Valentine has been in love with his best friend since they were kids, secretly worshiping Preston, while Preston dates man after man, never offering him more than brotherly friendship. When the wonderful summer between high school and college comes to an end, with Val no closer to winning Preston’s heart, Val finally admits defeat and heads to Portland State University, leaving his best friend behind. Or so he thinks.
When Val rents a room in a house with fellow students, he meets the lovely Silver, quickly falling for the man’s dark looks and sinful smile. When Preston unexpectedly shows up, declaring he’s broken up with his latest boyfriend and taken the empty room across the hall from Val, Val’s torn between lingering feelings for his old flame, and his growing attraction to the fascinating Silver.
Deciding to leave his troubles behind, he goes with his new roommates to Limelight, the local 1980s club. There he falls even harder for Silver as they writhe and twist to song after song, the wild beat of the music and erotic moves of the dancers around them pounding in his blood. He feels caught up in one of the angsty 1980s movies he loves so well. But tonight, he can’t figure out if he’s the main character or simply supporting cast.
“Silver?”
Silver turned toward him, ice blue eyes blinking open, then Silver sat up, a smile curling his lips. “Hey, there you are, Mr. Popular.”
Val flushed but had to chuckle, giving the dancefloor a vague wave. “What, those guys? They’d dance with anyone.”
“Maybe.” Silver patted the couch and Val sat awkwardly beside him, suddenly tongue-tied. Silver seemed in his element, gorgeous in skinny black pants, black boots, and black suede coat over a tight, charcoal gray tank top. His hair was even teased like some goth band lead singer. Val sighed, wishing he’d made more of a go with his outfit.
“Having fun --” Silver started to ask, then suddenly sprang to his feet, a bright smile flashing on his face. “Love this song!” He grabbed Val’s hands and practically dragged him to the dance floor as Bronski Beat filled the club, asking ‘why’ over and over. Of course Silver could dance, slim body swaying and twirling to the pounding beat of the music. His joy was catching, and Val laughed as Silver put an unexpectedly strong arm around him and pulled him tight against his chest.
“C’mon, dance with me!” Silver put his lips to Val’s ear. “I’ll tickle you if you don’t.” His hand snaked under Val’s shirt and feathered across his abdomen, making him shiver. A gasp escaped him and he jerked back when Silver wiggled harder, with Silver shouting in delight.
Fine. Val began to move. Silver put both hands on Val’s hips, guiding him, but after a few minutes, Val pushed him away and gave himself over to the music, letting his body go where the rhythm took him. He peered at Silver when the next song started, a fast beat by Erasure, and his heart skipped at the approval in those gorgeous eyes. Damn, I’m in over my head!
He panicked. Was his heart really that fickle? How could he get over one guy and fall for another on the dancefloor? But then Silver shimmied up to him, a wide, happy smile on his face, and Val’s pulse raced. Seems so, and it’s amazing!
Familiar cords filled the club. “Pretty in Pink!” He loved this Psychedelic Furs song, and also the movie by the same name. As he began to dance, he glanced at Silver and caught a knowing grin on his face. “Did you --”
Silver spread his arms. “I may or may not have requested it earlier,” he said, and twirled away.
