Page 103 of Stealing the Star Stone
“And…is this more than friendship?”one interviewer asked, gesturing to Nova.
Her cheeks flushed a peach color.“Too soon to tell.”
He knew what he wanted.More time wouldn’t change that.Lacing his fingers through hers, he twirled her then drew her against him for a quick kiss.Well, that was the plan.He got as far as a twirl with Nova an arm-length away.
“Eli, be a dear and come pose with me.”Cassidy squeezed between them, leaving Nova adrift.
She blinked then circled Cassidy, coming to stand at his right.He looped an arm around her, keeping her close.In a show for everyone to see, he kissed her temple.
“In a bit, Cass.”He gestured with his chin at the last interviewer.
Her pout didn’t ruin her classic beauty.With her deep brown hair pulled to the side, she could’ve charmed a hungry Skrillith.“But—”
“You signed the same contract, Cass.Marketing comes first.”He ushered Nova to the next marker.
“That’s Cassidy,” she hissed, peering past him at the woman.“You didn’t mention she’s in this movie.”
“Plays a spoiled girl.”Like always, but he wouldn’t go into that.“We’re the golden couple, don’t you know?”His tone had a note of resentment to it.
Actors supported each other, and if he said anything, he’d be breaking that unspoken code.Besides, whiners impacted their own reputation more than their intended targets.
And of course, she was seated to the right of him in the cinema.His step faltered, but he pasted on a smile and fulfilled his part of the contract.Smile and wave, boys.But he leaned toward Nova, ensuring their clasped hands were visible to all.
“I know that look,” Graham said, gesturing to a server to hand them bottles of purified water.“There’s no sneaking out before the party.”
“Wasn’t going to,” Eli said, “for about fifteen minutes.Can’t make any promises after that.And could you get us a pot of Lady Grey, please.”
Nova smiled at him like he’d given her a million credits.
Graham huffed and placed the order with the server.“We’ll talk about this later,” he said when the lights dimmed.
In the shadows, Eli could pretend he was alone with Nova.He pressed his shoulder to hers and brought her fingers to his lips.“Where’s Barry?”
“Cleavage,” she said, then laughed.“Scared the shit out of poor Graham.”She gasped.“But…I think I found what he doesn’t eat.”
“Oh?”He smiled, ignoring the director giving a speech.
“Bright light.”She squeezed and released his forearm.“I’ll show you…later.”Her expression turned serious, but she faced forward.
The movie started.He paid it no attention, not when Nova reacted to scenes with such gusto.Lord, I love her.He watched her more than the screen.
Tonight.
He’d tell her.
No way could he wait a month.
Artivar Station
Eastwood Hall
Looking damn fine, if I don’t say so myself.
Year of 2202, June
So much for stating she was unremarkable.Graham had remembered Nova and was using her given name from minute six of their ‘acquaintance.’She’d endured the hairstylist, trying on dress after dress, fighting with the make-up artist who thought she needed war paint, but Graham had soothed her frazzled nerves with the best noodles she’d ever had.Not to mention pots of tea when she asked.
Eli’s reaction had made it all worth it.
