“Shit,” Duncan rubbed his face, glancing back at the oblivious technician. “What time is it?”
Jake shook his head, but Emma looked down at her hand where she still held her cell phone. It’s a miracle she hasn’t dropped it, Jake thought.
“It’s nine forty-five,” she said, her voice shaky but clear.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’ve gotta go,” Duncan said reluctantly. Emma nodded, and Jake took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. The burning arousal hadn’t faded in the least, even with the little bit of distance they’d put between themselves.
“I’ve got two backstage passes for you.” Jake pulled the plastic tags from his jeans pocket, trying not to wince as his hand pressed against his cock. He’d never been so aroused so quickly before. It was absurd. Emma’s eyes widened as she watched him, and Jake grinned as he felt her desire spike in the back of his head. Duncan snickered, and suddenly Jake didn’t feel so shaky. Emma grinned and took the tags, shaking her head. Jake laughed. It was that or cry.
“Thank you, Jake.” She stepped back further. “I’m looking forward to the concert.”
“Oh, baby, so am I,” Duncan said, his voice low and sexy. Jake shivered at the tone then watched him try to adjust himself, wincing in sympathy.
“This is so not the way I imagined we’d meet,” Emma said, chuckling now. “I was so nervous—”
“Oh, honey, me too.” Jake pulled off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair. He felt Duncan’s eyes on him and turned his head to see his friend watching him, his need no longer unspoken. Jake acknowledged it, smiling at Duncan, then turned back to Emma. “I was nervous as hell, but Duncan was cool as can be.”
Duncan grinned. “I totally was not, as you both know. And now I really do have to go. I’ll be looking for you, Emma.” Duncan stepped back reluctantly then turned and walked away. Jake looked at Emma. She was watching Duncan go, a look of frustration on her face.
“I know, I feel it too,” Jake said, the heat in his body turning into something both hotter and more urgent the farther away Duncan got.
“I feel like I’m burning up,” Emma whispered, lifting a hand to her forehead.
“Like with every step he takes I need him more desperately.” Jake sighed and took a careful step back, frowning as the heat increased again.
“He must be going crazy. He’s the one walking away,” Emma said, her face worried. “I was afraid of what might happen.”
Jake nodded. “We have to get together after the concert to talk about what to do.” His radio beeped, and Emma flinched. “Shit. I have to go. I’m so sorry.” He reached out a hand to Emma, but she danced back out of reach.
“I don’t know what will happen if we touch again. I can feel that Duncan is barely holding it together.” Emma sighed. “This is insane.”
Jake squared his shoulders and put his cap back on. “Yeah, I know. I’ll see you soon, right after the show. Right after.”
Emma nodded and stepped back through the barricade. Jake watched her disappear into the crowd.
After Emma found her seat, she sat down, fanning herself with the complimentary program that came with the VIP tickets Julie won. She could still feel both men in the back of her head, the sexual pull not lessening at all. She was flushed and hoped that Julie couldn’t tell how flustered she felt.
“Hey, Emma! I couldn’t find you, so I went back out to get another pretzel.” Julie flopped down next to her. “Do you want a piece?”
“No, thanks.” Emma pushed her hair back off her face, wishing a little cool air would drift her way.
“Hey, you okay? You look flushed.”
So much for Julie not noticing, Emma thought then sighed. “I met them.”
“What!?” Julie shrieked, and Emma winced. A few of the people sitting around them sent her curious looks. “What do you mean, you ‘met them?’ When? What happened?” Julie asked, her voice quieter.
Emma rubbed her face. “I was waiting by the fencing for you because the crowd was insane and I didn’t feel like pushing back through that many people to get to our seats. Then, the security guard caught my attention and squeezed me through the barrier. I knew it was Jake. When I ducked under the stage, he was there, waiting for me.”
“Oh, my God,” Julie breathed.
“He gave me these.” Emma showed her friend the passes. Julie squealed again then clapped her hands over her mouth. Emma laughed as she sensed Jake’s amusement through their bond.
“Oh, my gosh, I get to go back with you?” Julie looked like she was going to faint.
“Yes.” Emma was glad Julie was so distracted by the idea of going backstage that she didn’t question Emma’s flush anymore. Emma handed over one of the passes, enjoying Julie’s glee as they waited for the show to start. She sensed Duncan waiting in the dark and knew the concert was about to begin.
Duncan waited at the edge of the stairs, watching his band set up in the dark. Tabb twirled his sticks as he settled down behind the drum kit, then Jon picked up his bass guitar. Duncan glanced at the man on keys, grateful he’d managed to avoid Eric most of the day. His keyboard player was a brilliant musician, but the man’s attitude ever since he found out Duncan was bi had been a trial. He’d grown increasingly surly, sometimes even showing up half-drunk. If he hadn’t had a contract, Duncan would’ve fired his ass months ago. He shook his head, dispelling the negative thoughts. This was going to be an incredible concert. Emma was in the audience. Duncan couldn’t wait to get onstage, but it wasn’t until he saw Levi sling his guitar over his head and nod that he started up. As he made his way to his mark, the single bass riff of his opening song buzzed through his skin. Then the spotlight hit, and he felt Emma shiver. He couldn’t see her, but he could feel her excitement. He sensed Jake standing behind the monitors, watching to make sure the lighting came on at the right moment, and Duncan felt a stab of gratitude and love so sharp he gasped, almost losing his step as he reached the top of the metal stairs. He looked out into the audience and smiled, pushing everything to the back of his mind except the music. He sang the first note, letting it shiver through the air, amplified by the equipment, and he knew everyone in the venue was holding their breath, waiting for him to kick off the show. He finished the note and grinned as Tabb picked up the beat, and then everything began. Nothing else in the world even came close to what it felt like to stand on stage in front of thousands. This was what he was born to do. And this time, the performance felt like his soul was on fire—he hit crazy notes, the band was electric, the audience’s screaming reached insane levels. After the first set, he dashed backstage for a quick drink and felt Jake come up behind him with some water and a towel.
“Here, quick, wipe your face,” Jake said, smiling in the dim light.
“Thanks.” Duncan grabbed the towel and rubbed, careful not to smudge his eyeliner. He took the open bottle of water from Jake and swallowed half of it. “I can feel her, watching me.”
Jake nodded. “I know.”
“It’s like her soul is inside of us, and now I can hit every note perfectly, no matter how high. I’ve never felt anything like it.” Duncan needed to explain this. He desperately wanted Jake to reassure him. “It burns, too, but in a good way. And you’re inside me, and I love you so much—” Duncan broke off, his heart pounding against his ribs.
“It’s okay. I feel you both too,” Jake said, voice hoarse. “And you sound fucking incredible out there. This is the most incredible performance you’ve ever given.”