Page 20 of Half Notes and Highlights
“Fuck you,” Harris said, and stomped into his bunk.
“I’m out too,” Marshall added, and left Ethan and Wolf alone on the couch.
Eventually, the two stopped laughing, but it really took a minute.
“Oh my God.” Ethan wiped the corners of his eyes as a few laughs broke through. “My side hurts. That was hysterical. Why didn’t you tell me you planned that?”
Wolf wrapped his arm over Ethan’s shoulder and neck and pulled him closer. “I wanted the element of surprise. I got him good!”
“Wheeew!” Ethan sighed and leaned his forehead against Wolf’s. “That did me in.” He motioned toward the bunks with his chin. “Want to go to bed?”
“You know it.”
CHAPTER NINE
Looking up at the private jet, Tyler couldn’t believe this luxurious plane was here just for him. If anyone would have told him that someone would send a private plane to pick him up and fly him to another city so they could be together, he would have told them they were insane. But the proof was standing in front of him in all of its shiny silver glory.
He flung the end of his long silk scarf across his neck and over his shoulder before climbing the steps that led to the aircraft. He paused at the top, turned and threw a big kiss to no one, because there wasn’t anyone around except a few workers on the runway. They weren’t paying attention to him, but he pretended they were his minions and he was someone important.
He bounced into the plane, overflowing with excited energy, and settled into one of the captain’s chairs. He caressed the leather, which was as smooth as butter.
“Good morning, Mr. Kennedy.” The flight attendant wore a pleasant smile as he introduced himself. “I’m Jordan, and I’ll be taking care of your needs today.” He handed Tyler a menu. “May I offer you a beverage and something to eat?”
Tyler could hardly contain himself. He had his own personal flight attendant! He scanned the menu in his hand and wanted everything. The drinks were extravagant and included several fancy scotches, but he chose a mango margarita and the cheese platter.
“Perfect,” Jordan replied. “Buckle up, and as soon as we’re in the air, I’ll bring your selections.”
The plane took off like a graceful bird. Well, not exactly. It shot out of the airport like a rocket, and Tyler’s stomach felt asif it stayed on the tarmac. It was definitely different than a 737, but once they were at cruising altitude, it was all good. Especially when Jordan handed him the fruity drink that packed a punch, and the cheese platter turned out to be a magnificent charcuterie board filled with fancy cured meats, rich cheeses, fresh fruit, and yummy small squares of toasted bread.
Even though the drink went straight to his head, he ordered a second because he was in such a good mood. “Selfie time!” he said louder than expected, but the only person within earshot was Jordan who pretended not to hear him. He held up his drink with one hand and displayed a ridiculous open-mouthed smile before clicking the camera button. He posted the selfie to his Insta with the subtitle, “Killer drinks on my first private jet ride! Let the fun begin!”
The two-and-a-half-hour flight felt like forever, but he finally arrived in Portland. An SUV brought him to Ethan’s hotel, where a bodyguard met Tyler in the lobby and escorted him to one of the top floors. Like last time, the entire floor was quiet with only a few bodyguards stationed outside some of the rooms, but one room had its door open, and Ethan came rushing into the hallway wearing a huge smile and his arms wide open.
“Tyler!”
“Rock star!” Tyler couldn’t contain himself and jumped into Ethan’s arms, wrapped his legs around Ethan’s waist, and gave him an exaggerated kiss.
Ethan caught him with a grunt and squeezed his butt cheeks.
“I missed you too,” Ethan said with an alluring glint in his eyes. “Sorry I couldn’t meet you at the airport. We just got here about 20 minutes ago. How was the flight?”
“Incredible! This is so exciting!” I never rode on a private jet before with my own personal flight attendant. He was so attentive.”
“How many drinks did you have?”
“Just two.” Tyler disentangled himself from Ethan and waved his hand in the air. “OK. Three. But only because I was having such a good time. Fill me in,” he told Ethan, pulling him into the room and shutting the door. “When do you have to leave for the venue. Do you have to go right away, or do we have time?”
Ethan displayed a lecherous grin. “There’s always time.” He pulled Tyler against him, and they started rubbing against one another furiously. They fell to the floor and almost went at it right there, but Ethan lifted Tyler in one swooping motion and brought him to the bedroom. Their lovemaking wasn’t long and unhurried, since Ethan needed to leave for the venue, but it was carnal and flaming hot.
“I’m really looking forward to introducing you to my friends,” Ethan said once they were in the car. “They’re going to love you.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting them too.” That was an outright lie. Tyler had no desire to meet Wolf Wheeler, Ethan’s so-called friend with sometimes benefits, and he had the feeling Wolf felt the exact same way. Despite Ethan’s assurance that he and the bass player had a completely casual and open relationship and had both been with plenty of other people over the years, it was awkward as fuck.
The Escalade pulled into the back entrance of the venue and stopped. “Are we waiting for something?” Tyler asked when Ethan didn’t make a move to get out of the car.
“Security. They’re right behind us.”
Tyler hadn’t realized a black SUV had been following them from the hotel. “I guess I’d make a terrible detective. I didn’t even notice.”
