Page 8 of Reverb (Larkspur Book 3)

Liam checked his reflection in the mirror one last time, ignoring the faint shadows under his eyes. He tweaked the collar of his dark gray shirt before deciding he was respectable enough. Leaving the ensuite bathroom, he grabbed his wallet and phone from the dresser and left Miles’s guest room.

He arrived in the living area just as Miles appeared from the opposite side of the spacious penthouse. Miles was similarly dressed, in dark-washed jeans—minus the artful rips above the knee—and a black button-down shirt. It always surprised Liam when he saw Miles in anything other than business attire. The man wore both equally well, but Liam liked this look on him.

Miles shot him a smile as he gestured to the door. “All set?”

“Yep. Good to go,” Liam confirmed.

They exited the apartment via the private lift lobby and were soon leaving the building. A town car waited for them at the curb, and the building doorman gave them both a respectful nod as he opened the rear door for them.

They slid into the back seat, greeting the driver as they did. As they moved through the traffic, Miles filled him in a little more on the band they were going to see. Miles’s voice was smooth and calming, something Liam had noticed before. A faint hint of the cologne Miles was wearing wrapped around him, relaxing him further.

Before long, they were pulling up in front of The Bamboo Club. At the sight of the car, a doorman rushed forward to open their door, and Liam could see the looks of interest from those queuing to get in. Plastering on his media smile, he exited the car, thanking the young man who held his door.

A ripple of excitement washed through the line as people realized who had arrived, and Liam gave them a quick smile and wave, before falling into step with Miles. Liam rarely played on his celebrity, but it was certainly worth it at times like this.

Miles led them into the club, stopping to shake hands with the manager.

“Liam,” the manager greeted him with a handshake. “Didn’t know you were joining the boss tonight.”

“Bailey, good to see you,” Liam returned with a warm smile. “You know I love an excuse to come here.”

“And you’re always welcome. With or without the old man.” Bailey gave him a wink as he nodded toward Miles.

“Less of the old,” Miles growled, and a shiver raced down Liam’s spine. He blinked for a second. He’d never heard that tone from Miles before. Something furled low in his gut, and some of the tension he’d lost crept back into his shoulders.

“You gonna stand there all night?” Bailey’s question pulled Liam back to his surroundings. He realized both men had started to walk towards a VIP booth on the opposite side of the club and were waiting for him. He gave them a quick grin, trying to ignore the look that Miles was giving him.

They settled into the VIP booth that Bailey had shown them to, accepting the beers that were delivered by a young server. Liam noticed how the young man flashed them a cute smile, his gaze lingering longer than was necessary on Miles.

Miles either didn’t notice, or chose not to notice, accepting the drink with a nod, but not breaking his conversation with Bailey. While the two men chatted, Liam’s gaze wandered over the crowded club. The elevated VIP booth provided Liam with a clear view of the stage over the writhing dancers. The beat from the latest viral dance track hummed through his bones. Though not Larkspur’s usual genre, Liam relished the rhythm, tapping his foot unconsciously.

More than one person was looking their way, trying to catch his or Miles’s attention, and he deliberately avoided catching their eye. He came here to work tonight, not to get tempted for a quick hook up. Not that he could while staying with Miles. It would be rude and disrespectful to his manager. Pushing away the thoughts of what he’d initially planned for tonight, he relaxed back into the soft leather.

Miles finished his conversation with Bailey, and as the bar owner left them, Miles leaned closer to Liam to be heard over the pulsing beat.

“Eclipse will be on in ten minutes,” Miles said, his breath warm on Liam’s cheek.

Liam suppressed a shudder as goosebumps raced down his back. He was consciously aware of the warm press of Miles’s shoulder against his. He reached for his beer, attempting to discreetly move away from Miles.

Half turning in his seat, he pointed to the stage. “It’s a pretty good setup here. We should get a good idea of how they sound.”

“Yes. It’s one of the reasons I like this club. Bailey has always provided good facilities, and I like how he encourages indie bands to come and play.”

