Shine Forever

by Megan Derr

  He kissed her cheek, then grabbed his bag and hauled off down the hall to his room. Closing the door, he set the bag on the foot of the bed before stripping down and heading into the bathroom. Several minutes later, he almost felt human again, toweling his hair dry as he padded back into the bedroom and dug through his bag for something to sleep in.

  The sound of his phone ringing near made him jump a foot in the air—and then he realized it was Dai's tone. Cooper lunged over the bag and across the bed to where it had landed on his pillow when he'd tossed it aside earlier. Hitting the accept button, he mashed the phone to his ear. "Hey, darling."

  Dai gave a trembly-sounding laugh. "Did I ever tell you how much I like when you call me stuff like that? I know it's just a thing you southern types do, but I like it. Which is funny, 'cause I had this one boyfriend who always wanted to call me baby and honey, and it drove me up the wall. But I like when you do it."

  "Makes good hearing, honey, though just hearing your voice is all I need," Cooper replied, sitting down on the bed, towel resting forgotten around his shoulders. "You sound not so good, though. Something wrong?"

  "It's been a long couple of months," Dai said with a sigh. Cooper could hear him moving blankets or something, then definitely heard the familiar thump as Dai dropped his head down on his pillow. If he wasn't so damn tired and wrung out, the warmth curling through him would have blazed at the image of Dai lying in bed. "Was going to pass out, but I got your message and decided waiting until tomorrow to call you was a shitty plan, even if I'm too steps away from dead. How was your tour? That's all wrapped up now, yeah?"

  "Yeah," Cooper replied. "I'm down in Georgia visiting Henry for a few days. She's finally free and clear of her ex but kind of rattled."

  Dai made a soft noise. "Glad she's clear of that asshole. Saw something about all the layoffs at one of his factories. My brother was over here watching the news, looked about ready to throw something through the TV. Apparently he used to be a client of the firm, years ago. They actually refused to work with him after a point, and that's not something they do lightly."

  "At least they had to sense to drop him," Cooper said.

  "Yeah, though he caused enough damage there's still seriously bad blood. Jason can't really talk about the details, technically he's already said too much. But if the firm ever had a reason to set him on fire, they probably would."

  The words turned into a yawn, and Cooper smiled. "So what's made your past couple of months so long?"

  "Our manager," Dai said. "He's generally a good guy, but he pushes us hard you know? Normally we don't mind, that's a good thing, but he fucking started setting up this small European tour even though we said we were fucking done touring for a bit. So now, in a couple of months, we're hopping across the pond for like three months. It shouldn't be awful, and I mean, I like Europe, but fuck. You were finally done with your tour; I was thinking we could sneak off back to the beach for a weekend, or maybe a week… I mean, if you wanted. I know I've kind of sucked at replying lately."

  Cooper swallowed the lump in his throat. "Darling, I want you every hour of every day. I figured you were getting sick of me, and I wouldn't blame you a bit for thinking you had better things to do than put up with a closeted cowboy you barely see."

  "No!" Dai said. "No way. I always worry I'm too much of a risk for you. I don't care about the closet. I mean, it's nice to have something that's all mine and isn't plastered over every damn website. Might be easier if I could tell people, but I'm not exactly known for doing anything the easy way." His voice grew shaky toward the end and was shakier still when he added. "I miss you, and I don't want to go to fucking Europe and not see you for three more months."

  Relief and agony swept through Cooper, a rush of hot and cold that left him breathless. "Honey, I heard your voice on the radio tonight and nearly lost it. I'll figure out a way to see you, even if I have to fly across an ocean to do it. Though I'm sure we'll figure something else out before you vanish. I'm here in Georgia for the next two weeks, then I head to Houston to do some interviews and other publicity stuff, a couple of private concerts. No rest for the weary or wicked."

  Dai gave a low, husky chuckle. "I do like my cowboys wicked."

  "Pretty sure you're the wicked one. Ain't me in silk and satin tempting folk to illicit deeds, is it?"

  That got him something that sounded suspiciously like a giggle. "I don't think it counts as tempting when you don't even try to resist. Speaking of, I bought you a present. Well, several. My favorite website was running a sale. I put on the green ones tonight, I was thinking of you so much."

