Free The Final Act by Bonnie Dee Page A

plate.
    “Mr. Lucas?” A beautiful woman with upswept, honey-blonde hair and impeccable make-up approached Michael. She wore a short black dress and very high heels. “Hi. I’m Jennifer Sorenson from the Trib .” She extended her hand.
    Michael set his plate down and took it.
    “I just wanted to congratulate you on the fabulous performance. We were all part of something really special here tonight.”
    “Uh. Thanks.”
    She looked at Denny. “You, too, Mr. Reeves. It was simply a stellar production all around.”
    Denny smiled and thanked her, then spoke to Michael quietly. “I’m going to call and make sure everything’s all right. I’ll be back.” Reaching into his pocket to pull out his cell phone, he turned to leave the crowded, noisy room, then froze in his tracks.
    Tom’s stocky frame filled the doorway. He wore a blue suit and clenched a program in one of his big hands. His dark eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at Denny. He jammed the program in his jacket pocket, lifted his hands and clapped.
    Denny remained frozen for a moment, taking in every detail of the image of Tom standing in the doorway. He would remember this moment, this feeling, for the rest of his life. He walked into Tom’s embrace, hugging his solid body and burying his face in his neck. He breathed in the smell of Tom’s skin and his sage-scented cologne.
    “I missed you so much.”
    “Don’t. I’m going to start bawling in front of these people.” Tom’s voice was thick.
    Stepping back, Denny took his boyfriend’s face between his hands and kissed him. Tom’s mouth was warm and familiar. It tasted like home. After a long, deep kiss, Denny pulled away.
    “Come on. We need some privacy for this.” He took the other man’s hand and led him out into the hall.
    “Sorry, I’m late. I’ve had this flu thing, so after the show I ran across the street to a pharmacy to buy something to settle my stomach and—”
    Denny pushed him against the wall, silencing him with a kiss. Their mouths clashed together, hot and wet, teeth clicking with the force of it. Denny plunged his tongue between Tom’s lips and took possession of his mouth, one hand curled around the back of his neck, holding him steady.
    Tom splayed his hands over Denny’s back, pulling him even closer.
    Denny pressed into him, his erection rubbing against the matching bulge in Tom’s pants. After a few more searing kisses, he pulled away panting. “Sorry. You were saying?”
    Tom smiled and stroked his face. “I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier. My battery went dead and by the time we landed it was too close to curtain and I didn’t want to disturb your ‘process’.” He laughed. He always teased Denny about his acting exercises. “Anyway, the show was wonderful. A real hit. I’m so proud of you.” He pulled Denny to him for another kiss.
    After a moment, Denny’s mouth moved from Tom’s lips to his rough cheek. He kissed his way down his lover’s jaw and neck and licked the hollow of his throat. Tom moaned softly and tilted his head back.
    Once more Denny pulled away, breathing heavily. “Okay. Before we end up fucking right here in this hallway…” He straightened Tom’s shirt collar and tie before stepping away. “You’re not feeling well?”
    “I’ve got the flu that’s been going around. Everyone I know has it. I shouldn’t be kissing you. The last thing you need is to catch it.”
    Denny put his palm to Tom’s forehead, noticing for the first time how pale he was. “You flew all the way out here sick? You shouldn’t have.”
    “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have missed your opening night for anything. Besides, I couldn’t stand one more day without you, let alone another week.”
    Denny was thrilled to hear it after Tom’s recent distance. “Do you want to go to my room at the motel? Or did you want to have something to eat or drink?” He nodded toward the reception room.
    “Please. Are you kidding?” Tom raised an