Free Keys to Love by S. J. Frost

rehearsal.”
    Julian nodded. And he had thought Kenny wasn’t smooth.
    That display was beyond pathetic. He sat at the piano and sighed as he watched Morgan walk away. To continue this charade was nothing but detrimental to his emotions. It was time for it to stop. He looked down at the keys and flew his fingers over them in a flurry of notes. Opening night of the tour, the first man who flirted with him would be in his bed.

Chapter seven
    Julian stood off stage, watching Jesse entertain the auction crowd as he got them to bid higher on private drum lessons with Brad. Somehow, he couldn’t get into the spirit of the moment.
    He knew after Kenny went up, it’d be his turn to step out on stage, presenting a façade of smiles and good humor, when really, he felt utterly depressed.
    Pathetic. How many times had he called himself that since Monday? He mourned not talking to Morgan all week as if they’d broken up from a long term relationship. Julian mulled it over in his mind again and again, trying to figure out why he felt so drawn to him. No answers came. He didn’t know Morgan very well, they’d already had tense moments between them, but all he wanted was to know him better. He wanted to ease any tension with a touch, a caress, a kiss. He envisioned Morgan’s lips on his, Morgan’s strong hands exploring his body. He imagined what Morgan would feel like beneath his touch, all hard muscle and smooth skin.
    Julian jumped as Jesse slammed the gavel down on the podium and yelled, “Sold! For twenty-five thousand dollars!”
    Julian let out a soft whistle. That was about ten thousand more than they were expecting. Not bad for the opening item. It set a good precedent that perhaps they’d make even more than they anticipated. Out the corner of his eye, he saw Brandon and Shunichi talking with Evan, all three dressed in Versace tuxes similar to his own and looking amazing.
    Jesse had insisted everyone wear tuxes, saying it would create a nice, high class look, not to mention he loved how Evan looked in a tux. And yet, Jesse was out on stage in black leather pants and a midnight blue cashmere sweater. Kenny had been ready to choke Jesse when he saw how he was dressed. Jesse simply said as the emcee, he needed to stand out, then added as a final thought how he hated wearing a tuxedo.
    60 S.J. Frost
    Julian glanced to his other side at Kenny chatting with Robbie Russo. He was surprised to see the guitar master from Black Heart Down had shown up for the auction, but then Robbie and Kenny were good friends. What really surprised him was that Robbie came without Kyler, whose presence he was never far from.
    The fact Robbie came alone silently spoke that he and Kyler must be at odds…again. It was a common occurrence when they were all recording to see Robbie stomping out of Black Heart’s studio with Kyler rushing after him. As Julian gazed at Robbie he couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him. At least Robbie looked like he was having fun now, and he was dashing in his black tux with the short spikes of his ebony hair styled perfectly, his blue eyes holding a smile.
    Julian glanced at Kenny. He noticed him fidgeting with his bowtie and faced him. “Here.” He placed his hands on the black silk tie and straightened it. “Don’t be so nervous, Kenny. It’s no different than going out on stage for any concert.”
    “It’s a lot different. What if no one bids on me? What if he embarrasses the hell out of me?”
    Robbie clapped Kenny on the back. “I think that’s a given, man. He did with Brad. You’ll just have to roll with it.”
    Julian nodded. “It’s why the crowd is in such a good mood, and people in a good mood spend money more freely. And I wouldn’t worry about no one bidding on you. That’s the least likely thing to happen.”
    Brad walked toward them, laughing softly. He slapped a hand down on Kenny’s shoulder. “Good luck, man. He’s really on tonight.”
    Kenny groaned.
    Julian smirked at Brad.