Movie star + paparazzo...what could possibly go wrong?Movie star Colin Colton has a contentious relationship with the press--especially that pushy paparazzo, Zach Jarlson. He certainly doesn't expect to ever feel sympathy for the little bugger...much less anything more.But somehow, they go from enemies to friends and lovers...and then back again, when their world is turned upside down and each thinks the other betrayed him.But even once they learn the truth, can a relationship between an actor and a paparazzo survive? A contemporary gay romance or m/m romance.Length: approximately 33,000 wordsHeat level: Low~Excerpt~"I'm from the agency," said the driver, hunching lower."You can barely see over the wheel," observed Colin, his brow furrowing."So, we can't all be six foot and made of rock." The short driver made an attempt to straighten his shoulders, but he still… Hey… he really didn't fit that jacket, did he?"Pull over," growled Colin. "You're not my driver.""I am now." The man's voice held chortling triumph, a mean note beneath the humor. "Or aren't I tall enough to be a paparazzi, either?""Paparazzo," corrected Colin wearily. The short man continued to drive competently and quickly away from those following the limo. "You guys never quit, do you? What's it going to take? My body broken and dead in the street? You're vultures. You live off—""Shut up!" snapped the short driver. "What do you live off, huh?" He caught Colin's eye in the mirror and glared at him. It was dark. Colin couldn't distinguish features. Probably wouldn't be able to pick out the man in a lineup, except by his height. Colin's chest tightened despite himself. He could handle himself against the man, oh yes, easily. But this guy was driving… and possibly a bit crazed."I make movies. I help give people a few minutes of escape from their lives," said Colin with dignity. Talk him down, like it's a cop movie and I'm the hero. I don't want to die in a horrible crash. "Now pull over. You don't need to keep up the charade.""I damn well do. I want a good picture, and I'm going to get it. And I won't with all those vultures on your tail!" The short man's voice rose."Calm down. What's your name?" asked Colin.The man snorted. "Please. As if you care!"Colin grabbed at the door as the car careered around a corner wildly, his heart thumping. "Would you please watch what you're doing?""Sorry. I'm not used to driving a car this big."Yeah, you probably drive a Volkswagen Beetle and can still barely see over the wheel. For a brief moment, Colin amused himself by viciously imagining his stalker the size of a mouse, squeaking as he tried to reach the wheel and pedals at the same time. "Tell me your name, or I'll just call you Shrimp."The driver snorted. "Like that's never happened before.""Okay, you asked for it. Shrimp it is." He sat back and crossed his arms. "Tell me, why do you do this job? Why do you act as a vulture for the scandal papers?""Which is it, Shrimp or Vulture?""How about both? You're not answering my question.""Because, damn it, some of us have to eat, and we're not famous actors, okay?"
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