Looking At Forever (The Rock Gods Book 4) (20 page)

“Christ have mercy! He’s fucking beautiful
,” Wheland thought. “
And, he’s all mine.”

“Wheland, you motherfucker! Look what the wind blew in from L.A.,” Alex shouted. “Get your ass over here and say hello.”

Wheland lifted the guitar from his shoulders and set it in the stand beside him and looked up at Rooster again. Rooster was making long strides to Wheland on the other side of the stage, the slow sway of his narrow hips mesmerized Wheland, like watching the swing of a pendulum in a grandfather clock. The swagger of the man had every nerve in Wheland’s body coming to attention and his breath caught in his dry throat.

Rooster met Wheland in the middle of the stage. Wheland slid one arm around Rooster’s waist, the other arm wrapped around his shoulders without any thought given to the audience he knew they now had watching them. Rooster embraced him back and Wheland’s face rolled into the warmth of Rooster’s neck. It felt so safe there, like coming home. He inhaled the familiar scent of his lover’s skin, enhanced with leather and cologne. The combination made him lightheaded. Wheland nuzzled deeper and their jawlines scrapped, the whisker-rough skin chafing together and Wheland felt the vibration sizzle through his whole body. He lifted his mouth to Rooster’s ear.

“Jesussss,” Wheland whispered into the shell, elongating the word. “I’ve missed you so fucking much.”

Rooster tipped his head and caught Wheland’s lips, pinning them with his. Wheland stiffened for a moment from the intimate touch in front of so many people. Then he felt the soft swipe of Rooster’s tongue glide along the seam of Wheland’s lips, looking for entrance to his mouth, and Wheland melted in to him. The familiar dizzy feeling that came along with touching Rooster washed over Wheland and he heard himself moaning.

A moment later Wheland pulled back and pressed his forehead to Rooster’s. “What are you doing here?” Wheland asked softly.

“I couldn’t miss your opening show,” Rooster said with a shrug of his shoulders. “So, I crammed my recording time in yesterday and told them I’d be back to work on Monday.”

Wheland leaned back and smiled; one hand caressed Rooster’s cheek. “This is why you were out of breath when you called me early this morning.”

Rooster nodded. “I was trying to catch a plane. The voices you heard were the people in the terminal building.”

Wheland pulled Rooster close again, both his arms wrapping around his back. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

The stirring of his cock had Wheland stepping away and grabbing Rooster by the wrist. “I can’t do this here.” Wheland tugged Rooster across the stage. He stopped briefly beside Alex. “I need thirty minutes.”

“You’ve got fifteen,” Alex said. “Then,
we
need to get this rehearsal finished.”

Wheland didn’t stick around to argue. He pulled Rooster down the hall to an empty dressing room and locked the door behind them. As soon as the lock engaged, Wheland was on Rooster; slamming him up against the concrete wall. A blurry haze of hands pulling at clothing and the never ending wet suction of mouths held them both in place. All finesse was lost. Each soul claiming kiss hungrier than the last. Wheland ground his groin against Rooster’s hard mound needing more contact, more friction; bare skin and lots of it.

“I wanna fuck you so bad; need to be inside you,” Wheland said against Rooster’s open mouth.

“No time,” Rooster said. “After the show.”

Wheland took Rooster’s mouth again, holding nothing back. Whiskered chins abrading the other raw. His fingers worked the button on Rooster’s jeans and nearly ripped the zipper apart to get the flaps of fabric open. Without disconnecting their mouths, Wheland pushed Rooster’s pants down onto his thighs, then he dropped to his knees in front of him. The only thought in his head was to have the taste this man on his tongue again. Now.

His eyes lifted to hold Rooster’s heated gaze, then he sucked Rooster’s cock into his mouth all the way down to the base. The sweet taste of pre-come and salt washed over Wheland’s tongue making him ravenous for more. He pulled back to the wide tip and slammed his mouth onto Rooster’s long length again and the man’s legs buckled.

“Fuckkkk! So good, so fucking good,” Rooster panted.

Wheland added his hand, twisting it around Rooster’s shaft in alternating directions; his lips supplying a perfect suction.

“Oh, God. I won’t last,” Rooster groaned.

“I don’t want you to,” Wheland said around the thick length in his mouth.

“You sure about that?” Rooster asked.

Wheland nodded, then Rooster’s fingers tangled in Wheland’s hair and clutched a fistful. He used the grip to steady Wheland’s head so he could fuck his mouth. Three bruising thrusts between Wheland’s lips and Rooster’s head rolled toward one shoulder and a grunt followed the action. A second later Wheland felt the first ribbon of come splash across his tongue. The next thrust was deeper and Rooster held Wheland in place with a hand to the back of his head. Wheland’s nose was pressed to Rooster’s neatly trimmed pubic hair, as Rooster emptied everything else he had to give into the back of Wheland’s throat.

