Page 61 of HEA: Happily Ever After

His grin was wry but genuine. “Not quite the way we imagined, was it? But I have to say, I vastly prefer this way. I’ll never be able to thank you and Jared enough for introducing us.”

Oscar stepped closer and slid his arm around my waist. “Uh, Dex,” I said, licking my lips nervously. “This is Oscar.”

Oscar reached out his free hand to shake. “Nice to meet you. Congratulations on your marriage.”

If it was possible, Dex’s smile got even bigger. “Thanks, man. I’m the luckiest asshole on the planet. Appreciate you joining us for the celebration. There’s beer and wine over there. Please make yourself comfortable and enjoy.”

As I led Oscar away from the archway so Abby and Dex could say hello to another set of newcomers, I deliberately avoided glancing toward Jared. I wasn’t ready yet, and I didn’t want to exchange any more awkward half-smiles.

Before we could get to the small bar on the side of the room, Oscar pulled me back against him and pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot behind my ear. My skin broke out in tiny bumps all over.

“Fuck, don’t,” I breathed. “That’s indecent. What are you doing?”

“Driving my boyfriend crazy the way I happen to know he likes.”

I reached back and pushed at him half-heartedly. “Jesus, stop,” I gasped, turning my head to get his lips off that spot before my dick made a scene. The move put my mouth closer to his until our lips were inches apart. My eyes flicked up, expecting to see the teasing glint I knew so well… but that wasn’t what I saw.

His eyes held molten steel, the kind that both burned and had the potential to trap you in a slow-moving assault.

“Oscar…” I whispered.

He leaned in like he was going to kiss me, but someone jostled him from behind before our lips could meet.

“Oh, shit,” the man said. “My bad. Sorry, bud. What can I get you? A drink?”

I glanced over to see the long-haired drummer from Toxic Echo, a man undeniably beautiful and worth however many millions of dollars sponsoring brands threw at him to take his picture. His cheekbones were a photographer’s dream, and the profile of his jawline?—

“Babe?” Oscar snapped. “The man wants to know what you’d like to drink. White wine? Or do you want a beer tonight?”

I blinked at the drummer before blinking at Oscar. “Oh, uh…”

“You usually prefer beer with nachos,” Oscar said with a smile half a millimeter off-center. “We’ll each take whatever lager’s on draft, thanks.”

This was Jared’s new boyfriend. His almost fiancé. His… his person.

Oscar’s arm came around my back again as he studied the man. “You look familiar,” he said idly. “You don’t work in Tribeca, do you? There’s this Thai place I go to for lunch sometimes that has a guy with the same?—”

“No,” he said with an easy chuckle. “My studio’s in Midtown. I’m a musician.”

“You’re Ben Garrison,” I said, holding out my hand. “I’m friends with Jared. And Dex. I’m Abby’s brother. It’s nice to meet you.”

His eyes widened. “You’re Hugh? Huh. Yeah, nice to meet you.”

I felt Oscar bristle beside me, possibly at the surprised little huh. “Ben Garrison… Why does that name sound familiar?” he asked, continuing to pretend he had no idea who this guy was.

I kind of loved him for it.

“Toxic Echo plays ‘Punk House Chaos,’” I said. “And ‘Vessel of You.’ Ben’s the drummer.” I met the guy’s eyes and conceded the truth. “You’re really good.”

He grinned. “Thanks, bud. No offense, but you don’t look like the rock type.”

Oscar’s eyes darkened, and he opened his mouth to say something presumably scathing, even though Ben happened to be right. Just as I jerked my elbow back into his side to shut him up, Jared came up and gave me a hug. I stumbled from the change in momentum and landed against his chest.

Humiliated heat flared in my face as I tried to extract myself from his familiar embrace.

“Hugh, it’s good to see you. How’ve you been?” He pulled away and kept his hands clasped on my shoulders. “You look good.” His eyes flicked over to Oscar, but he didn’t ask for an introduction.

“Thanks,” I said, standing straighter in hopes he’d drop his grip. Thankfully, he did. “This is my, uh… Oscar Overton.” The hesitation had been so brief I hoped no one noticed. “Oscar, this is Jared Currier.”

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