Page 23 of The Movie Star and the Spy

She lifted her chin and said in a clear voice. “How about a date?”

CHAPTER 6

Julian stared at his guest. Shock, satisfaction,anticipation. So many emotions, zipping by like a sci-fi film trailer, as the words lingered in the air, echoing against gilded walls. He stayed silent, and so did she, locked in a battle of hidden motivations. There was no “How about a date” on hisWhat would she say nextbingo card, not even close. Of course, it matched the desire she couldn’t hide, the connection that sparked, yet she seemed determined to fight it. Now she wanted to explore? She was up to something.

He would discover what it was.

Although Destiny pretended he didn’t affect her, the truth was obvious. She disliked the body double role, and despite his claims otherwise, he didn’t want her in it. He may not have been with millions of women like he teased, but he’d been in relationships, and something was different this time. Something stronger. Somethingpersonal.

He wanted nothing more than to explore this force, but not as part of a role. Certainly not as a career move to “get ahead.” Uncovering her in front of the entire cast and crew made him feel like he’d eaten half an apple only to find half aworminside.He’d accused her of jealousy, but the green-eyed monster had made a house call. He didn’t like it.

He wanted to get to know her better and not just in a physical way. He would’ve suggested it himself, however, despite what the press reported, he had morals, and he would never take advantage of a starlet. “You don’t need to do this.”

She stiffened. “Is that no?”

He wanted nothing more than to go on a date with her. He’d been planning on asking her, but once the roles were over and it was clear he wasn’t doing it for the wrong reasons. “I do want to go out. A lot.” She blinked at him; he cleared his throat. “But this switch is not contingent upon any sort of recompense. I want to help you find a better role, and I don’t expect anything for it.”

She visible softened, her lips curving at the top. “You really are different than I thought.” The words were murmured, more a self-reflection than a response. She straightened. “I know you aren’t expecting anything, and neither am I. I just thought it would be fun.”

He wanted more than fun from her, but he wouldn’t share that now. For the first time in, well, ever, he felt something real. “I’d like to get to know you better. In the meantime, you’ll get the chance to go out with America’s most eligible bachelor,” he teased, flashing a broad smile.

She shook her head, but her eyes lightened. “Don’t you mean the most arrogant actor in the world?”

“Gorgeous.”

“Egotistical.”

“Handsome.”

“Pompous.”

He grinned wider. “I think we’re off to a great start.”

“Perfect.” She took a deep breath. “But we do have to agree on some things.”

Putting conditions on the date she asked for? Stranger and stranger. She was definitely up to something. “What things?”

“First, how many dates?”

Dissatisfaction tempered his humor. She wanted to limit the dates before they even started? If things went the way his imagination was predicting, it could be a moot point. “Four hundred and fifty-two.”

She froze, gave a short laugh. “How about two?”

“Five.”

“Three.”

He nodded. Three dates should be enough to figure out why he wanted her so much and learn about the real her. More importantly, it would give him time to convince her to add more dates, even four hundred and fifty-two.

“They can’t be public,” she gave her next condition. “It has to be just you and me.”

His mind conjured images of a private date. Just when he’d gotten himself back under control…

“I didn’t mean like that.” She flushed. “I just can’t be seen cozying up to you. Your girlfriends become instantly famous.”

He inclined his head. “Isn’t that what you want? Not to be arrogant, but being seen with me provides great exposure.” His last girlfriend had scored a supporting role in a popular comedy series, and the one before that was working her way up the directorial ladder.

A shadow passed over her. Strange. Why wouldn’t she want the benefits of being attached to a successful actor? Even a date or two could provide a hundred times the coverage of a body double role.

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