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

To Rafi’s surprise, before he could intervene, Julian’s hand firmed. He met Ted’s eyes and lifted the glass.


Ted smiled in approval. “A toast to my first grandchild!”


“And so he will be, whichever way the paternity suit turns out,” Uncle Max said cheerfully, and tossed back his zaborto the sound of Carlos sputtering.


Drinking zaborwas a lot like drinking dog urine and motor oil; Rafi, well accustomed, swallowed his with only a slight wince, and waited, napkin and water at the ready, for Julian’s inevitable coughing fit.


Julian made a tiny choking noise in his throat, his shoulders twitching, but he didn’t cough. He went very stiff and still, and swallowed, and dabbed his mouth delicately before accepting the water Rafi held out.


“What an unusual flavor,” he said, his voice hoarse but even.


Everyone had, of course, been watching intently, anticipating his reaction. Carlos pouted, but Ted laughed, smacking a fist against the table.


Chapter 53