’ll get a contract.”

“Contract paid by whom?” Rachel growled. “Huh?”

“Kel said Payday would pay up to keep everyone from knowing he’d cheated on Jude. I didn’t mean for you to see it, Mr. Sanders.” Dixon trembled. “I just want to be famous.”

“Except that I saw what happened.” Jude folded his arms. He should be listening for his cue. Instead, he had to deal with the kid. “Where is Kel?”

“At the hotel. He tried to get in and was refused.” Dixon shook his head. “I didn’t think anyone would get hurt, but I was wrong.”

“No one will get hurt? Except you’d ruin my relationship to get what you wanted? You do realize you’ve been exposed by everyone backstage, right? They’re very protective of Blake,” Jude said. “They won’t work with you now.”

“They won’t?”

“Payday won’t either,” Rachel replied. “You don’t even know who you’re exposing, do you? Boy, you need to pay attention.” She narrowed her eyes. “I will destroy you.”

“Kel said this would work,” Dixon mumbled.

“Get rid of him,” Jude said. “Dixon, you’re never going to work in the music business if you have this kind of attitude. No one wants to cooperate with someone who is willing to destroy others to get what they want.” He checked his look in the mirror, then glanced at Rachel. “He’s yours and Darnell’s to do with as you see fit. I’m supposed to be on stage. Oh, and Dixon? Watch yourself. If there is any video of what you did, I will sue your ass off. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Dixon didn’t struggle in Darnell’s grasp. “I’m sorry.’

Maybe one day Dixon could be a part of the recording industry, but not in Jude’s circles. Jude believed in second chances, but not right now. Dixon was going to have to work hard to prove himself.

Jude stood in the shadows and listened to Blake. The poor guy had suffered enough, and he hadn’t done anything wrong. Not really. Rachel stood beside him. “He’s gone, and the team did spot Kel lingering in the stadium. He can be on the premises, but he can’t be backstage or within five hundred yards of Blake. Darnell is straightening Dixon out and my contacts already know about Dixon, so he’s not going to be bothering you or trying to get into the business easily. He’ll have to prove himself from here on out.”

“Thanks.” He bumped shoulders with her. “I want to make this up to Blake.”

“What do you have in mind?” she asked. “I’m game.”

“Well, he created a picnic at the RV, so I want to create a beach feel.” He nodded once. “The stuff from before is still in the bays of the RV. If you can come up with a little pool, just an inflatable thing, and maybe a beach backdrop? Doesn’t have to be super detailed.”

She saluted him. “I sure do. I’ll have it ready when you get to the RV. I’ll even get some cocktails like you like, and the pool.”

“Perfect.” He draped his arm around her shoulders. “You’re a gem.”

“And you’re happier now that you’re with Blake. I like when you’re happy, because it makes my life easier.” She elbowed him. “You’d better save him. He’ll kill himself out there with guilt.”

“I know and I will.” He had to wait for the right time—after the concert. When they were done for the evening, he’d show Blake just how much he loved and trusted him.

 

* * * *

 

The band kept up with Blake through the three up-tempo songs, but he couldn’t sustain the fast pace for much longer. To give the band time to catch their breath, Blake took center stage and spoke to the crowd. Beach balls sailed across the people and so many women wore bikini tops. A few held up their phones with the flashlight on. The palm trees at the edges of the stage swayed and he swore the scent of piña colada was in the air. This should be a perfect summer night.

Blake tucked his mic into the stand. The crowd roared and he clasped his hands behind his back. He grinned at the audience, then sobered. “There are times in your life when you’re having a blast—like right now. How many of you are having the time of your life?”

The crowd roared.

“I thought so. We’re trying hard to entertain you tonight.” He nodded. “The theme of this tour is sand, sun and fun. Feel like you’re at the beach?”

Once again, the crowd roared. He loved the command he held over the people in the audience.

“Well, I have a confession to make. I’m having a good time, but I’d be having a better one if something in my life hadn’t fallen apart. You all knew I’ve come out. I’m free because I did and I regret nothing. It feels good, but it’s not everything to be out. You see, there are people who come into your life that are unforgettable. They’re the ones you need. Jude Sanders is that person for me. He’s the reason I poured my heart into Summer Song. He holds my heart.”

