Page 81 of Tell Me Lies: Manlove Edition

Chapter Four

Will stood outside of the convention center and debated his next move. He could go inside and give his heart a chance to be happy. A piece of him craved Carsten. The man was everything, physically, he wanted. Tall, blond, handsome, and those eyes… He’d longed to investigate them back in high school and feel Carsten’s arms around him. If he had known Carsten needed him, he would’ve given him a shoulder to cry on. He’d always been a sucker for Carsten and big goofy guys with sad eyes.

But part of him wanted to turn and walk away. Good God. Carsten had treated him so terribly. Like shit, really. He’d made fun of him in front of everyone, tried to push him into a locker or two, tripped him, and called him names. He’d been cruel.

Had he really changed?

Will shook his head. Why was he thinking so hard about this?

Because he couldn’t forget that kiss.His skin tingled as he remembered the way Carsten took control, kissed him senseless, and made him feel safe. Made him feel treasured. He hadn’t felt that way in so long.

“Are you going in or are you standing outside?” Stan opened the door leading from the overhead walkway into the foyer of the convention center. “I didn’t think you liked country music.”

He stared at his former lover. “What are you doing here?” The last time he’d spoken to Stan, his ex-boyfriend told him to get fucked and die.

“I like this guy. He’s hot and out and on the market.” Stan stepped into the foyer. “I thought I’d try to catch his eye.”

“He’d be interested in you?” His hands shook. It was so like Stan to try to step in, even if he had no idea Will was interested in Carsten.

Holy shit. He was interested in Carsten.

Him being here wasn’t a fluke.He wanted this one-nighter with Carsten. Even if it was only to get him out of his system. He wanted him.

“How could he turn me down?” Stan swept his hands over his body. “I’m in perfect shape, I’m available, and we’d be hot together.”

“Right.” He snorted. “Everyone is so attracted to you because you’re hot. You think everyone wants you. Have you ever considered attraction has more to do with emotions and appearance, not just how you look? Have you considered anyone else’s feelings but your own?”

“Why?” Stan rolled his eyes. “One look at me and he’ll beg me to come backstage. I’m the arm candy he needs.”

“Please.” He didn’t know Carsten well, but he knew Carsten wasn’t going to fall for Stan.

“Are you jealous? You did have a hard time when we split,” Stan said. “You do realize I needed to move on. I wanted someone who could stand up to me and wasn’t going to bend over all the time. Someone with some confidence.”

“You’re an asshole.” He’d been pushed around for long enough and wasn’t about to lose this chance with Carsten—not even for Stan. “I had plenty of confidence until you showed up in my life. You tore me down and ripped out my heart, then thought I should let you back in. I’ll never date you again. I know my worth and you’re a fucking waste.” He surged past Stan through the foyer to the security team scanning tickets. He pulled the pass from his pocket and offered over the code.

“You’ve got a backstage pass?” Stan rushed up to him. “Take me with you.”

“Sorry, sir. This pass is for one and exclusively states Mr. Rohr. This way, Professor.” The guard ushered him through the door, closing it just as Stan tried to follow.

“You need to bring me along,” Stan shouted.

Will wanted to look back but didn’t. He refused to lower himself to Stan’s level. Besides, he’d come to the realization he wanted to spend at least one night with Carsten. For all he knew, nothing would happen, but if the kiss was any indication of the attraction, then he was in for something fantastic.

“Where do I go?” Will asked the guard. “I’ve never had such a pass and attended the basketball games as a spectator.”

“This way. I’ll show you.” The guard led him through the building to the main floor and up to the stage. “Let the guys see your pass and you’ll get the rest of the way to your seat.”

“Thank you.” He hesitated. “You were in my digital design class, weren’t you?”

“I was.” The guard grinned. “I had to quit college to raise my daughter, but I loved that class. I use what I learned to create graphics for the school security team.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re able to use it. Thanks for helping me.” He swore the guard’s name was Tate, but didn’t want to call him that if it wasn’t.

“Enjoy the concert.” The guard walked away, leaving him at the velvet rope leading to the gated area.

“You must be the boy toy.” Another guard, this one in all black, unclipped the rope. “There’s only one of those passes and I haven’t seen Car give it out lately. You must be special. This way, Mr…?”

“Rohr.” He followed the second guard through the area to a space cordoned off with black curtains. “You’re permitted to be in here.”

---