  Cooper fell back on his bed with a groan, tired but not as tired as he'd thought, apparently. Or his cock just didn't give a damn how tired he was. "You're an evil little shit."

  The husky little laugh returned, broken by a little hitch that told him Dai had wrapped a hand around his cock. "I'm a horny little shit who's been without his lover for seven months."

  Cooper groaned again, fisted his own cock, and pumped it, rubbing a thumb over the tip. "Feels a lot longer than that. Ain't the same without you. And your fancy damned coffee—you ruined me but good."

  "I want you to ruin me," Dai replied. "I want you to leave me wrecked, fuck me until I can't move."

  "Evil," Cooper managed, stroking harder, suddenly so very far from tired. "The minute I get you alone, I'm going to put that mouth to work until you're too wrung out to talk." That got him another hitch of breath, his name spilling out on a ragged moan. "Gonna use you hard and put you away wet."

  Dai cried his name again as he came; Cooper could picture his face clear as day, the way he shuddered when he came, the sweat gleaming on his skin, the bite of his nails where he loved to grip Cooper's shoulders. Cooper groaned Dai's name and spilled into his own hand, satisfaction mingling with the deep ache of wishing Dai were there to hold and curl up against as they slept. The night they'd done that had been the best night of his life, even better than a good night at the rodeo with everyone cheering for him, better than an entire concert hall screaming his name during his solo. He'd thought that was the greatest feeling on earth until he'd woken up to Dai cuddled against him, a soft smile on his face as he murmured Cooper's name in his sleep.

  "Well, the green panties are definitely no good for sleeping now," Dai said eventually. "I've got black and pink lace, pink and silver lace, or electric blue lace. Got a preference? Blue matches my hair right now."

  Cooper pulled the towel free where it was wedged beneath him and cleaned up the mess he'd made. "Blue," he said, cock twitching despite itself. "Saw that spread of you in OUTShine! Magazine. You look good in a skirt."

  "Yeah, that was a bitch of a photo shoot. Jet and I were ready to kill the photographer by the end of the day. But it turned out well, that's all that matters. They let me keep the skirt, along with the other clothes I wore. I'll definitely keep it in my luggage until we cross paths again."

  "You're way too good to me, darling."

  Dai laughed. "This is all for me, Cowboy. I like the way you look at me."

  "Like I'm going to eat you up?" Cooper drawled as he fished out a pair of boxers, throwing the towel in the hamper in the bathroom and his bag on the floor. He turned off the lights then crawled into bed. "I look at you like that no matter what you're wearing."

  "That too," Dai said, sounding suddenly shy, hesitant.

  Cooper wished they were in the same fucking room. "Like I don't want to look at anyone else? 'Cause that's true too."

  "I miss you," Dai whispered.

  "Miss you, too," Cooper replied. "More than I've ever missed anyone or anything. I don't know what you did to me, but I don't want it undone." It didn't seem fair that Dai could grab hold of him so tight, so fast.

  Something was gonna have to change, 'cause keeping everything secret was going to be the death of him. He didn't want the whole world knowing, but it was long past time he figured out how to say something to the rest of the band, at least. After everything qui
eted down, though, and they'd had a chance to unwind after all the traveling and public appearances.

  Just thinking about it made his stomach cramp. He was pretty sure Jake wouldn't care at the end of the day, but then again, he'd been pretty damn sure a lot of people wouldn't care, only to hear them say something that made him puke with relief that he'd kept his mouth shut after all.

  That Jake had never given a damn about Cassidy and Malcolm and the others was no reassurance.

  "I'll see if I can't sneak down there to see you for a few days," Dai said. "If you can get a couple free? I know you're busy with Henry…"

  "Ain't doing much but keeping her company; she's missing being with the band. Giving it up has been hard for her. She's got to clear it with the court, but she's probably going to move to Texas, stay in my house for a few months. So, you know, be prepared to hear rumors flying of us being a thing." He sighed.

