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

“How about we trade for information?” Jack said. “I tell you where I live, you tell me the truth about what happened last night.”


“How do I win in this plan? I could just dump you at a hotel and go home for the night.”


Something closed off in Jack’s face then. He disappeared from the mirror, stretching out on the seat and propping his heels up on the window.


“You’re right, of course,” came Jack’s disembodied voice. “Nobody wins. No game, no foul, nothing but you going your way and me going mine.” He rattled off an address in Pasadena. Paul could only hope it was actually his.


They drove in silence until Paul reached the Pasadena freeway. He kept glancing up to his rearview mirror, waiting for Jack to sit up again. But he wasn’t moving in the back. Paul couldn’t even be sure Jack was still awake. Most people would be passed out by this point.


Chapter 31