“Ahhhhhh. Fuck, yes,” Rooster sighed.

Wheland’s hands slid around the backs of Rooster’s muscled thighs and up onto his bare ass cheeks. He squeezed the perfect globes in both hands; spreading the cheeks, and letting his fingers sink in to the sweaty crease. Wheland held Rooster’s cock in his mouth, calming him through the aftershocks. Rooster’s whole body was beginning to sag against the wall in a sated, blissed-out state. Wheland pulled off Rooster’s cock, giving one final lick along the full length before standing up nose to nose with Rooster.

Rooster pinched Wheland’s chin with his fingers and used the pad of his thumb to wipe off the wetness on Wheland’s swollen lips. Then Rooster tugged Wheland’s mouth closer and covered it with his own.

“Watching you suck my dick is performance art,” Rooster whispered. “So fucking hot.”

Another kiss sparked a fresh need between them and Rooster spun Wheland around and pushed him into a sitting position on the empty couch beside them. Together they worked to undo Wheland’s jeans and get them off his hips and ass. Rooster offered Wheland’s mouth another scorching kiss, swirling his tongue around Wheland’s before dropping down and engulfing Wheland’s cock with his wet heat.

“Jesusss, Sonny,” Wheland sighed. “Fuck, I need this so bad.”

Rooster began a bobbing, twisting assault on Wheland’s aching cock while easing the jeans below his knees. Rooster’s mouth moved lower, licking Wheland’s sac before sucking one nut into his mouth and then the other. It didn’t take much to have Wheland’s hips rising off the couch and thrusting up into Rooster’s willing mouth. His entire body was hot with need. His explosion was seconds away and Wheland had no intention of holding anything back. He needed this release like his next breath. Rooster’s finger sliding into Wheland’s ass was his undoing. The drag of Rooster’s finger over Wheland’s prostate broke the last thread of restraint and he was gone; flying over the edge to chase the brilliant flashes of light exploding behind his eyes. His body quivered as he thrust one last time into Rooster’s mouth, then he collapsed into the cushions on the couch.

Wheland lifted Rooster up to him. His arms wrapped around Rooster’s back and held him close. A soft brush of lips fed into a deep kiss, then Wheland broke the seal; smiling against Rooster’s half open mouth.

“I fucking love tasting my come inside your mouth,” Wheland said.

Another steamy kiss began, but stopped when a knock rattled the door.

“Five minutes,” one of the crew members shouted through the door.

Rooster pressed his forehead to Wheland’s. “Will that tide you over for a while?” Rooster asked.

“It took the immediate edge off me, but as soon as I get you back to my room tonight, your ass is mine,” Wheland said.

Rooster smiled. “Hmmm, I like the sound of that,” he said.

Wheland gave Rooster a gentle kiss. “I thought you would.”

Chapter Sixteen

With the rehearsal finally completed, Wheland, Rooster, and the rest of the band members walked down the hall to a room set up for a meet and greet. Fifteen minutes later, fans began crowding into the room looking for Ivory Tower signatures on everything from body parts to napkins, and a photograph taken beside them. Rooster stood off to the side with Ryan Pierce, Chase, Danni, and the band managers for both bands. It only took a few minutes before they were driven out of the room by the chaos and escorted by security down another hall to a larger room set up with buffet tables loaded down with food. There were platters of everything from deli meats to sliced prime rib, roasted chicken, and even a pan filled with grilled salmon. A variety of salads occupied another table and the last table was filled with sweets.

“Do musicians always eat this good?” Danni asked Rooster.

Rooster laughed. “On opening night, possibly,” Rooster said. “After that they’re stuck eating whatever they have listed in the performance clauses on their contracts.”

Chase handed Danni a plate and begin filling his own. “Sounds like we better enjoy this while we have it,” Chase said.

They were just finishing up their meals, when the rest of the guys in Ivory Tower and Black Ice spilled through the door. Loud chatter and laughter followed them, as they gathered at the tables to fill their plates. A moment later, Wheland found Rooster standing across the room. He walked over to Rooster and pressed his lips to him for a quick kiss.

“Hmmm, dill sauce,” Wheland said with a wink. “It’s not my favorite sauce, but it’s still good.”

Rooster smirked at Wheland’s comment, and directed Wheland’s attention back to the food tables. “Who’s the girl?”

