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

“Only one way to find out. Ask him.”


Jace snorted. “And have him ban me from the gym for life?”


“I don’t think that will happen, Jace.”


“Well I’m not taking the chance.” Jace walked away from the conversation to the door to the backstage area.


“Chicken,” Charlie said, following on his heels.


“Nope, just not willing to be hurt again,” Jace replied quietly.


Jace might not have been ready to believe what Charlie had said about Liam, but he didn’t dismiss it out of hand it either. He was torn, wishing, hoping, that Charlie was right. And afraid that he was, but that he’d misread Liam’s motives.


If Liam’s interested in me he’s never indicated…Okay, maybe he hasbut only as a friend. Not by anything that says he might see me as someone he’d like to get involved with. Yeah, he kissed me that night at the party, but it was all for show. For the game we were playing. The same with the dancing. Or…


Chapter 31