Rafi Reyes figures going along with a fake-dating stunt is only fair after Julian Gault saves his life. The young actor is famously cold and snotty, and Rafi's rock band is falling apart in the wake of betrayal. A shiny new romance might be just what both their reputations need. It's too bad they don't actually like each other, but they'll both benefit -- a softer public image for Julian, revenge against his ex for Rafi.<br><br>But as they navigate public events, attend red-carpet premieres, and play cat-and-mouse with paparazzi together, Rafi gets to know a different Julian than he expected -- one who defends horses, takes care of his troubled cousin, and has Rafi's back against his dysfunctional family. Rafi starts to hope he and Julian have something real together.<br><br>But Julian has secrets more painful than Rafi can imagine. With Julian's powerful and controlling uncle scheming to turn them against each other, their relationship must become something much deeper if it -- and possibly either of them -- are to survive.

Star Bright

Rafi was, in fact, very familiar with horseback riding; his family were exactly that sort of rich people, he supposed. He didn’t need the placid, resigned gray gelding picked out for him. He did feel rusty, though, next to Julian, who was a picture of liquid grace and easy competence on the bay mare, already circling him as he got settled in the saddle.


“Race you to the water,” Julian said, and shot off down the beach, Rafi and his kiddie ride trailing behind despite all he could do to urge the gelding on.


Soon both horses were kicking up splashes of water at the edge of the surf. Julian rode circles around Rafi, shouting encouragement to his delighted horse, and it was the most genuine and happy Rafi had ever seen him look.


When their horses had worked off some energy, Julian and Rafi steered into a more leisurely walk down the beach, staying within talking range of each other.


Chapter 9