Looking At Forever (The Rock Gods Book 4) (15 page)

The small sports bar wasn’t too crowded for a Friday night, but it was a little after nine o’clock and many more people would be spilling in to the establishment before long, especially if word got out the guys from Ivory Tower were in the house. The age of social media made it almost impossible for them to go out to clubs and simply “blend” in with the gathered crowds.

Wheland walked deeper into the L-shaped room, passed by the long, hand-carved bar on his right and found an over-sized booth near the back left corner. Two pool tables were nearby; if any of them got the urge to play, and the lighting was dim to obscure their identities, at least he hoped that would be the case. It was scary enough to have Rooster joining them, but what if someone snapped a photograph of the two of them together? Wheland shook off that thought. He was making too much out of this, he knew that, and needed a way to get himself to relax.

“I’ll go get us a couple of pitchers of beer,” Wheland said to Alex, and started walking to the bar.

Wheland gave his order to the bartender and tried not to make eye contact with anyone sitting at the bar. The only person he was interested in having a conversation with was Rooster. Wheland saw movement by the front door and looked to see if it was Rooster arriving. Instead of Rooster, it was a random guy and his date.

Wheland sighed with disappointment. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to invite Rooster to this? He hadn’t considered the fact none of the guys except for Cooper knew he was with Rooster and Cooper had been sworn to secrecy about it. He wasn’t at all sure what would happen when Rooster arrived at the sports bar, or if the guys would put two and two together or not. What was the etiquette on something like this? Was he expected to explain to the band he and Rooster were a couple? Would they give a shit? The fact Rooster was a man would add an element of intrigue for his band mates, but only because they’d never seen Wheland with a man. Alex had Chase and Danni, and Cooper was with Jayson, so the fact Wheland was now with a man should hardly raise an eyebrow.

What Wheland hoped was for Rooster to walk in to the bar and him being the first to notice him. They could have a quick conversation alone and then Wheland would bring him over to the band table. Sort of making it seem like they’d randomly bumped in to each other. Wheland made a growling sound under his breath. Once again, he was making too much out of this.

Wheland took the two pitchers of beer from the bartender and asked him to start a tab. Then he carried them back to their table in the corner.

“Where’d Alex run off to?” Wheland asked Tony.

“A fan dragged him over to their table by the front door,” Tony said, pointing in the general direction.

Wheland’s eyes followed Tony’s finger and saw Alex talking to a dark-haired man. A beat later, a few patrons moved and Wheland saw the face of the man talking to Alex.

Shit! Sonny.

Wheland quickly crossed the room and stopped beside Rooster and Alex.

“Roostarelli!” Alex said with excitement, and pulled him in for a loose bro hug. “Jesus, what’s it been... five, six years since I saw you?”

“That’d be about right,” Rooster said, releasing Alex. “I’ve been up in Vancouver and moved back about a month ago.”

“What brings you to this hole in the wall tonight?” Alex asked.

“Mick asked me to meet him here for dinner,” Rooster said.

“Mick?” Alex asked Rooster.

“Yeah, Mick Wheland, your rhythm player,” Rooster said, then his eyes darted to Wheland standing at Alex’s side. A look of “what-the-fuck” furrowing Wheland’s brows.

Alex cocked his head and looked at Wheland. “You allow
him
to call you Mick?”

Wheland swallowed and offered Alex a nod. “Yeah, I’ve known Sonny a long time.”

“I’ve sure as fuck known you a long time too, but I’m not allowed to call you that,” Alex said.

Wheland shrugged and risked a glance at Rooster. If ever there was a time he wished a hole in the floor would open up and swallow him whole, this was it.

“Vancouver you say?” Alex asked. “Are you back for good or taking a vacation?”

“No vacation, I’m thinking of making L.A. my home base again,” Rooster said.

“Are you settled into a new place?” Alex asked.

Rooster’s eyes went to Wheland again and Wheland touched him on the forearm. “Sonny’s been living with me,” Wheland offered.

Alex held Wheland’s gaze for a long moment, then his eyes dropped to the spot on Rooster’s forearm Wheland was still touching, and lifted back up to Wheland’s eyes. “Well, aren’t you just full of surprises tonight?”

