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

For the most part, Paul did his best to keep his distance from Jack, and Jack seemed to respect that. He hadn’t asked, but he was certain Jack remembered the kiss. Paul had thought of little else, both in and out of their rehearsals. At first, Paul tensed every time he was left alone with Jack for more than a few seconds, convinced Jack would try to push for a second kiss. Paul could be the strong one and deny him, but he wasn’t made of steel. And he knew, though he hoped Jack didn’t, that he would bend if Jack pushed hard enough. But he didn’t. Paul thought that meant they might have reached some sort of understanding between the two of them.


That belief, along with his improved mood, spurred Paul to approach Jack while Betty was trying to master a series of increasingly fast steps.


Chapter 38