Page 86 of Tell Me Lies: Manlove Edition

My heart is in your hands.

I can’t change how things have been but if you’re ready, I need you.

Redeem my heart, I know you can. Redeem my heart and be my man.”

How could he resist? Will rose to his feet and moved to the leading edge of the curtained-off space. He held onto the railing. He was falling in love. He’d need lots of time and they’d have to sort out how this romance would happen, but he’d fallen.

Will remained at the railing for the rest of the concert and swayed with the songs. When the lights went out the last time, then came up to full brightness, he sighed. What an experience. He’d never be the same. Everything that had happened—the song, the blowjob, the revelations from Carsten—had changed him. He wanted to redeem Carsten’s heart and keep it in his hands. Did he deserve it? No, but he didn’t care. He liked that Carsten had chosen him.

Frank gestured to him. “I was supposed to come get you before the contest winners got to see him, but they were better organized this time.” He shrugged. “He’s dying to see you.”

“After that song and declaration, I’d assume so.” Will followed him, moving the curtain aside.

“How come he gets to go there?” a woman shouted. “We should get to see Carsten, too.”

Will didn’t look back, but tensed. He should’ve expected Carsten would get come-ons like this.

“Ignore them. There are all sorts of people trying to get backstage. They think if they shout and demand, someone will give in.” Frank tugged the curtain into place. “The guys are on the other side of the velvet ropes surrounding the curtains. No one will get through.”

“I wasn’t worried they would.” He continued to follow Frank. “They think they should have access?”

“Some want to declare their love for him, some want him to declare he loves them, and others just want to touch him or steal things.” Frank knocked on the door. When no one answered, he nodded once, then opened the door. “He’s in the next room and will be over in a moment.”

“Sure.” He wasn’t sure what to do with himself. Sit? Stand? Wander? He rubbed his hands on his pant legs and excitement thundered through his veins. His nerves frayed. He’d never been this on the edge before when he wasn’t having sex. He didn’t want to screw this up.

A moment later, the door opened. He whirled around to see Carsten. Sweat slicked his forehead and a blush infused his cheeks. His eyes widened and his lips parted. “Hi.” Carsten sank onto the closet chair. “Good show?”

“The best.” He marveled at Carsten. He’d never seen anyone sexier in his life. For all he knew, this would be his one night with Carsten, but he had the feeling it was only the beginning.

****

Carsten needed a few more minutes to catch his breath. He’d put his entire heart and soul into the show. “The fans demand a lot of attention. I must’ve signed a hundred autographs and posed for four dozen photos.”

“I’m surprised it wasn’t more pictures.” Will dragged the wooden chair over and sat across from Carsten. “You were electric.”

“You’re biased.” He brushed his knee against Will’s and the thrill of touching him shot through him again. Singing about his feelings hadn’t dulled them. Far from it. Singing about his attraction to Will only made it stronger.

“A bit.”

He liked hearing that. “So you liked it?”

“You commanded the stage and were hard to look away from. You held my full attention.” Will slid one of Carsten’s hands into his. “I felt the longing, the desire, and every other emotion when you sang.”

“Then I did my job.” Carsten patted his thigh. “I don’t have the right to demand you come here, but I’d love it if you did.”

“You have all sorts of rights.” Will perched on Carsten’s lap. “What don’t you think you can do?”

“Kiss you.” Carsten slid his fingers around the back of Will’s neck and tugged him closer. “I want you.” He’d been bold in his song, but speaking his mind felt right. Holding Will felt even better. He caressed Will, shoving his hand under Will’s shirt. The second he touched Will’s chest, his own heart raced. The scent of Will intoxicated him. He longed to taste him all over. The more he looked into Will’s eyes, the more he fell for him. Sure, things happened for a reason, but he never should’ve taken so long to get with Will.

“Who says you can’t have me?” Will asked. “I never said you couldn’t.”

“You did.” But arguing with him wasn’t going to get them anywhere.

“I did, but I’ve changed my mind. I heard every word you sang to me and I want to see where this goes.”

He had to be dreaming, but he didn’t care. He needed this chance with Will. “Then come to my hotel room tonight.”

“Not the bus?” Will’s eyes flashed. “Don’t you do that sort of thing on the bus?”

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