Wheland let go of Rooster’s arm and attempted a smile at Alex, then he turned back to Rooster.

“Have you already eaten?” Wheland asked Rooster.

“I was waiting for you,” Rooster said.

“Good. Let’s go get something ordered,” Wheland said. “I’m starved.”

Wheland slid in behind the long table at the booth and motioned for Rooster to sit beside him. One by one, Tony, Jared, and Cooper shook hands with Rooster and then everyone settled down. Wheland didn’t have to look at Cooper to know he was staring at him. The heat was almost unbearable. When he refused to glance Cooper’s way, Cooper spoke.

“If I’d known it was “date night” I would have called Jay,” Cooper said.

“Date night?” Tony asked.

“Shut the fuck up, Coop,” Wheland said.

“Apparently, Rooster has been shacking up at Wheland’s place for a while now,” Alex said, and chuckled.

“I already knew that,” Cooper scoffed.

Alex’s head snapped in Cooper’s direction. “What’d you mean by that?” he asked.

“Zip it,” Wheland threatened Cooper, then he looked at Alex. “Cooper stopped by a week ago and saw Sonny at my place.”

“Hmmm, I’m surprised Coop never mentioned it,” Alex said.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” Wheland said to Alex.

Alex’s eyes bounced to Rooster. “Is Wheland’s place the ‘home base’ you mentioned earlier?”

Rooster laughed. “No, Mick’s house is short-term,” Rooster said. “I started looking for a permanent place a couple of days ago.”

Wheland felt his entire body stiffen and all the fine hairs on his arms stood up on end. Had Rooster just said that? What the fuck did it mean and when did Rooster plan on telling him that bit of news? His gaze dropped to his lap and suddenly he had no interest in eating. He was grateful the guys switched subjects and were talking amongst themselves because Wheland was having trouble breathing. He needed to get away and sort through this in his head before he exploded.

Wheland nudged Rooster on the thigh. “Let me out,” he said. “I need to take a piss.”

Rooster slid out of the bench seat and stood up to allow Wheland to exit. Wheland walked to the men’s room and stood at the sink; holding on to the edge of the porcelain like he needed it to remain standing.

Fuck! How the hell am I supposed to fix this?

Wheland ran the water at the tap and splashed some onto his face, then wiped it off with his hand. There was no way in hell he wanted Rooster to move out of his house. He couldn’t believe how upset this made him. He was almost lightheaded. He was leaning over the sink when he heard the whoosh of the bathroom door swinging open. When he turned to look he saw Rooster stepping inside. Rooster came up beside Wheland and pressed his hand to the center of his back.

“You okay?” Rooster asked.

“No, I don’t think so,” Wheland said.

“What’d you mean? Are you sick?” Rooster asked.

Wheland rolled his hip to the sink and faced Rooster. “You’re moving out?” he asked. “When were you planning to tell me – after you signed the fucking lease agreement?”

“Mick, you’re leaving on tour,” Rooster said. “I can’t live at your house while you’re gone.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s
your
house – not mine,” Rooster said.

Wheland reached for Rooster’s face and gripped both sides of it. “You’ve been sharing my bed for a fucking month. Shouldn’t that mean something?”

Rooster held Wheland by the hips. “What do you want it to mean?”

“Jesus, Sonny! It means you’re there because I want you to be,” Wheland said against Rooster’s lips. “I thought you understood that.”

Rooster closed the space between them and pressed his lips to Wheland. Wheland moaned at the touch and flicked his tongue against Rooster’s lips. As soon as he gained access, Wheland’s tongue thrust deep into Rooster’s mouth taking control of the kiss. Neither of them heard the door opening until Alex spoke.

“Is there something else you’d like to tell me,
Mick
?” Alex asked.

Wheland pulled away from Rooster’s mouth, his eyes quickly finding Alex by the door. “Don’t fucking call me that,” Wheland said to Alex.

Alex smiled and stepped toward the second sink to wash his hands. “I’m happy for you,” Alex said to Wheland. “A little annoyed and hurt you didn’t trust me enough to tell me, but nonetheless, I’m happy.” Alex used a paper towel to dry his hands and left the bathroom without another word.

