by Christi Snow
With his voice trailing off, Prescott twisted his head at Austin. “Hey, you’re hungry, and I have tickets to an amazing dinner-theater show tonight.” Prescott clapped his hands together. “It’s perfect. Come with me. It will at least get you out of the office for a couple of hours.”
Prescott hadn’t even finished the sentence before Austin started shaking his head. “No way in hell. I don’t want to go to a club. That sounds like the perfect setup for the seventh circle of hell.”
“No, no, no. It’s not that type of club. It’s a retro forties thing. Think about those classic movies...Holiday Inn or White Christmas where they went to dinner clubs in the forties and fifties. It’s supposed to be an updated version of that. I only got tickets because Marty Winters wanted to get on your schedule in January.”
Austin raised his eyebrows at his cheeky assistant. “Glad that my schedule is helping your social life now.”
Prescott clicked his tongue. “Don’t pull that attitude with me. You were saying just a few weeks ago that we needed to renegotiate our deal with Marty’s company. I just took advantage of the fact that Marty didn’t know you already wanted to see him.” Prescott shrugged but then focused back on Austin. “But you can’t distract me from this. Come on. If you don’t come with me, I’ll miss it. I can’t go alone. That’s pathetic. Besides, you might even have...dare I say it?...” Prescott theatrically whispered, “Fun.” Then he covered his mouth like he’d just said the most scandalous thing ever.
Austin stood and took his coat from his dramatic assistant. “Okay, you convinced me, but only because I’m hungry and you will obviously harangue me for hours instead of ordering food.”
Prescott sagely nodded. “It only makes sense. You have to come out or you’ll starve. Don’t worry...I won’t let on to anyone else about your little secret. Just smile and pretend like you’re having a good time and no one will ever know.”
Austin raised his eyebrow. “Why do I continue to employ you?”
“Because dear one,” Prescott made a point of looking at his watch. “It’s seven forty-five at night with less than a week until Christmas and I’m still in the office and haven’t complained about it once.”
“Ha,” Austin exclaimed. “You just did.”
Prescott rolled his eyes. “It doesn’t count if I’m saying it simply to make a point. Besides, you need the eye candy I provide every day to lighten up your pathetic social life.”
Austin patted Prescott on top of the head like a cute dog. “So, very true. You are very pretty.”
Prescott squinted at him. “You’re only being nice to me because I got dumped today.”
Austin nodded as they walked out of the office. “That, and it’s less than a week until Christmas. Everyone deserves extra charity this time of the year.”
Clutching at his chest, Prescott pouted. “That hurt. You wound me. I’m not sure I want you to even come with me to the dinner club, now.”
The two of them climbed into Austin’s hired car that had been waiting in front of the office. That was one perk of running the largest media company in the country. He always had a car hired to wait for him when he went somewhere at the last moment, definitely a bonus here in New York City.
They drove across town to the address Prescott had told the driver. When they stopped in front of the canopy awning of the theater Austin looked at the venue. He turned to Prescott with his eyebrows raised. “Elegant Guys?”
Prescott scoffed. “Don’t worry your innocent little soul. Normally the club features a gay burlesque show, but they’ve promised tasteful holiday fare tonight.” He glanced down at his watch. “And we’re late. I hate coming in at the last minute at one of these things. Let’s go.”
As soon as they walked through the front doors of the entry foyer, the sound of a man’s beautiful voice crooning “White Christmas” hit them. The classic song had been modified and given a harder, rockier vibe that Austin really liked. If the band was half as good to look at as they sounded, the promise of the night was definitely looking up.
An usher led them into the restaurant proper and guided them to their table, where their salads were already waiting for them. But Austin had a hard time looking at anything besides the mesmerizing man under the spotlight.
He had dark blond hair that was a little shaggy on top. His full beard gave him a lumberjack, mountain man vibe that was completely blown by the obviously custom-tailored, bespoke tuxedo he wore in navy blue. His ice-blue eyes sparkled under the spotlights and his deep, mournful voice resonated inside Austin’s chest.
“He’s amazing,” he said in a reverent whisper.
