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

Paul debated following him. He could catch him before he reached the front door and do something. He wasn’t sure what. Apologize? Offer to drive Jack? Ask him if he wanted to go out to one of the diners off the highway for breakfast? But he had the feeling that Jack wasn’t going to accept that invitation.


“Well, fuck it. Maybe he’ll leave me alone now,” Paul muttered, without any real feeling. He slammed the door, but even the vibration through the walls didn’t make him feel better. Collapsing on the bed didn’t make him feel better, either. What did Jack want from him? Did Jack want him to pretend they lived in some sort of fantasy land, where they could do whatever they wanted, and nobody would ever try to hurt them?


Paul sighed. Clearly, he was the bad guy in the situation. That was fine. He could be the bad guy. It wouldn’t be the first time in his life.


Chapter 52