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

“You are still fairly new to all this.” Eddie’s voice was kindly enough, but no more forgiving than Rafi had been apologetic. “Oh, yes, I looked you up in some detail. I can’t help being concerned about your intentions, after all.”


“You have to understand, Julian is like a son to me. I raised him from the age of thirteen, when his parents were killed in a car accident.”


“Oh…that must have been difficult.”


“Yes, he can indeed be very difficult,” Uncle Eddie said, somewhat mistaking Rafi’s meaning. “But we’re family, and for a long time, we were all each other had. Even now—I have Christian, but it’s different.” He shook his head, pulling a bandage out of the kit. “I miss the boy Julian used to be. So sweet, so affectionate. Perhaps it’s Hollywood that got to him, but he’s…not like that now.”


Despite himself, Rafi softened a bit toward the man. “I don’t think he’s so bad,” he said, unsure if he meant it or not.


Chapter 12