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

Julian raised his phone and took a picture, then was immediately unsure why he’d done it. He’d turned the lens to selfie mode and was taking more pics with Christian by the time Rafi and Uncle Eddie came into earshot.


“Rafi, I see you’ve survived my uncle,” Julian said. “Come get in the pictures with us.”


“Um, sure. Do you want…?” Rafi gestured at Uncle Eddie.


“No, I do not,” Julian said immediately, without looking at his uncle. Awkwardly, while Uncle Eddie finished his lunch in the background, Rafi joined Julian and Christian’s impromptu photoshoot.


“Well, shockingly, I don’t have all day to hang out on the beach,” Rafi said eventually. “I have to get home. Jules, walk me to my car?”


Jules? Julian tried not to let his lip curl. Pet names, he supposed, were going to be part of this role. “Certainly, sweetheart.” He made sure they were holding hands as they walked back toward the parking lot.


Chapter 13