Keys

A flying object came hurtling toward Keys the second he stepped into the hotel suite. He ducked, barely managing to skirt the shoe that whacked against the wall.

“This is all your doing, isn’t it? You cooked up this whole thing, right?” Mia glared at him from across the expansive room where she stood framed by the floor to ceiling windows. She pointed to his suitcase, which sat on the floor next to hers.

He put up his hands. “I swear I had nothing to do with it. There was some double-booking mix-up. Our booking agent finagled the arrangements when they got all screwed up.” He trekked in her direction across the light brown and white tile floor.

Mia backed up. “Don’t come any closer.”

“Relax, I’m just checking out the accommodations.” He brushed past her, passing a king-size bed covered with white linen. A sitting area was next, with a small sofa and two chairs. He stepped down three marble steps to a French balcony that overlooked the ocean. A two-person white porcelain whirlpool tub sat on the balcony. Nice. We can share a bath together while she looks out at the stars and I ravish her body. His hands propped on his hips. “This is adequate, don’t you think?” In truth, everything about the room was beige—too beige for his tastes. But, it will do nicely for what I have in mind.

“What I think is that I’d like a different room—one that doesn’t include you,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

He lifted his hand over his head, dismissing her. “There’s nothing that can be done. You heard the fit Trevor pitched, I’m sure.” He whirled around to face her. “And, don’t say anything about him or me. Maybe I’ve been oblivious to him. If anyone’s gay, it’s him, but that’s his business. He’s my best friend. I’ll love him no matter his preference, got it?”

She took a step back. “Got it…I only meant that…”

“Never mind, I’m sorry. I’m protective of him.” Keys ran his hand through his hair and grinned. “Back to us. This is going to be fun.”

“I doubt it,” she said, directing her gaze at the floor. “It’s going to be awful.”

“Oh, trust me,” he said, sauntering toward her with a swagger. He placed his hands on her upper arms, already warmed by the Cancun heat. Her skin felt softer than soft.

She stiffened but didn’t back away.

“Easy, kitten.” He leaned down and nuzzled her nose with his. “We only do this with consent, yeah?” He licked his lips and lowered them within an inch of her sweet, pouty mouth.

Her lips parted, and her eyes fluttered closed.

He started to fit his mouth to hers when her eyelids popped open, and she slapped him.

The sting of her palm aroused the hell out of him. His grin widened. “Oh, you like it rough, do you? I can do rough.”

She pried his fingers from her arms. “I can’t do this with you, Keys.”

He rubbed his smarting skin. “Can’t or won’t?”

“Sleeping with you would be a mistake,” she said, turning her gaze toward the balcony.

“Oh, trust me, there won’t be much sleeping.” He sauntered toward the mini-bar, opened it, and retrieved a couple bottles of water. Crossing back to where she stood, he handed her one of the bottles. “Drink up. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in heat like this.”

“I don’t think of you as a health-conscious individual,” she said, accepting the water. “I’ve seen the way you party.”

His eyebrows lifted. “So. You’ve checked me out.” Another cocky grin flashed on his face, stretching oft-neglected muscles of late.

She sniffed. Leaning against the white dresser, she twisted off the lid and tipped her gorgeous head back, revealing her stunning neck.

Keys swallowed and licked his lips, longing to kiss and lick her jaw, her slender neck, her lips, and her cheeks…for a start. Inside his jeans, his engorged flesh begged for release. “I live a certain lifestyle. I don’t want to be dead before I’m forty. So, I do pay attention to things that help me maintain. Drinking water is one of them.”

She set her bottle of water on the white dresser, and gingerly stepped toward him. Reaching up, she smoothed her palm across his still-smarting cheek. “I apologize for hurting you.”

He shrugged. “I can take whatever you dish out. If you think I deserved to be slapped, then you did what you thought was right.” He winked. “But, for a second there, I thought you were going to give in to me.”

Her cheeks bloomed with color, and she lowered her gaze.

Inclining his head, he studied her for a second. Then, he reached out and tipped her chin up. “Were you going to yield to me?”

