by Z. Allora
Blaze frowned. “That sounds terrible.”
“Have you ever had a boyfriend?” Drake knew the answer.
“Yeah, and some for almost twenty minutes.” Blaze gave him a laugh, which Drake had trouble believing came from a joyful place.
This conversation started to make him feel hopeless. He needed to change gears. “Do you want to get together tomorrow night?”
“Tomorrow night?” Blaze turned his head and stared. His face scrunched up, and he tilted his head and stared at Drake.
“Yes, tomorrow night.” Drake didn’t hesitate, not wanting to give Blaze too much time to deny them a chance. He forged forward. “Where do you want to do this?”
Blaze opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Had he mucked this up? He’d never gotten an opportunity to ask a guy out, so perhaps he overthought this and made it sound casual when the date felt anything but. “Well, I know you probably have a special diet—”
“What do you mean by that?” Blaze growled.
What the heck was with the ’tude? “I mean Summer, Midnight Shadow’s singer, got me into sushi.”
Blaze shook his head. “Look, I’m not into pussy, but your derogatory reference….”
“What?” Was Drake speaking a different language?
“I know you’re bisexual, and that’s fine, but I’m not into threesomes with women. I did two roommates once, but…. What?”
How could Drake make this better? “By sushi I meant the Japanese cuisine, though I think you jumped to sex.”
“Well, that’s what we were talking about.” Blaze huffed and glared at the ceiling.
“I’m trying to ask you out on a date.” Drake enunciated the words just in case his high still lurked and he slurred.
“A date….” Blaze shook his head. “I told you I don’t go on dates.”
“Well, you can add it to your Never-Done-It list, allow me to take you on a date, and then you can cross it off your list.” Drake couldn’t give up without a fight. The whole Gemini strong determination was a thing.
Blaze folded his arms over his chest. “Fine.”
Win! But…. “Why are you mad?”
“I’m not mad.” Blaze made a shitty liar.
“You sure sound mad,” Drake teased, hoping against hope to dial this back from the impending cliff of no date.
Blaze sighed. “I hate I misunderstood your intentions.”
“I know…. At the risk of changing the subject, you were great today. I’ve only watched you on YouTube or, you know, streaming the competitions because I’m never near a TV when you skate. But live, you were nothing short of fantastic.”
“That’s very kind.” Blaze gave what sounded like a practiced answer.
“No, I really mean it. You commanded the audience to follow you, and you brought them on a journey, and—Anna asked if I was a stalker.” The way Drake gushed, Blaze might think so too. Maybe he should shut his mouth.
“Yeah, she said as much to me. She didn’t know why I didn’t let her take you to a hotel.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Blaze’s frown would give him wrinkles, but he’d still be the handsomest man Drake had ever seen. “I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do.” Drake grabbed Blaze’s hand and held their hands together on the bed between them.
Instead of pulling away like Drake expected, Blaze sighed. “Good night, Drake.”
Go big or go home. “So we’ve got a date?”
“Sure, we can grab dinner.” Blaze pulled his hand back and glared at him. “Stop smiling like you’ve won something.”
“I can’t, ’cause I totally did.” But he restrained the fist pump of victory.
Blaze groaned. “It’s just dinner.”
“It’s a date with Blaze Parker… the Blaze Parker….”
Blaze gave him a scowl, but pleased amusement danced in his eyes. “You’re still high.”
“I am, but not on weed.” Drake reached out and reclaimed Blaze’s hand. He listened to him breathe for a long while. Finally sleep took him.
SUNLIGHT STEAMING through the long, narrow windows close to the ceiling woke Drake. He rolled over, all alone except for a note on Blaze’s side of the bed.
D—
Early class and practice.
See you later,
B.
Blaze had even given his phone number.
Drake would have to go on Yelp or TripAdvisor to find some restaurant options for their date.
But first, the bathroom.
After he used the toilet and washed his hands, he noticed another note on a pile of clothing.
