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

“Because when it comes to where I can go in this business, Paul is it. The more I know about him, about how he works, what he does, the more I can use to get ahead on my own.”


Betty rolled her eyes. “So, again, I ask what good it does to antagonize him?”


“No good,” Paul said from behind Jack. “He’s just got a shitty sense of humor.”


Slowly, Jack turned. Paul had taken the time between rehearsal and now to eradicate the effects of his sleepless night. His hair was immaculately combed, the five o’clock shadow long gone. Gone were the ill-fitting dance clothes. His perfectly tailored dark suit framed his broad shoulders and lean hips like he’d been born in it, turning his dark eyes into fathomless pools, fixed unsmilingly on Jack.


Every ounce of blood in his veins went barreling south. Jack had to lean his elbows back against the bar and let his jacket fall open in order to let some of the heat overwhelming him escape.


Chapter 27