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

“Of course,” Charlie agreed, squeezing his hand. “Before tonight, it wasour past, if you see what I’m saying. Ergo the past tense.” He chuckled. “A very tense past as far as I was concerned. Now, it’s just a part of our whole relationship. A part I have no intention of repeating, so it’s up to you. Will I have to walk away because tonight was an anomaly?”


“No. This is our new life, if it’s what you want. It will always be the two of us together, both in bed—which by all that’s holy I do not want to lose—and anywhere and everywhere else.”


Charlie smiled, leaning forward to plant a hard kiss on Ricky’s lips. “I think I can deal with that.”


When Ricky tugged him closer and returned the kiss, it deepened and became hungry. If they hadn’t been in a public place it would have led to much more. But they were. A fact they were reminded of when Julian tapped Ricky’s shoulder and said laughingly, “Get a room.”


Chapter 18