Prescott nodded. “Right? I’ve always been a fan of this band.” Prescott spoke in low undertones so they didn’t interrupt anyone else’s enjoyment of the music, leaning in close to Austin. “Their name is Veiled Lies. Normally, they play rock, but they’ve toned it down a lot tonight. The lead singer is Daniel Webb. I had no idea his voice could sound so dreamy.”
Austin nodded, not looking away from the incredible lead singer for a single moment. Daniel. Not only was his voice indescribable, but the man’s entire presence oozed sex and heat. A heat that seemed to reach out and spread throughout Austin’s chest and lower.
As if the singer could sense Austin’s attention, he suddenly looked up and met Austin’s gaze. His eyes flared with intense interest. Austin’s face heated.
Wow. He’d just thought the guy had been gorgeous before, but now with those ice-blue eyes focused solely on him, he felt like he could combust right here. What would that intense gaze be like in bed?
Austin wanted to find out.
Long before he was ready for it to end, the concert was over.
Austin shook his head, breaking the spell that the lead singer had cast over him. Repeatedly throughout the show, Austin found himself caught in Daniel’s gaze. His whole body buzzed with arousal and awareness. Hell, he was actually hard. He glanced down at the cleared table with some vague recollection of food being there, but he couldn’t have identified a single item they’d eaten.
When the lights came up, Prescott smirked at him.
“What?” Austin asked defensively, although he had a pretty good idea what was going through his employee’s dirty mind.
Prescott snorted. “Nothing. I just don’t think I’ve ever seen you in this state. You’re totally besotted.”
“Besotted? What are we? Living in the eighteen hundreds?” Austin just shook his head.
Several of the other patrons of the club were getting up and leaving. Austin was about to suggest they do the same when an usher came over to their table. “Excuse me, Mr. Miller, Mr. Dawes. Daniel Webb has sent me with his request that you join the band for the after-party.”
“Well, well, well,” Prescott drawled. “It doesn’t look like you’re the only one enchanted. Tell me you’re going to go back there.”
If someone had told Austin that he’d be joining a rock band for an after-party earlier in the day, he would have asked what drugs they were on. But after the last two hours, he didn’t have it in him to say no to anything that lead singer asked of him. And he hadn’t even talked to the man yet. He might be in real trouble here.
“Yeah, I’m going. Are you gonna come with me?”
Prescott shook his head. “Not unless you want me to. I’m thinking you two will be much cozier without me tagging along. Just try not to do anything that will land you on Page Six tomorrow.”
Austin chuckled. “I think that’s a good life goal every day, especially in my line of work. In fact, maybe I shouldn’t...”
“No!” Prescott cut him off. “You’ve spent years working eighty to one hundred hours a week. It’s time to have a bit of fun. Do this, Austin. If it helps you to justify it, consider it a Christmas present to yourself.”
Austin hesitated for just a minute more, but he wanted to talk to the enigmatic singer. He wanted this opportunity, so he just nodded. “Thanks, Prescott, for...everything.” Mainly draggin
g him here tonight. It had been exactly what Austin needed whether or not he realized it.
“Anytime, boss. Have a good night,” Prescott singsonged as he walked away.
“Looks like I’m following you,” Austin told the usher.
“Right this way, sir.”
Austin’s stomach churned as he followed the usher into the unknown. Even in his younger days, he’d never been one of the guys who partied with the band. Now he was thirty-nine years old and a respected businessman. What the hell was he doing?
But before he could change his mind, the usher opened the door to a backroom filled with music and people.
The lead singer must have been watching for his arrival, because suddenly the man had an arm wrapped around Austin’s waist. Nerves sizzled at the touch. He looked even younger up close like this, but handsome as fuck. His hair was wet like he’d just gotten out of the shower and he had on different clothes than the tuxedo he’d been wearing during the show. Now he had on jeans and a fitted Henley with hiking boots. He looked damn good. Austin suddenly felt way overdressed in his bespoke dark gray suit.
