Gaz’s eyes narrowed.“I know where I think I’ve seen you before.You look like that actor.You know, the one who’s going to be doing that play here.Some guys from work have got tickets to see it.He used to be a real hottie.”
“Thank you.”Hudson laughed.
“You know the American.Oh, what’s his name?Matt…Bomer, no, that’s not the one.You don’t look much like him.”He snapped his fingers.“Hudson Rhodes.”Then he leaned in even closer.“Actually, you look alotlike him.Older, but you could pass for brothers.I used to really fucking fancy him when I was young, you know.”
Any spark of interest Hudson might have had in Gaz was rapidly going out.
Undeterred, Gaz carried on.“Have you seen that horror film he was in?The one where he gets chased around in his underpants by the killer?”
Hudson took a strong drink.“I don’t watch horror films.”
“This is a good one.If only for that scene.There’s a bit where his pants get caught and he flashes his arse.”Gaz cupped his hands in the air to demonstrate grabbing a feel.“You only see it quickly, but I used to pause the DVD at that exact moment just to get a good look.”He pulled out his phone.“I bet I can find it online.I’ll show you.”
If Hudson had had a hard-on, that was the exact moment he’d have gone soft.
The sexual tension that had built up across the day finally dissipated.He checked his watch.It was almost eleven.If he got out of here soon, he could be in bed by twelve and get a decent night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s day in the studio.He threw back his drink.
“Gaz, it’s been really nice to meet, but I’m done in.I’m going to head off now.You have a good night.”
Gaz didn’t look up from his eager scrolling.“Just a minute.I’ve almost found it.The film isRed Hills Massacre.Wait until you see how hot this guy was.”
“Have fun at The Viaduct,” Hudson called as he walked away.He couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
Chapter Five
A Truce
The next morning, Hudson was in a much better frame of mind.After his failed attempt to explore the gay scene of Blyham for a one-night stand, he’d gone straight back to his apartment.
In bed, he’d spent some time searching through the archives ofThe Blyham Chronicleto see the kind of articles Luke Kamal had written.What Rav had told him about Luke appeared to check out.His reviews of local theatre shows and art exhibitions were intelligent and well-informed.From what he could see, theChroniclewas one of the few newspapers outside of London that ran a comprehensive weekly art supplement, and Luke was given plenty of space to embrace his interests and passions.
Hudson had widened his search to look over Luke’s social media and was pleased to find it equally professional, with no questionable behaviour or political rantings.He discovered that Luke had also written a non-fiction book about the history of Blyham’s Empire Theatre, whereDarkest Bluewould soon be opening.The last thing he did before falling asleep was to order a copy of the book.
When Luke arrived at the rehearsal studio, Hudson decided it was time for them to start again.
“Hi,” he greeted him.“Got a minute?”
Luke’s dark eyes narrowed warily before he smiled.Even though it was forced, the smile sent a pure rush all through Hudson.“Of course.”
“Well, there’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just come out with it.I’ve been behaving like a complete asshole these last few days and I’m sorry.It’s not your fault.It’s mine.I’ve had…issues with certain journalists in the past which have tainted my opinion.I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be the same.”
The smile took on a warmer aspect.“I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that, but I can assure you I’m not a gossip journalist.I don’t look for dirt.Never have, never will.”
“I realise that now.”Then he admitted, “I’ve done some homework on you.And it all seems to check out.”
Luke laughed openly.“I’m glad to hear it.I meant everything I said yesterday.It’s an honour for me to have such privileged access to this production and I want nothing but the best for this play and the theatre.This is a big deal for me.”
They were among the first to arrive that morning.Manuella and Steve Dillard, who played the other male lead, were also late, but even Julian had yet to make an appearance.Andie and Rav had their heads together with a set designer.
“Do you feel like getting a proper coffee before we start?”Hudson suggested.
“Absolutely.”
There was a large coffee shop in the foyer of the Concert Hall.Hudson breathed in the gorgeous scent of Luke’s cologne as they walked down to the front.Now that he had given himself permission to like Luke, he was suddenly all in.
Luke was a good few inches taller than him.Hudson kept stealing glances as they progressed.His profile was just as strong as his front view, the chin, the nose, the thick dark hair.All very masculine.Very handsome.
“I see you wrote a book about the theatre we’re moving into.”
