Page 38 of The Movie Star and the Spy

“I have to get back,” she murmured even as she pushed into his touch. “People will talk.”

“I’ll tell them you got tired, and I took you home.”

She closed her eyes for a moment; when she opened them, they were as bright as the stars. She sighed softly.

“Come on, Destiny, relax for a few minutes. The party is almost over. No one will miss us.” He tapped her shoulder. “If you don’t stay, I might need a fourth date to make up for this.”

She looked alarmed, and her gaze darted to the seats. Just when he thought she’d argue further, she sighed and sank down on the chaise. He sat next to her, just close enough to brush her. He was surprised – and satisfied – when she didn’t move away. “It can be difficult to see the stars through the light pollution, but if you look closely, you can find them.”

A small smile came to her lips. “There’s one – Orion, my favorite.”

“What’s this?” he teased. “I thought I was your favorite star.”

“Only in your mind, buddy.” A favorite movie star might be more suited to the starlet she pretended to be, but a favorite celestial star far better matched the real woman.

He brushed a rose petal from her hair. “Do you wish on a star every night?”

A blush confirmed it. “It’s not a big deal. Reality can be harsh. Sometimes you need a little magic in your life.”

He settled back into the plush burgundy pillows. “Maybe I should start wishing on a star, although I’ve had more than my share of dreams come true. What about you? What’s your wish?”

She was still looking for stars, and by her smile, she’d found another. “I wish the past could be undone.”

How unexpected, and how poignant. A surge of protectiveness sharpened his focus, amidst the urge to find whoever would dare hurt her and make sure they never did it again. “Did something bad happen to you?”

“Of course not,” she swiftly denied, yet her cheeks tinged pink. “I was speaking generally. A lot of people have rough lives, and I wish they would get a do-over. I wasn’t speaking about me.”

It was a practiced response, hiding more than it shared. Did her mysterious behavior hide some sort of trouble? “Any other dreams? Something to do with a hot movie star?” he teased.

She smiled coyly. “Now that you mention it, those actors at the auction were hot. Didn’t you think so?”

Did she think she could make him jealous? Ignoring the fact that he was, well, jealous, he lowered his voice. “Don’t even think about it.”

She went to flick him, but he caught her finger and brought it to his lips. She shivered ever-so-softly at the kiss, and so did he. What was she doing to him? “When’s the next time I’ll see you?”

She answered readily, “Monday, 7 a.m.”

“Yeah, but when will Iseeyou again?” Suddenly he cared less about unbalancing her and more about staking a claim. “After all, you are mine.”

Wait, what?

Her eyes widened. “For two more dates you mean.”

Not even close.

Could she read his thoughts, his determination, his challenge? If so, she refused to comment on it. “How about Tuesday night?”

“Aren’t we scheduled to work until ten p.m. that day?”

“Yes,” she said enthusiastically.

“No,” he said as enthusiastically.

She gave him a look. “Fine. Will Wednesday work for you?”

He started to say yes, remembered his commitment. “I’m a little busy that day.”

“Let me guess. You have a date with fifty women?”

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