Don't Read in the Closet volume one

by Various Authors

  Ash saw a crowd gathered ahead, a mix of security, fans, and reporters. A beige cowboy hat rose out of the center, and he didn’t need to see more to know he’d found Jackson. He started toward the crowd. Some fans spotted him and rushed him. He sighed, then called upon his best publicity smile as they approached, reaching for the first pen offered to him for an autograph.

  Ash glanced up as a fan moved to his side to pose for a picture together, his gaze catching Jackson’s. A smile curved one corner of Jackson’s lips. Even with his face shadowed by the cowboy hat, Ash couldn’t miss the sensual look in Jackson’s eyes. It seemed he wasn’t the only one whose thoughts had been on their morning together.

  Ash felt a pull inside him to go to Jackson, wrap him in his arms, kiss him before the media. It wouldn’t be the first time the paparazzi caught him kissing a guy, but it would be Jackson’s and that’s what stopped him. He knew Jackson wasn’t ready. Just because he lived life out loud didn’t mean he wasn’t able to understand how difficult it was for Jackson. Celebrity or not, it was a personal decision that only the person going through it could know when the time was right, and until Jackson felt it was right, he wouldn’t pressure him. But he would stay a friend to him. He’d already decided that. Even if the intimate side of their relationship ended after this concert, he wanted to stay close to Jackson to always be able to support him.

  A shout from a reporter broke through Ash’s thoughts.

  “Ash Ivers! Over here! Ash!”

  Ash looked at the guy standing on the outer circle of the group surrounding Jackson. Other paparazzi whipped around, cameras aimed at him, more calling him to come nearer. Ash lifted a hand, waving them off. All he’d wanted was to get a glimpse of Jackson. He’d gotten that so he could get by for a few hours more. Ash turned to leave, finding himself already getting surrounded by media.

  A paparazzo pushed in front of him. “Ash! You realize Jackson Abrams is standing less than twenty feet away, don’t you?”

  Ash snorted at the guy’s over-enthusiasm. “I thought it was more like thirty, but yeah, I saw him.”

  “How do you feel about playing this concert with him?” another asked.

  “It’s not like we’re going to be on stage together,” Ash said. “There are a hell of a lot of performers playing today, not just me and him.”

  “Yeah, but how do you feel about his comment that you’re not right for this event because of your promiscuity?”

  “Goddamn, why does everyone think I’m such a manwhore? Listen, as far as that comment goes, it’s water under the bridge. I don’t have any hard feelings against Jackson for it.”

  Another voice spoke up, one Ash knew well.

  “Y’all need to quit trying to get us into another argument. And furthermore,” Jackson stopped at Ash’s side and laid his hand on Ash’s shoulder, “I owe Ash an apology for that comment.” He looked at him. “It was wrong of me to make assumptions about your personal life, and I’m sorry. You and From Ashes couldn’t be a better choice to play this concert.”

  Ash stared at him, speechless, and it seemed for the split-second of silence, so were the reporters. The paparazzi rebounded with a barrage of questions, one being the most popular, just asked various ways.

  “What happened between you two?”

  “Have you called a truce?”

  “Are you friends now?”

  “What broke the animosity between you?”

  Ash snapped back to the moment and looked to the reporters, holding up a hand. “Hey! Cool it! If you want answers, stop asking questions.” With saying that, he wondered how he was going to answer. Jackson started this show, now he was in the middle of it. He was so going to bitch at him for this one. As the reporters grew quieter, Ash glanced toward Jackson, trying to prompt him with a look. Hopefully he’d planned a way out.

  Jackson draped his arm around Ash’s shoulders, speaking to the crowd. “You see, the nice thing about this show is no media is allowed over by the artists’ trailers and buses. No offense to any of you, but y’all can be kind of noisy and nosey.”

  The reporters chuckled lightly at Jackson’s joke.

  “And another nice thing about it, this is the first time Ash and I ever got a chance to really talk without pressure from anyone else. There have been a lot of misunderstandings over the past few years between us, but we’re putting all that behind us. Besides, I have a confession to make.” Jackson paused, letting the paparazzi squirm with wanting the news. “I’m actually a huge From Ashes fan. Have been even since before I beat them at the Grammy’s for Best New Artist.”