Wheland stared at the closed door for several seconds after Alex was gone. He probably should have mentioned Rooster to Alex, but it was still too new and besides, Alex was away on his honeymoon when this all started. Alex would just have to get over it because right now he had more important things to worry about, beyond Alex’s hurt feelings. Wheland’s eyes went to Rooster.

“Will you stay at my house?” Wheland asked Rooster.

Rooster grimaced as if in pain. “Mick, I don’t know if I can. I think it’d be too weird clunking around in that big house without you there.”

Wheland’s hand wrapped around the back of Rooster’s neck. “You need to find a way to get the fuck over that because I want you there. You can be in charge of watering my plants.”

Rooster grinned. “You have a cleaning crew to take care of that.”

“Then, just keep my bed warm for me,” Wheland said, and licked at Rooster’s bottom lip. “Think you can do that?” 

Rooster nipped at Wheland’s tongue. “I might be able to manage that.”

“See what you can do,” Wheland said. “And, Sonny?”

“Yeah, Mick?”

“Keep my bed warm by yourself,” Wheland said. “You’re the only one I’ve shared it with and I’d like it to stay that way.”

“I don’t want anyone else, Mick.”

Wheland took another kiss, then pulled back. “Me neither.”

Chapter Eleven

Wheland and Rooster walked back to the table and sat down. As soon as they sat, the noise around the table went silent; all eyes falling on Wheland and Rooster. Alex’s eyes caught Wheland and he nodded. Wheland managed a half-smile back and reached for two menus on the table; handing one of them to Rooster. A moment later the guys were all trying to talk over each other and that made Wheland laugh. Maybe everything
would
be okay, and no one would give a shit he was with Rooster?

Wheland reached beneath the table and set his hand on top of Rooster’s thigh. Rooster followed suit and placed his hand on top of Wheland’s. Their eyes met briefly and Wheland had to fight the urge to kiss the smile right off the man’s face. The feelings building inside him threatened to overflow and Wheland had to look away. His eyes went back to the menu, but his hand stayed on Rooster’s leg.

Rooster couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. In a non-verbal way, he knew the guys in Wheland’s band had accepted him and Wheland being together. Plus, Wheland seemed dead serious about wanting to keep Rooster in his life, his house, and in his bed. This declaration was huge for them and Rooster would not take it lightly because he knew how difficult it was for Wheland to admit that out loud. Staring into Wheland’s eyes right now in front of his entire band, Rooster was swept away with emotion. If things kept on moving in the direction they were with Wheland, Rooster would soon be letting the word “love” slip from his mouth. What an adrenaline rush it was to feel this sweeping over him like a tidal wave.

They ordered their meals and ate; their loud and boisterous conversations never ending. In between pitchers of beer and shots of tequila, a few interested fans stopped by their table looking for autographs and photos with the band. Fortunately, it didn’t get too out of hand and that’s the only reason they didn’t turn anyone away.

After dinner Tony and Jared began a game of pool, while Cooper stood beside them to watch. Alex, Wheland, and Rooster stayed at the table drinking their beer and talking.

“How’s married life?” Rooster asked Alex.

The smile crossing Alex’s face was stunning. “Good.”

“Your smile says it’s a lot more than good,” Rooster said.

“It’s
really
good,” Alex said, and laughed.

“I can’t imagine having a wife
and
a husband,” Rooster said, sipping from his glass. “It’s difficult enough to keep one spouse happy, never mind two.”

Alex nodded. “You’re absolutely right. It takes a lot of work and dedication to keep all of us happy, but we communicate what’s going on in our heads and that helps to stop issues before they get too big to fix. Bottom line, I love them both equally. I wouldn’t want one without the other and thankfully they feel the same way about me.”

“You’re a lucky man,” Rooster said.

“I am,” Alex said. “And the sex is phenomenal.”

“I bet,” Rooster said and smirked.

“Are you coming on the road with Wheland?” Alex asked Rooster.

