Double Act Read online

  “Sean? You okay?”

  A huge smile sprang to Sean’s lips. “Em, that was amazing! So much passion! Wow. I can’t believe you gave up playing guitar. You have so much raw talent.”

  Now Emerson was blushing again. But pleased, not embarrassed. “Thank you.”

  “And your voice. It’s perfect. The right amount of emotion.” Sean lifted a hand and wiped at his eyes.

  Emerson handed the guitar over, unable to face the fact he’d made Sean cry.

  “That song,” Sean continued as he took Tally. “It meant something to you.”

  “Yeah. I came out when I was in college. My mom and dad took it fine, so did my sister. But my brother had a hard time accepting me. I sort of latched onto that song to get me through some of the rougher patches.”

  “Are you still on bad terms?”

  “No. He got married about five years ago, and his wife helped us reconnect.”

  “That’s good,” Sean said as he plucked a few random strings.

  Then Emerson remembered that Sean’s sisters were not very accepting, either. It was sad how often that was the case. Families were supposed to be filled with love, yet they hardly ever were.

  Before Emerson could say something along those lines, Sean started to strum in earnest. “It’s still unpolished,” he said, then launched into the upbeat lyrics.

  You were working nine to five, living life in overdrive,

  When you tumbled in my path, looking to be revived.

  Your brown eyes sucked me in, along with your sweet grin.

  Now I’m falling forward fast, letting you take me for a spin.

  Yeah yeah, what can a boy do?

  Yeah yeah, when love comes for you?

  I can’t get out from under your spell

  And I don’t want to, can’t you tell?

  He played a quick succession of notes for a bridge, then started the second verse.

  The crazy whirling in my brain, gives my heart a free rein.

  My love is swirling toward you now, circling around the drain.

  Are you gonna take it all in? Or throw my feelings in the bin?

  From my point of view, you’re the greatest thing that’s happened.

  Yeah yeah, what can a boy do?

  Yeah yeah, when love comes for you?

  I can’t get out from under your spell

  And I don’t want to, can’t you tell?

  He played a few extra chords, then stopped. He glanced at Emerson and raised his eyebrow. “I’m still working on the last verse. What do you think?”

  Emerson threw himself forward, wrapping his arms around Sean’s neck and pulling them close. He joined their lips with quick, frantic desperation. The guitar was pinned between them, but Emerson didn’t care because Sean overcame his initial shock at the move and began to kiss back. It was awkward and uncomfortable, but that didn’t deter either of them.

  Emotions swirled in Emerson. Those lyrics had been invested with so much hope, and so much doubt of returned feelings. Was Sean just as insecure about this as Emerson?

  Emerson pulled back, breathing hard. Sean’s eyes were wide and his pupils dilated.

  “You liked it?” Sean asked.

  “I did.”

  “Em, I want you so bad.”

  “I know.” Emerson could see Sean wasn’t one to damper his feelings. That was why he came on so strong; his emotions were overflowing. How easy it was to read him. His actions clearly matched his thoughts. A very rare thing to be so honest. “I want you, too.”

  Sean’s eyes lit up. “You do?”

  Emerson’s heart ached at the near incredulity in Sean’s tone. “Is that so hard to imagine?”

  “Kind of.” Sean glanced down at the guitar in his lap. “I don’t have a hard time finding people who are interested. But you’re not like that. You’re the first decent man I’ve ever met.”

  The pain Emerson felt on Sean’s behalf doubled, turning angry. “Like Carl Flores? Did he really cheat on you?”

  Emerson expected Sean to flinch back at his ex-lover’s name, but Sean surprised him by leaning forward and resting his forehead on Emerson’s shoulder. “He did. He lied to the press and they believed him, so no one knows. I had one boyfriend who sold pictures of me to the media for a couple thousand dollars. All of them have an angle. They all have an agenda. They’re after something from me.” He raised his head and met Emerson’s eyes. “You’re not like that.”

  “How do you know?” Emerson liked to think of himself as a good man, but who knew how being in the public eye changed a person? He might have the same tendencies, buried deep.

  “Because you helped a stranger. I was demanding that day, scared and alone. And you indulged my every whim. Only nice guys do that, Em.”

