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

And Paul thought he could use the reminder, too.


Not even having the top down on the convertible, with the cool autumn sun beating down on his head, was enough to settle Jack’s stomach. He had known it was going to be bad as soon as he saw the papers. He looked like a two-bit hood, ready to tear apart even the most innocent of bystanders. That wasn’t how movie stars comported themselves. That wasn’t how moviegoers wanted to see their favorite actors. It might’ve been real, but even Jack wouldn’t trust the man he saw in the photos. Every raw emotion was etched across his face. The anger. The frustration. Through it all, Paul looked as perfect as ever.


There would have been a time Jack would’ve turned his fury toward the man who came through the events smelling like roses. He would have said,It’s Paul’s fault. If he’d just given me an inch, I wouldn’t have tried to take a mile.


Chapter 36