always escorted him everywhere. Unless Jessie was on tour. Then Johnny had gone everywhere with Ezra. Johnny was the sweetest guy on the planet, and more times than Ezra could count, he had wished Johnny had been the bodyguard he fell in love with. If he had to choose one, that is. Obviously, now that everything had worked out with Declan, Ezra wouldn’t even think about being with anyone else. But back then, life would have been so much easier if it had been Johnny. For one thing, Johnny was closer to Ezra in age. Johnny was twenty-seven to Ezra’s twenty-four while Declan was thirty-four. Plus, Johnny was just uncomplicated. He was laidback and took everything in stride. Not to mention, Johnny was a really good-looking guy. His long blond hair had just a hint of wave to it. Back when Ezra had gone through his first battle with anorexia, Johnny would sit in the floor at Ezra’s feet and let Ezra braid his hair. It had given him something mindless to do that really helped keep Ezra sane. On top of all those things, Ezra had never seen Johnny date anyone at all. As far as Ezra could tell, Johnny had never brought anyone home. He was a bit of a mystery to Ezra. In a lot of ways, that was a good thing.
Ezra poked Johnny in the arm as he drove. “So how are you liking being the head guard in charge with Declan gone?”
Johnny flashed him a sexy smile. His light brown eyes flashed with mischief. “Meh. Jessie doesn’t go out that much anymore. Plus, Aspen got kind of lonely. Theo and Jessie stayed holed up in their cabin, so I was kind of stuck, finding things to keep me busy. They do have a cool bar there. It’s called Club Incubus. I spent so much time there. By the time I finally got to come home, they all knew my name.”
The pressure in Ezra’s chest eased just by talking to Johnny. “I’m sure Theo and Jessie enjoyed their time, though. While I was in Arizona, all my troubles seemed a world away.”
“Jessie won’t stay mad. He loves you too much, and whether he ever says it or not, he loves Declan too.”
“Yeah. I’m not worried about Jessie.”
Johnny tossed him a puzzled look. “What then?”
Even though Johnny was looking at the road and not him, Ezra shook his head. “It’s just me, I guess. I don’t want to fail at this, but it’s only been three weeks since my hospital trip. It’s possible I’m not strong enough to keep Declan happy while failing myself some days.”
“Declan has been sickeningly in love with you for years. As long as you exist and love him back, you’re set. He’ll be happy with any version of you he can get any day of the week.”
Ezra couldn’t help but smile at the certainty in Johnny’s every word. It felt nice to know other people noticed. Ezra hadn’t only been dreaming that Declan loved him all these years. Some days, thinking Declan’s love was all in his head, Ezra had thought he would go mad. But lately, everyone kept claiming they knew all along. Ezra felt free and vindicated.
The Back Porch came into view. Johnny snagged a parking spot close to the door. “Do you know, I’ve never been in this place,” Johnny said, surprising Ezra. “I’ve been by here to pick you up and drop you off, or to bring Jessie by. But I’ve never been inside.”
Ezra clapped his hands. He loved bringing sexy men inside The Back Porch. He felt like he was showcasing new wares for the patrons to enjoy. “Today is your lucky day, then. I can’t wait to show you off.”
A nervous-sounding laugh came from Johnny’s side of the truck. “That doesn’t sound ominous at all.” Johnny slid from the truck and waited for Ezra so they could walk to the door together before saying anything else. “There are a lot of cars here for Wednesday night.”
“There are a lot of cars here every night.”
Johnny opened the door for him. “That’s good. I like to see a small business thrive.”
Ezra stepped inside and his feet froze. The lights were dimmed, and it was much louder than usual. A small stage had been set up in the back corner. “What the...”
Wrecker spotted him at the same time Ezra spotted Wrecker. They met halfway. “Ezra. You’re back.” He hauled Ezra in for a hug. “How are you feeling? I