Three hours later, the sun had gone for the day and a warm darkness was settling over the city. Nevil Masters’ birthday party was in full swing, the upstairs apartment in Soho crowded with a hoard of young men, most of them seemingly gay and all dancing. Was that really the Pet Shop Boys emanating from an iPod? People still listened to them? A few women peppered the group along with some straight guy who nervously shifted from foot to foot. Jake himself felt comfortable enough, and indeed his shorts and T-shirt were near-about the uniform, except for when the drinks began to have their desired effect and some of the more adventurous men stripped off their shirts. By ten o’clock, there was more skin on display than clothing.

Jake and Nevil had arrived just before eight, all indications pointing toward the fact that some of the guests had begun imbibing sometime around five. But as Nevil introduced Jake around, he was welcomed with handshakes and hugs, as well as a few suggestive come-ons, Nevil taking hold of Jake’s hand each time one of his so-called friends tried to usurp his so-called date. Jake, mellowed from the two pints he’d shared with Nevil earlier, just went with the flow. Now, as Nevil was claimed by a couple friends who insisted he do some kind of shot, Jake made his way over to the window. Looking down from the eighth floor, he saw the busy activity of Old Compton Street below. Men were everywhere, holding hands, kissing, touching…

“It’s quite a sight, isn’t it?”

The voice prickled at Jake’s neck, sending waves of desire through him. Such a silky sound, like a caress against his body. Jake turned around to find himself looking into the liquid ocean blue eyes of the man he’d met briefly the other night. The hot guy, the mysterious guy who’d disappeared faster than he’d appeared, the one with the hairy arms and tight package. In other words, the elusive and sexy Hunter Abbott.

“Oh, uh, hey,” was all Jake could produce.

“Jake, right?”

He was amazed the guy remembered his name.

“Yes, and you’re Hunter.”

“Good memory,” he said, his smile lighting up the room. It was crooked. It was devilish. Which meant it was perfect. Shit, calm down, Jake, you’re the guest of the guest of honor, and based on the way Nevil had been acting all night you were probably expected to be his passionate companion a bit later. Yet here was a man hot enough to sizzle on the sidewalk in winter, and Jake was close enough to feel the burn. He felt weak in the knees, made only worse when Hunter leaned beside him, Hunter’s arm pressing against Jake’s shoulder.

“I’ve been all over Europe, seen all the gay capitals. Nothing like London.”

“They do look happy,” Jake agreed.

“They’re also drunk. But hey, it’s Friday night, why not?”

Jake noticed that Hunter did not have a drink. Was he passing judgment on the scene beneath them? Maybe he wasn’t a drinker. Maybe he liked to maintain control. What a shame that would be, Jake would love to see this man freed of his inhibitions—assuming he had any. Hunter Abbott seemed about the most free-spirited, laid-back man Jake had ever met. Even having only spent a total of five minutes with the guy, Jake knew Hunter lived life on his own terms. Which only made him sexier. Jake noticed Hunter was dressed in the coolest style of jeans and a black button-down shirt. Two buttons were undone, exposing a healthy crop of dark brown hair. Which only made Hunter the sexiest guy in the room. God, Jake wanted this guy bad. How could he ditch Nevil, let Hunter know his intentions?

“So, Jake, sorry, but I’ve got to run. Just came by to wish Nevil a happy one.”

“Wait, you’re leaving ...”

“Life calls, you know?” Hunter said, his mysterious manner living up to his billing. And without further explanation, he slipped into a group of six young guys who swarmed him like bees to honey.

As Jake crossed the room for a fresh beer, he noticed the six men go giggling down the back hallway, toward the bedroom. Hunter was not with them, he’d somehow slipped away. Shirts started flying off, leaving a trail of bright cottony colors behind them. Jake could only imagine what the six of them were about to do. Talk about slutty, is that what this party was devolving into? One big gay orgy? Suddenly Jake was feeling every bit of his late thirties and decided it was probably best to make his excuses, too, thank Nevil for a fine time and then head on out. Who knows, maybe he’d run into Hunter again ...

Jake had no idea where Nevil had gotten off to. He didn’t appear to be anywhere in the apartment, and that’s when Jake remembered half the party was on the rooftop. He made his way out of the apartment, through a doorway, and up a short flight of stairs that led to the roof. Once there he emerged into the starry night, felt a slight chill. The temperature had dropped, a change in the weather was coming. Now he wished he’d worn other clothes for nothing more than warmth. He was about to return back downstairs when he spotted Nevil coming toward him. Nevil’s eyes were a bit glassy, whether from too much drink or maybe he’d taken some kind of drug, Jake couldn’t be sure. But he was coming straight for Jake, didn’t appear to be ready, willing or able to stop. In fact, he pressed his body tight against Jake and locked his lips to Jake’s. A wandering hand cupped his ass.

“Meet me downstairs. Bedroom on the left. I need you to fuck me.”