The Final Line by Kendall McKenna Read Free Book Online

precede him back into the bar and immediately realized his mistake. Sean’s ass looked perfectly round and taut in the snug jeans he wore.
    When he resumed his seat at the bar, Linda announced last call. Corey ordered a final drink.
    Linda gave him a hard look. “You know I can get in trouble for serving someone who is already too intoxicated?”
    Corey held her gaze steadily. “I just made it to the head and back without stumbling, running into anything, or getting into a fight. I’m good.”
    She relented and served Corey his drink. “Don’t make me sorry. I kinda like you.”
    Sean made every minute of his short, final set count. He played simple, familiar songs with upbeat tempos and his audience loved it. By the time he took his final bow, the crowd was mostly on its feet, clapping thunderously.
    Sean set his guitar on the stand and sat on the edge of the stage to talk to some of the patrons for awhile. The three women lingered at their table until Linda called out that it was closing time.
    “I’d love to, but I have to take Corey back to base,” Sean said, disentangling himself from one of the women.
    “We want Corey to come, too,” her friend said, smiling at him.
    “I’ve got duty tomorrow,” Corey said without thinking about it. “I’ve already stayed out too late.”
    That finally seemed to appease them, although they all made a show of pouting about it.
    Sean leaned on the bar next to Corey. “You said earlier you don’t have to work tomorrow. Did you just lie to those ladies?” he asked conspiratorially.
    “Yeah,” Corey replied in an equally covert tone.
    “Well played.” Sean waved as the women filed out the door into the night. When it was finally just the two of them and the bartenders, he slumped onto the stool next to Corey.
    “Should we get you packed up so you can get home?” Corey asked.
    Sean stared at him inscrutably for several moments before he stood. “Sure.”
    It didn’t take long. Sean put his guitar in its case. That left packing up the microphones and cords. The amp would stay until the next night. Sean waved to the bartenders as the two of them left through the rear door, Corey lugging the plastic container of electronics.
    Their shoulders bumped as they loaded everything into the back of Sean’s SUV. Corey took several steps backward, as if the contact had scalded him. Sean closed the hatch and Corey fished his cell phone out of his pocket.
    Sean chuffed a laugh and held up his keys. “Seriously, dude, I’ll take you back to base. You don’t have to call a cab.”
    Corey took another few steps backward. “You’ve been working all night, man, you don’t need to make that extra drive.”
    “You stayed to help me with my gear, it’s the least I can do,” Sean replied.
    Corey wanted to prolong his time with Sean but he knew if he got in the car, he’d want to touch. If he started touching, he wouldn’t want to stop.
    “Actually, I thought we could stop somewhere and get breakfast,” Sean continued when Corey was silent. “Maybe have a conversation not interrupted by a crowd.”
    Corey tensed. He wanted to say yes but if he did, it would fuck everything up. “Thanks, but no.” He sounded more abrupt than he’d meant to.
    Sean stiffened visibly. His smile faded and Corey could practically see a wall slam down behind his eyes. “Okay. Well, thanks for the help and get home safe.” He turned on his heel and headed for the door of his SUV.
    Fuck. Sean was a nice guy and Corey genuinely like him. He’d hurt Sean’s feelings, possibly embarrassed him. “Sean,” he called. When he didn’t immediately appear at the rear the car, Corey called louder. “Sean, it’s not what you think.”
    Sean reappeared and stood, feet braced apart and arms folded defensively over his chest. He didn’t speak and his expression was tight.
    Corey sighed explosively. He ran the back of one hand over his sweaty forehead. He couldn’t look at Sean, which wasn’t like him.