Her lips parted, and the tip of her tongue flitted across her lips.

Satisfaction spread through him like liquid heat. As he was about to lower his lips to hers and try again, a knock clattered against the door.

“Hey, Keys,” Trevor called.

Keys groaned and threw back his head.

Mia backed away and rushed to open the door. “Hello, Heat.”

Trevor stood there with a gaping jaw, wearing green and yellow board shorts and a sleeveless yellow t-shirt. “You’re the one sharing Keys’ room? Great, just great.” He pushed past her and entered the room.

Keys strode toward him and batted the side of his head. “Don’t be rude, you twat.”

“Twat,” Trevor said with a scoff, pushing his hand away. “You really soaked up the British lingo when we toured the UK, didn’t you?”

“Some words say it all,” Keys said. “And you’re acting like a royal fuckup, a prat, a rude wanker, and a twat.” He batted Trevor’s head again.

Trevor jerked and blinked. He squinted, staring at Keys’ cheek. “What happened to your face?”

“Mia packs a wallop, don’t you, sweet thing?” Keys’ ever-present smile of late made another appearance.

Trevor’s gaze slid between Mia and Keys. His mouth opened as if to say something and then snapped shut. He huffed out a sigh and said, “Sorry for being rude. This whole room fuck-up has me in a bad mood.”

“I understand,” Mia said, nodding. “Keys here was hardly my first choice.”

“Swap with me. My roadie roommate is a decent enough guy,” Trevor said.

“No, thanks. A stranger is hardly preferable,” she said. She picked up her water and took another swallow.

Trevor ogled her smooth neck.

Keys put his arm around Trevor and turned him away from her. “Did you need something?”

“Yeah. There’s a volleyball match between the band and everyone. You’re expected to show up.” Trevor glanced up at Keys.

“Fuck. Volleyball isn’t my idea of a fun afternoon,” Keys said, his stomach souring at the thought.

“I love volleyball. I’ll kick the pants off you,” Mia said.

Keys laughed. “I might just take up volleyball, then.”

“I didn’t mean…” Mia stammered. “Not like that.”

Trevor looked hopefully at Keys. He inclined his head toward Mia like she might keep them both entertained.

A growl formed in Keys’ throat. “No!” he mouthed.

Trevor’s forehead bunched.

“Let’s all go play volleyball,” Keys said. “I’ve got to change into something cooler. I’ll meet you down there, Trev.”

“I’ll head down with you, Heat. I’m ready,” Mia said. She swept her hand at her shorts-clad attire.

A sudden, possessive urge kicked Keys in the nuts. “Wait,” he said.

“Too late,” she said, slipping her arm into the crook of Trevor’s elbow. “See you in a few.”

She sauntered away with a gloating Trevor.

Keys threw his suitcase on the bed and quickly unzipped it. He tossed clothes onto the bedding until he found his shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt. Moving at the speed of light, he kicked off his jeans and shoes, wiggled out of his shirt, jammed his legs into the shorts, and whizzed the t-shirt into place. Then, after slipping his feet into flip-flops, he raced out the door. Several hotel guests stood waiting at the elevator.

Mia and Trevor were nowhere in sight.

Keys hustled down five flights of stairs, hoping to beat them to the lobby.

Breathless, he hurried through the lobby and rounded the corner, only to find Trevor, alone, striding toward the beach.

“Where’s Mia?” Keys said, panting.

“As soon as we stepped into the hallway, she jetted away like she might catch a disease from me. She said she’d see us down there. I don’t know where she went.” Trevor shrugged. “You’re sure acting buggy around her. Is she going to be the entertainment this week? I’d be down with that.”

“No!” Keys practically shouted. “Fuck no, hell no. Put a lid on that idea.”

Trevor’s eyes narrowed. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing’s going on.” Keys waved his arms dismissively. “I just don’t want to do a threesome with her, that’s all.”

“You want her all to yourself, is that it?” Trevor’s hands formed fists by his side.

