Treble Maker

by Annabeth Albert

  “Open them. Now.” He tried to sound stern, but it came out more breathy. He used his forearm to get his thigh up higher, letting him get deep enough to twist his fingers.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Lucas’s voice was tight, and the rest of him looked equally strained. His stomach contracted, his cock curling up against his belly, his thighs clenching hard on the chair.

  “Wanna watch me get off this way?” He withdrew his fingers to get a bit more lube. It had been a while, and he wanted everything nice and slick.

  “Yes. Please.” Lucas wiggled his butt in the chair, making his dick shake against the line of hair on his stomach. He wasn’t kidding about being able to come—his dick was leaking a steady stream of pre-cum across his stomach.

  “Or . . .” Cody went back to fucking himself, using his free hand on his dick to help himself along.

  “Or?” Face all sweaty and pink, Lucas’s throat muscles worked hard, giving Cody more ideas.

  Wiping his finger on a towel, he crawled back into Lucas’s lap, straddling him so that his knees rested on the slick fabric. Rising up, he arranged himself so his dick brushed Lucas’s mouth.

  “Oh, yes. That.” Tilting his head, Lucas licked the head of Cody’s dick. The awkward position didn’t really allow for any depth, but each swipe of Lucas’s tongue sent shockwaves up Cody’s spine. “Let me move to the bed. Or my knees. Want to do it right.”

  “Bossy.” Cody laughed. “But I’ve got you right where I want you.”

  “Yeah?” Lucas’s breath was warm against Cody’s groin.

  “Yeah.” Grabbing the condom and lube from the bed, he slicked up Lucas’s dick before climbing back on.

  “Oh.” Lucas’s eyes were glassy and unfocused. “You want to . . .”

  “Oh yeah.”

  Lucas’s expression was shock and neediness and want and nerves all bundled together. Cody had been willing to bottom for a while, but Lucas was so . . . enthusiastic about getting fucked that who topped who wasn’t a subject that came up often. With the grind of touring, blow jobs and bed were all they had the energy for a lot of nights. But right now? Oh yeah. He wanted to get fucked.

  “Love the idea of doing it this way.” He straddled Lucas again, rubbing up against his dick but not sinking down. “But maybe I should change my mind . . . you’re being awfully whiny.”

  “No. Please.”

  “Wanna beg for it?” He pressed on Lucas’s shoulders, letting their slick dicks slide against each other. “Man, I am really looking forward to being in the same city more than forty-eight hours, so I can get tested.”

  “I said I’d be okay without . . .” He shut Lucas up with a kiss before he could tempt him into skipping it. He’d gotten tested back in LA, but he wanted to do things right and get the six-month test before going raw. His dick pulsed at the thought.

  A year ago, he never would have suspected he’d be in a place where he was damn eager to commit to monogamy—and not only for the fucking raw part. But for him, it was all about Lucas. And being exclusive simply felt right. He couldn’t tell Lucas yet, but he’d been thinking more and more about a future with rings in it—Lucas deserved that, and maybe, just maybe, he did, too.

  “I love you,” he said as he broke the kiss. The words came easier these days. Of course it didn’t hurt that Lucas said it all the time, that he could see it in Lucas’s eyes on stage and in the mornings and even when they disagreed about stupid stuff.

  “Me too.” Lucas’s eyes closed, and his voice was thick. “Want to fuck you.”

  “You ask so pretty.” He kept up the steady grind against him.

  “Please. Want to come.”

  “Mmm.” Cody rose up on his knees. “You don’t get to come before me.”

  “Want to watch you get off. Please.”

  “That’s better.” He sank down slowly. He’d never been fucked in this position before, and it was exquisite, every inch of sensation coupled with a surge of power. In the past, he’d felt small and vulnerable, and that had warred with the pleasure of getting done. He liked toys and fingers, but giving it up required more trust. With Lucas, though, he had that trust. It was scary as hell and still a little new, but he knew Lucas wasn’t going anywhere. He wouldn’t ever have to be cold and alone again.

  “Oh. My. Gawwwd.”Lucas’sheadfellback, and Cody licked his way down the cords of his neck. “Free my hand so I can jack you?”

  “No way.” He laughed. “You get to wait. And watch.”

  Unlike Lucas, he couldn’t come from only fucking, even though the pressure against his gland created a deep, good ache that spread out in heavy waves—almost like coming, but not quite. Making Lucas wait, he rode that sensation until Lucas’s moans were a steady stream of begging.

  “Please. I’m right there.” Lucas bobbed his head in a valiant effort to try to get Cody’s dick in his mouth. The angle wasn’t quite there, but Cody had to give him props for effort and creativity. “Wanna come inside you. Please.”

  “Not yet.”

  “Do me.” Lucas’s biceps strained against the chair, his bound hands thumping the back of the seat. “Come on me. Please.”

