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

Finally, Liam said, “Done,” standing back to admire his handiwork. “I like.”


Carefully moving the towel so the hair on it ended up—mostly—in the tub, Jace stood and tentatively went to look in the mirror. “Whoa,” he exclaimed. He looked, at least in his opinion, younger. Not young…But not like the old guy I’ve been seeing in the mirror for the last couple of years.


Liam came up behind him, wrapping his arms around him. “Definitely a new you.”


“No kidding.” Jace ran one hand over his newly shaved head before he turned in Liam’s embrace, looking up at him. “Thank you.”


“Any time.” Liam grinned. “Damn, I wish I could be there tomorrow when you walk into work.”


“Me too. I might need you to shove me through the door.”


Liam snorted. “Not even. Okay. Let’s clean up this mess, take a shower to get the little snippets off you, and head to bed.”


Jace’s eyes widened. He said that so…so naturally. As if we do that every night.


Chapter 39