He stared out at the crowd, seeing couples together and in love. For all he knew, his love was melting away. “I love Jude Sanders. I do.” Confessional was supposed to be good for the soul, but it felt more like having his heart ripped out. “When he comes back onto the stage, I want to hear you scream.”

He couldn’t see Jude, but he was okay with that for now. He’d admitted his truth. Everyone knew how he felt and he could go forward. He waved his arm, signaling to the band to launch into the next song.

A new energy filled him. He might not be able to fix things with Jude right now, but he could tell him how he felt through the stage show. Two songs later, Blake removed his glasses and hat. Jude should be joining him in the spotlight.

Jude emerged from behind the stage and leaned on the speaker stacks.

“There’s my guy.” Blake didn’t swagger. Instead, he held his hand out to Jude. “It’s time for our song.”

Jude nodded and said nothing until the song started and he came in on his part. “The summer sun isn’t warm until you’re in my arms. The world comes into focus when you’re near.” The heated glances hadn’t waned. “You’re the one I can’t live without. The sun in my sky. You’re my summer song.” When he touched Jude’s hand, the sparks increased. Maybe it was the craving, the impact of their song or his desire for Jude, but the feeling was different this time. His love for Jude strengthened.

Jude bowed at the end of the song. He waved to the crowd like he did at the end of the set, then disappeared behind the stage.

Blake dipped his head once. “You’ve been a great audience. Good night.” He waved and left the stage in search of Jude. Normally, he and Jude exited so the band could play a song they liked and keep the crowd entertained until the encore started. It gave the band the spotlight for a while and Jude and Blake a chance for a breather. Right now, it was their chance to talk.

Blake toweled off his face, then strode right up to Jude.

“I need some water, then I’ll be ready for the encore,” Jude said. He downed most of a bottle of water and held on to Blake’s shoulder for support.

“I’m not ready to head out there, and the band isn’t done,” Blake said. “We need to talk.” He held Jude’s hands. “Sweetheart, I didn’t initiate that kiss.”

“I know.”

“I didn’t want him and I never would. I’m yours,” Blake said. “I know it was strained on stage and I’m sorry I’m making it difficult. I can’t do this without you.”

“I know. Our names are on the tour.” Jude didn’t smile or otherwise react. “I know what happened.”

“Forgive me. I didn’t initiate any of it and I can’t lose you.” Blake’s heart hammered. He wasn’t sure what to say to fix this and the band was nearly ready for him and Jude to return. “Please give me another chance.”

“Don’t need to.”

“Jude.” He wobbled. “Oh, God.”

“Stop.” Jude squeezed Blake’s fingers. “You aren’t listening to me. I knew about the kiss and I’m not angry.”

“You’re not?” Blake’s knees threatened to give out. “I missed something.”

“You did,” Jude said. “I didn’t know what he’d do when he showed up, but I never trusted that kid. I figured it was a means to blackmail you, so I confronted him and had him removed. He won’t be around any time soon, and if he tries something, I’ll sue.”

“Oh.” He hadn’t expected that to happen.

“I’m not upset with you, darling.”

Blake paused. Jude had called him ‘darling’ when they were a couple the first time around. “Jude?”

“You’re my man and I’m not giving you up without a fight.” Jude kissed him. “I heard what you said on stage.”

“You did?” He’d hoped so. “And?”

“I’m honored you chose me,” Jude said. “It’s a special thing when someone loves you.”

“I do.” He listened for the cue to return to the stage. The lights went out as the band finished their song.

“Then let’s go out there and show the crowd how much we love each other. We’ll really belt out the encore.”

Love each other? “Jude?”

Jude’s eyes sparkled. “Let’s go. I want you alone after the show so I can show you I love you.”

He’d heard Jude correctly, and his world righted. “I can’t wait.” Blake held Jude’s hand and followed him onto the stage.

Life didn’t always go the way he wanted, but he had Jude’s trust and love—both treasured items. He could face any season because he had his man. Theirs was a summer love that wouldn’t end.

 

* * * *

 

Blake closed his eyes as he rode on the golf cart that night after the show. He didn’t need to see where they were going. He knew. This was his time to decompress in the RV. Rachel sat beside him and talked, though he paid little attention.

