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

As they drove to the club, Charlie kept glancing at Ricky, wondering what had made him decide to do this. And here I was going to tell him it was over. It’s like he read my mind and decided that wasn’t happening. But why? He almost asked, but was afraid if he did it could screw things up somehow. Just be happy he’s finally willing to be seen with me.


The first thing Charlie noticed when they entered the club was a contingent of the theater company taking up three tables that they’d pulled together to make one long one along a wall. Someone had apparently told a joke because they were all laughing.


“Let’s grab a beer and go find out what’s so funny,” Ricky said, putting his hand on the small of Charlie’s back to steer him toward the bar. When they got their drinks, Ricky casually put his free arm around Charlie’s waist as they walked to join the others.


Chapter 15