business deal. I slide my palm against hers, the slight callouses that come from playing guitar brushing over my skin. This chick is the real deal, there’s no doubt about it. I give her hand a firm squeeze, then use my hold on her to pull her closer. She stumbles, catching herself on my chest, looking up at me with parted lips like she’s waiting for a kiss.
Perfect.
I place my free hand on her hip to steady her, but also to sell the idea of us as a couple. She’s even skinnier than I thought, the sharp bone of her hip jutting out under my hand. “Since we’ve been talking for a little while, we better start acting like a couple, or no one will believe our story.”
Staring up at me, she gives an almost dazed nod. “Right,” she whispers, then clears her throat. “Right,” she repeats more firmly.
“Someone’s probably taking our picture right now,” I murmur, keeping my voice low. “The good news is that no one will think it’s odd that I didn’t show up on the red carpet with you since I’m here working too and I’m attached to a different act.”
She lets out a low chuckle that vibrates through my body, shimmering in my blood and sending it rushing south. “It’s cute you think I’m important enough to walk the red carpet.”
I let out a hum in response. “Well, you’ll be walking the red carpet soon enough. And with any luck, I’ll be there with you.”
Her eyes brighten and her lips curve in a seductive smile, though I’m sure she doesn’t mean it to be anything but happy. “I like that idea.”
“Which part? You on the red carpet, or us together?”
She lifts one shoulder in a careless shrug. “Either one works for me.”
It’s my turn to chuckle. “I like your honesty.”
“Good. I have a hard time lying.”
That gives me pause. “Will this—us, what we’re planning—will you be able to do it?”
Her eyes leave mine, staring at a point over my shoulder while she contemplates my question, and I hold my breath waiting for her answer. It might be my brilliant idea, and I might be able to do some of what I proposed on my own, but it’ll be a lot easier and my career will grow a lot faster if I have her on my side. Her help could be invaluable. Especially since she’s actually willing to help me in a real, tangible way.
At long last she looks me in the eyes again and nods. “Yes. Everything in the media is fake. Or at least carefully crafted versions of the truth. I can handle that. It’s lying to people face to face. Like this. People who I care about, who I spend lots of time with—that’s where lying gets difficult. I’m not going to lie to you, okay?”
“Okay. I won’t lie to you, either. That seems like a good stipulation to have in our agreement. I help you. You help me. We’re both honest with each other.”
That smile tips up her lips again. “Deal.”
I stare at her smile, those luscious red lips, and I hesitate, but ultimately say what’s on my mind. “Should we seal the agreement with a kiss?”
Her eyes widen in surprise, bouncing back and forth between mine to see if I’m serious. “I suppose if we’re a couple, that would make the most sense.”
Lowering my face close to hers, I whisper, “To us walking the red carpet together this time next year.”
“To us,” she echoes.
And when our lips touch, fireworks blaze behind my eyes.
I might be in big trouble.
Chapter Four
Alexis
When Colt’s lips touch mine, I can’t help gasping in surprise. I shouldn’t be surprised. He did say that he was going to kiss me. And I agreed.
But somehow the reality of his lips on mine is different—better—more than what I expected.
His kiss is chaste, his lips supple, but when I gasp at the contact, he slides his tongue along my open lips. Tentative, like he’s testing the waters, not sure if he should dive in.
But we’re a couple, at least as of right now, and if we want to sell this thing, we have to make it look real.
He’s already withdrawn, and I’m afraid he might pull back, but I don’t let him. Instead, I slide one hand up the fine fabric of his suit jacket and behind his neck, holding him captive. His muscles stiffen under my hands, then relax. When I slide my tongue along his lower lip, he practically