  Ash laughed. “You just had to get that dig in, didn’t you?”

  The reporters didn’t seem as amused. If anything, they appeared disappointed. Ash figured it was most likely because they were seeing a guaranteed source of income vanishing now that he and Jackson were publicly calling an end to their feud.

  Another paparazzo spoke up. “What about you, Ash? Do you feel the same way as Jackson?”

  Ash tossed his arm around Jackson’s shoulders. “I’m standing here beside him, aren’t I? Seriously, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves, acting depressed because we’re not fighting anymore. When people can overlook the things that make them different from each other, even something as small as the kind of music they like, it’s good for them and everyone around them.”

  A few grumbles of agreement came from the reporters, but slowly they began filing away. They still snapped shots of him and Jackson together, since it would be the last big story they’d get on them. Ash allowed himself a smirk. Or so they thought. He and Jackson could hit the media in a whole other way someday.

  With the paparazzi gone in search of more profitable stories and fans having cleared away for a moment, Ash turned to Jackson, taking in how he was dressed in a tight white tank top, black leather pants, and black cowboy boots. “Damn. I’ve never seen you dressed like this before.”

  “I dress like this a lot for my concerts.” Jackson touched the top of his leather pants. “I’ve got a little bit of rock ‘n roll in me too, you know.”

  “There’re so many places I want to go with that, but I’ll just say, yeah, I know. Those pants look amazing on you. Even with the big gold belt buckle of the bull with its ass in the air.”

  Jackson chuckled. “It’s bucking.”

  Ash stepped closer to him, his voice lowering against listening ears. “Well whatever its doing, it’s not attractive, but it’s also hardly noticeable with the way those pants hug your crotch. You’re not wearing underwear, are you?”

  “There’s only one way for you to find out.”

  “With that kind of invitation, maybe we should head back to your trailer.”

  An excited female interrupted, calling, “Ash Ivers! Jackson Abrams!”

  Ash turned to see three women approaching them, the backstage passes around their necks revealing them as fans. He glanced back to Jackson. “We’re going to finish this talk as soon as possible.” He looked to the women. “Hey, ladies! Welcome to the show.” He offered his hand to the closest. “What are your names?”

  The woman took his hand. “I’m Mel. It’s great to meet you.”

  “Thank you.” Ash shook the next woman’s hand. “And you are…”

  “Tina. We were all hoping we’d get to meet you today.” She looked at Jackson. “Both of you.”

  Jackson followed Ash’s example and started shaking the women’s hands. “That’s very kind of you.”

  Ash extended his hand to the last woman. “And you?”

  “Laura. I’m so excited to meet both of you! Would it be okay if we took a couple pictures with you guys?”

  “Absolutely,” Ash said, flagging down a staff member to act as photographer.

  He and Jackson posed with each one individually, then stood in a group, their arms around the three women. Ash spoke while keeping his smile for the pictures, “I’m not sure who just touched my ass, but whoever it was, if you want to grope on me do it h
arder next time. I like it rough.”

  Laughter broke out from everyone. Jackson shook his head at him. Ash gave him a covert wink, making Jackson laugh harder.

  Collecting her camera from the staff member, Mel turned back to Ash and Jackson. “I’m surprised to see you both together. All that fighting between you guys, was that just for show?”

  Ash shook his head. “No, that was totally legit. But with playing this gig, we talked and realized we’ve got more in common than the petty crap we’ve been fighting about.”

  All three gave nods that seemed all too knowing.

  “We’re glad to hear that,” Tina said. “Makes life easier on us fans.”

  “Yeah, now we can feel like it’s okay to love on both of you and not be cheating on the other,” Laura added.

  Jackson looked to Ash. “Well damn. We should’ve done this long ago if that’s how people have felt. We can share each other’s fans now.”

  Ash folded his arms across his chest, his expression getting an annoyed tint. “You know, I never thought of that. I need to have a serious talk with my manager. He should’ve thought of it for me. I’ve been missing out on fans because of it.”