Mia sprinted past them, racing toward the others who had gathered by the volleyball nets. “I’m going to whoop your ass,” she called.

“Game on,” Keys called, sprinting after her.

“Hey!” Trevor called, but Keys ignored him.

When Keys reached the hot sand, he caught up with Mia, who had slowed to a walk. “If I let you win, what will you give me?” He chuckled.

“Let me win…” Mia scoffed. “I was an all-star in high school.”

“How many years ago was that?” Keys said, throwing his arm around her petite shoulders.

Her shoulders solidified. “I still remember all my moves,” she said, scowling. She wriggled away from Keys’ arm.

“Good, because I remember mine, too,” he said, letting her go.

She hurried away from Keys.

At the sand volleyball court, Keys greeted his bandmates, Zander, and Effie, Zander’s wife.

“Do you even know how to play?” Zander said.

“Me? Sure I do,” Keys said. Barely remember the game.

The Mexico sun beat down on the white sand while cool waves beckoned in the distance. It was a far cry from the freezing weather in New York.

Keys pitched his t-shirt outside the blue lines marking the boundaries of their court. Tattoo sleeves covered both his arms. The phrase, “It’s all in the rhythm,” adorned his chest with a smattering of stars all around. He knew he had a nice body as he managed to hit the gym on the regular. And, none of the countless women he’d been with over the last couple of years had complained.

When he saw Mia remove her attire down to her bikini, he nearly wept. He longed to get inside her. Sweet Jesus, she’s beautiful.

Trevor eyed him, scowling.

Keys shook his head.

Gia, also dressed in a bikini, slugged him in the arm. “Hey, dipshit. How was your flight? Did you manage to keep your hands to yourself?”

“What are you talking about? I was the perfect gentleman,” he said.

“The words perfect and gentleman do not belong in any sentence describing you,” Gia said, her yellow shock of hair competing with the sun for brightness.

“And, don’t forget the insurance policy we have on your hands, Keys,” Dante said.

“Yeah, yeah,” Keys said. “How hard could this be?”

Gia snorted.

Once they’d divided into equal teams, with Zander, Effie, Mia, Trevor, two roadies named Sam and Elijah, on one team, and Keys, Gia, Gia’s boyfriend Marcos, Dante, Kennedy and Trevor’s roommate, Noah on the other, the game began.

Zander took the first serve.

Keys, who’d never really played volleyball, managed to barely bump the ball over the net.

Trevor leaped up at the net and slammed the ball toward Keys.

Keys threw up his hands to avoid the assault.

The ball skimmed the hair on his forearm and flew just outside the line.

Zander and Sam groaned.

Mia shook her head.

Keys focused a death glare in Trevor’s direction.

Trevor simply shrugged.

“That’s ours!” Dante yelled and raced to get the ball. When he returned, he served.

A lively rally ensued, with Trevor setting up the ball so Mia could power it over the net, earning them a point.

Trevor held up his hand to Mia, and she high-fived him.

Keys glowered. He positioned himself, so he faced Mia and glanced at her barely covered breasts. He wiggled his fingers at her at breast level.

Her hands flew to her chest.

He laughed and said, “Watch the ball, angel.”

Zander eyed Keys, frowning.

The game continued, with Zander’s team winning.

Keys sucked at volleyball, but he excelled at getting the others to laugh when he ducked, dodged, and went out of his way to avoid the ball. “I’m trying to protect my fingers. Isn’t that what you told me, Fearless Leader?” he said to Dante.

Dante retrieved the ball when it sailed past Keys. When he jogged back, he said, “I didn’t know you were this bad at volleyball, dude.”

Trevor aced a couple of serves. He kept high-fiving Mia until Keys wanted to tackle him and pour sand in his mouth.

Finally, Gia said, “Get out of here, Keys. Be our mascot or something. You suck.” She batted at his head.

“I think we’re all done. I’m tired of losing. Next time, you’re on the opposite team, Keys,” Dante said. He stooped to retrieve his t-shirt and grabbed Kennedy’s hand. “Care to visit the pool?”