D—
Your clothes were dry. I figured you might need them, and a toothbrush.
Hairdryer and brushes are under the sink.
Have a good day,
B.
BTW I plugged in your cell. It’s in the kitchen.
Drake straggled into the other area. Iceman wagged his tail but didn’t move from his bed. He found his phone plugged into a charger next to a croissant with an apple on a plate, silverware wrapped in a napkin, a mug, and another note.
D—
There are eggs in the fridge, along with cheese, butter, strawberry peach preserves, and some blueberry jelly. I made coffee so you don’t have to drink twigs and dirt. Use or eat whatever you want. (Though be careful of the brownies.)
See you later,
B
Drake smiled again at Blaze’s thoughtfulness as he poured the coffee. Maybe Drake shouldn’t make a big deal out of this, but the effort Blaze had made suggested… well, Drake would take it as a good sign.
In the shower, he gave up trying not to jerk off. Maybe Anna had been right and he was a blade bunny. Whatever the title bestowed, he hoped locker room blowjobs were included.
His mind took him to the rink’s locker room, Blaze’s skintight skating pants pulled down below his tight, rounded ass, giving Drake access to everything. Him on his knees for Blaze, sucking for all he was worth.
After the frustrated innocence of sleeping next to the man he’d most like to have babies with, it didn’t take many tugs. He came quickly. Perhaps he should question whether he’d gone full-blown with his apparent ice fetish. Or he just needed to blow a particular ice skater.
He finished his shower, dried off, and dealt with his hair by brushing some of the antifrizz serum he found in the cabinet through the length and pulled the thick mass into a tail. Pulling on his purple boxer briefs, he smiled, imagining Blaze folding them for him. He put on the clean, dryer-soft jeans and T-shirt.
After whistling his way out to the kitchen, he threw the towels and his borrowed clothing in the washing machine and set it to a quick cycle.
Iceman perked up and tottered over for some petting. “Hey, little man. Your daddy left early, huh? Such a good boy you are.”
Ice barked. He rushed over to a cabinet, circled to stare at Drake, and barked again.
“Ah, you’re doing a Lassie, aren’t you?” Drake opened the door, revealing dog food and treats.
He put one little tin of chow in Ice’s dish. “There you go. Breakfast is served.”
After washing his hands, he pulled together his own breakfast, slathering butter and strawberry peach preserves on the croissant and pouring another cup of coffee.
He picked up his cell and scrolled through the messages. Then he texted his mom and dad.
I’m fine. Decided to take a road trip before I come home.
Drake wasn’t ready to deal with the fallout. Maybe he needed to stay off of social media for a while, and stick to texting.
He typed out the entire Brenda saga, including being booted from the band, and to avoid numerous questions, ended with When I left she was fucking Dixon and sent the text to Taylor.
Two bites of croissant later, he got a reply. Fucking Dixon Fox. I always hated him.
I know.
You deserve better. As horny a fuck as I am, I won’t fuck her, and I can soak my detach
able cock in bleach….
Taylor didn’t have to say the words for Drake to hear them. Drake typed out, I don’t need an I told you so.
You need to stop settling. No sticking your dick into crazy.
K. I agree. And he did.
So, D, what about the band?
I don’t have a clue. Drake wanted time not to worry about it.
You know that’s discrimination.
I know. But there’s always that clause about participating in actions or activities that negatively impact the band.
Taylor’s text came immediately. This is crazy. You should still talk to a lawyer.
Maybe. Drake doubted he would.
Where are you?
Speaking of crazy…. Um… you’re not going to believe it.
Where? You’re a fucking rock star. You could be on a plane to Istanbul and it wouldn’t shock me.
Drake rolled his eyes, ’cause usually Taylor got on him about not cashing in on rock star perks. Not many of those would be coming his way now.
Taylor sent an impatient text. You gonna leave a brother hanging?
Blaze Parker’s.