Before Liam could respond, their server appeared with two fresh bottles on his tray. “I thought I’d get you both a top-up before the band comes on,” he said with a flirty smile that was definitely directed at Miles.

Liam noticed how Miles’s eyes ran over the much younger man, and Liam blinked. He hadn’t seen Miles with anyone for a long time. He knew Miles had been in a serious relationship many years ago, but was pretty sure he’d been single for a long time.

The young man fluttered his lashes at Miles, who grinned in response before giving a small shake of his head. The pout he got in return was the stuff legends were made of, and Liam felt a twinge of satisfaction that Miles wasn’t going to take the man up on his blatant offer.

He frowned to himself. What did it matter if Miles wanted to hook up? Just because he wasn’t allowing himself to, didn’t mean Miles couldn’t.

Liam leaned into Miles, who was now scanning the crowd below them.

“You weren’t interested?” he asked, nodding to where their server had disappeared into the crowd after giving them a good-natured shrug and smile.

“He was certainly enticing, but I’m not interested in twinks these days.”

“Oh, really?” Liam couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity piqued. “What is your type these days?”

Gray eyes bore into his as Miles quirked an eyebrow at him. “Older, wiser, and….” Miles trailed off.

“And?” Liam pressed, wanting to know more.

Before Miles could respond, the DJ faded out of the current song and began introducing the band.

Miles smirked at Liam before turning his attention to the stage. Liam stared at Miles’s profile in the dim light, but Miles gave no sign he was aware of being observed. Realizing he wouldn’t get anything further from the man, Liam settled back to listen to the band.

***

Miles’s attention was divided between the band on stage and the man beside him. He’d been surprised at Liam’s reaction to their server’s obvious come-on because he’d seemed relieved when Miles had turned the young man down.

Liam’s frustration had been noticeable when he’d evaded the question about his current type, but discussing it wasn’t appropriate now. Or ever, really. He’d always been discrete in his relationships—both the long-term ones and the occasional hook up—and he had to remain professional. As Larkspur’s manager, he valued his relationship with the guys, but believed certain information was best kept to himself.

Dragging his mind back to Eclipse, he watched how they interacted with one another. For him, that was one of the main things he looked for in a signing. They could be the best performers and musicians of their time, but if they didn’t look cohesive when playing, then he’d hesitate to sign them. Of course, he knew bands and performers had bad days, and he’d see how they were off stage too, but his first impressions were important.

“Good sound,” Liam murmured in his ear, his shoulder pressing against Miles’s as he leaned in.

“Yeah, they’re relaxed and enjoying themselves. Always a good sign.”

Liam nodded his agreement. “Do they have original work or just do covers?”

“A mix of both. Some of their original pieces are very good. With a little reworking and polish, they’ll have a hit or two on their hands.”

“Enough for an album?”

Miles shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve only seen them via social media clips.”

“Are you going to talk to them afterward?”

“Yes. We’ll go backstage and meet them after their set, and I’ll get them into the office for a more in-depth meeting.”

Liam nodded and focused back on the band, and Miles followed suit. The rest of the set flew by, and the crowd roared their approval as the band took their final bows. Another good sign. Miles had noted how the audience had reacted to Eclipse, and, again, had been happy with what he’d seen.

He let the band exit the stage, taking a few moments to finish his beer. “Ready?” he asked Liam.

“I’ll meet you backstage. Just going to the bathroom,” Liam replied, nodding towards the far side of the stage.

They stood, and after leaving a tip for their server, Miles stepped down onto the heaving dance floor, making his way toward the stage. Bailey met him at the backstage entrance, and he shook the man’s hand again.

“What did you think?” Bailey asked.

“They’re good. They gave a solid performance, and the crowd liked them.”

“Do you think they’re ready for the next step?”

“Possibly. I won’t know until I talk to them, but I like what I’ve seen tonight.”