“Sure thing, stud,” she said, her blond ponytail swishing back and forth on top of her head. She grabbed her sun top, shrugged it on, and followed her husband.

“What about you, kitten?” Keys said to Mia. “Want to cool off in the waves?”

“Will I have to rescue you?” she said, picking her sundress from the sand. She shook the sand from it and draped it over her arm.

“Mouth to mouth might be in order,” he said, nodding his head decidedly.

She scoffed. “I’m sure there are EMTs around here.” Placing her hand above her eyes, she scanned the horizon. “Right there. There’s a medical facility,” she said, pointing to a small building with a Staff of Life symbol on it.

“Actually, I’m a pretty good swimmer. I won a lot of races in high school,” Keys said.

“And how long ago was that?” she said, chuckling.

“Touché, angel.” Out of the corner of his eye, he spied Trevor directing death stare eyes at him. “Want to join us in the water?” Keys said, trying to be polite.

“Nah. I’ve got other things to do,” Trevor said, a dark expression on his face.

Like sulking? Relief washed through Keys. He didn’t feel like babysitting Trevor on this trip—not when he might stand a chance with Mia.

“Why don’t you come to hang out with us, Heat,” Gia said. She gestured to Marcos. “We can use the company, right?”

Marcos nodded. “Sure thing. We can find something to do, I’m sure.”

Gia leaned in close to Keys and whispered, “You hurt Mia, and you’re a dead man, capeesh?”

“I’m not going to hurt her. We’re just friends,” he said.

“Keep it that way,” Gia hissed.

As Keys and Mia strode down to the water, they passed several nude sunbathers, both women, and men.

“I dare you to take off your swimming suit,” Keys said. “I will if you will.”

Mia looked hesitant. “I don’t think so.”

Keys shrugged. “Fine, but you’ll be the only one on this beach who’s dressed. How awkward will that be? I promise to keep my hands to myself if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She squinted at him. “How can I trust you?”

“You’ll just have to find out,” he said, removing his clothes. He dropped them into a little pile and took off toward the water, hoping to turn around and find a naked Mia. He wasn’t disappointed. Waist deep in the sea, he pivoted to see her jogging toward an oncoming wave, sans clothes. I’m in heaven. Utter heaven. She’s stunning.

She lifted her arms over her head and dived straight into a wave.

With full breasts, curves in all the right places, and that gorgeous hair down to the middle of her back, he didn’t know how he could restrain himself. You’ve got to play this right, asshole, or you’ll scare her away.

As they bobbed in the water, his heart seemed light and buoyant. He hadn’t felt this way since…well, not for a long time, and never quite like this.

After their ocean play, they headed back to the room where they each showered and prepped for a group dining experience.

Finally, the night ended with cocktails on a large torch-lit deck.

Dante and Kennedy sat on the far side, out of earshot.

Keys didn’t know where Gia and the others were and didn’t care. Sitting in a lounge chair, he sat near Mia, wondering if he’d ever been this happy. And I haven’t even scored yet. He kept touching her feet with his, as he nursed a crystal glass of Jack on the rocks. He loved being around Mia, whether they were talking or not. Keys gazed at the starry sky and let contentment fill his soul.

A loud noise caught his attention from across the deck. He turned his head.

Trevor lurched toward them.

Fuck. He’s the last person I want to see.

“Hey, buddy,” Trevor slurred once he’d crossed the distance. He practically fell into Keys’ lap.

“Hey, Trev. What’s doing?” Keys said, wishing Trevor would go away. He shoved him into the chair next to him.

“I want to tell you something, buddy,” Trevor said, leaning toward Keys.

His breath reeked of booze.

Mia frowned. “I can give you guys some space if you need me to.” She sipped on a glass of red wine.

“Nah, don’t go.” Keys reached for her hand.

She jerked her hand back like he’d bit her or something.

Keys stared at her for a second. Oh, great. Back to the total resistance.

