Read Rock 01 - FRET for Free Online Page B

splashed him back. I sat on the steps as he did laps. He was an excellent swimmer with near-perfect form. No wonder his body was so lean. One of the rooms in the house was a workout room. Now I knew how he got his body. He was stunning to look at wet or dry, and again I need to pull my shit together because Gareth’s life depended on me being alert.
    I looked at my surroundings instead. I turned to look at the back of the house. The patio had a long table with eight seats. Four pillars held the deck above it, and bougainvillea bushes in different colors climbed up each one. It was paradise. The house was painted light peach, which made the red and yellows of the plant life around it pop. One large Saguaro cactus was taking up residence by the back wall.
    “What do you want for dinner?”
    “Cow.”
    Gareth chuckled behind me. “Cow it is. Still mooing or well done?”
    “I’ll leave that up to you if you’re cooking.”
    “I think I can grill a steak.”
    Gareth swam past me and ascended the pool stairs. I watched as water dribbled down his smooth back, his muscles moving beneath silky skin. Damn.
    I was in trouble.
    Stupid. Fucking. Mac.
     
    ~*~
     
    A half hour later, I was at the grocery store with Gareth. We’d already picked up steaks and potatoes, and now I was growing moss in the cereal aisle waiting for Gareth to decide between marshmallow charms or crispy peanut butter goodness. I’m an oatmeal guy; sugary cereal never was my thing. Gareth let out an agonizing sigh and finally dropped one box of each in the cart. I couldn’t help the snort that left me and Gareth narrowed his eyes at me.
    “Not one word.”
    “You could get some granola. Healthy food won’t kill you.”
    “That’s what the quinoa is for.” Gareth shook the box at me. “I’m not getting a lot of food since we’re leaving tomorrow anyway. I’ll have to go food shopping in Flagstaff for the unconventional house.”
    “So — I don’t get any clues why you call it that? Is it a cave or something?”
    “Nah, that’s in Utah. I’ll be hiding out from the zombie apocalypse up there.” Gareth grinned.
    “Oh. You’re so funny.”
    “Don’t judge me.” Gareth pointed a finger at me.
    “I would never.” I shook my head.
    Gareth tilted his head, looking at me. His eyes seemed to roam over my face and settle on my lips. My dick stirred to life and I cleared my throat, turning around.
    “So, what else do we need?”
     
    ~*~
     
    Gareth stood over the grill, keeping an eye on the steaks as I sat at the patio table with my feet up. I could get used to this babysitting gig. Being with Gareth wasn’t a hardship. He was funny and had a great laugh. I have to keep reminding myself that someone wants this kid dead. I can’t lose focus on that part.
    Ever.
    “Well, here ya go. One mooing steak. I’ve also got some rolls so you can soak up the blood.”
    I stared at Gareth and his lips curled up in a smile.
    “What?” he asked.
    “Is that how you eat it?”
    “I could use the iron, so yeah. Why? Do you want it thoroughly cooked?”
    “Nope. This is perfect, thanks. Do you want me to check on the potatoes?”
    “Nope. I’ll get it. Do you want water or juice?”
    “Water is fine. Lots and lots of ice, though.”
    “Got ya.” Gareth winked and went back in the house.
    That wink did so much shit to me, I had to grab my dick and close my eyes. I took deep, calming breaths and managed to let go of my dick before Gareth came back out. I need to jack off and release some of the pressure.
    We ate in comfortable silence, Gareth only asking if I wanted some steak sauce. By the time we were done, I thought Gareth was going to fall asleep in his baked potato.
    “Tired?” I asked.
    “Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I like the fact that we have a jet, but I like taking the tour bus. I hate being jet-lagged.”
    “I meant to ask about that. I thought most big-time bands had a bus for U.S. tours.”
    “We do and it cost a shit-ton of