Free Role of a Lifetime by Denise McCray

Chapter One
     
     
    Sharese Moore shifted uncomfortably in her seat while the man on stage strutted and recited his lines like they were written especially for him. Heat coursed through her body and settled in between her legs. She’d seen him on television and knew he was hot, but the real thing was no comparison. Not even close.
    “ He’s good huh?” she whispered to Dennis O’Neal, the director of the play, her eyes glued on the handsome actor. She scrunched up her forehead when her friend dabbed her chin with a handkerchief. “What are you doing?”
    “ Just wiping the drool off your face, sweetie.”
    Sh e scowled in his direction, but quickly returned her gaze to the man on stage. She’d watched others as they recited the same lines, but there was no doubt in her mind that this man, Joseph Proudfoot, should be her co-star in the production. “Yeah, he’s gorgeous, but more importantly, he’s the best man for the part.”
    Dennis gave a noncommi ttal grunt which grabbed her complete attention. “He’s doing
    oka y—”
    “ He’s doing a whole lot better than okay, and you know it. What’s going on here?”
    The director simply pursed his lips and s tared off into space. “He doesn’t have what the producers are looking for.”
    “ Which is?”
    “ Let’s just say he may not be acceptable to the ones paying for all this,” he said as he waved his hand around. “Some real important people are pouring millions into this production. They’re expecting a profit and a large one at that.”
    Sh e knew what the producers wanted. They certainly paid her a great deal to star in the play, and advised her from jump they expected not only substantial profits but also critical acclaim. “You can’t tell me that man isn’t made for this part, Dennis.”
    He turned his head away from her and paused a moment. “Between you and me, he’s the best man for the role, but—”
    “ But what?”
    “ The decision is not only up to me, and you’ve been around long enough to know that.”
    She certainly did, but it still didn’t make sense. So much of show business wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t performers be judged on their talent alone, rather than a bunch of nonsensical factors. A good acting job is why people bought tickets to their plays. “You’ve heard my opinion.”
    He leaned over, patted her on the head and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Yes, I have. Now sit back and enjoy this.” He stood up and signaled for the actor to halt his recitation. “Alright, Joseph. Since the play involves some nudity, we need to see your body. Can you remove your clothing now?”
    Sharese’s breath hitched and her heart began to hammer as if it was trying to crack a rib or two. She’d seen him shirtless on television, but to see him naked in person was a dream come true. He slowly slid his shirt over his head and tossed it onto the gleaming stage, exposing his famous washboard abs and tattooed chest. She leaned forward to get a better look at his perfect form. Her fingers itched for the opportunity to touch him, run her hands all over his hard physique. When he popped open the button to his jeans and lowered the zipper, Dennis had to lay his hand on her arm to keep her from leaping out of her seat. In one smooth movement, he stepped out of his pants and stood before them in a pair of tight black briefs. The underwear clearly outlined his cock. She licked her lips when he hooked his thumbs into the sides and allowed them to fall around his feet. Finally he was completely naked and seemingly unmindful of what he was doing to her and probably every other person in the theatre with a pulse.
    She had never seen a more beautiful human being. As Dennis directed him to turn around so they could see his whole body, her eyes widened as they took in his tight ass and magnificent tattoo displayed over his back. She knew it was an image of a dream catcher, hell, anyone who watched his show knew what it was. The soap opera