“Why isn’t Jude riding with us?” Blake asked and didn’t open his eyes. “Where’d he go?”

“You’ll see—or you will when you open your eyes.” She dug her elbow into his ribs. “It took a lot for him to admit his feelings.”

“I know.” He opened his eyes. “I cut him pretty deep. I was so screwed up at the time, though, and I let Kel dictate how I should behave. It was a mistake. He knew I was miserable and relished it. Jude knew I was being tortured and he tried to help me, but I wouldn’t see it.”

“It’s tough to know what to do. That’s why it’s good to have experiences and figure ourselves out,” Rachel said. “You found your way back to each other.”

“When are you going to admit you’ve got a thing going with Darnell?” Blake asked. “I see how you look at each other.”

Her eyes widened and, for a moment, she was rendered speechless.

“I thought so. You’re trying not to let anyone know you’re interested in each other. It won’t end well, and if you don’t act on it eventually, you’ll wish you’d done something.” Blake rocked forward as the cart stopped. “Are we home?”

“You are,” Rachel said. “As for your suggestion, I’ll take it under advisement. You should go to the RV and rest. It’s been a long night.”

“Yes, mother.” He left the cart. When he rounded the corner, his breath lodged in his throat. The summer backdrop he’d had made for Jude had been recreated, but better. The trees weren’t just lighted displays but actual paper palm trees, and there was a pool. The turf resembled sand, too. He held on to the golf cart for stability. “Who created this?”

The RV door opened and Jude stepped out. Instead of wearing his usual suit, he’d stripped to his button-down shirt, open at the collar, with his tie loosened. He’d rolled up his sleeves and pant cuffs and strode barefoot down the steps. For a man who insisted on looking polished, this relaxed appearance signaled his comfort and trust in Blake.

“Jude?” Blake let go of the cart and wandered over to his lover. “Did you do this?”

“I had some help.” Jude waved as Rachel left on the golf cart. “She’s good at creating an atmosphere. I wanted an endless summer feel.”

“You succeeded.” Blake grasped Jude’s hand. “This reminds me of a celebration.”

“It sort of is.” Jude threaded his arm around Blake. “It’s a special party for our coming together and finding our direction together.”

“All because of that song.” Blake leaned into Jude. “We poured our heart and soul into that tune.”

“We did.” Jude kissed him. “And now we have all night to enjoy it. The bus doesn’t leave here until five in the afternoon and we’re not due in New York until Thursday.”

“What did you have in mind for this party?” His stomach rumbled. He’d rather nibble on Jude, but he should eat something.

“Some dinner, some dancing in the sand—such as it is—and making love.”

Blake shivered. “I can’t wait.”

“Dinner is served, by the way.” Jude let go and opened the lid on the grill. “I made chicken breast and corn on the cob. There’s fruit salad in the cooler, too.”

“It’s simple and perfect.” Just like Jude.

“Thank you. Now, let’s eat.” Jude plated the corn and chicken. “I know we don’t have stars per se, but we do have these.” He gestured to the pool. “Our own private sea.”

“I love it.” He kissed Jude’s temple. He rested on one of the chaise longues beside his lover and ate in silence, enjoying the evening. It felt like being on the beach. He kicked out of his shoes and socks, then tucked his feet into the water. The crickets and noise from the freeway filtered in around him, but he didn’t mind. He appreciated the time and effort Jude had put in to creating the atmosphere, and the other intrusions didn’t matter.

Jude extinguished the grill and boxed up the food. “Want more?”

“I’m stuffed. I should get cleaned up, though. I’m still sweaty and want to take off my makeup.”

“Get a shower and I’ll take care of things out here.” Jude winked. “I’ll be done when you are.”

“Deal, but I should help you.”

“Later.” Jude swatted Blake’s butt. “Go. We can’t keep celebrating if you won’t shower. We’ll party afterward.”

“True.” He clasped Jude’s hand and tucked him to his chest. “But I want to do this first.” He swayed with Jude and closed his eyes. “I’ve always wanted to dance in the moonlight.”

“I never knew that.” Jude rested his head on Blake’s shoulders. “You never told me.”