“Well, hello, my silver fox.” Daniel’s words flowed off his tongue like melted honey and Austin eyed the almost empty liquor tumbler in his other hand. The show had ended less than fifteen minutes ago. He couldn’t be drunk yet, right? “Tell me your name, gorgeous,” Daniel instructed.
Men came onto Austin regularly, but never this strong, this quickly. And for it to come from a man so much younger than him... Normally that kind of cocky attitude would be a serious turn-off, but having that golden voice in his ear along with the press of the hard muscles of Daniel’s torso pressed into his side, Austin discovered he didn’t mind it so much tonight.
“Austin Dawes. You gave a great show tonight, Daniel.”
Daniel nodded like he expected nothing less than the praise. His eyes dropped to Austin’s lips, making them tingle. “Hmm,” Daniel raised an eyebrow in flirty interest, “I think you and I are going to have a very good time, Austin Dawes. Tell me...” Daniel licked his lips and Austin wanted to taste them so bad he leaned forward.
Daniel placed his finger over Austin’s lips. “Yes, a very good time, but not yet.” Daniel’s wicked smile kicked up. “I think it would be very good for you to anticipate more. Let’s play a game. I’ll tell you when and where you can touch... and you’ll obey me.” Daniel’s voice turned hard, dominant.
“Wait. What?” Austin was usually the one in charge in the bedroom, but even as he faltered at this, the idea niggled into his brain. After the day he’d had, it would be nice to hand the reins over to someone else, even if it was just for the night. In fact, as his dick throbbed, he realized he actually got off on the idea.
Daniel frowned as if he didn’t expect Austin to question him.
“Sorry,” Austin corrected. “I just wasn’t expecting that, but okay.” He nodded, deciding to trust Daniel. “I can handle that.”
Daniel winked and his shoulders relaxed. “I think it may just be the night for many unexpected discoveries, but before we go any further, let’s get you a drink.” He pressed his hand at the base of Austin’s spine and turned him toward a bar complete with a bartender and waitress set up in the back corner of the room.
Daniel might be younger than Austin, but physically they were around the same height and build. Daniel’s take-charge attitude made him feel bigger, more powerful, something that really turned Austin’s crank tonight.
Once they reached the bar, Austin ordered a Scotch on the rocks and then turned to study the much younger man beside him. “How old are you?”
“Old enough that you don’t have to worry about a thing.” His words had a biting edge to them like Austin had offended him. “I’ll take care of you.” Daniel’s gaze was intense, like he expected Austin to balk.
“Of that I have no doubt. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any offense, just trying to get to know you.”
“No,” Daniel shook his head and sighed. “It’s not your fault. It’s a touchy subject with me. I had a guy who made a big deal about the fact that I was younger than him. I’m more sensitive to it now than I should be.”
That made sense. “I get that. I’ve had people questioning my abilities because of my age my entire life. Believe me, “Austin shook his head, “I get how frustrating that can be.” Austin had taken over as CEO at Hodges Media when he’d only been twenty-nine, a virtual baby in the corporate world. Even now, ten years later, he had new business associates question his abilities all the time because they thought him too young for his position of CEO of the huge influential company...until they got to see him in action. “I’ve found that no one questions me again once I show them what I can do. I look forward to seeing what you can do.” Austin put as much insinuation as he could into the words.
Daniel’s eyes darkened and his gaze grew predatory. “I think I’ll enjoy showing you, Mr. Dawes. In fact, I can’t wait to get you on your knees.” Then Daniel leaned close and stroked Austin’s semi-hard dick through the fabric of his pants.
Electricity arced from his touch, lighting Austin up. His heart rate sped up, and he wanted more.
Austin wanted to drop in front of Daniel right then and there. He’d never been one for exhibitionism, but with various couples making out around the room, he doubted anyone here would even notice. It was so tempting.
“I think, Mr. Dawes, that you should kiss me now.” Daniel pulled his head to meet his lips.
A tide of lust swept Austin away as he tasted Daniel for the first time. He tasted like mint and Scotch and with the strong hand holding him tight across the back of Austin’s neck, Daniel also tasted like power and domination.