Rooster’s eyes darted to Wheland. Wheland saw the uncertainty clouding Rooster’s expressive brown eyes. He held his breath hoping Rooster’s answer might have changed since the last time they’d talked about it, but the shake of Rooster’s head that followed felt like another knife stabbing into his chest.

“No, I’ll be sticking around L.A.,” Rooster said, looking back at Alex. “Wheland’s got a job to do and I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

“Well, you’re welcome to join us,” Alex said. “And I’m sure Wheland would love the company.”

“I would, but he already knows that,” Wheland said. He finished the shot sitting in front of him and poured more beer from the pitcher into his glass. He’d lost count of how much beer and tequila he’d consumed over the last couple of hours and he was definitely starting to feel it... in a big way.

“Thank you for extending the invitation,” Rooster said. “But, I’ve got some writing projects and a little recording lined up with my own band.”

“So, you’re still involved with 100 Proof?” Alex asked.

“Somewhat,” Rooster said. “I write the music and play on the albums, but that’s pretty much where it ends. It’s the touring that killed it for me. I love the music, but hate the road.”

“Yeah, the performing is getting tougher the older I get,” Alex said. “Especially since my accident. I’ll be one sore motherfucker after this tour is over.”

“How are you doing since the accident?” Rooster asked. “Are you a hundred percent yet?”

“Damn close to it,” Alex said. “Coming back from that was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

“I can imagine,” Rooster said.

“It was touch and go for a while,” Wheland said. “The first few days after the accident we weren’t sure he’d pull through.”

“Only the good die young,” Alex said with a chuckle. “Which means, I’ll be living forever.”

“He likes to downplay it, but it was serious shit there for a while,” Wheland said.

Behind them Jared was cheering his win at the pool table and Cooper walked back to Alex’s table and clapped Wheland and Rooster on the shoulders.

“Jay is wondering where I am,” Cooper said to the three of them. “I’m going home. I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Same time, Alex?”

“Same time, little man,” Alex said in confirmation, then waved to Cooper as he began the walk to the front door of the bar.

Alex drained the beer in his glass and set it on the well-used table top. “I should be heading home, too,” he said. “Wheland you came with me. Do you need a lift back to your car?”

“Nope, I think I’m going to let this guy take me home,” Wheland said with slurred speech and pointing at Rooster. “And, if he plays his cards right, I might let him in my pants.”

“As if that was ever a challenge for anyone,” Alex said.

Rooster laughed loudly and stood up from the table. “Come on, hot shot. I’ll drive your drunk ass home.”

Wheland stood up from the table and staggered, nearly knocking down the empty chair beside him. Rooster caught Wheland’s arm and wrapped it around his waist. They walked together like that all the way to Rooster’s car. Rooster leaned Wheland against the side of his rental car, while he opened up the passenger side door. Wheland grabbed Rooster’s face when he stepped back in front of him.

The kiss was sudden, but Rooster relaxed in to it as soon as Wheland’s tongue swirled around his. Even in his blurred state of mind, Wheland could feel arousal thickening Rooster’s cock as it pressed in to his hip.

“You are always so fucking ready for me,” Wheland slurred. His hand slipped between them and palmed Rooster’s erection in his pants.

Rooster took another kiss and pressed Wheland’s back against the car. “Guilty as charged,” Rooster said against Wheland’s lips. “Your touch does crazy things to me.”

Wheland growled. “Get me home... fast,” Wheland said. “I plan on doing a lot more to you than touching.”

Rooster helped Wheland into the front seat of his car and walked around to the driver’s side. “Buckle up for safety,” Rooster teased.

“Is that like the “no glove no love” rule?” Wheland asked.

“No, that safety rule is a little different,” Rooster laughed.

Wheland slid lower in his seat and latched the seat belt, then closed his eyes. Rooster started the car and pulled out of the parking lot of Buck Shots.

“I’ve never done that,” Wheland said softly.

“Done what?”

“I’ve always gloved up,” Wheland said.

“Other than with my ex-wife, I’ve always worn condoms too,” Rooster said. “But, sometimes even that’s not enough.”

“What’d you mean?” Wheland asked.

