https://www.totallybound.com/play-acting |
Thanks for
having me here today Cerise and letting me share this final installment in the Gin & Jazz series. I have an
exclusive excerpt to share with you as well. The books all take place during
the Roaring Twenties and feature the exploits of several men who trudge their
way through the pitfalls and decadence of Hollywood. This one can be read as a
standalone as it tells the complete love story of two men from the series who
haven’t been able to find their HEA yet. Poor guys…
The past few years haven’t been kind to fading film star, Roman Pasquale. But then again, he was never very kind to anyone else either. He’s had time to reminisce on his mistakes and to accept responsibility for how he hurt others. Now that Global Studios has turned its back on him, he’s had to sell his grand estate and start over in a modest apartment.
His former co-star, actress Maude Simons, suggests that he meet with new playwright, Max Vogel. Not only will he get the chance to be the star again, Roman can really use the money. What he doesn’t expect is how strongly he’s attracted to the easygoing, confident young man—and the very wicked thoughts he has about him.
Playwright and director, Max Vogel, is delighted that the great Roman Pasquale has agreed to star in his play. What he is unprepared for however, is the intense physical spark that ignites the moment they meet. He’s been warned of Roman’s reputation for being difficult to work with, but he’s willing to take the risk—even though his career depends on the success of this one play.
Max needs to coax a heartfelt performance out of Roman, and Roman needs to live up to his resolve to be a better man. But maybe the real issue is whether or not the director and actor can resist the passion they have for one another, a lust so strong that it catches them unaware. Is their lust really love? Or will the drive for success destroy any hope for a happily-ever-after?
Exclusive
Excerpt from Play Acting (Gin & Jazz
7)
“How may I be
of help to you, sir?”
The host
spoke in a flat tone of voice, regarding him with expert indifference.
Did I really enjoy this charade at one time?
“I’m meeting
a Mr Max Vogel at one o’clock. Has he arrived?”
Roman made
certain that his tone and expression was just as apathetic.
“Mr Pasquale,
I presume?”
He resisted
the urge to roll his eyes and fought to keep his disdain for the smug host
under control.
“Yes, you may
presume.”
“Right this
way, sir.”
Already Roman
wanted to escape, to go back to his apartment that had managed to become a safe
haven for him within a very short time. The entire business of being out and about,
prancing around as though he were still the same exalted film star of before
had him unnerved, sweating—even trembling. He had the bizarre sensation that he
reeked of fear, of desperation. That this Max person would immediately spot it
and Roman would be exposed for the giant failure that he was.
As they
passed the long family style tables they eventually reached a secluded section
that contained private booths. Rounding the corner, Roman spotted him. It was
Max, he was sure of it. He was seated at the far end of the room in a half moon
shaped booth. He had one arm draped casually over the back of the cushion. His
body was in a state of complete relaxation, a slight look of contentment on his
face. Roman was too far away still to ascertain many details about the young
man, except that Maude had been right about her basic assessment. He was young.
He had dark curly hair. And he appeared not to have a care in the world.
When they
were within almost five feet of the table, the bored host spoke up.
“Mr Vogel?
Your party has arrived.”
Max snapped
his head in Roman’s direction, an easy smile lighting up his face—his rather
attractive face. He leaned up, reaching across the table with his hand
extended. Roman accepted his offer, the warmth of Max’s strong fingers curling
around his own unexpectedly enjoyable.
“Mr Pasquale,
it’s a great honor.”
Shocked at
his own reaction, Roman reluctantly pulled his hand away after giving Max’s a
final squeeze.
“The honor is
all mine, Mr Vogel.”
He’d said it
as he’d unbuttoned his suit coat, elegantly lowering himself into the booth.
Max was seated in the very middle at the curve, and Roman sat to his right.
Since Roman was over six feet tall, he was mindful not to stretch his legs out
too far or he would be in danger of nudging Max’s feet. He swallowed, suddenly
uncomfortable in a way he hadn’t been in a long while.
“Please call
me Max.”
Roman smiled
in the slightest. Yes. He wanted to call him Max.
“Then you
must call me Roman.”
“I’d like
that.”
Max still had
an easy smile on his lips and he gazed at Roman with what he could best
describe as an open and honest expression. It was impossible for Roman to keep
from completely studying him. It was hard to ascertain what his body was like
exactly underneath the suit jacket, but he appeared trim. The mop of curly hair
was being vainly held at bay on the sides with some pomade—however, it seemed
that Max had given up on taming it completely.
But it was
the man’s eyes that held him. They were a lighter shade of green that was
brighter than any he’d ever seen before. Set in the pale skin and contrasting
with the dark hair, the overall effect was breathtaking.
Breathtaking?
Roman pursed
his lips and adjusted himself in the booth.
“If this
restaurant isn’t suitable for you, we can go somewhere else. I want you to be
comfortable.”
Max appeared
to be eyeing him in a concerned way. In a way that no one had bothered to look
at him in a very long while. Maude may be concerned about him at times, but
she’d certainly never looked at him like that.
“This is
quite acceptable, my dear Max.” He made a show of glancing about the room with
interest. “I’ve heard wonderful things.”
Max’s
captivating eyes lit up. “Oh marvelous, you haven’t been here before? I’d love
to share with you some of my favorite things they have. What do you like? I can
make some suggestions.” He stopped, turning almost shy for a moment. “That is,
if you don’t mind.”
Roman cleared
his throat and tried to maintain his composure. All thoughts of potential
employment had been temporarily eradicated. Something told him that he needed
to keep all of his focus on not behaving like a complete dolt in front of the
sensuous morsel seated next to him. He held no delusions that the delicious Max
Vogel would ever be interested in his ancient ass, but regardless, Roman didn’t
want to make a fool of himself.
“Not at all.
I’m sure any suggestions you make would be quite enjoyable.” A bit of his
previous rakishness had come to the surface before he could prevent it. “I love
it when a man knows what he wants.”
Dear Lord. I do believe my cock is actually
hardening.
Max’s eyes
widened just enough so that it was noticeable. “Excellent. I’ll bring the
waiter over so we can order lunch and get to know one another a bit before we
move on to business. Unless you’re pressed for time?”
Oh yes, I’m so frightfully busy these days.
“I cleared my
schedule just for you, Max. You may have me for as long as you wish.”
Max’s cheeks
reddened a tad and Roman had to adjust himself again. He was most definitely
hard for the delightful man. It had been so long since he’d felt real desire
for someone, he’d thought it no longer possible.
“I’m very
glad to hear that. Let’s enjoy our meal then.”
Max favored
him with a warm smile.
I would like to enjoy much more with you,
Max Vogel.
****
Available at
Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/play-acting
Amazon:
You can find
Morticia lurking about at these places:
www.morticiaknight.blogspot.commorticiaknight@gmail.com
Twitter: @morticiaknight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morticia.knight
1 comment:
The books sound awesome. Will have to check them out.
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