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

He got an answer to that question at the end of the evening. As everyone was leaving, thanking him for a good time, only Merianne and Evan held back. They seemed to be in a deep discussion while finishing up their drinks. Apparently they realized that the party was over because they quickly came over to Jace.


“Thanks for inviting me,” Evan said shyly. “It was more fun than I expected.” He glanced at Merianne momentarily, smiling.


“It was,” Merianne agreed. “So, we’ll see you tomorrow I suspect. Right now this girl is going home to sleep or I’ll be worthless in the morning.”


“Good night, both of you. It was a pleasure meeting you, Evan,” Liam said, joining them. “Even though Miss Merianne here kept you monopolized most of the evening.”


Liam grinned, patting her head. When she growled at him, he winked at Evan. “She really loves when people do this to her.”


Chapter 38