Strung Tight (The Road To Rocktoberfest #1) - Ann Lister Page 0,62

was done hiding what I had with Dallas.

Mike was waiting for us outside, and I walked over to him with my fingers still wrapped around Dallas’s. I noticed Mike look at our clasped hands, and then his eyes met mine.

“That bus is awesome,” Mike commented.

“It is, and I can’t wait to hit the road now,” I admitted.

“We’ll be able to party all the way there,” Mike said.

“I’ll be riding in style in a dirty equipment van with three other sweaty dudes,” Dallas said, and then his father called out his name from where he stood on the stairs going into the building. “I’ll talk to you later.” Then he jogged off.

I watched him for a moment with a lightness in my chest, and then Mike cleared his throat. “So, I think we both came out today,” Mike said.

“Fuck, I know,” I agreed. “I hadn’t planned on doing that now, but I’m glad Dixon caught us kissing. Now it’s over with, and I don’t have to try and hide what’s going on.”

“Or hide the obvious fact you’re checking out his ass when he walks away,” Mike added.

I chuckled at his comment. “Is it bad that I’m already thinking of how I want to christen the bus with him?” I asked.

“I’m not sure his father will want him traveling on the bus with us.”

“Really? I can’t imagine why Skully would have a problem with that.”

“They may need to be at the venue at a different time for setting up or something,” Mike explained. “Better check on that first before you pack your condoms for the trip.”

I playfully shoved Mike on the shoulder. “Shut the fuck up,” I laughed. “I plan on fucking him in that bus long before we leave this parking lot for Nevada.”

“Is that so?” Mike grinned. “Maybe he’ll want to pound you into that mattress instead.”

I rubbed at my forehead and thought about what Mike had said. “I think I’d be okay with that,” I whispered.

“You gotta try everything at least once to see what you like, right?” Mike’s face lifted into a colossal smile.

“I wonder if Dagger would let me chill on the bus for a bit tonight.”

“Horn dog.” Mike teased me.

“When opportunity knocks, I gotta swing that motherfucking door open and answer it.”

Chapter Twenty

“Hey Dagger, do you mind if I hang out on the bus for a while tonight with Dallas and have a couple of beers?” I asked him through the phone after we got back inside the warehouse.

“Beer? Is Dallas even old enough to drink?” Dagger asked with a chuckle in his tone.

“He’s twenty-two,” I answered and wished Dagger could see the eye-roll I gave to him.

“I’m okay with your plans, but make sure the bus is cleaned up before we hit the road, and by cleaned up, I mean … don’t leave any visible wet spots on the quilt,” Dagger explained. “And don’t be late for your last rehearsal tomorrow. I don’t have to remind you about the importance of this, so be ready.”

“I’ll be ready,” I replied.

“Oh, and Fletch … always use condoms and plenty of lube. Are you hearing me?” Dagger asked.

“Loud and clear.”

“I’ll let your security team know you’ll be on the bus later,” Dagger said. “The last thing you need is the police showing up to check out the lights on inside the bus while it’s rocking back and forth.”

“Oh my god! You did not just say that,” I admonished Dagger. Thankfully he couldn’t see how red my face was right now.

“I did, and I expect to see you at practice early tomorrow morning,” Dagger said.

I could hear him laughing as our call disconnected. While I still had my phone in my hand, I sent Dallas a quick text message.

Me: Feel like hanging out again tonight?

Dallas: Absolutely. Your place?

Me: I got permission to use the bus.

Dallas: No way! Just us?

Me: Of course, it’s just us. I’m not about to let anyone watch us in that back bedroom!

Dallas: No audience?

Me: Only when I’m performing on stage.

Dallas: Deal.

We finished practice about two hours later, and I found Dallas down in the warehouse, talking to a few guys on the crew. I also noticed Paxton coming out of Skully’s office. I nodded at him and waited as he walked over to me.

“I’ll keep an eye on the bus to make sure no one bothers you,” Paxton informed me.

“Thanks, man,” I said. “We’re just gonna have a few beers and hang out for a bit.”

Paxton held up his hand. “No explanation needed,” he answered.