“I didn’t get the chance to tell you.” He stroked Jude’s back. “I never told you how much I like seeing you in that suit.”

“I rushed to get back.”

“Yeah, but you’re sexy when you’re rumpled,” Blake said. “You should use it for your next album cover.” He could see the picture in his mind.

“I might have to.”

“Only if I can take the photograph.”

“You should. I love your pictures.”

Blake’s heart soared. Not only did Jude enjoy his music and art, but cherished him, too. He’d been so lucky when he’d found Jude, and wanted to make love to him.

“Go clean yourself up.” Jude nibbled on the corner of Blake’s mouth.

“Yes, sir.” Blake let go and headed into the RV. He wanted to take his time, but the craving for Jude was too strong. He stripped along the way to the bathroom and turned on the water. Once he removed his makeup, he hurried into the shower. He ensured he cleaned himself off and scrubbed everything. After washing his hair, he rinsed himself and ended the shower. He dried his body.

When Blake opened the door to the bathroom, Jude sprawled on the bed, nude.

“Well, hello.” Blake dropped the towel. “Hi, sexy.”

“Hello, yourself.” Jude reached for him. “Come here. I’ve been waiting for this all day.”

“You have?” He collapsed beside Jude on the bed and tangled up with him. “You missed me?”

“I did.” Jude kissed him. He feathered his mouth over Blake’s and brushed noses with him. As he moved, Jude rubbed his cock along his lover’s, sending shivers through his system. Instead of going at warp speed, Jude moved slowly and roved his hands over Blake’s body.

The tingles and sizzles added to Blake’s thrill. With every touch, he knew just how much Jude loved him. He loved Jude just as much. When Jude opened to him, he sucked on his lover’s tongue.

Jude toyed with Blake’s nipples, flicking his fingers over the sensitive buds. Blake whimpered. He rubbed the top of his foot along Jude’s shin. Each caress and tweak from Jude prompted him to need to touch Jude in return. He panted and basked in the warmth of Jude’s breath on his skin. His heart overflowed for this man.

“Fuck me,” Blake whispered. He preferred to top, but right now, he needed to bottom. Needed to feel Jude in him physically in the same way he flowed in Blake’s soul.

“Make love.” Jude rolled Blake onto his belly.

“Yes.” He craved this. Blake spread his legs and pinned his cock to the bed. The pressure on his dick added to his thrill.

Jude settled between Blake’s legs and massaged Blake’s ass. He dug his fingers into Blake’s skin. Blake whimpered again at the sheer bliss. He flexed his hole in a silent invitation. He needed Jude, but tensed when something cold slid over his asshole. Lube?

“Good,” Jude said. “So pretty and pink.” He toyed with Blake’s pucker. “Breathe for me.”

Blake exhaled. When he did, Jude pushed his finger into him. The tight fit burned, but the pain morphed into pleasure in seconds. He sighed. “More.”

Jude spread his free hand over Blake’s ass cheek and moved his fingers in and out of Blake’s hole, stretching him. “Pulling me in.”

“Need you.” He wriggled, riding Jude’s finger. “More.”

“I will.” Jude kissed the small of Blake’s back. “Give it time.”

“Don’t want to wait.” He groaned. Being loved and possessed by the man he loved felt good. He planted his knees on the bed. “Please?”

“Breathe.” Jude dribbled more lube over Blake’s hole, then worked a second finger into him.

The added burn heightened his senses. He felt every ripple of Jude within him. When Jude curled his finger, he caressed Blake’s prostate.

“Oh, God, yes.” Blake pressed his face into the bedding, then turned his head. He clawed at the sheets and ground on Jude’s digits. “Fuck me.”

“You’re at the edge?” Jude pushed faster, setting a steady rhythm in and out.

“Yes.” Too much more and he’d come apart. The scent of Jude curled around him. The taste of Jude’s kiss lingered on his tongue. His skin prickled and he needed so much more from his lover.

Jude swatted Blake’s ass, then withdrew. “Ready?”

“Yes.” He couldn’t wait any longer. The rip of the condom wrapper cut through the silence in the room and he whimpered when Jude added more slickness to his hole.

