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By the second chorus, Alec had stood and was clapping to Tyler's backbeat on the guitar,

singing along. Tyler's boot was also tapping to the rhythm, his body swaying as if another component of the song's composition. Alec had barely sipped his beer, yet he felt drunk with elation… the

music's marriage of past reflection with immediate titillation was invoking and stirring new emotions in him. Of course, it was. That's what music does… and Tyler Quinn, whether he knew it or not, was a master at it.

Alecfeltwonderful… in this place… with this man… with the threat of a storm coming… even if coaxed by neighborly nosybodies.

Wonderful.

Tyler finished the song and stood there. Alec watched him, no applause.

"Now what? You want another?"

"No," said Alec. "Come here."

Tyler hopped off of the stage. He set his guitar down on the table with his hat and approached

him. Alec was surprised to find himself a little star-struck, unsure whether to hug or kiss the man.

Awkwardly, he extended his hand.

Tyler laughed and snatched it, yanking Alec into a firm embrace coupled with a kiss, giving a

gentle—and not-so-subtle—squeeze to one of Alec's butt cheeks.

Alec tensed, nuzzling Tyler's chest. He whispered: "I'm scared."

"Don't be. It's just me."

"Yeah, but there's a lot of expectation out there."

"So, what? We're being match-made. The whole town is in on it. So…what?"

Alec clung to Tyler. "It's sweet—" he said, "—but intimidating… and a little creepy."

"Yeah. Their intentions are good though. When tourist season comes, they lock in on a potential.

You're here off-season. Makes it easier for them."

"You make it easy."

"Let's blow this dive."

"Where are we going?"

"My place."

17

Tyler suggested that Alec ride Brandy with him, to leave the Titan at the Bear. He did notice,

however, that Alec had properly installed the cover on the machine to protect it from the weather.

"I'm impressed," he added.

"You see? I'm not always that flighty."

They retrieved Brandy from the shed and soon Alec found himself nestled tightly with Tyler in