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

“As anyone could have told you they would be. Idiot.” The word fell from his lips more affectionately than it should have.


“It’s not idiotic to trust your family,” Rafi said, as if this were the most obvious thing in the world.


Julian stared at him. “Genetic similarity is not the same thing as love.”


Rafi made a noncommittal noise. He reached his fork across the table and snagged a bit of Julian’s strawberry-topped waffle. “Mmm. Wow, that’s good.”


“It’s so kind of you to test my food for me.”


“You’re so welcome, Julian, and you’ll be glad to know the strawberries are definitely not poisoned. Here.” He plucked one off the top of the waffle, complete with its little bed of whipped cream, and lifted it toward Julian’s mouth.


Julian rolled his eyes, trying not to smile. The offer of the strawberry continued; finally he leaned forward and took it from Rafi’s fingers, lips barely brushing Rafi’s skin.


Chapter 44