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Though she’d reached the same conclusion, she shrugged. “He’s a rich, famous movie star who can have any woman in the world. Men like you face the same temptations.”
“Money didn’t make me leave you, and neither did fame. It was foolishness, plain and simple, a trait Julian Starcroft doesn’t share. The tabloids may make him out to be a ladies’ man, but he’s a gentleman. Do you know you’re the first woman he’s ever mentioned as more than a casual fling?”
Cheyenn’s heart stumbled. “Really?”
“Really.” He nodded firmly. “He’s been in relationships before, but never like this. Please don’t give up something remarkable. I wish I hadn’t.” His frown was sorrowful and deep, borne of a lifetime of regret. Was he sincere? Had he actually changed?
Was she giving up Julian because of him?
There was so much to think about, so much to consider. She couldn’t do it now, not here, with her father watching her. “I have to go.” She shot up, grabbing her purse. The food remained beautiful and untouched on the table, as she stepped back from the past she still couldn’t face.
He stood up, too, but slower, and for a second Hollywood’s ageless man seemed a thousand years old. “I understand.”
Cheyenne pivoted to the door. She didn’t even remember walking, yet she reached it in seconds. But suddenly she halted. “I just need time to think about everything.”
He responded in the next breath, “I’ll take it.” Something burned in his reply, something powerful and strong. Something she shared:Hope.
She couldn’t commit to any decisions now, not with the mission at a crux. For now, she would focus on her work, the reason she infiltrated the studio in the first place. She would journey the path she had set, finish her mission and then leave, all the while fighting to keep her secret intact.
And hoping she would somehow get over losing the love of her life.
Cheyenne arrived earlyon one of the last filming days and the final opportunity to solve the case. She stood in the middle of the bustling set, surrounded by dozens of actors, crew members and professionals, all blissfully unaware the set could soon become a crime scene. In her world, two men played center stage – the man who’d returned after so long and the man she would soon leave.
“Preparing for a life-changing confession?”
She jumped at the deep voice behind her. She turned, swiftly glanced left and right and relaxed. No one was close enough to hear. Although Julian often asked about her secrets, he did so discreetly, and others didn’t suspect. As for him…
He was closing in on her.
She fought to stay casual. “Actually, I do have a confession to make. You’re way too self-assured for your own good.”
“Oh yeah?” He shifted closer, hopefully not enough that anyone would notice. “You’re just saying that because you can’t resist me.”
“I can resist you.” she claimed boldly. She was about to prove it (or at least attempt) when Zachary suddenly appeared next to them. The movie star’s eyes were uncharacteristically grim, his mouth set in a thin line.
Julian took one look at his friend and frowned. “Is everything okay, buddy?”
A quick headshake said no. “Has Jess been around? I haven’t seen her all day.”
Julian grinned and clapped his friend on the back. “It’s only 10 a.m. I know you like her, but show a little dignity.”
“You don’t understand.” The seriousness of his voice broke through the haze of the morning. “She could be in trouble.”
Cheyenne’s policewoman instincts sharpened in an instant. “What makes you think that? Did something happen?”
“Yes… No… I don’t know.” Zachary raked a hand through his hair. “Can we go to your dressing room?” Julian nodded, gesturing the two ahead of him. When they were alone, Zachary grabbed a folded newspaper from his pocket and tossed it on the table. It was this morning’s edition, opened to the society section. They all read the three-inch headline, above a far larger picture.
“Whoa,” Julian exclaimed.
“Oh, Zachary.” Cheyenne cringed.
The picture showed Zachary locked in an intimate embrace with a beautiful blond with long legs, generous curves and a smile that proved she knew it. She clutched her prize with fire red nails.
Cheyenne frowned in recognition. “Doesn’t she play the vixen on that daytime soap?” The actor nodded miserably, and she tightened. This was why dating actors was no good. “I thought you had something special with Jess.”
“I do have something special with Jess.” Zachary growled. “It’s not how it looks.”
“Is it photoshopped?”