  “But not too many, I think,” Mel said. She lifted her hand in a wave as she and her friends turned away. “Thanks for the pictures. We can’t wait to see you guys on stage!”

  Jacked waved back, lowering his voice for only Ash’s ears. “Why did it seem like they knew something that no one else should know?”

  Ash shrugged. “Don’t know. Maybe they saw you grope my ass.”

  “Now I can say I wasn’t the one who did that.” Jackson grinned and dipped his head toward him, his voice hushing in a deeper tone. “But it’s good to know how I should when I do.”

  Ash brushed Jackson’s hand with his fingertips. “I like you picking up where we left off. Let’s go to your trailer and finish.”

  “I want to, but the show’s going to kick off soon and I gotta get ready to go on.”

  “But you’re one of the closers.”

  “Yeah, well, you know how they moved you and your guys to anchor the middle? They moved me up to come out second after the openers.”

  “That’s bullshit!”

  Jackson startled back at Ash’s bellow.

  Ash raised a hand in apology. “I mean, it’s not bullshit that you’ve got that spot, but damn it, that’s where I wanted to play.” His voice shifted to hold an accusatory edge. “Did you know that we’d been in that spot originally and took it anyhow?”

  “Yeah, but-”

  “I can’t freakin’ believe it!”

  “Will you give me a minute to explain?”

  “You just said all I needed to hear.” Ash spun, marching away from him.

  Jackson stood still, watching him leave. He glanced around, seeing everyone staring at him. Embarrassment rose in him, but even more, hurt filled him. How could Ash think he’d taken the spot on purpose? He didn’t have any say where he played in the concert, and it had all been arranged before he and Ash ever talked. Obviously Ash still hadn’t bothered looking at the new list.

  A voice near him spoke up. “Guess things aren’t as friendly as you guys made it seem, huh?”

  Jackson shot a glare at the smirking paparazzo. He walked forward, turning in the direction of the artists’ area, despite how badly he wanted to follow after Ash. Talking to him would have to wait, no matter how much it hurt him. The show had to go on.

  CHAPTER 8

  Ash rushed for the stage, shoving between people. It seemed all day, people had done nothing but get in his way, and now his patience with everyone was at an end. He needed to reach the stage. This is what he got for being an ass…again.

  Ahead of him, Ash saw the stairs leading up to the stage, and at the bottom of them stood Jackson. Jackson had his head bowed, his eyes closed, seeming lost within himself. The MC’s voice blasted through the stadium, announcing him as the next performer. Jackson crossed himself, lifted his head, and jumped up two of the stairs to run up the rest.

  “Jackson!”

  Jackson froze and whipped around, his gaze searching the people and resting on Ash.

  Ash reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled up at him. “Go kick some ass.”

  Jackson glowed with a bright smile. He nodded and turned for the stage, grabbing the mic from a stagehand and greeting the raucous crowd as he walked to the center.

  “Looks like he forgave you.”

  Ash looked to Jeremy, who’d caught up to him and now stood at his side. “Yeah. Again. We might not be good at communicating, but at least we’re good at forgiving so far.”

  Devin stopped behind Ash, puffing for breath. “Goddamn, I’ve never seen you move so fast.”

  “I wanted to see him before he hit the stage. And look at you, you’re about to pass out. You need to start doing less weights and more cardio in your workouts.”

  “Hey, we’re coming off the road after this. I don’t need to do shit but get out of bed everyday.”

  Chad stepped around to Ash’s other side. “And maybe you wouldn’t have had to rush if you would’ve pulled your head out of your ass sooner.”

  Devin clapped Ash on the back. “You and him really will make a perfect couple, though. What with how you fly off the handle and him being so forgiving.”

  “There’s been a little forgiveness on my end, too,” Ash said, then silenced as Jackson’s band launched into his most popular single, “No Lookin’ Back.”

