Shy, soft-spoken clarinet player Thad Archer tours Europe over spring break with his college marching band. He's lonely so far from home and everything he's ever known, but at least he has his friends -- Mark, Peter, Seth, and Jamie. Thad has had a secret crush on sexy drummer Jamie McIntosh since they met but has never managed to pluck up the courage to confess his feelings. Could Jamie be as lonely and homesick as Thad? Confident and cocky, Jamie is Thad's opposite in every way, but something about his quiet friend sets his heart aflutter. Unfortunately, Thad's deep in the closet, while Jamie is much more secure in his sexuality. Jamie doesn't want to rush Thad into anything he isn't ready for, but hopefully at some point in their friendship, they can move toward something more. But any romantic hopes the pair have are frustrated by Mark, the band's drum major, who has his sights set on bedding trombonist Seth, or flutist Peter, or anyone, really. He isn't too picky. If he can't get into the pants of his straight friends, he'll settle for whoever he can get. Thad? Jamie? The band will be flying back to the States in a couple of days. Thad knows once they're home, he'll have missed his chance with Jamie. Can he be satisfied just being friends? Or has Mark conducted his way between them?

Playing for Keeps

Mark and I did nothing.When a heaviness settles into his groin at the mere thought of his friend, he shakes his head to clear his mind. I was drunk, okay? That’s all. Drunk off my ass and so was he. We were both pretty wasted. It meant nothing to either of us. Nothing at all.


But if it meant nothing, then why can’t he just let it go?


His friends are waiting in the hall when he steps out of his room. Jamie leans against the far wall, arms crossed and chin down as if he’s about ready to fall back to sleep. Seth stands to one side, laughing at something Mark just said. Thad squats between them, hands clasped like he’s praying they all get moving already. He looks up as Peter turns to lock his door. They’re talking about me,Peter thinks wildly. Mark told them we got it on last night and that’s why Seth’s laughing, they all know—


“You ready?” Seth asks. Beside him Mark watches Peter closely, trying to catch his eye.


Chapter 17