“Don’t go,” Trevor said, in his sloppy sounding voice. “I like you, Mia.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “Uh…that’s nice.”

“Do you like me?” he said.

Mia’s entire posture had turned to stone. “Sure.”

“Good, good, that’s good.” He lifted his hand and snapped his fingers at the man who stood nearby.

The waiter hurried toward him. “Yes, sir, what do you need?”

“Another whiskey,” Trevor said. “You, Keys? What do you want?”

“I’m good,” said Keys.

“Mia?” Trevor said.

She placed her hand over her glass. “I’m good, too.”

Trevor nodded. “You are good. You’re really good. Sarah. She never treated him right. But you…you’d never hurt him, I can tell.”

Keys cringed. “Stop, Trev. Mia doesn’t need to hear your stories.”

“Oh, but she does, she does. This guy…” Trevor stabbed his thumb toward Keys. “He was in a fucked-up relationship. It was so fucked, she almost broke up the band, can you believe that?”

Mia looked at Keys and frowned.

“Did he tell you?” Trevor said.

“No,” Mia said, directing a confused expression at Keys.

Keys batted the side of Trevor’s head. “Shut the fuck up, Trev. That shit’s dead and buried, and I don’t care to re-live it.”

“But, it’s important, buddy,” Trevor said, barely managing to spit out the words. “She was your Yoko Ono. She was a bad, bad woman.” He turned to Mia. “Don’t be a bad, bad woman, Mia. You’re not a bad woman, are you? Keys can’t take it. Keys…Keys…do you remember our last vacation together, huh? Do you, huh?”

Keys glared at Trevor. “Yes, I remember, asshole. And Mia doesn’t need to hear about it.”

“It’s important,” Trevor said.

Keys grabbed Trevor’s t-shirt and bunched it in his fist.

“Whoa,” said Trevor, trying to break away.

“I said, shut up, you little prick. We don’t need to hear about this shit,” Keys growled.

“It’s important,” Trevor repeated. “You don’t want to repeat the past. Sarah…she treated you like shit,” he said, spitting as he spoke. “Like dog shit.”

Keys cocked his fist back, prepared to send Trevor’s mouth to the moon. “Shut the fuck up.”

Someone caught his hand.

Keys looked up to see Dante looming over him. He tried to pull his hand away, but Dante held it in a death grip. “Let go of me, Dante.”

“Nah. We don’t need trouble, right?” His gaze bore into Keys.

“No,” Keys said in a sulk. “We don’t need trouble, Fearless Leader.”

“Good, good.” Dante released Keys. “Heat’s been drinking a little. He probably needs to go somewhere to sleep it off, don’t you Heat?” Dante directed his attention to Trevor.

“You’re the best, Dante, the very best,” Trevor gushed. “You remember Sarah, right?”

“Everyone remembers Sarah, Heat.” Dante gripped Trevor’s upper arm. “Let’s get you to bed, dude, what do you say?” He called to his wife. “Hey, Kennedy, can you help me tuck Heat in?”

Kennedy hurried over. “Sure, sure. Let’s get you to bed, buddy. Let’s go, Heat.”

Trevor rose like a child. He threw his arms around Kennedy and Dante. “You two are the best,” he said, staggering away between Dante and Kennedy. “The best…”

Once they’d left, Mia said, “So, rough relationship, huh?”

Keys rose. “Yeah. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m ready to go to bed. You?” He extended his hand to Mia.

She rose to her feet without touching him. “Yes, I’m a little tired, too. But, no funny business. We only have one bed. I’m going to place pillows between us, so you don’t get tempted.”

“Fine. Whatever.” Keys withdrew his hand and stalked across the deck.

In only ten short minutes, Trevor had managed to cock-block him in the worst way possible—by talking about his horrible ex, Sarah Reinhardt. What had started out as a fun vacation had quickly tanked into a reminder of what could happen if one tried to be in a relationship. It could end in the worst way possible—with his heart crushed to bits and no way to put it back together. And that was something he refused to do ever again. No way could he afford to fall in love.