Stage actor Tim Gregory finds someone has broken into his dressing room and turned everything upside down. When police detective Brent Sullivan and his partner arrive, Tim thinks it’s because of the vandalism. But it turns out the detectives want to question him about  a missing necklace that was stolen some time ago.<br><br>After seeing the destruction in Tim’s dressing room, Brent is convinced the police aren’t the only ones who want the necklace. Unfortunately, Tim doesn’t remember what happened to it. But someone doesn’t care if he remembers or not. As romance sparks between Tim and Brent, time is ticking. Will Brent be able to solve the mystery – and keep Tim safe, too?

Improvise

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”


Shouldn’t have. Wouldn’t have. Mightn’t have. Everything is about regret.


“No. I’m sorry.” Tim’s eyes are warm with tears. Things have gone from bad to worse. Tim feels angrywith his dad, with his dad’s accomplices, with himself. He can’t help it anymore. He has been trying to restrain himself all day but now that everyone’s gone—almost everyone—Tim feels his chest is about to burst.


“Let it go.” With a start Tim suddenly realizes how close Brent is. He pulls back but Brent just traps him more tightly in his embrace. “It’s okay, Tim, just let me.”


Tim goes limp and he lets out a shudder as he sobs quietly on Brent’s chest, soaking Brent’s shirt. The man murmurs softly, giving as much time as Tim needs, until he calms down. Brent smooths Tim’s head.


Chapter 12