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

“Nope, you probably went home, buried your head in your books, and shut out the world so no one could hurt you, the same as you do now. Well, quit it. You have friends here who accept you just the way you are. Deal with that and who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and find a man who appreciates you for the person you are inside.”


“Yeah, Charlie, like me. I mean, Ido accept everything about you because we’re friends. That’s what friends are for. Okay, enough lecturing. We have a job to do and the guys are probably lolling around since I’m not there to get them in gear.”


Charlie chuckled. “I doubt that, but yeah, we should start earning our paychecks. So light a fire under them and holler if you need me.”


Chapter 13