(Blue Notes 2)The Melody Thief Read Online Free PDF Page A

breath. “I suppose it does.”
    Cary did his best to appear just appreciative of Antonio’s assistance, although judging by Antonio’s wary look, Cary realized he wasn’t that convincing.
    When Antonio emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, Cary waited in the bedroom, naked. (Unbuttoning a shirt one-handed was far easier than buttoning it). If this surprised Antonio, he didn’t show it. Still, he kept his gaze fixed on Cary’s face with obvious effort, something Cary noticed with smug satisfaction.
    Cary didn’t consider himself classically handsome, but he knew he was attractive in a comfortable guy-next-door way. Years of faithful trips to the gym had transformed his gangly body into a more muscular one. He prided himself on his flat stomach and narrow waist and on the hint of definition in his arms. He had never been shy about showing his body, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to start now. He was having too much fun. And, he realized, he wanted Antonio.
    “The bruising looks painful,” said Antonio as Cary climbed gingerly into the bathtub.
    “It’s not that bad. The medicine helped.”
    Antonio dipped a washcloth in the warm water and began to wash Cary with clinical detachment. “Keep your wrist on the side. You don’t want to get the plaster wet.”
    “Feels good.” Cary closed his eyes and leaned back against the tub.
    Antonio snorted.
    “What? Can’t a guy enjoy himself?”
    “You’re trying too hard.” Antonio ran the cloth down Cary’s chest.
    “Does that mean you’re going to join me in here?” Well, a guy could dream, couldn’t he?
    “Definitely not.”
    Antonio finished up with the washcloth, then took the sprayer and proceeded to wet and wash Cary’s hair.
    “Here,” Antonio said a few minutes later, handing Cary the washcloth. “ You can get the last spot.” Cary noticed the hint of blush that stained Antonio’s pale cheeks.
    “About tonight,” Cary began, determined to make the most of the situation. “We can sleep—”
    “I’ll be sleeping on the couch,” Antonio interrupted with calm resolve, having clearly anticipated the question.
    Cary frowned. “But it’d be a lot more comfortable if you slept with me in the bed.” He stood up and faced Antonio, knowing his arousal was as obvious as the come-on. “You could dry me off and then—”
    “It’s quite comfortable,” Antonio interrupted again. “You can take my word for it.”
    And with that pronouncement, he offered Cary a hand out of the tub and wrapped the towel around him as fast as he could.
     
     
    “S UREyou don’t want to join me in the bed?” Cary asked a few minutes later, as Antonio came out of the bathroom in sweatpants and a T-shirt. He carried a glass of water and more pain pills. “I could warm you up, you know.”
    “That’s very kind of you, Connor, but I’ll be quite all right on the couch.”
    Cary swallowed the pills in silence. He knew the pain in his wrist made sex pretty much a nonstarter anyway. Still, he had enjoyed messing with his scrupulously polite host. And when he was feeling better, who knew? What difference would another twenty-four hours make in the grand scheme of things?
    Cary expected Antonio would head back to the living room, but as he picked up a pillow from the bed, he stopped. For a moment, Cary thought Antonio might touch him, but then he sat down on the edge of the bed.
    “How are you feeling?” Antonio asked.
    “I’m fine.” Well it was true, wasn’t it?
    “I….” Antonio hesitated as if he were trying to say something but thought better of it. “It’s just that it must be hard for you. The broken wrist. The bruises. It’ll make things difficult for your… work.”
    Cary glanced at the cast and shrugged. “I’ll be okay. I’m sure.”
    At that moment, though, Cary wasn’t so sure. A wave of fear rose within him, and he reminded himself that the doctor had said he’d be fine. He would play again. There wasn’t another option, was