Onstage, AJ Mobley is smart, clever, and commands attention. Offstage, he's shy and lost to everything but his music. The reason for the difference? Tyrone Dahl. For the past two years, AJ and Tyrone have been the star attraction at the Reno bar, Heat Wave. Their dueling pianos act is fast and funny, but their camaraderie isn't just under the spotlight. They're best friends away from the show, too. An opportunity to take their act to Las Vegas seems like the perfect next step in their careers. There's only one problem -- AJ's been in love with Tyrone almost from the moment they met. He's hidden it well; after all, Tyrone might be bisexual, but he's also never lacked for company. AJ would rather be his friend than another notch on his bedpost. But Vegas beckons. And Tyrone wants to take the leap. The last thing AJ can ever do is deny his best friend ...

Interlude

“Anyway, we’d get a three-month probationary contract, twice what we’re making now, plus tips. In Vegas. You just know those are going to be sweet.”


“But we live here, Ty. You really want to up and move like that?”


A frown replaced Tyrone’s smile. “What’s wrong? This is our dream.”


“No, it’s your dream. I’m perfectly happy here.”


“You call this happy?” He gestured around the dark apartment, the silence echoing back at them. “You live the quietest life of anyone I know. I can’t even remember the last time I saw you go out on a date.”


“Because it sucks being gay in Reno,” AJ countered. He might have had to hide his feelings for Tyrone all this time, but at least he hadn’t had to worry about disguising the truth about his sexuality. That had been blurted out the very first time he saw Tyrone kissing a guy. His hopes had soared for precious seconds until Tyrone laughed it off and explained he was bi. Which in AJ’s book meant straight, but horny enough to take it anywhere he could.


Chapter 5