“Breathe.” Jude lined his erection up with Blake’s body and pushed.

Blake groaned. He turned his head to the side and panted at the fullness in his ass. Despite the burn, he enjoyed the moment. He and Jude were one body and soul, moving in harmony. The words of their song came to mind.

‘You’re my forever. My one and only ever. My song.’

No one else had ever affected him in the same way.

Jude held on to Blake’s hips and began to thrust. He moved slow at first, then built into a steady cadence. The sound of skin on skin seemed so loud, but so right, in the RV.

Blake cried out in sheer delight. He met Jude thrust for thrust as best he could. The muscles in his legs twitched. Jude bumped Blake’s prostate with each push.

Blake’s thoughts scattered and his nerve endings sizzled. The rest of the world disappeared when he and Jude made love. The best he could do was hold on and enjoy. He loved every second. The pressure on his cock added to his pleasure. He groaned again. “I’m right there.”

“Yeah?” Jude’s thrusts turned feral and he pushed with abandon. He cried out and filled Blake to the hilt.

The excitement of the oncoming orgasm and being free with Jude knocked him over the edge. He dug his heels into the mattress as he came. A shudder ripped through him, then he sagged beneath Jude.

“Yes.” Jude pushed faster. “Oh…” He slammed into Blake as he came, his cock throbbing. Jude added a few extra thrusts, then collapsed on Blake.

Blake listened to the silence and floated on the energy from the orgasm. He’d never thought he’d have this time with Jude. Now that he did, he never wanted it to end.

Jude pulled out and left the bed for a moment. When he returned, he settled beside him. “Are you okay?”

Blake rolled onto his side and tucked himself against Jude’s side. “I’m better than okay. I’m going to feel you for the next few days, but I don’t mind. This is everything I ever imagined.”

“Good,” Jude murmured. He slid his arm around Blake. “It only took seconds for me to remember just how wonderful this could be and slid right back into the old feelings.”

“Yeah? It was like we never split.” Blake sighed. “Did you think we’d be here right now?”

“No.”

Blake paused. Jude had no faith in us? I didn’t have much more—until now. “You didn’t think we’d get along on the tour, did you?”

“Not a chance.” Jude rubbed Blake’s shoulder with the pads of his fingers, the soft stroking lulling Blake. “I figured I’d be doing the club circuit and depressed by now. Once I learned about the tour, I assumed we’d be at each other’s throats and wouldn’t make it past the second night.”

“But you went on the tour with me,” Blake said. “What changed your mind?”

“Bob was one of the things—his faith in us, but also, it felt like we had unfinished business. We had to do this and prove we could be in the same room together,” Jude said. “That was the biggest thing. What about you?” He switched off the light, bathing them in the darkness.

“I wasn’t sure. I assumed it’d be a disaster, but I knew I still loved you and wasn’t ready to let go.” Blake shrugged. “I owed you an explanation and wouldn’t be able to talk to you unless you and I were in the same room. Would you have given me a chance to talk to you without the tour?”

“Not back in May.” Jude met his gaze. “I was so hurt that I wouldn’t have seen the truth—we needed to work this out.”

“We did.” Blake snuggled up to his boyfriend. “It’s funny how one little change caused everything else to go in a different direction. I thought you’d hate me for the rest of my life.”

“I never actually hated you.”

“No?” He could’ve sworn Jude had.

“I didn’t agree with your choices and I wished I could’ve changed your mind about us back then, but it was never hate.” Jude kissed Blake’s forehead. “We had to happen when the time was right.”

“I suppose so. When we tried to rush things before, we fell apart.”

“Things worked out the way they did because we were meant to find our way to each other a second time.” Jude chuckled. “I didn’t have faith per se, but you always owned my heart, so it was a matter of time before we came into each other’s orbit.”

“The song, the tour and Bob’s nudging did help.”

“Summer wasn’t the same without you,” Jude said. “It’s sunnier and warmer with the one you love.”

“You love me?” He’d never get tired of hearing Jude say those words.

“I love you very much.”

Blake closed his eyes and listened to the silence again. He had everything he ever wanted when he reconnected with Jude. He might have owned Jude’s heart, but he’d always loved Jude—his one and only. Now their summer song would never have to end.