'Til There Was You - Jerry Cole Page 0,62

and then stayed. He had always been there of course, but it wasn’t until after the first tour that he became a more permanent fixture in Austin’s life. He knew Austin’s book was going to be big and wanted to do everything he could to make sure it happened.

It was all so silly too, as Michael was purely Austin’s manger and nothing more. He also managed a handful of other clients, so it wasn’t like it was personal for him. But the fact that he was so close to Austin, seeing him all day every day clearly got under Finn’s skin. And Finn wasn’t shy about expressing his distaste toward the man either.

“So... Michael is going to be going to Chicago with you too?” It was two weeks previously, right after Austin had found out he was to fly to Chicago, America, to promote his book.

For reasons that no one understood, Austin’s book was huge in that single city alone. The sales had started there shortly after he began his first book tour and by the time he was back, the numbers were such that a tour of the city was almost inevitable. It was to be nothing major either, just a couple of bookstores and a few signings... but still, it was something.

“Obviously,” Austin had rolled his eyes. “We’re sharing a room too – I’m kidding!” He had hurried when he saw the look on Finn’s face. “Wait a minute... are you jealous of Michael.”

“Clearly!” Finn had exclaimed, half joking, half being serious.

“Well look at you. Finn Connor. Jealous. Who would have—”

“Have you seen the guy?”

“Yeah... I think he was on the cover of Cleo last month – I'm kidding. Fuck, you are sensitive today.” Austin had been forced to pull Finn into a hug and not let him go until he stopped thrashing.

“I trust you,” Finn had explained. “It’s Michael I don’t trust. I know fuck boys and he is one. Trust me... you let your guard down and he will pounce like a lion on a fresh carcass.”

“So, I should pack my chastity belt then?”

Finn had every reason to be jealous. But that was only because Michael was indeed a dream. He was the kind of guy who wore perfectly tailored suits everywhere he went, who had perfectly cropped and styled hair for all occasions, who was just tall enough to stand out in a crowd, and always seemed to be glowing. Heads turned wherever he went, and he knew it too. And oh yeah, as mentioned, he was gay.

But he was also a great manager. Michael had fallen in love with Austin’s book right away, and was the reason he got signed in the first place. He was also responsible for the book tour up the coast of Australia, and for the one in Chicago too. He had dedicated himself to making Austin a success and so far, it was working. But again, it was purely professional. And again and again, Austin had to remind Finn of this.

And as for Austin? He found the guy attractive, obviously. But in his eyes, he had nothing, not a drop, on Finn. Really, it wasn’t even close.

“How is the boyfriend?” Michael asked as the two sat at Mile High and finished off their drinks.

“He’s good,” Austin nodded. One thing he always found a little disconcerting were Michael’s eyes. They were dark brown, almost black, and swallowed everything they looked into whole. Truthfully, Austin tried not to look.

“Still convinced I’m trying to steal you?”

“He probably thinks you already have,” Austin joked. But then he felt guilty and added, “He’s just teasing half the time. He knows that you’re a good guy... sometimes.”

“Please,” Michael purred. “Haven’t you told him I am not your type. And besides, I’m really into black guys at the moment. Thank you, Chicago.” Michael grabbed his drink and then threw it back in one gulp. He then checked his watch, “All right, one more then we’re off.”

“Perfect.” Austin finished his and signaled for another. “Truth is, I’ve loved this experience. But I can’t wait to get home.”

“Absence makes the heart blah blah blah.” Michael rolled his eyes. “Not for me, I’m afraid.”

“Not yet, anyway,” Austin chided. “Just gotta find the right guy.”

“If I ever look like you do after that phone call... you have permission to shoot me where I stand. All right?”

Austin rolled his eyes but didn’t answer. He found it amusing really, people who were so against relationships and in that, being happy. Really, Austin