Home of His Own by T. Chase (small books to read .txt) 📕

treated like shit, but he didn’t do that.” A crease formed between Brody’s eyebrows. “I don’t think he’s happy though.”

“Why do you say that?”

Tony bit his tongue. He’d never told anyone about his flight home from Honolulu.

Figured it wasn’t anyone’s business and he wasn’t about to out the singer.

“Don’t know. It’s more of a feeling. The only time he seems really happy is when he’s singing. There were times when I’d hear him get up in the middle of the night. I’d go check on him and he’d be curled up in a chair in the dark, playing his guitar and singing.

The songs he sang would bring tears to my eyes.” Brody closed his eyes and a soft smile graced his face. “His sales would go through the roof if he released some of those.”

“What does he have to be unhappy about?” Yancey waved his hand in the air. “He has money. His face is on every fucking magazine cover in the world.”

“Yancey,” Brody warned.

“Sorry. He can have anything he wants. What does he have to be unhappy about?”

Yancey sounded confused.

“Maybe he’s got a secret and can’t tell anyone what it is.” Tony wanted to hit himself in the head. He ducked his head. Shit, he really needed to learn how to keep his mouth shut.

“Sounds like you have an idea of what his secret might be.” Brody tapped him on the top of his head.

Shaking his head, he denied it. “No. Just a guess.”

“Uh-huh.” Brody didn’t sound convinced. “I was in Hawaii, working for St. Martin when we met. He flew out the same day you did and from what I heard, he slipped his entourage and took a commercial jet to San Fran. Thank god, I wasn’t on duty that day.”

“I’m thirsty. Who wants a drink?” Tony shot to his feet, managed to dodge Brody’s hand and headed for the kitchen.

“Get back here. I think you’re hiding something.” Brody snagged the waistband of Tony’s jeans, not letting him get away. “It seems to me you flew back at the same time St. Martin did. I wonder if you saw him.”

He bit his lip and studied the floor for a second. Looking up, he met Brody’s gaze before looking at Yancey. “I know I can trust both of you not to say anything. I don’t want to hurt him with rumors, even though he outed himself to me pretty much from the moment I met him.”

“You met Derek St. Martin?” Yancey’s mouth fell open. “And you’re saying he’s gay?”

Tony nodded. “Yeah. I got the feeling he’s been hiding it and it’s wearing on him.

When he runs away, it’s his way of finding some freedom once in a while.”

Brody looked thoughtful. “I can see where being a country star would be hard for him.”

“Being any kind of star is hard, but can you imagine having to hide it? There can’t be a hint of him being gay.” Tony packed his rope away, making sure the bell wouldn’t rub on the hemp.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Brody shook himself and smiled.

“I think we should go out tonight. Do a little dancing. I haven’t had a chance to show either of you L.A. night life. It won’t be really busy since it’s a week night.”

“Awesome.” Yancey jumped to his feet and raced down the hallway to the room Brody had given him. “I’ll be ready in a few.”

Tony laughed. “Oh, to be young again.”

“I don’t want to be young again. I’m happy right where I am.” Brody wrapped his arms around Tony’s waist and pulled him tight to him.

He rested his hands on Brody’s shoulders and rose on his toes to brush a kiss over Brody’s lips. “So am I.”

“Let’s change. I can’t wait to dance with you.”

Brody’s low voice caused shivers to race over Tony’s body.

“Considering how well you make love, I’m betting you’re a great dancer.” He ground his groin into Brody’s.

“It’s all in the hips.” Brody squeezed Tony’s ass.

“M-m-m…” He hummed softly. “We should go change as well. Don’t want the kid to show us up.”

Laughing, Brody kissed him quick and then stepped away. “I don’t think we have to worry about that.”

He followed Brody to their bedroom. He was looking forward to dancing and spending time with Brody without having to worry about who might be watching them.

* * * *

Brody waited for the bartender to get him two beers. Turning, he leaned back and rested his elbow on the bar. He smiled when he caught sight of Yancey and Tony dancing. He reached down and adjusted his cock, trying to find room in his jeans. He should have known Tony would be a great dancer. A man had to have a certain sense of rhythm to ride bulls. His brother was matching Tony step for step.

“Delicious.”

He turned to see two men studying his lover and his brother. Lust burned on their faces and in their voices.

“Do you suppose they belong to each other?”

“I don’t know, but I think I’ll go and find out.”

He wanted to stop them and tell them not to go, but he knew Tony could handle himself and Yancey wasn’t interested in picking up guys anymore. Some of that had to do with Juan and part of it was simply the fact his brother didn’t need to turn tricks anymore to survive.

“Here you go, Brody.” The bartender set the bottles on the bar. A wink shot his way.

“I see the barflies have spotted your guy.”

“Yeah, but Tony can take care of himself. I’m not worried about it.” He handed the money over and grabbed the beer. “Thanks.”

He headed back to the booth they had grabbed as soon as they got to the club. The bouncer knew Brody and let Yancey in because he knew Brody wouldn’t allow his brother to drink. Settling down in the booth, he sipped the beer and watched the barflies get shot down by his companions.

The music slowed down and Tony glanced over at him. He didn’t dance,