Wheland looked in the direction Rooster indicated and nodded when he saw the petite redhead with the big boobs and a short denim skirt wedged between them. “That’s Tony and Jared’s girl,” Wheland said. “I think they’re both banging her.”

“A little three-way action?” Rooster asked.

“I guess so,” Wheland said. “They haven’t said much about her and I try not to ask too many questions. All I know is they started talking about her a few months back. It seems to be an on and off thing, so who knows what’s really going on. Tony and Jared do everything together, so it doesn’t surprise me in the least they also share girlfriends. Whatever works for them, that’s all that counts.”

Rooster’s shoulder pressed into Wheland’s. “You said they live together, right? Do you think maybe the two of them also... you know, fool around?”

Wheland nearly choked on the piece of prime rib he was eating. He hadn’t given Tony and Jared’s sexuality much thought at all before Rooster’s comment, and far as he knew, they were the band’s token straight arrows. Wheland looked across the room again and watched the mannerisms play out between Tony and Jared; subtle touches and whispered words into ears. They seemed familiar with each other, but that could easily be explained away with their years of knowing each other, and living together.

Wheland tucked that bit of information away in his head for further analysis, then smiled at himself for putting anyone’s sexuality under a microscope. He was one to talk! He’d be the first person to punch someone in the face for questioning or judging his. Fuck that shit. He had moved through it, embraced it, and was now in the process of shouting it from the rooftops.

Wheland finished his food and carried his empty plate back to leave on the empty buffet table, then began piling a few slices of fresh pineapple onto a clean plate.

“Did you know pineapple makes your jizz taste sweet?” Dante asked, poking Wheland in the ribs with an elbow.

“I’ve heard that said about pineapple juice. Not sure about the slices,” Wheland said, and added two more slices to his plate.

Dante selected a strawberry and popped it into his mouth, then turned and faced Wheland, one eyebrow arched above the other. “So... you and Rooster?”

Wheland forced himself to look Dante in the eyes when he answered, even though the pointed question had him wanting to run for the hills. If he wanted to come out and live an honest life with Rooster by his side, this was one of many steps he’d need to make in order for that to happen.

“We’ve been together for a few months now,” Wheland said. “That’s what I was trying to tell you yesterday when you asked if I was with anyone.”

Dante nodded and a slow smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. “You’re one lucky bastard,” Dante said. “Rooster is hot as fuck. If I had any idea he swung that way, I would have been all over him years ago. I could say the same thing about you, too.”

Wheland laughed and met Dante’s eyes again. “Well, he’s with me now, and I don’t see that status changing for either of us anytime soon, although I am flattered.”

Dante’s fingers slid around Wheland’s bicep and squeezed. “No worries, man,” Dante said. “I’m not looking to get up into your business; I’m congratulating you.”

The soft brush of Rooster coming up alongside Wheland had him turning away from Dante.

“Everything all right?” Rooster asked Wheland.

Wheland laid his arm over Rooster’s shoulders in a possessive gesture. “I was just explaining to Dante how we’ve been together for a couple of months.”

“That’s right,” Rooster said, his eyes darting to Dante. “It’s a little over two months now.”

“I think it’s great,” Dante said. “The two of you together... wow! That’s a smoking hot visual. What more can I can say?”

“We won’t be giving any shows, Dante,” Wheland said, and pulled Rooster tighter to his side. “And I don’t care how much you beg.”

Dante slapped Wheland on the back and smiled brightly at both of them. “Can’t blame me for asking, right?”

“I suppose not,” Wheland said.

“I’ll catch you later on stage,” Dante said.

Wheland watched Dante disappear into the hallway and turned to face Rooster and cupped his face. “I am so happy you’re here to share this with me,” Wheland said.

“I’m relieved I was able to switch my schedule around to fly out here,” Rooster said.

Wheland brushed his lips against Rooster’s. “Thank you,” Wheland whispered.

“You can thank me later,” Rooster said and smiled.

A team of security guards and stage directors led both bands down the hall to the stairs at the back of stage right. Being the first show, Ivory Tower wanted to watch Dagger perform with his guys from Black Ice. They all waited in the shadows with an abundance of nervous energy. Ashton jumped up and down on the balls of his feet; his hands twirling a pair of drumsticks between his fingers like batons. Dagger was still sipping hot tea, while Dante and Lincoln strummed random cords on their guitars to loosen up their fingers.

“Five minutes,” the stage director said.

Dagger handed Ryan his mug of tea and offered his husband one last kiss.

“Break a leg,” Ryan said, his fingers running quickly through Dagger’s long hair.

The cheering noises from the audience were growing in intensity with each second that ticked by. The stage lights went black with nothing more than purple and blue lights marginally illuminated the four spots Dagger and his band would be occupying.

