Blue-Eyed Soul by Fae Sutherland, Chelsea James Page B

but then seemed to realize where they were and shook his head with a smile before turning to jog down the rest of the steps.
    Remey admitted he didn't pay any attention to the kids for the rest of practice. It was as if he could still feel Aleks's eyes on him.
    So the kids weren't the only ones impatient for practice to end, and he had to admit he felt a little relieved when Aleks called it quits for the night.
    "Alright, everybody, get one last cup of hot chocolate and thank the Landons. I'll see most of you in classes tomorrow."
    Aleks hopped off the riser and glanced up at the stands. Remey's heart raced. Now came the question of the night. What happened next? Because Remey had come wanting more than a sneak peek at the marching band's titillating performance. There was way more simmering under the surface of their meetings over the past week, and Remey knew exactly what he wanted to do about it. Unfortunately, he was pretty sure offering to let Aleks do any damn thing he pleased to him would run the poor guy off.
    Thank God, the paparazzi hadn't shown up. They must have the night off or something, or maybe they didn't care he was sitting around watching the marching band perform at the high school. Not entrancing press.
    Aleks approached the stands, glancing up to meet Remey's gaze. Slowly, Remey stood and came down the rows to the railing of the stands, peering down at Aleks.
    "Hey."
    Aleks glanced around, then back up at him. "Hey. So... I'm done here."
    Remey smiled. Obvious hint is obvious, Aleks. Remey took the hint, though, because the fact Aleks was making such an obvious unspoken invitation was huge. "I see that. I'm cold. Want to go get some coffee and maybe a piece of pie at the café?"
    Thank God, Aleks grinned. "Now you've done it. You said pie. I'll officially be unable to sleep tonight without a slice."
    Remey laughed, fingering his keys in the pocket of his coat. "Mental note--you have a weakness for pie." It'd been years since his mama had taught him how to bake a pie, but Remey thought he could manage it, if it'd mean getting Aleks to warm up to him a little. "I'll meet you there?"
    Aleks nodded, and Remey stepped off the bleachers.
    "I'm kind of surprised your admirers aren't here."
    Remey shook his head, wrapping his scarf more tightly around his neck. "I'm glad. I'm hoping maybe they're getting bored and will leave me--and everyone else--alone soon. I meant to warn you the other night they'd probably make some fuss about me being at your house." His publicist had e-mailed him the link to an article on TMZ, speculating about who Aleks was and what was between them. Rory had asked if there was anything he needed to know. Oh, how Remey wished there was.
    Aleks shrugged. "I kind of figured they would. My sister-in-law made a big deal about it. In a good way, though. She likes you and your music, I guess."
    Remey smiled. "That's always fun to hear. I never get used to it, you know? Every time someone tells me they like my music, I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning." They reached his car and he pulled his keys out of his pocket, grinning at Aleks. "I'll see you in about ten minutes, right? No standing me up?"
    "Not when there's pie involved." Aleks shot back, and Remey laughed as he climbed into his car, turning up the heat, even though it was only a quick drive.
    * * * *
    Ten minutes later, Aleks was pulling up behind Remey. He climbed out and gestured to the car, one of those part-SUV, part-car hybrids. "You want to get some snow tires soon. Hybrids don't do so well when it gets snowy and icy."
    Remey glanced at his car, then at Aleks and smiled. "Really? Thanks. I figured the all-wheel drive would be enough."
    Aleks snorted. "We get upward of sixty inches of snow every winter. Your low-riding hybrid is going to end up stuck in every bank if you're not careful."
    Remey laughed. "See, this is why I need a guide, sort of. There should be some sort of small-town mentor program or something."
    Aleks