Page 28 of The Movie Star and the Spy

“Um, buddy, you okay?”

“Uh-huh”

“You’re staring.”

“Uh-huh.”

“People are starting to notice.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Aliens invaded. They asked if you wanted to do lunch.”

“Uh-huh.”

A pause. Then… a punch on the arm.

“Hey!” Julian stared at Zachary. “What did you do that for? And why are you smiling?”

His friend shrugged. “No reason. I was just thinking we could triple date.”

“Triple date?”

“Us, the ladies and the aliens.”

Julian growled. Then he caught sight of Destiny again, and his lips quirked up.

“And Big Foot is coming along, too.”

“Uh-huh.”

Zachary may have mentioned something about a lost cause at that point, but he was too preoccupied to notice. Destiny epitomized the warrior she portrayed, a temptress in the black costume and matching knee-high boots. A fierce expression proved her power, as she undoubtedly formulated clever ways to exact revenge. Clearly, she didn’t appreciate the creation he had selected for her.

Just as every man in the place clearly appreciated it.

Julian fought down uncharacteristic agitation. So what if the men admired the gorgeous woman? It didn’t bother him when they looked at Jess. He hadn’t planned on getting Destiny the costume, but as soon as he saw the matching garment next to his own, he couldn’t stop himself. He’d ordered it on the spot and paid a small fortune to have them alter it that afternoon.

Nothing could explain his behavior when it came to Ms. Destiny Dane. He teased her like a fourth-grader pulling the hair of his playground crush, then gawked like a teen with his high school sweetheart. He didn’t mean to unsettle her – well, maybe he did a little – but he just couldn’t help it. More than anything, he wanted to know her better.

Zachary gave another low whistle as the women approached. “You ladies are gorgeous.”

Ms. Cole giggled. Destiny produced something that sounded like a choke, but by the upward tilt of her lips, it seemed like it was supposed to pass as a giggle. The others accepted it. Julian winked, and her eyes turned thunderous.

“I agree,” he murmured. “You are extraordinary.”

Her skin pinkened, but she didn’t respond, at least not verbally. She lifted her chin with that stubborn tilt, brewing challenge in blazing eyes. She wasglorious.

“Look what I’ve found.” a new voice sounded, chipper and smooth and professional. A tall, red-headed woman in a sparkling white suit spoke into a microphone, and the chatter in the hallway immediately ceased. The director, who had been snapping like a drill sergeant on the first day of bootcamp, made a jerky motion for everyone to quiet.

“I’m backstage at Fantasy-Con, and I’ve just run into A-list actors Julian Starcroft and Zachary Thompson. On behalf of millions of women on this planet and billions on neighboring ones, you guys are looking good.”

Julian grinned smoothly at the reporter, a well-respected newswoman from a high-rated entertainment channel. “Thank you, Stacy. You look wonderful, as always.”

“Thank you.” She flashed snow-white teeth. “I know you have a panel soon, but how about a quick plug for your movie?”

Julian complied, giving his standard thirty second speech about the upcoming blockbuster. When he was done, he answered a few questions about the plot and his role.

“That sounds great,” Stacy held the microphone towards Jess and Destiny. “Are these two lovely ladies also fromSpy Heat?”

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