  Sweat trickled down Lucas’s face and his features were a hard grimace. Watching him try not to blow was the hottest thing on the planet, and Cody memorized the look for later.

  “Wish I had a picture of you just like this.”

  “Ah. Fuck.” Lucas thrust his hips up, meeting Cody’s downward motion.

  Unable to resist any longer, he worked a hand between them, stroking himself closer.

  “Yeah.” Lucas rocked with him. “Can feel it when you . . . fuck.”

  “Almost. Wait.” Cody’s voice cracked. “Right . . . there.” He sped up his rocking, the come building up until it hurt. “Now. Oh, God, now.”

  His ass clamped down on Lucas’s dick, and he felt him blow at the same time, his whole body shuddering. His own eyes shuttered and he rode out the last of the sensations. His fantasy had been hot and dirty, but like everything else, the reality with Lucas was twenty times better.

  A lot later, after showering and collapsing on the big bed together, Cody returned to his news, poking Lucas’s chest until he roused himself.

  “So about Michelin—”

  “Is it something for after the tour?” Lucas couldn’t keep the hope from his voice. They didn’t talk about it much, but the last leg of the tour started after this benefit concert. The rest of the tour members were quietly making plans and the future lurked ominously, like a bill collector they’d shoved off, only to have to face the same what-dowe-do-now questions all over.

  “Kind of. He’s going to be busy with a new show on one of the networks—they’re calling it Boy Band Breakout or something, where he tries to discover the next One Direction or Backstreet Boys with challenges and crap.”

  “That’s either really cool or really terrible.” Lucas laughed. “Like, see how many fifteen-year-olds you can make scream this week?”

  “Something like that. But he wants to help finance some professional YouTube videos for Embellish, try to help us grow our audience before we go out on tour on our own this summer.”

  “Tour? On our own?” Lucas’s heart thumped against his ribs.

  “Yeah. A small one. Low budget, smaller venues, but he thinks it’s the next step for us. One that could lead to bigger things later on.”

  “Trying to make it on our own is scary, but I like it better than plan B.”

  “Me too. The rest of the group is onboard. Let’s see how far we can go.”

  Plan B was the idea they’d been tossing around for a while. Lucas could go to grad school in a larger music-scene town like Austin or LA or Seattle, while Cody worked as many gigs as he could. They wouldn’t be rich and Cody wouldn’t be famous—yet. But they’d be together, and that was enough to keep their dread at bay about what might happen at the end of the tour. Plan B seemed pretty damn fine when he compared it to his old life pre-Cody. Michelin’s proposal as Plan A
was like the luscious frosting for a cake recipe that Cody and Lucas were having a blast creating. Still, Lucas hesitated a moment. Embracing the unpredictable life of a career musician was a huge leap.

  “I think Michelin likes you,” Cody teased. “Come on. Say yes. Let’s take his help and keep this thing going.”

  “Michelin likes my voice.” Rolling his eyes, Lucas tickled him lightly. “You keep saying you get a vibe about him, but I don’t see it.”

  “Are you in or not?” Cody’s eyes were big and soft, full of emotion and tenderness for Lucas.

  “I’m in.” Lucas smiled at him. He might never be brave enough to make this leap on his own, but grabbing Cody’s hand and seizing the future was a no-brainer. “No getting mad, though, when I screw up the choreography in the videos.”

  “Never.” Leaning down, he kissed the top of Lucas’s head. “Doesn’t matter if you can’t dance. I love you anyway.” He stroked Lucas’s now smooth face. “I wouldn’t want any of this without you.”

  It didn’t matter where the crazy road of this industry led them, they had each other now, and the future was brighter than any spotlight.

  Treble Maker Playlist

  Music is a huge part of my writing process, and I thought it would be fun to share some of the songs that inspired me while writing and editing Treble Maker. Some I imagine Embellish or the M&Ms performing, while others seemed perfect for a particular part of Cody and Lucas’s journey. A huge shout-out to all the hundreds of college and amateur a cappella groups brave enough to put their videos on YouTube—thank you for sharing your music and gifts with the world. Whenever I’d get stuck on a particular section or heavy rewrite, I always seemed to find the perfect new group to glom on to and bust through my block. You can find my playlist by searching YouTube for Annabeth Albert Treblemaker playlist.

  Enjoy!

  “Still Haven’t Found”—U2, covered by Glee and The Sing Off

  This is quite possibly the perfect group ensemble number as it can support multiple leads beautifully. I also see this as Cody’s theme song for when the book opens. He’s searching and hungry and doesn’t quite know what for.

  “Haven’t Met You Yet”—Michael Buble, covered by the Yale Whiffenpoofs

  This is Lucas’s opening theme song because he doesn’t know how much he needs someone like Cody in his life until Cody lands right in the middle of all his careful plans. Earnest, timeless, and delivered by clean-cut young men in suits. The M&Ms would approve.