Dots danced, then stopped. Dots danced again, then stopped and disappeared.
Did you get my last text? Drake smirked.
Yeah.
So?
Not even I can imagine how you got there.
After everything went to shit, I saw Blaze was in an exhibition. I had the Uber take me to a rental car place and I drove.
I’m impressed, grasshopper… but how are you at his house?
I ate some pot brownies and he took me home.
How was it? Taylor’s gleeful leer could be screamed through the text.
We didn’t sleep together. Drake wanted that to be clear.
Okay? (And make sure you read that with a lot of what-the-fuck tone.)
Shut up. He’s everything I knew he would be and more.
Oh Lordy, D. You’re not serious. Have I taught you nothing? You hit that and move on with a righteous memory.
Ew. I didn’t hit anything. Why you got to bring everything down to that level?
It’s where I live. Seriously, though.
We slept together, but we didn’t have sex. Drake wished he hadn’t sent that text as soon as it went.
Having orgasms involving another person is sex.
No orgasm involving him. Or at least not his actual body.
I do not understand you.
Argh! Taylor was being Taylor. I’m typing in English.
But the text sounds like gibberish to me. What’s the plan? Tay’s irritation came through loud and clear.
I don’t know, but I asked him out on a date.
A date. You, Drake Keys, asked for a date with Blaze Parker?
Drake smiled at the sound of that. Yup. Do you think I should do anything different?
About?
The date. I’ve never gone on an actual date with a guy before. Only hookups and there wasn’t a lot of talking.
How would I know? I don’t bang dudes.
You’re incredibly helpful.
Taylor sent a cross-eyed emoji with his tongue hanging out. Followed by Just be yourself. Let him lead. I’ve got to get back to work. My break is over.
K. Later.
Ice did a doggy jig on his hind legs, then nosed his dish toward Drake.
“Ah, water.” What a smart little guy. “I wish your daddy would ask for what he wants.”
Well, if he was taking Blaze out on a date, he needed to wear something other than a T-shirt and jeans. He looked at the door. A set of keys and another note caught his attention.
Drake—
Just in case you need to go out. Here’s keys to the house. Please make sure the door to the yard is shut and locked. Ice can wander.
Looking forward to tonight.
Blaze
Drake did a fist pump. Then he cleaned the kitchen, put the clothing and towels from the washer into the dryer, and made the bed. After grabbing his cell and wallet, he petted Ice on the head. “I’ll see you later, Iceman.”
Ice wagged his tail and curled up in his bed.
Drake locked the door on his way out and then remembered his rental car remained parked at the rink. Uber.
After securing the gate, he pulled out his phone and opened the app.
“Hey, you must be Drake. I’m Luke, Blaze’s brother. You need a ride?”
Drake waved to the man jogging down the front steps. “I don’t want to trouble you. I’m calling for a pickup.”
“No trouble. Where are you going?” Luke stopped in front of him with hands on his hips.
“The rink.”
“To see Blaze?” The guy sounded optimistic and happy about the prospect.
“Oh, um, I wasn’t going to bother him. I wanted to get my rental car.”
“I see.” Luke’s expression dropped to a frown of disappointment.
Drake felt the need to explain. “I want to get something to wear. I’m taking your brother on a date tonight.”
“Blaze on a date?” Luke’s mouth dropped open, and he stared at Drake like he’d claimed the Pope was getting married. “A date?”
“Well, I mean, he says it’s only dinner, but I respectfully disagree.”
Luke smirked. “Good. Get in.”
Drake was glad to get the seal of approval from someone in the Parker family. He slid into the passenger seat of Luke’s shiny green jeep.
After a few minutes of lighthearted brotherly interrogation, Luke asked, “You’re touring with Velvet Touch, right?”
“That part of the tour ended.” He opted not to go into the whole sordid affair. At some point he’d have to deal with next steps, but right now he had a date to plan.
“What’s that like?” Luke’s tone suggested he wanted the dirt.