  “I won’t hurt you, Sean. But I’m not perfect.”

  Sean leaned forward, his lips just an inch away from Emerson’s. “You’re perfect for me.” Then he closed the distance.

  Emerson shut his eyes and let the warmth of Sean’s body radiate into him. It was so unreal, thinking this was Sean Stirling. And yet, he proved tonight he was just a man. Not so different from Emerson in that regard.

  I’m falling for him. Hard. The thought should have been sobering, make him draw back and reevaluate what transpired between them. Instead, Emerson opened his mouth and deepened the kiss. He wanted everything from Sean. Wanted to drink him down. Taste his skin. Feel his hair. Listen to his soft moans.

  They broke apart for only a moment. Sean gently grabbed his guitar and moved it onto the floor beside them. Then he attacked again. He grabbed onto Emerson’s collar and pulled him. At the same time, Sean laid back, bringing Emerson on top. Sean’s body sank into the plush couch.

  Their lips continued to move against each other and their bodies did the same. Sean wiggled under Emerson’s weight, struggling to get them as close as possible. Emerson used his fingers to map out any part of Sean he could reach. The ridges of his chest, the curve of his hips, the muscles of his thighs. And through it all, Sean panted and whimpered.

  Encouraged by Sean’s need, Emerson pulled back slightly. He tugged on Sean’s tight shirt. Sean lifted his torso and allowed Emerson to remove the garment. He tossed it to the side. With Sean’s bare chest revealed, Emerson’s desire grew. It was a beautiful sight. Sean’s pale flesh was like a statue, carved without blemish. Except that guitar tattoo. Emerson lowered his mouth to Sean’s skin, kissing around the dark ink outline. Then he sank lower, to Sean’s nipple. He wrapped his lips around the small nub and sucked gently. Sean gasped—the sweetest, most arousing sound Emerson had ever heard.

  Sean began to claw at Emerson’s back. Understanding the request, he unbuttoned his own shirt and let Sean tear it off his shoulders. Once it joined the other garment, Sean sank his fingers into Emerson’s hair and pulled him up. Their lips joined again, deeper still, and more demanding.

  Their bodies responded to one another, and Emerson could feel the bulge in Sean’s pants press against his own. He shifted his weight to the side and moved his hand to caress the heat that radiated from Sean’s jeans. Sean’s hips bucked at the motion and his eyes fluttered shut.

  “Can I take these off?” Emerson asked.

  Sean nodded emphatically.

  Emerson got off the couch and started with Sean’s shoes. He pulled them off one at a time and set them aside. Then he unbuttoned Sean’s jeans. Sean lifted his hips so Emerson could pull the fabric off. The slow reveal of Sean’s legs was worth the wait. Sean had to keep fit—he’d said his image was just as much a part of his record deal as his voice. And it was easy to see he took that aspect seriously. His skin was just as pale down here, his calf muscles well defined, and absolutely hairless legs. His thighs, too, were shapely and strong. He probably ran to keep them in such great condition.

  Sean’s boxers still covered the prize. “These, too?”

  “Please,” Sean said, voice breathless.

  Emerson pulled at the waistband and removed th
e garment. It joined its fellows on the floor. Emerson’s breath caught in his throat as he saw the whole package. Besides his beauty—which was obvious—Sean laying there, completely nude, gave off an air of vulnerability. He seemed so innocent, like a virgin.

  “Take off yours, too,” Sean commanded. Well, definitely not a virgin.

  Emerson stripped off his own layers of clothing. He kept his eyes glued to Sean, to gauge his reaction. He wasn’t disappointed. When Sean got an eyeful of his own nakedness, Sean licked his lips eagerly, and his eyes glimmered with desire.

  Returning to his position on the couch, beside Sean, and perched half atop him, Emerson groaned as he finally got skin-on-skin contact. His flesh felt hot and with Sean’s added in, the combination seared.

  Sean’s hands explored Emerson’s body, and Emerson forced himself to stay still under the onslaught. He needed to move, to grind, to feel that delicious friction, but more than that, he wanted Sean to be pleased. If Sean got any sense of desire out of touching Emerson, Emerson wouldn’t deny it.

