James set his soda on the table and plucked the glass from Daniel’s hand, setting it aside before leading him down the stairs and off the deck.
Out in the yard, the light fell away and darkness closed around them. “Look up. I used to come outside on nights like this when I was a kid. In the city you can’t really see anything, but out here, all the stars are visible.” He held Daniel’s hand as they stood still, glancing upward, the evening mountain breeze as clean and fresh as any air Daniel could ever remember.
“I lived in the city all my life,” Daniel whispered as the sky seemed to draw closer, the ebb and flow of the stars undulating around him as scale and points of reference faded into the background. It was almost like the two of them were floating through a sea of light on some journey that could take them to the ends of the universe. Daniel was tempted to try to reach up and touch them, but as soon as he did the illusion faded and the stars grew distant once again.
“And I grew up out here,” James said quietly. “But I couldn’t wait to get away.”
“I suppose that living the life you want is worth not being able to see a few stars,” Daniel whispered. “Though it would be nice to have both.”
“As much as I may want it, I can’t.” James shrugged. “There are plenty of things that I can’t have. You get used to it.” He sighed and drew out his breath. “We should get back.”
“There’s no rush.” Daniel slid a little closer. “The party is still going on, and I doubt anyone is going to miss us in the next ten minutes.”
“James,” Holly called from the balcony, as if to prove him wrong.
“I need to see what she wants. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here,” Daniel said. He wasn’t interested in returning right away and turned his attention back to the stars. After a few minutes, footsteps approached, and Daniel smiled. “What did Holly want?”
There was no immediate answer. “Was that little show for my benefit?” Weston asked. “I saw you looking at me, watching me.” He drew close enough that Daniel could feel the heat wash over him, but unlike when James stood close to him, all Weston did was make him sweaty. “I must say that was quite the performance. One I’m willing to bet you’ve done before.” His alcohol-soaked breath ghosted over Daniel’s neck, and he shuddered with revulsion.
“I don’t know what’s going on in that little pea brain of yours, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s room out here for the three of us.” He wished James would return. Daniel could take care of himself, but he didn’t want to make a scene at Holly and Howard’s party.
“Three?” Weston whispered.
“You, me, and your ego,” he retorted. “Few things are as unattractive and ugly as a man who can’t seem to see beyond the end of his dick. I suggest you stop thinking with yours and leave me alone.” Daniel kept his voice light, because when he got angry his tone lowered, and he didn’t want to give himself away. Daniel took a few steps, putting distance between them.
“I’m only an admirer. You have spunk and energy. I like that, and I’m used to getting what I want.”
Who the hell was this guy and where in the fuck did he come up with these bad movie lines? Daniel shook his head slowly.
“Then get used to disappointment, because it just showed up,” he said firmly. “Now, turn around and go back into the house. I’m saying no for the last time.”
“So, the next time I ask, the answer will be yes?” Weston pressed. Good god! Daniel had dealt with aggressive patrons at the theater, and there was always the drunk guy who couldn’t seem to take no for an answer, but this guy was delusional and really needed a well-placed high heel, probably in the center of his forehead.
Daniel whirled around. “The next time, it will be a strategically placed knee, and then you won’t want to ask anyone for anything other than an ice pack to soothe your aching little balls. Do I make myself clear? I am perfectly capable of seeing to it that your family line ends with you.” He started back toward the deck. Daniel had had more than enough of this conversation. Thankfully Weston didn’t seem to be following, and hopefully he had gotten the message this time.
“Who was out there with you?” James asked as he stepped out onto the deck.
“No one,” Daniel said.
“The two of you looked a little cozy.”
Daniel glared at James for a split second before backing away. “Are you jealous?” He couldn’t resist, and the way James shook his head rather violently told Daniel more than mere words. “You were.” He wasn’t quite sure what to make of that idea. The lines between them seemed to be blurring, but Daniel wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination or if it was real. Not that it mattered. Daniel reminded himself that he was here to help James out and that was it. This was a business arrangement, and part of Daniel’s job was to make James look good and to be convincing as his date for the wedding festivities. Nothing more.