“Two minutes,” the stage director instructed.

Security came up beside Dagger, Dante, Ashton, and Lincoln and led them up the stairs to the side of the stage to wait behind the long, black curtains. A second later, the house lights went out, bathing the music hall in darkness, and the audience came to their feet, chanting: Black Ice! Black Ice!

“Places!” the stage director barked.

Dagger walked to center stage facing the audience with Dante on his right. Lincoln took his spot on Dagger’s left and Ashton climbed the steps to his drum kit. As soon as the audience saw the shadows moving about on the stage, a teeth rattling roar erupted from the sea of occupied seats laid out before them.

“One minute!”

Wheland reached for Rooster’s hand, laced their fingers together and squeezed.

The stage director cued Ashton with a verbal directive through his earpiece and Ashton’s foot began pumping the pedal for the felt beater on his bass kick drum. The stage lights came up; hitting all four band members with white beams of light and the crowd was out of their seats shouting their excitement. A deep, thumping beat was established by Ashton, Dagger, and Dante, then Lincoln jumped in with a scorching flurry of riffs that pulled the audience along with them right into their most recent top ten hit,
Along For The Ride
. And, just like that, the Maniacs In Motion Tour was officially kicked off.

“Fuckkkk,” Wheland said. “This never gets old, does it?”

Rooster leaned in to the shell of Wheland’s ear. “Performing the music? No, that never gets old,” Rooster said. “The travel required to do the shows? Yes, that gets very old.”

Wheland looked at Rooster and for a long moment they held each other’s gaze. The truth in Rooster’s words bounced between them, much like the thumping beat being driven by the force of Black Ice’s music. The reality of their situation was pounding a rhythm behind Wheland’s ribs to almost match the beat of his own heart. How was he supposed to make this work with Rooster, when the guy made it clear in the beginning he had no interest in touring with Wheland or any band? For the next nine months, with minimal breaks, Wheland was married to his band and this tour. Where would Rooster fit into that schedule? And was Wheland being a prick for expecting Rooster to wait around for him to return to L.A.?

Fuck.

Rooster grabbed Wheland by the elbow and motioned for him to go back down to the hallway beneath the stage area. When they reached the concrete labyrinth of halls, Rooster eased Wheland up against a closed, metal door.

“Talk to me. What’s going on in your head right now?” Rooster asked Wheland.

Wheland’s hand reached for his forehead and rubbed. “I want this to work between us,” Wheland said.

“I do too.” Rooster said.

“But, you won’t tour with me,” Wheland said, and shook his head.

“That decision has nothing to do with you personally, Mick. I’m not interested touring with
any
band... including my own,” Rooster said. “Been there and done that shit for too many years.” Rooster rolled his hip against the door and faced Wheland. He ran an index finger along Wheland’s whiskered jawline; his brow knitted together in deep thought. “But, you make me want to do all sorts of crazy shit.”

“What kind of crazy shit are you talking about?” Wheland asked.

“Bottom line, I didn’t enjoy the last two days without you being around,” Rooster said. “Before you left you weren’t around much, but at least I knew you’d be home after rehearsal to sleep and we could be together. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it amazes me how quickly...”

“How quickly what?” Wheland asked.

Rooster cleared his throat and glanced down the long, crowded corridor, busy with roadies and venue personnel hurrying past them. A few paused a second to throw a curious look their way, but Rooster shrugged it off and Wheland completely ignored the distractions and had focused intently on Rooster.

Wheland watched Rooster struggle with the right words. Whatever he was about to say, it was obvious he didn’t feel comfortable saying it.

“Sonny, please,” Wheland said, cupping the back of Rooster’s neck. “Whatever it is, just say it and we’ll figure it out.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll finish the thought,” Rooster said. “What I want to say is, I’ve never made a habit of moving in with men, ever,” Rooster said. “The one woman I did live with, I married, and you know how well that worked out for me. It’s why I’ve done my best to shy away from relationships for the past five years. But, you... damn it. You really took me by surprise, Mick. And now... what I thought was probably the stupidest thing I’d done in my entire life, which was moving in with you on a whim, feels like the best thing I ever did.”

Wheland smiled, slow at first, but then his whole face was lit up with happiness. “Thank you for saying that,” Wheland said. “I’ve been feeling like a needy, little bitch for the last week or so; desperate for attention from you. I’m relieved to hear you’re on the same page with me.”

Rooster nodded and his full lips slanted up on one side in a grin. “It might take some planning and scheming to get the logistics to work for us while you’re on tour, but I
really
want to be with you when I can.”