Chapter 34

 

 

Ryan felt like a dick when he stumbled into the hotel room and pulled his phone from his pocket. One missed call from O’Neil.

Fuck.

He’d been busy drinking and hanging out with Raven and the guys from Emerald Horizon. He didn’t flirt with Max. In fact, the first thing out of his mouth had been, “I’m with someone now. It’s real.”

Max only nodded and proceeded to get him drunk. He still didn’t touch the bastard. He couldn’t even think about Max because every time a sexual thought entered his head, it was all O’Neil.

Thank God for that.

One problem. The band was staying in Montreal for a week before going back on tour. They were in the same damned hotel. Raven planned to spend every second she could with Rocco. Max was going to be around.

Which meant Ryan was going to stay in his room and ignore everyone, unless Luke dragged him out.

Goddamn it.

He played the message.

“Hey, Ryan. I’m getting ready to head to the airport early. My sister has lost her mind, convinced I should be with Ellen. I told her until she accepts my choices, I’m done. I’m hopping on a flight home. Wish it was to you. I should go. Have a good night.”

Yup, grade-A asshole. Fuck.

He sent a quick message.

 

Ryan – Sorry I missed the call. I was with Raven. I’m sorry about your sister. That sucks. Wish I were with you.

 

He tossed his phone down and thought about a shower, but wound up face first on the bed instead. Room service would be good, but that required him to reach the phone and he felt like sleeping instead.

The knock on his door brought his head up. And he wished like hell it would be Shannon, but that wasn’t going to happen. He pushed himself to a stand and went to the peephole. Max stood out there, his bowtie undone, his shirt half open.

Ryan slid the chain into place and cracked the door open. “You’re not coming in.”

Max “Come on. I know you’re lonely. I saw it on your face all night. Where is he if not here?”

“Dealing with a death in the family. Now go away.”

“He doesn’t have to know,” Max murmured, slipping his hand through the opening.

Ryan stepped back. “Not a chance in hell. I don’t fuck around when I commit to someone. Now go away.”

“Come on. Just once. I need you.”

“Go away.” He shoved Max’s hand out and shut the door. Then he fell back into bed, hating himself.

More banging on the door. Ryan grabbed the pillow and covered his head.

His phone rang and he answered it. “What?”

Luke huffed. “Hey, what’s going on with Max Snyder?”

“Old boyfriend, then on and off fling. He’s drunk and thinks I’m going to wind up fucking him.”

“He’s gay too?”

“Yup.”

“Well, damn. I never would have guessed.”

Ryan groaned. “Maybe I should warn him I’m about to call security.”

“Want me to?”

“Don’t. I’ll deal with him.” He rolled to a stand and stumbled again, pressing the phone to his ear. “Pretend to be Shannon. Please?”

Luke laughed. “Uh…okay.”

“You’re going on speaker.”

“Sure.”

Ryan hit speaker, opened the door, and said, “Say hi.”

“Hi, Max. You better leave.” Luke had taken on the deeper tone and an East Coast accent that matched Shannon’s. “I don’t share what’s mine.”

Max blinked, then backed up. “You really are done with me?”

“Told you that a dozen times tonight,” Ryan muttered. “Go find someone else to bother.”

He shut the door and turned speaker off. “Thanks, man.”

“Anytime. You need company? Leona is writing. I could come hang out.”

“Sure. If you’re sure she won’t mind.”

“Positive. She’s somewhere between researching and writing furiously. It swings back and forth, and it’s best if I let her do her thing.”

“Thanks, man.”

“See you in a few.”

Ryan ordered some food, coffee, and water. Then went to wash his face. He came out and opened the door as Luke knocked. “Come on in.”

“You okay?”

He sighed. “I hate not being with him.”

“Yeah, I know all about that. But you kept me busy while we were filming. You’re welcome to hang out with us if Raven is busy with Rocco.”

“You knew about Rocco, but not Max and me?”

Luke chuckled. “Guess I just never considered the possibility.”

“Fair enough.”

 

* * * *

 

Shannon made his way to baggage claim and checked his phone. One missed call from Ryan and a text. He quickly called.

Ryan answered, his words slurred and sleepy. “Hey, Shannon. How are you?”

“Tired. You?”

“Drunk. Don’t worry. Luke kept me company while his girl wrote like crazy.”

“All right. I’m in LA. Peter is picking me up soon. Then I’m headed home. I just wanted you to know.”

Ryan sighed. “God, I wish I could be there.”

“You said that,” O’Neil murmured. “I should go, though. You sound tired.”

“I am, and you are too. I’ll call in the morning. At least we’re in the same time zone now.”

“Yup. Sleep well.”

“I’ll be dreaming of you in white pants and a white sailor hat.”

Shannon laughed. “Right. Okay. I do have uniforms in my closet.”

“Oh fuck, I’m hard just thinking about that.”

Luke laughed in the background. “Tell Shannon hi, but I’m going back to Leona before you whip out anything.”

“Thanks for hanging with me,” Ryan slurred.

Shannon grinned. “I’m glad you have a friend there.”

“Yeah, a couple. I should sleep.”

“Good night.”