“Well, you can still get some STD’s even when wearing condoms,” Rooster said. “But it’s still the first and best line of defense to wear one.”

Wheland rolled his head on the back of the seat and looked at Rooster’s profile. “I’m clean, you know,” he said. “Maybe one day you’ll trust me enough to go bare?”

Did you just say that out loud?

Rooster’s fingers combed through the hair on Wheland’s head while he drove them back to Wheland’s house. “I’m clean, too,” Rooster said. “I get tested every six months. Always have.”

Several minutes passed and Wheland was quiet and that gave Rooster time to think. Wheland’s last question was about them one day going bareback. Doing that was a serious step in a relationship and it deserved having a proper conversation about it when both of them were sober. Even still, it warmed him knowing Wheland was wanting to take that step with him. Except with his ex-wife, Rooster had never had sex without a condom, but the idea of having that deep of a commitment, freedom, and enhanced sensation with Wheland... it was something he absolutely wanted to do, one day. Emotionally, Rooster was there with Wheland. He’d trust the guy with his life – in and out of the bedroom, but for peace of mind they’d both get tested first before taking that next step. 

Rooster glanced at Wheland again. He looked to be sleeping and that made Rooster smile. Rooster stopped at a traffic light and ran his fingers through Wheland’s soft hair. He couldn’t keep his hands off the man and knowing he’d soon be gone on tour was ripping a hole in his chest. How cruel it was to have Wheland torn away from him just as things between them were coming together. It made him wonder how they’d manage a serious relationship with Wheland gone so much. It would be difficult, he knew that, but he also knew Wheland was worth it.

Wheland’s head was spinning partly from the alcohol, but also from all the confusing thoughts running through his brain. He could feel Rooster making the turns up the hill to Wheland’s estate, felt the pause at the security gate as Rooster punched in the code, and the final stop in front of the four car garage. Wheland’s eyes opened when Rooster was gripping him to help him from the car. Once outside, Wheland stumbled and Rooster scooped him up and used the car as leverage to keep him on his feet.

“You okay?” Rooster asked. Rooster had his body pressed against Wheland’s.

“I’m good, as long as you’re close by,” Wheland said.

“I’ll be right next to you all the way into the house,” Rooster said. “Hold on to my side.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Wheland sighed. He tripped over his feet and Rooster steadied him again. Wheland let his face slide in to the bend of Rooster’s neck. God, he loved this spot. Warm and tinged with the musky scent he knew Rooster to be. It was all male and comfortable, so very comfortable, Wheland entertained the idea of sleeping in this one spot for days on end.

“Sonny.”

“Yeah, Mick?”

Wheland did his best to stand up straight and look the man in the eye. He managed the standing part, but couldn’t bring himself to make eye contact. He was too close to saying something he knew he shouldn’t. Not yet. His fingers floated over Rooster’s whiskered jaw line. He loved the tingles the bristles gave his fingertips. “I’m so fucking crazy about you,” he said softly. “I want you to know that.”

“The feeling is mutual,” Rooster said.

Rooster helped Wheland in to the house and up the stairs to his bedroom. Wheland submitted to being undressed, then flopped face down on his mattress. As much as he wanted to play with Rooster for a while, he was too tired – and drunk, to do so. He fell asleep before Rooster even rolled into bed beside him.

A pounding headache woke Wheland a few hours later, as did the urgent need to piss. The next thing he realized was Rooster curled all around him; one arm wrapped across his chest, the other laying on top of his head; protectively holding him in place. Rooster’s body was perfectly molded to his back; legs twined with his, like Rooster was always meant to be there, and maybe he was.

Wheland slid out from Rooster’s embrace and rolled off the bed. He got to his feet but then the room tilted and started to spin. Just before he hit the floor, Rooster was once again there to catch him.

“Jesus, Mick! What are you doing out of bed?”

“Need to piss,” Wheland mumbled.

“Fine, I’ll help you to the bathroom,” Rooster said. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“I thought I could do it by myself,” Wheland slurred.

Rooster stood near the toilet and waited for Wheland to finish and then helped him walk back to bed.

“I’m sorry I drank too much,” Wheland said.