  Dai laughed. "I'll weather it. I can't tell you how many different people I'm apparently sleeping with. If I got mad every time the tabloids informed me my lover was fucking someone else, I'd have combusted by now. And I know you're the not the type to shack up with a woman to sell the straight image."

  "Nah," Cooper said. "I prefer it kept quiet so it don't hurt the band, but if it comes out it comes out. Henry knows, but she's the only one. She don't take kindly to those kinds of rumors; she'll shut them down hard and fast. I hope you can meet her sometime. I think ya'll would get along."

  "That would be cool," Dai replied, though the words were mostly swallowed up by a yawn.

  Cooper smiled. "Go to sleep. Call me when you wake up. I'll do my best to be able to answer."

  "I don't want to, but I can barely keep my eyes open. I—" Dai hesitated. "I'll call you tomorrow, definitely."

  That wasn't what he'd been about to say, but Cooper didn't push it 'cause god he didn't want to find out he was wrong about what he was pretty sure he'd almost heard. "Sweet dreams, darling."

  "Dream of me," Dai said with a grin in his voice. "Bye for now."

  He hung up, which was just as well 'cause Cooper couldn't seem to make his voice work anymore. Setting the phone on the nightstand, he clicked off the bedside light, rolled over, and shifted about until he was comfortable. Cooper fell asleep with an ache in his chest but a smile on his face.

  Track 05

  Business or Pleasure

  Dai missed home. Europe was great, especially London—he loved the ever living fuck out of London—but he would cheerfully sell the rest of the band to get a decent fucking burger. He didn't care what anyone said, a real burger was not to be found on this side of the world.

  He stifled a sigh as he flopped on his bed, the distant chatter of Jet and the others simultaneously soothing in its familiarity and irritating in that he just wanted a few hours of silence. At least they had a couple of days off before it was back on the bus for the last leg of the tour. Which reminded him he needed to brush up on his limited German.

  Someone knocked on his door—pounded, rather, which meant it was probably Jet. "Get your ass out here." Yep, Jet.

  "I don't wanna."

  "Suck it up, buttercup. You can be antisocial tomorrow. For now, get out here."

  "Why? Aren't we sick of looking at each other yet?"

  Jet ignored him, save to pound on the door one last time. Groaning, Dai sat up, dragged himself to the door, and ambled out to where the guys were sprawled in front of the TV, drinking beer and eating Chinese food.

  Dai sat on the floor, since all the seats were taken, and snagged a carton of something that smelled like spicy beef. Picking up a fork, he began to pick at it, pausing only to grunt in thanks when Jet handed him a beer. "What in the hell are we watching?"

  "Rugby?" Misha replied. "I tried googling the rules, but I still don't get it. Then again, I'm shit at sports. The only thing I know about football is that quarterbacks are easy."

  "You know way more interesting quarterbacks than me," Dai replied while the others rolled their eyes or sniggered.

  Jet cast him a look, one brow quirked, mouth curved up in a faint smirk.

  "That was high school, and literally none of us has any room to talk," Dai replied.

  "Fair enough." Jet went back to wolfing down whatever the hell he was eating. Lo Mein? Chow Mein? Whichever one was the noodles, Dai always mixed them up.

  He frowned when his phone buzzed. His first thought was Cooper, but he was probably still be busy helping Henry get settled. If it was their manager, Dai was going to fucking kill him. He loved the man, but some days he …

  Every thought flew out of Dai's head when he saw the name on the screen. His heart sped up like it always did whenever he got to talk to Coop, even if it was just via text. He kept expecting that new love excitement to fade off, but Cooper was a constant, reliable heat, even when he was a million miles away.

  Any chance you can sneak away for a night?

  Dai dropped his fork into his half-empty carton, shoving it and the beer aside as he stood up and bolted to his room. He was going to regret his lack of subtlety, but he did not fucking care right then. The looks and questions coming from Jet the past few months, it was only a matter of days before he was completely busted anyway. Closing the door, he sat on the bed and rapidly typed. Fuck yes. Where? He left the phone on the bed and bolted over to his luggage, opening it and pulling out the overnight bag he always dragged along everywhere just in case he had to stop over somewhere random for just a night or two.

