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

“Well, I’d pick you up at your house, charm your parents. Open doors for you, help you in and out of the car—trying my best to treat you right, awfully heteronormative because at that age I only knew how to treat a girldate. Guys don’t always appreciate chivalry. But you might forgive me. You might even enjoy being fussed over a little.”


“Mm. Tell me more about how you’d fuss over me.”


“Bring you punch and cookies. Walk around touching the small of your back. Make up some kind of excuse to kiss your hand.” He was drawing on a lot of high school memories, but more the memory of desires than events. He’d frequently been too nervous and embarrassed to lavish his dates with the kind of gestures he would have liked. “When we danced together I would try to leave a respectful distance between us and not crowd you…but it would be difficult.”


Chapter 72