  “You’re a runner, too,” Sean said, fingers trailing down Emerson’s ass to the back of his thighs. Their bodies did mirror one another in their physique—they were even roughly the same height. The big difference was their coloring: Sean pale and blond, Emerson tan and burnet.

  Sean continued to move his hand. It ran over Emerson’s hip, along his lower stomach, and came to rest along his cock.

  “Can I touch you?” He stayed perfectly still, waiting for assent.

  “Yes,” Emerson answered gruffly.

  Sean wrapped his fingers around Emerson’s shaft and gave a small stroke.

  Emerson shut his eyes and buried his face into Sean’s neck. He gave himself over to the sensation of Sean grasping him tight.

  “I’ve wanted you from the moment I saw you,” Sean said, emphasizing his words with a sharp tug.

  Despite himself, Emerson laughed. He raised his chin to look into Sean’s eyes. “The first time you saw me, you couldn’t even think straight.”

  Sean shook his head. “You captivated me. Love at first sight.”

  Emerson drew in a quick breath, first from Sean’s expertly moving fingers, and second from Sean’s words. Love. No, it was way too soon for that. Emerson ignored the phrase and returned his head to Sean’s neck.

  “I want to please you,” Sean continued. His tone, low and breathy, was so different from his normal speaking voice and his singing. How many sides did the man have?

  “You do. You are. Sean, you’re amazing.”

  “Can I rub you against me?”

  Emerson peeked up again, seeing the hint of a question in Sean’s gaze. He didn’t take anything for granted. Emerson was naked and perched nearly atop him, and he still asked permission. It was oddly endearing, that he offered so much respect.

  “I’d like that,” Emerson answered. “But I want to do it.”

  Sean bit at his lip, and nodded.

  Emerson shifted his hips forward pressing their bodies even closer together. When Sean released his grip, Emerson took ahold of himself and led his cock to Sean’s. He wrapped his fingers around both, groaning at the heat and hardness against his own skin. Sean made a return noise, almost like a whimper.

  Emerson moved his fingers slowly, getting used to the feel of Sean’s flesh. As he explored, Sean writhed below him. The man was overly sensitive, it seemed, responding to the slightest friction. Another time, Emerson would love to delve into that more closely, see what made Sean’s reactions increase. But now, Emerson was hot and hard and ready. He increased the speed of his hand, added more pressure to his grip.

  “Em,” Sean gasped. He pulled Emerson closer and lifted his leg over Emerson’s thigh, which locked them in place. The position allowed Emerson to focus on his task. He shut his eyes and narrowed in on the tips of their cocks. “Em,” Sean repeated, a bit higher in pitch.

  The muscle in Sean’s legs tightened around Emerson’s thigh. He was close. Emerson raised his head and brought their lips together as his hand pumped even faster. Sean’s breaths between kisses turned into quick gasps, and the sound made Emerson dizzy with longing. His verbal cues did wonders for Emerson’s libido.

  “I’m ready,” Sean said breathlessly against Emerson’s lips. “I’m going to come.”

  Emerson kept his strokes even, pushing them both over the edge and into release.

  Sean cried out and his whole body tensed. Emerson could barely see through the intensity of his own orgasm. He wished he could have observed more of Sean’s face at the end. He knew it would have been beautiful.

  Next time he’d pay better attention.

  “Em,” Sean said after a few minutes had passed. “That was amazing.”

  Snuggling closer, Emerson answered, “I thought so, too.”

  Sean didn’t say anything more about his use of the L-word, so after their breathing calmed, Emerson climbed off the couch in search of paper towels. He found some in the kitchen and returned to wipe down Sean’s stomach. Sean laughed and squirmed as Emerson cleaned him off.

  “Thanks,” Sean said after Emerson backed away.

  “You sure? Seemed like you didn’t enjoy the cleanup.” Emerson walked to the garbage can and threw away the soiled paper towels. Then he washed his hands in the sink. Sean joined him.

  “I’m ticklish, but I did enjoy the attention. In fact, I’d like to enjoy it longer. Do you want to spend the night?”

  Emerson hesitated for only a heartbeat. “No. I don’t want to leave Ninotchka alone for so long. She’s not used to it.”

  “I can send Jake to pick her up, bring her back here.”