  “Club Can’t Handle Me”—Flo Rida, covered by Dartmouth Aires

  I drove my family insane listening to multiple versions of this song on repeat. But this song is Cody—all the swagger and attitude. “Something I Need”—One Republic and covered by Elon University’s Twisted Measure

  When Cody works with Lucas on the choreography for the M&Ms’ first number, this is the One Republic song I imagine Lucas laying down the bass track for. The wistfulness of the cover symbolizes where they both are in their lives—they need each other, but they don’t know it yet. By the end of the book, the original of this song really embodies who they are to each other—each complements the other and provides a missing part of their lives.

  “Someone I Used to Know”—Gotye, covered by Pentatonix

  This is Embellish’s first song. To me, the “someone” Cody is singing about is actually himself—the self he used to be and the self he feels he has to be to survive in the music industry. It also speaks to the tension between Cody and Keith.

  “Pour Some Sugar on Me”—Def Leppard, covered by University of Oregon’s On the Rocks

  This is the ultimate all-male a cappella college guy performance. They don’t take themselves too seriously. They’re known for springing this number on unsuspecting gatherings flash-mob style. I could see some of the competitors on Perfect Harmony busting this song out.

  “I Do Not Hook Up”—Kelly Clarkson

  Lucas doesn’t hook up. Except maybe he does. And when he gives in, they both fall way deeper than either expected.

  “Animal”–Neon Trees, covered by Dartmouth Aires

  When Cody and Lucas are forced to share a room, this song becomes highly relevant to Cody’s mental state.

  “Stay (Just a Little Bit Longer)”—Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs

  The first song that Embellish performs with Lucas in the group. It also speaks to how tempted Lucas is by Cody at this point in the book.

  “One Thing”—One Direction, covered by the Potsdam Pointercounts

  No offense to the original, but the deliciously awkward a cappella covers circulating are so Lucas and so much fun. And Cody totally has the one thing that drives Lucas more than a bit crazy.

  “If I Lose Myself ”—One Republic and cover by the Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones

  Lucas going to the club with Cody is a huge turning point in his life, and the original of this song really reflects the new trust he’s placing in Cody. The cover takes the song in a different, more yearning direction, showcasing how much Lucas wants to stay in this new life.

  “Latch”—Sam Smith, covered by Vanderbilt Melodores

  Falling in love is the best and scariest feeling in the world, and neither Cody nor Lucas wants to admit that’s what they’re feeling, but they’re totally latching on to each other.

  “Red Solo Cup”—Toby Keith, covered by Glee

  Country week tests the members of Embellish in many ways, but none more than in their assigned song.

  “Read My Mind”—The Killers, covered by the Notre Dame Undertones

  Cody’s changed and grown so much over the course of the book, but can Lucas see that? This song is a perfect fit for their fight. It’s really the theme song for Cody’s journey through the course of the book.

  “Stay With Me”—Sam Smith and cover by Rozzi Crane, Scott Hoying, and Mitch Grassi

  This song reflects the black moment where Cody and Lucas argue and all their fears come to the surface. The original is powerful and angry, but the cover is heartbreakingly raw—I see the contrast as the difference in how Cody and Lucas react to the fight.

  “Super Lover”—Barry White

  The Bass Off was my favorite scene to write, and I had to find the perfect song for the contest.

  “All About That Bass”—Megan Trainor, covered by Home Free

  After the Bass Off, Cody is all about his bass. And Cody loves Lucas exactly as he is, something that takes Lucas a bit to realize.

  “You Belong With Me”—Taylor Swift, covered by the University of Rochester Yellow Jackets

  I seriously wept the first time I saw this video. It’s a retelling of the song with two male leads, and it’s absolutely perfect. Despite being opposites, Cody and Lucas absolutely belong together. Further, I think all the members of the campus alliance group at Mount Monticello would love this one’s hopeful message, particularly Trevor (who gets his book next!).

  “It is Well With My Soul”—Vanderbilt Melodores

  Lucas goes through quite a journey with his faith, but at the end of the book, he’s defined what that means for him on a personal level, and he’s at peace after being deeply conflicted for so long.

  “Dynamite”—Taio Cruz, covered by the University of Rochester Yellow Jackets

  I see this song as a celebration of where Lucas is at the end of the book, fully embracing himself and the new journey he’s on.

  “Dog Days Are Over”—Florence and the Machine, covered by Pentatonix

  At the end of the book, Lucas and Cody have made it through some really hard moments to the reward of a lasting relationship. Their group Embellish is also running toward a future together—this song is about not giving up and going for exactly what you want in life.

  If you liked Treble Maker, look for the next book in the Perfect Harmony series, Love Me Tenor, coming in spring 2016! Keep reading for a special sneak peek.

  And don’t miss Annabeth’s Portland Heat series either, available now . . .

  In Portla
nd, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hardworking men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations . . .

  Served Hot

  Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hookup—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

  Baked Fresh

  Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat . . .