It's 1953, and the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Paul Dunham couldn't be hotter on the dancefloor or the silver screen. Hoping to capitalize on Paul's popularity, the studio pairs him with up-and-comer Jack Wells.<br><br>On the marquee, it's a match made in heaven, but for Paul, it's a personal hell. He hates Jack's newfangled acting style, and he hates Jack's blue eyes, and he especially hates the fact that Jack is one of the most talented dancers he has ever met.<br><br>Jack, however, doesn't hate Paul. In fact, everything Paul does fascinates him. After their first meeting, Jack is determined to win Paul over, and he won't back down until Paul admits the two of them are perfect partners ... in every way.

Sticks and Stones

“What about the rest of it?” Jack looked back and forth. “How does the rest of it look?”


Paul glanced over to Sweet. “How about it? Is there anything worth showing us?”


“No. Let me work out a few steps and we’ll meet again after lunch.”


While Sweet went over to the pianist, Jack popped up to block Paul’s path. “But we’re not done. We’ve got the whole morning to work.”


A dozen excuses sprang to mind. He could easily avoid Jack for the rest of the morning, and probably most of the afternoon, but he had done okay. Good, even. “We can work out the rough spots on the opening number.”


The boyish grin surprised him, and for a split second, he almost imagined he saw what the audiences might like about Jack. “That kick you did around the chair needs to stay, though. The one you did during the bridge. That popped.”


Chapter 13