That mix worked for Austin in a big way. His erection went from half-hard to fully erect and throbbing in a matter of seconds. His hips rubbed up against Daniel’s. The corresponding hard length he felt there made his mouth water.
Anticipation? Yeah, he was feeling it. Big time.
Daniel pulled away from the kiss. For a moment his eyes appeared confused. “Yeah, you’re unexpected.” He ran a hand haphazardly through his almost dry hair and glanced around the party. “I wish I could get you out of here right now, but I promised the band I’d stay for a little while tonight. You okay with that?”
He shouldn’t be. He needed to get back to work, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave this alluring man now. In fact, he was sure he’d follow Daniel Webb just about anywhere he wanted to go.
“Yeah.” His voice had turned gravelly, a true testament to how turned on he was right now.
He looked around for a distraction, anything that would take his focus off how amazing sex promised to be with Daniel just from what he’d felt in these few minutes of interaction. “So, how long have you been with this band?”
Daniel grinned, a happy expression that softened his whole face and made him look even younger. God, he was young and so damn handsome. “We started Veiled Lies when Candace and I were in high school. The other two guys, Drew and Malachi, replaced our original members later. But now we have a good mix. We fit.”
When he talked about the band, Daniel lit up. Austin couldn’t help himself. He reached up and ran his fingers through Daniel’s tousled blond hair. Daniel shuddered under the touch, which sent a delicious roll of sensation across Austin’s balls. That kind of chemistry couldn’t be manufactured.
“I’ll admit,” Austin said. “I’ve never heard you all before tonight. I need to look up your music. The remixes you performed were great. Do you ever write your own stuff?”
“For the most part, yeah. Even for events like this where we’re performing other music, we try to give it our own edge.” Daniel shrugged. “We enjoy mixing it up.”
“Well, as part of the audience, I’d say it definitely works.”
A tall, statuesque woman that Austin recognized as the bassist came and threw her arm around Daniel’s shoulders. She eyed Austin with a leer. “Daniel,” she singsonged. “Who did you find?” Her
gaze took in Austin from head to toe, lingering at his groin for a second too long. “And are you willing to share him?”
Austin felt his eyes bug out. Is this what was expected when he agreed to party with the band? He did not do orgies. In fact, he made it a policy to never mess around with more than one person at a time. Ever.
Daniel laughed. “Not tonight, Candace. I plan to keep him all to myself this time.”
She blew out a disappointed sigh. “Party pooper, but I can’t say I blame you. He’s too fine to share around.” With that remark, she flitted off.
Daniel smirked at him.
“What?” Austin asked defensively.
Daniel chuckled low and sensuous. “You just should have seen your face.”
Suddenly, Austin felt every year of his age. In college, he’d tried a couple of threesomes in the name of experimentation, but having more people in his bed just meant more pressure and awkwardness. Back then Austin had been uncomfortable enough. He hadn’t needed the extra help to get there. But tonight, he felt that same awkwardness creep up on him. This wasn’t his scene. He worked boardrooms, not backrooms.
Daniel must have seen that, because he stepped until his hard chest pressed against Austin’s back. “Relax,” Daniel whispered in his ear, the tone filled with command.
Austin’s shoulders loosened.
“It’s just you and me tonight,” Daniel crooned. “You will make me feel so good and I’ll do the same for you. You want that, don’t you?”
Tingles erupted under Austin’s skin. He nodded. “So much.” More so than he could ever remember wanting another man. What was it about this guy? Had it been that long since Austin got laid, or was this something different with Daniel?
Either way, Austin wanted more of the man...now. “Tell me we can get out of here soon.”
Daniel glanced around the room, his pale blue eyes checking with members of the band. After some silent communication and three nods, he turned to Austin with a wide grin after he shot back the rest of his drink. “Let’s go.”
When they stepped out of the back door of the theater, a limo waited for them there. For a split second, Austin hesitated. Normally, he took his car to his place for hook-ups, but he liked the idea of Daniel being in charge tonight, so decided to follow his lead on this. Austin slid into the backseat while Daniel gave instructions to the driver.
