Mark, still reeling from something that was truly magical, pulls all of us in for our mandatory group hug and prayer that is a must after every show. Lucky finds his way next to me like always, and I feel his fingers walk up my spine then stroke their way down to the small of my back, the action repeated slowly, far too sensually, and it has me digging my fingers into his skin through the thin material of his shirt.
I can see him smiling as I drop my head for Norman’s prayer, and though my thoughts are far from holy, my head starts to spin over what Norm does.
He wraps an arm around my waist as he prays, his hand slipping under the hem of my shirt while he thanks God, his palm sliding toward my hip as he asks for blessings for all of us. Norman squeezes, his fingers flexing against me twice before he finishes the prayer, immediately wrapping me in his arms when he’s done.
“I’m so fucking glad you’re back, sweets. I can’t even tell you how much I’ve missed you.”
I think I have a pretty good idea.
Not that I’m going to say that to Norm or anyone other than Lucky as of right now, but I’m going to have to figure my shit out because this can’t keep happening while we’re all together. Not if it’s just going to be some kind of five way super powerful tension that only boils without ever spilling over.
I can’t wrap my head around how I never noticed this stuff before, how I never saw the less than subtle signs. Maybe it was because I was so focused on keeping us a band, or maybe I was in denial, but I didn’t see this before tonight and I’ll never be able to work through my bullshit let alone make music with them again if all I can think about is sex. Which means I have to get myself under control.
So I settle for the safest option at the moment. “I’ve missed you, too, Norm. A hell… of a…”
My words trail off as I watch Pete and Lucky hug, which is normal, then keep watching as Lucky cups his cheeks in his big, beautiful hands, smile at Pete like he hung the fucking moon, then lean forward to kiss him the same way he’s been kissing me.
Lucky is kissing Pete.
And Pete is absolutely kissing Lucky back.
I stand there for a moment after Norm lets go of me, even more confusing feelings swimming in my head while I basically gawk and blink repeatedly.
Eventually I look around the room to make sure I’m not hallucinating but it doesn’t really help because Pete gives Lucky a quick peck on the lips and the four of them continue on like two of the hottest men I’ve ever met weren’t seconds away from making out.
When I shake my head before heading to the kitchen, mumbling to myself about a real life wet dream,that’swhen the two of them realize I saw what happened between them.
More turned on and confused than I was before, I open the fridge because I think I need a beer. “You guys want anything to—shit!”I totally forgot about dinner.
I slam the fridge and rush toward the oven to find the sweet rolls are like stones.
Damn.
Thankfully someone, most likely Norm, pulled the meatloaf out at some point and must have turned the oven off when he did, and I never had a chance to start the rest so we aren’t burning my apartment down tonight. At least tomorrow’s dinner is half done.
“Well, this is cashed.”
Norm smiles at me as I frown down at the pan, my sweet boy trying to unstick his hair from his face while he does. “I saved the best part but the rolls are a lost cause.”
“That sucks.” Mark pouts from across the counter. “I was really looking forward to that.”
I shrug and hop up on the island, trying to play it cool when I really want to play twenty questions. “I have everything I need to make more. We can have them tomorrow, too.”
“Good, cause I want to go out tonight!” he hollers as he grabs a roll and taps it on the counter next to me just to be sure. “I’mon a high from that ridiculously magical jam session, and I want to celebrate. And find some grub.”
I swing my legs around the island so I’m facing my boys, Lucky and Pete staring at me like I’m a bomb waiting to detonate.
I’m not, but I want answers, so I don’t mind letting them think I am.
“I’m still taking baby steps. This was phenomenal but I don’t think I’m ready to start going out to bars just yet. Don’t forget, Ihavebeen living in my own self pity and isolation for the last three years.”
Smiling, I watch the boys start to get themselves together, Mark smoothing out his beard and running his fingers over his skull trim. Norm trying, and failing, to adjust his ponytail before he shoots a pleading look my way.
I wave him over, turn him around then carefully extract the tie from his messy ash blonde hair.
“You’re lucky I love you.” I laugh as I start finger combing about a million tangles.
He grins at me over his shoulder. “I know. You think we can start doing those masques again?”
