“I didn’t mean…” he began and clamped his mouth shut at the way Daniel bared his teeth.
“You did. You’re a dragophobe. What you really meant was that I’m talented, so why don’t I go out and get a real job?” He heaved for breath, eyes blazing with fire, and James alternated between fear and all-out desire. Damn, that energy was smoking hot. Daniel’s lips, slightly pursed, both drew and pushed his away. James got his clothes for the evening and found himself on the other side of the bedroom door with it closed and locked behind him.
Margot peered out of her room, rolled her eyes. “What did you do?”
James shrugged, and Margot disappeared back into her room. He hurried into the bathroom, shutting the door and setting his clothes on the counter.
* * *
“Are you ready?” James asked from outside the bedroom door a while later. He waited and hoped he wasn’t going to have to go to the party alone. The door clicked open, and Daniel emerged. James still wasn’t sure whether his balls were safe.
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you at the car.”
The glare he received would freeze water on the equator. Those delicate hands went to lush hips as Daniel glared at him. He paused and rethought his plan. James had figured he should keep his distance, but it seemed that was the wrong course of action. Instead, he offered his elbow, and he smiled and took it. “You’re learning,” Daniel whispered. “Let’s go.”
The shower was being held at the home of Kiersten, Holly’s matron of honor, and the party had already started by the time they arrived ten minutes later. The street near the house was parked up, so James found a spot on the next block, and they walked in the breezy evening air.
“Tell me about these people,” Daniel said.
“Kiersten, the hostess, has been Holly’s best friend since middle school. Her husband, Kyle, is a nice guy. I don’t know him very well, though. I really have no idea who is going to be here. I hope it’s just a chance for everyone to get to know each other, and we can mingle and have a few drinks, then leave before it gets too late.” He slowed and then came to a stop. “This is Missoula, not Chicago. I’m not really expecting this to be a blowout or anything. Some food, wine, and a lot of standing around and talking. That sort of thing.”
They approached the house with all the lights on. The front door opened, and a pounding musical beat poured out into the night. James turned to Daniel, who smirked back at him. “No blowout?” Daniel quipped. Obviously he had no clue whatsoever. James tensed as they approached the house. “This should be a lot of fun.” Daniel’s hips already swayed to the beat. “Just go with whatever is happening. Have some fun. This is supposed to be a party, a chance for your sister and her fiancé to have some fun and let loose a little before the wedding.” Daniel was right, and James nodded, heading toward the door, glad he had Daniel and his bright energy to go with him.
Chapter Six
This was unlike any couples’ wedding shower Daniel had ever imagined. These people were wild. Oh, there was no breaking of stuff, but the wine and cocktails flowed freely, the furniture in the large family room had been rearranged to accommodate the small band, and people were dancing…well, at least what seemed to pass for dancing. It looked more like a lot of flailing chickens in their death throes…at least as far as the guys were concerned. Maybe eye protection should have been provided at the door?
Everyone seemed to be having fun, though. Daniel took pity on James and went to get a few drinks, returning to where James still stood near the set of large patio doors, as rigidly as if he were standing guard in full uniform on a presidential schmooze tour. “Loosen up,” he said lightly, pressing a martini into James’s hand. “I take it you aren’t much for this sort of thing.”
“Not really.” James seemed ready to bolt at any second.
“Some sort of party trauma?” At least that got him a smile, as well as a small nod. “What the hell happened? Knife fight, gun battle, two queens fighting for the last chicken leg? Believe me, if it was that, I can understand the trauma. That’s something I wish I could unsee.” He cocked his eyebrow, and James finally broke a smile and let go some of his “impending doom” tension.
“I’m always nervous around large groups of people who are drinking. Things can get out of hand and…” He sipped from the glass. “I know I’m being dumb. Do you want to finish these and dance?” James downed the drink, and Daniel handed his glass to James, who set it aside.