  With a laugh, Emerson shook his head. “I think that would freak her out.” When Sean’s face fell, he added. “But, if you’re interested, you can come sleep over at my house.”

  Sean’s green eyes lit up. “I’d love that. Pip is fine on his own. He’s used to my irregular schedule.” Sean caught Emerson’s shoulder and turned him so their chests met. He placed a soft, almost imperceptible kiss to Emerson’s lips. “Let me pack my bag and we can be off. I have an early appointment tomorrow. Will that be a problem?”

  “No, we’re usually up early anyway.”

  Another quick kiss, then, “We better get dressed before we do anything.”

  Chapter 11

  Blaring beeps pulled Sean out of sweet, restful dreams. The harsh tones were not what he used to break his slumber. It was Emerson’s alarm, loud and jarring. What an awful way to wake in the morning.

  Then the sound cut off and Emerson’s arms snaked around Sean’s body, holding close. His disgruntled annoyance vanished instantly. What an amazing way to wake in the morning.

  All of a sudden, Emerson shifted and was on top of him. Sean’s heartbeat quickened, and he eagerly waited for the kiss he knew was coming.

  Hot, doggy breath wafted to his nose, followed by a rapid succession of licks.

  “Ninotchka,” he said in understanding. He raised his hands and gently pushed her away from his face, but pet her soft, furry back.

  “Pip doesn’t sleep in your bed?” Emerson asked, voice still laced with the dregs of sleepiness. His face loomed closer, then nuzzled into the space where Sean’s shoulder met his neck.

  With Ninotchka settled on his left and Emerson on his right, Sean sighed with happiness. This was perfect. “No, he has his own bed. We’ll occasionally nap on the couch together.”

  “Sorry. Ninotchka is used to this.”

  Sean glanced down at the tiny, hairy bundle. “I don’t mind. She’s super sweet.”

  “Yeah, I got her from a rescue center before I moved up here.” His voice sounded more awake the more he talked. “She’d been abused and was timid at first. She’s changed a lot in the three years we’ve been together. Much more affectionate and trusting.”

  “Poor thing,” Sean said, patting the wispy strands of her ears. “I’m glad you’ve given her a good home.”

  Emerson snorted and sat up. “Not accordi
ng to her. I never feed her enough.” And with that, Emerson climbed from the bed. Ninotchka hopped down, too, likely in hopes of getting breakfast.

  Sure enough, Emerson padded to the kitchen. He flipped a switch on the coffee maker, then got a can of dog food from the fridge. Ninotchka’s nails clicked loudly on the tile floor as she jumped in anticipation.

  The morning sun shone in through thin, fabric curtains from the two windows on the eastern wall. The two on the south faced a building and remained dim. The studio lacked a good source of natural light. And that wasn’t the only thing it lacked.

  Sean had been startled when Emerson suggested returning here last night. The tension in Emerson’s body had been noticeable that first time Sean entered the tiny space. Sean wouldn’t judge—it wasn’t so long ago that he was camping on friends’ couches, or staying at dive motels. But it was obvious Emerson was afraid of what Sean thought.

  Emerson has done well with the place. Nice decorations, and it was clean. The size was of no consequence when you were a single man with a small dog.

  “You’ll have to come here to eat,” Emerson said as he poured a cup of coffee. “I’m not sure what Macie does for you, but I’m not going to serve you breakfast in bed.”

  Sean grinned and slid from the bed. His pajama pants sat low on his hips and he pulled them up before joining Emerson in the kitchen. The tile was cold on his feet.

  “I’ll make breakfast,” Sean said. “Why don’t you get in the shower first?”

  Emerson raised his eyebrow suggestively. “I thought you’d be interested in climbing in together.”

  “I saw the bathroom last night, Em. I’m surprised even one person fits in there at a time.”

  Emerson laughed and handed Sean a ceramic mug. “You make a good point.” He softly kissed Sean, then went toward the bathroom alone.

  Ninotchka still slurped up her food, completely ignoring Sean, so he set to work. Emerson has said he had eggs in the fridge, so Sean got them out and whisked them for an omelet. He’d completed one and set it on a plate when Emerson emerged, clean and dressed in jeans and a Yankees T-shirt.