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

“Afraid so. I need food and then sleep if I’m going to face tomorrow with a working brain.” Picking up his bag and the clothes he’d worn to the gym, he headed to the shower. He heard a chuckle and turned back to see Liam watching him with a grin on his face. “Well, I do,” Jace called out before pushing open the door to the shower room.


When he was finished and dressed, Jace returned to the main room. Liam was watching two men sparring, giving pointers to both of them. As if sensing Jace’s presence, he turned and held up a finger before going back to what he was doing. Wondering why, Jace went over to the refreshment counter to wait.


Liam came over a few minutes later, snagged a couple of bottles of water from the fridge and tossed one to Jace. “So. Dinner. I was thinking I need a break, there’s a halfway decent restaurant down the street, and you’re planning on eating. So why not do it there with me?”


Chapter 29