Tabloid Star
Page 17
“Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome. Like I said last time we met, it will get easier. Hollywood isn’t quite the queer utopia a lot of people believe it is, but it’s close. Still you’ll lose roles for no other reason than you’re gay and you’ll get offered roles you’d never consider doing for the same reason. Being ‘out’ in society is a hard choice to make and you have to be tough to deal with things.”
Ryan reached out and took Josh’s hand, flashing his lover a smile when Josh looked at him. Ryan had dealt with the tabloids exposing his sexuality and came through it determined to live his life on his terms, not dictated to by public opinion, even if it meant his career stalled.
“The best advice I can give you is keep your personal life private, but on those occasions when you can’t, conduct yourself with class. Don’t punch out photographers, no matter how much you might want to. If you treat them with respect, most of them will treat you well.”
“I appreciate the help, Garrett.”
“If I might offer a piece of advice as well,” CJ spoke up.
He nodded and noticed Josh doing the same.
CJ took Garrett’s hand in his and smiled at the actor. The love shining in his eyes drew a gasp from Ryan. Josh tightened his grip on Ryan’s hand, letting him know he was just as affected.
“Hold the ones you love close, especially the man who holds your heart. It’s easy to lose each other in this business, but if you keep your grip tight and your love strong, you’ll both survive.”
Watching Garrett kiss CJ, Ryan marveled at their ability to ignore the people around them and sink into each other. He turned toward Josh.
“I want that,” he whispered, tilting his head to indicate the other couple.
Josh’s smile was gentle and full of love. “We’ll get there, honey. We’ve got all the time in the world to build a solid foundation. I love you, Ryan, and you being willing to bring me as your date to this award thing is enough for me right now.”
Ryan leaned against Josh, absorbing heat and strength from his lover’s presence.
“I love you,” he murmured.
Josh was right. Speaking their love out loud to each other was enough for now and he had taken the first steps to being “out” by having Josh escort him to the ceremony. From here on, they would deal with everything that happened together and be the stronger for it.
About the Author
To learn more about T.A. Chase please visit www.tachase.blogspot.com Send an email to T.A. at chase.ta@gmail.com
Look for these titles by T. A. Chase
Now Available:
Out of Bounds
Bound by Love
High Line
Will giving him the green flag lead to love…or heartache?
High Line
© 2009 T.A. Chase
Love of Sports, Book 2
CJ Lamont is at the top of the racing world but his winning record is based on a carefully constructed lie. His world falls apart when his ex-wife reveals the truth. As he hits rock bottom, rescue comes from an unexpected source—Garrett Johnson, Hollywood’s hottest leading man.
Garrett’s acting career is taking off, bringing him accolades he’d never imagined. Good friends and family keep his days hopping, but watching his twin brother fall in love exposes the emptiness in Garrett’s life created by the betrayal of his ex-lover.
Garrett offers CJ a place to heal and a shoulder to lean on, telling himself it’s only to keep CJ from taking a more destructive path. But as time passes, the two men grow closer and CJ realizes he has a decision to make—whether to rebuild his fictitious life, or admit to loving a man who shines brighter than the Hollywood stars.
Will he reach for the star or sink back into his old life?
Warning: This title contains hot man love, sticky situations with honey, fast cars and faster men.
Enjoy the following excerpt for High Line:
“Thanks for coming. I enjoyed it. I haven’t had many people over since moving in.” He took the highball of whiskey and followed Garrett to the front door.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me this month, CJ. If you ever need anything or anyone to talk to, call me. I’ll be glad to help out.”
Something in Garrett’s tone or words hit home. Afterward, he never could figure out what made him do it. He gripped Garrett’s arm, pulling the taller man tight to him. He dropped his glass, not caring about the whiskey stain on the carpet as he buried his fingers in Garrett’s hair and brought their lips together.
Garrett’s lips were as soft as CJ had imagined them to be. Garrett froze for a second and CJ whimpered, afraid he would push him away. For this moment in time, CJ wanted to taste a man without worrying about being discovered or exposed. Garrett wouldn’t say anything.
Shuddering, Garrett wrapped his arms around CJ’s waist and crushed him to his hard chest. Strong hands cupped CJ’s ass, rocking their groins together as the kiss went deeper. He opened his mouth to allow Garrett entrance. The taste of the beer the actor had with dinner danced along CJ’s tongue as he stroked along the inside of his bottom lip. Warm breath washed over his lips when he moaned.
CJ followed willingly as Garrett leaned back against the door and spread his legs, cradling CJ within the space between his thighs. He rubbed his aching erection over the bulge in Garrett’s jeans. A fleeting thought raced through his mind. For the first time in his life, kissing another man seemed natural instead of something he should be ashamed of or needed to hide.
Tingling traced along his spine and gathered at the small of his back. He was going to come in his jeans. His movements were jerky as his climax built.
The ring of the phone broke their embrace. Fuck, he’d broken all his rules. CJ stared at Garrett in horror. Not only had he kissed a guy, he’d done it while he was still married. Shit, he’d just cheated on his wife. It didn’t matter that they were separated and about to get a divorce. He had some honor left.
Garrett panted and CJ found his own breathing matched the actor’s. He watched the passion dissolve out of Garrett’s green eyes to be replaced with understanding and compassion. The phone stopped ringing.
“I should go.” Garrett ran a thumb over CJ’s swollen bottom lip. “When you’re free to admit who you really are, come find me.”
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