Miles turned to see where Liam was and spotted him winding his way through the crowd. He watched as Liam was stopped by a guy putting his hand on Liam’s chest. Miles couldn’t see his face, but from the tilt of his head and the way his fingers leisurely trailed down Liam’s shirt, he recognized a proposition when he saw one. Liam smiled, a tight, professional smile, as he gripped the man’s wrist to stop it from traveling further than his waist.

A flash of what looked like want passed across Liam’s features, gone as quickly as it appeared. He shook his head and said something that had the man’s shoulders slumping. Liam patted him gently on the shoulder, and the man turned away, melting into the crowd.

As Liam joined him and Bailey, the manager gave Liam a big grin.

“Not interested tonight, Liam?” he said, gesturing to the crowd.

Liam flashed Miles a brief glance before responding. “No.”

“Not your type?” Bailey pressed as he opened the door to lead them backstage.

“Not tonight.”

Seeking to ease the sudden tension that had sprung up, Miles cleared his throat. “Shall we? I’m sure these guys want to head home. I know I do.”

Liam shot him a grateful smile as they came to the small open area where Eclipse was gathered.

“Great performance tonight, guys,” Bailey told them. “I’d like to introduce you to Miles Cartwright of MC Management, and Liam Jones, bass guitarist of Larkspur.”

Nervous glances flitted between the band members, and then one stepped forward. “Hi. Thanks for coming to watch us tonight. I’m Taylor, and this is Alex, Dave, and Gabe.”

“Nice to meet you all. You did a good job out there tonight,” Miles told them as he shook each of their hands.

Miles indicated they should sit down again, and everyone took a seat. Bailey said his goodbyes, promising to catch up with Miles later.

The young men of Eclipse squirmed in an attempt to appear professional, yet their excitement at Miles and Liam’s presence was palpable.

“Sorry, before we get started, can I just say we’re huge fans of Larkspur,” Taylor said. “I know it’s probably not cool to say that, but you guys have been a huge influence on our style, and yeah….” He broke off with an embarrassed smile.

“Hey, it’s always cool to hear compliments,” Liam told them with a wide grin. His face lightened, and Miles had forgotten how long it had been since he’d seen Liam smile like that. “Like Miles said, you guys were good out there tonight.”

Liam’s words had them grinning at each other, and Miles was pleased to see what appeared to be genuine friendship amongst them.

“I’d like to see more of your work,” Miles said. “I understand you have some original pieces? Did you write them?”

Taylor nodded, and for the next thirty minutes, they chatted about their dynamics and where they wanted to see their music develop.

Their enthusiasm impressed Miles, and he promised to meet up with them after their East Coast mini tour ended. Liam signed autographs, posed for selfies, and wished them well for the future.

Once back in the car, both of them sank with a sigh into the soft leather seats. Miles caught Liam’s eye, and they both laughed. Miles was happy to see Liam relaxed for once.

“Thanks for inviting me along,” Liam said. “It was a good night. I think they have potential.”

“Yeah, I do too,” Miles agreed. He stifled a yawn. “Sorry. I’m getting too old for this shit.”

“Hey, you’re in your prime,” Liam retorted. “You’re only five years older than me, and I’m the one that’s been up on a stage for the better part of the last year. If anyone has a right to be tired, it’s me.” He gave a soft snort. “And watching those guys with all their youthful enthusiasm has me feeling old too!”

“Fair comment,” Miles agreed. “Are you in a rush to get home tomorrow?”

“No. Why?”

“I’d like your thoughts on these guys, but not tonight. You good to stay for the day?”

Liam was quiet for a moment or two, nibbling at his bottom lip. Miles was disappointed that the happy, teasing man of only a few moments ago had seemed to have disappeared again. Before he could comment, though, Liam answered his question.

“Yeah. I can stick around for a day, if you really think I’ll be of any help.”

“You will be.” Miles gave him a long look. “Thanks, Liam.”

Liam smiled and then turned his attention to look out the window, his fingers tapping a rapid beat on his thigh.