Scene designer Charlie Cox is in a clandestine relationship with the theater's lead actor, Ricky Moore. Charlie knows it will never be more than that because Ricky is too egotistical to want to be seen in public with a man who has deep burn scars on one arm. Not that Charlie blames him, since he's certain he’s a freak in almost everyone's eyes. Jace Parish, the scene shop boss, is in love with Charlie but will never let him know. Jace thinks he’s uninteresting because he’s thirty and starting to bald, which makes him look middle-aged. He also has never admitted to anyone he works with that he’s gay. Liam Dolan owns the gym where Jace comes to work out his anger and frustration. Liam has been drawn to Jace from the beginning but believes Jace is straight, so has never revealed his feelings to Jace. Ricky Moore knows he is using Charlie for his own selfish ends. What Ricky can't figure out is why, when he can and does have anyone he wants in his bed, he keeps coming back to Charlie. These four men have preconceived ideas about themselves and each other. What will it take for them to realize love is possible, if they will only give it a chance?

Hell, Look at Me

“Umm, yeah. Why?” Charlie asked as he headed to his office to drop off his jacket and messenger bag.


“Just wanted to be sure you weren’t sleep deprived.”


Charlie turned to stare at him. “Okay, what’s going on with you?”


“Well, we have a lot of work to do.”


“Most of which doesn’t require me. You have a good crew for that.”


“Still need your input and you know it,” Jace said, not quite looking at Charlie.


“Jace…” Charlie dropped his things on the table by the door and came back to join his friend. “Now the truth.”


“I had supper with Ricky last night.”


Charlie felt his pulse quicken for a moment and tamped down the emotions Ricky’s name engendered. “So? And as far as that goes, why?”


“He came in here looking for you. Said he wanted some, umm, ‘sane’ company for a while. You weren’t here so, being far from sane at the moment, I volunteered.”


“He was looking for me?” Charlie whispered in utter shock.


Chapter 12