  Two electric guitars blasted to life with a pounding beat from the drums and a steady undercurrent rhythm coming out of the bass. This was one of his favorite songs by Jackson. It had a country vibe, but Jackson rocked it out. As Jackson let his deep voice flow, Ash felt his heartbeat quicken. He never denied how sexy of a voice Jackson had, but hearing it now after knowing what it sounded like in pleasure, the low growling groans and higher moans, gave it a whole new quality.

  Jackson moved with such confidence across the stage, owning it for every second he was on it, inviting the crowd into his song. Ash knew Jackson wasn’t much of one to dance when performing, but he didn’t have to. His charisma and talent held people captivated with him just being who he was.

  After the song, Jackson’s band shifted gears with a ballad, changing once again after that to a song that was a throwback to classic country style. Every artist was doing a three song set for the concert, and for his, Jackson demonstrated just how diverse he was in his music. Ash almost laughed aloud at himself. He was slipping into fanboy mode. But he had good reason. Jackson was more than deserving of his admiration, in many ways.

  Jeremy shook his head as the last song drew to a close. “Gotta admit, he’s damn good.”

  “Tell me about it,” Ash said.

  Devin looked at Ash with an expression both confused and concerned. “You okay? You sounded all…”

  Ash glanced at him. “All what?”

  Chad finished for Devin. “All like you’re crushing hardcore.”

  Ash let out a doubtful snort. “I don’t crush.” He turned his attention to Jackson jogging down the stairs. “Hey! You freakin’ rocked-”

  Jackson snatched Ash by the back of the arm, dragging him forward a few quick steps. “My trailer. Now.” He dipped his head in acknowledgement toward the other members of From Ashes as he marched by. He released Ash’s arm, but kept his pace quick.

  Ash navigated around people, working to keep up with Jackson. “So I’m guessing you’re still pissed after all.”

  The only response Jackson gave him was a backward glance.

  Ash sighed loud. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad earlier. It was stupid to get upset at you taking the spot. I’m sorry, okay?”

  “And now it’s you wanting to do the talking when I want to do something else.”

  Ash stared at Jackson’s back. He saw a glimpse of Jackson’s profile and the smirk he wore, and it hit exactly what Jackson was saying. Ash walked faster, catching up to Jackson and moving a lit
tle ahead of him. “You said your trailer, right?”

  “Right.”

  “Walk quicker, then.”

  Ash heard Jackson softly laughing, but also noticed he did walk faster.

  They reached the trailer, Jackson unlocking the door. Ash bounded up the stairs, turning to find Jackson close behind him. Jackson took Ash’s face in both hands, claiming his lips in a passionate kiss. He pushed his tongue into Ash’s mouth and held him in place as he thrust into it over and over again.

  Ash wrapped his arms around him, gripping the back of Jackson’s tank top in two fists. With the day being so warm and the exertion Jackson had just put out on stage, the material was wet with sweat. Ash breathed deep through his nose, pulling in Jackson’s scent, the spicy cologne edged with sweat. His arousal hit a new level. The only thing that could make the scents better would be if the smell of cum was mixed in. Ash broke the kiss and touched his tongue to the bottom of Jackson’s throat. He licked a long line up it, savoring the salt of Jackson’s skin.

  As he drew back, Jackson steered him toward the small bed in back. Ash lifted his shirt off on the way and heard Jackson’s removing his as well. Reaching the bed, Ash finished stripping as Jackson collected lube and a condom. Sitting on the bed’s edge, Ash spread his legs wide and took his cock in hand, watching Jackson remove the rest of his clothes. As Jackson’s leather pants came down, Ash’s gaze went to Jackson’s cock, a rush of desire and excitement going through him at knowing he’d get to have the long, thick rod inside him.

  Jackson stepped in front of him, and with his index finger, beckoned him to stand.

  Ash stood and moved close to him, his cock brushing Jackson’s. He angled his head so their lips nearly touched. “I like this assertive side of you.”

  Jackson drifted his fingertips down Ash’s arm. “After I got over being hurt at your fit earlier, all I could think about was getting you alone and fucking you until you were too tired to give me attitude.”

  A few deep chuckles sounded in Ash’s throat. “If that’s how you’re going to handle me every time I get shitty, I’ll be sure to throw attitude at you constantly.”