Drake pushed aside the loss. He’d miss everything about touring with Midnight Shadow and Velvet Touch. “Exhausting, insane, and awesome.”
“I imagine it’s pretty crazy backstage.”
“Sometimes… not always… depends who.” He’d hate to give Luke the impression he was a player.
At a stop sign, Luke turned to him for a moment and asked, “Tell me, are the rumors true?”
“About?”
They were turning into the rink parking lot. “Velvet Touch’s guitar player and singer being together?”
“You didn’t hear confirmation from me, but totally.” Drake jumped out of the jeep. “Thanks again.”
“Aren’t you even going to peek on Blaze?”
Drake wasn’t sure if he should, but he wanted to see him. “I don’t want to bother him.”
“Come on. Follow me.” Luke led him through the staff door and to a prime viewing location.
He saw Blaze teaching a class of tots.
“Okay. Skate to me and Mr. Panda.” Blaze shook a plushie panda bear and waved it at the group.
Two out of the six made the trek on their skates, while the other four were casualties who then decided crawling might be to their advantage.
“On your blades. Up, up, up, up so big.”
As if trained in utero, five out of six raised their hands to the ceiling. Mamas and a dadda came forward at Blaze’s nod to help their toddlers comply.
“And now we are going to do a trick with your mommies’ and daddies’ help. Are you ready?”
Screams of yes echoed through the rink.
“Parents, take your skater’s hands and support them as we do our big turnaround in a circle trick.” Blaze demonstrated by walking his blades in a circle.
When every skater more or less finished, Blaze clapped. “Good job, everyone.”
Several skaters slipped over to him to hug him and Mr. Panda. Then a couple of parents talked to him.
“I really do think you’re a blade bunny,” someone said from behind him. He turned and found Anna staring him down.
“I stopped to get my car.”
“Hey, go easy on him. He’s taking Bl
aze out on a date,” Luke chimed in.
“A date?” She stared at Luke, then at Drake, then back at Luke. “Blaze agreed to go on a date?”
“Yes. A date. Speaking of which, I should go shopping. Thanks again.” Drake slipped out of the rink.
Chapter 7
BLAZE STARED at his phone. The text from Drake said, Pick you up at 6. I can’t wait to see you. Drake
At five thirty, Blaze started pacing, and Ice followed Blaze’s path with his head.
He sighed at his dog. “Oh, Ice. I made a critical error.”
Ice gave a mournful whine and tilted his head as if to ask which one.
Now Blaze had all these brain possibilities and craziness skipping through his head. “I should never have allowed Drake in my bed.”
At the mention of Drake’s name, Ice wagged his tail.
Blaze sighed. “I think you might be biased due to belly rubs. Sure, I mean, Drake is sexy and sweet, but I should have fucked him and sent him on his way today. But no, not me. I’m having dinner with him. What am I expecting?”
Ice joined Blaze’s parade of nerves around the kitchen island as if they were going somewhere.
“I keep having all these unauthorized feelings. It’s stupid. He’s a damned rock star, after all. Though having all of Drake’s determination and attention on me, I’ll admit it’s flattering.”
Ice sat at his feet, staring up at him with his adorable puppy-dog face.
“Tsk, I mean that text. He can’t wait to see me. I’m all up in my head about it. When he probably means he can’t wait to have sex, right? Whatever.” Blaze grabbed Ice’s dish and gave him fresh water.
Ice waited for the return of his dish.
“Besides, this is the first time I’m going to meet him without him high on pot brownies. He’s probably an arrogant jerk who’ll talk bad about his mom tonight.” Yeah, that felt… worse. Blaze returned the bowl to Ice.
Ice took a few laps of water and then joined Blaze’s trek, taking his position right behind Blaze in the anxiety march.
“Well, I’m sure once we have sex all these weird anticipatory feelings will dissolve.” Why didn’t that give him more comfort? “It’ll be good to get Drake sorted into the right category.”