  He threw in a couple changes of clothes and the bundle of lace, satin, and leather he carried everywhere just on a stupid, desperate hope. That was sure as fuck paying off now. Was Cooper really here? In London? His heart was going to fucking pop. He hadn't thought Cooper would actually do it.

  Throwing the strap of the bag over his shoulder, Dai stepped back over to the bed and scooped up his phone to read the address. Oh, hey. He actually knew the place. Fancy-schmancy type, even fancier than the place he was already at. Gotta get past Jet, which will probably take a few, but then I'm on my way.

  As if summoned, the door banged open; Jet strode in and slammed the door shut behind him. He folded his arms across the chest. "Are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you going to make me guess?"

  "Why would I make it easy for you?" Dai replied. "You prefer to figure it out yourself, anyway. Now move out of the way, I've got to go."

  Jet made a show of moving away from the door and bowing as he approached it. "Do you think I'm stupid?"

  "Jet, you know I think you're one of the smartest people on earth. I think the only one who's ever given you a run for your money is Jason."

  "And you, don't sell yourself short. But if you think I haven't noticed that you're in love, then you are way dumber than I ever thought."

  The words knocked the breath right the fuck out of him. Not because they were a shock—they weren't, not even close. For better or worse, he was lovesick as fucking hell. But it was the first time he'd heard it aloud. Ten thousand times more jarring to hear it than to think it. He looked at Jet. "Leave it alone."

  "Ha, not a fucking chance. I'd think you'd at least tell me."

  "I can't," Dai said. "Not unless I clear it with him first."

  "Closet-types aren't your thing." Jet folded his arms across his chest again and contemplated him through slightly narrowed eyes. "I'm going to figure it out."

  Dai sighed, smiled the barest bit. "Like I didn't already know that, Jet? You're too nosy for your own good. Just don't make a scene of it, because if you cause him harm, I will fucking end you."

  Jet raised his hands in surrender. "You know me better than that. Go run to your lover and have fun. I'll cover for you with the overlord. I am happy for you, you know. Even if I'm miffed you're keeping secrets." He pouted.

  Smiling faintly, Dai darted in and hugged him tight. "I'll ask him if I can tell you, promise. Stay out of trouble while I'm gone. I'm serious. No getting naked where cameras will catch it—Jason will murder us both.
"

  "Jason can kiss my ass," Jet muttered. "Get lost."

  "I'm gone," Dai said.

  Outside in the main room, the others catcalled and whistled as he walked by, cackling and howling when he flipped them off. "Never thought you'd slink off to answer a booty call, fearless leader," Kim called out.

  "Shut up, I hate you all," Dai said and slammed the door on their laughter. His face didn't cool off until he was outside in the chilly evening air. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he high-tailed it through the London streets, getting briefly lost only once before he finally reached the hotel.

  The haul to Cooper's room seemed to take three times as long as the walk through the city. He knocked on the door, breaking into a wide smile when it swung open and Cooper filled the doorway, huge and beautiful and goddamn, he had missed this man.

  Pushing him into the room, Dai dropped his bag and kicked the door shut, then laughed delightedly as Cooper scooped him up and pressed him against the door, mouth dropping over Dai's with intent. Dai sank his fingers into Cooper's hair and held on tight, biting and licking and sucking, relearning that wicked, addictive mouth. Cooper's hair was damp, jaw smooth as glass, and he still smelled like a citrusy soap. Must have showered recently. Dai tore away, panting softly. "You get all cleaned up, Cowboy? Because I'm just going to get you dirty."

  "Traveling did not make me very appealing," Cooper said with a grin, then went back to kissing him senseless, not letting up until Dai was hard and begging. Pulling away, Cooper carried him to the bed and lowered him down on it. "You're still the best thing I've ever seen."

  Dai grinned, rolled to get on his knees, and worked his fingers under the white t-shirt clinging to Cooper's body like a second skin. He pushed the shirt up, dragging his mouth across Cooper's stomach, leaving a trail of sucking kisses as he slowly worked his way up as far as he could go. He laughed when Cooper pushed him back down, splayed him out, and crawled over him before having another go at Dai's still-throbbing mouth.