Tinseltown by Stephanie Taylor Page A

finding the perfect dress,” Zach said quietly next to her, “how was the shopping? Any paparazzi?”
    She glanced at him and put her fork down. A few at the table watched her and whispered. She could see the curiosity in their eyes, and she decided she had to do something.
    Smiling, Deb reached under the table, taking Zach’s hand. It felt like such a secret thing to do since they weren’t really a couple, but lovers did that when they didn’t want to be obvious, didn’t they? The surprise registered in Zach’s expression, and as she squeezed his hand, she realized he understood her motives. He raised her hand just high enough above the table so the onlookers could see and kissed the back of her hand, smiling at her when he finished. The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
    Her heart rate kicked up a notch, despite the fact his kiss wasn’t real. It was the kind of exchange she’d dreamed about, the kind of sweetness she’d never fully experienced.
    “Yeah, I was going to tell you it was a madhouse when we went to the mall. People were everywhere, snapping pictures. I ignored them, but they kept shouting questions at me, wanting to know where you were.”
    Zach raised his eyebrows. “And?”
    “I just smiled.” She lowered her voice and leaned closer to him. “Just because we’re pretending here doesn’t mean we have to fool the press. I’m sure people are talking and reporting back to some of them, but we don’t have to confirm anything. Especially since both of us agree we’re getting divorced as soon as we get back.”
    Zach swallowed and looked down at their hands. “I’ve been thinking about a divorce,” he whispered.
    Then their eyes met. “What about?”
    “Don’t you think it would go a long way to convince Fernbank things are okay between us? And as far as publicity for the movie, I think a real-life romance, so to speak, would be a shoe-in for big box office numbers.”
    “That’s dishonest.” Deb frowned.
    Zach looked away from her again and began rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. “Is it?”
    “Yes.” But even as she said it she wasn’t sure she believed it. Something was happening between them and, as hard as she tried to ignore it, her heart thumped away at the very idea of it.
    “Then never mind. Forget I said anything.” He released her hand and picked up his tea, ignoring her. It was some time before the dinner party started breaking up and leaving.
    By the time the last guest left, it was close to nine o’clock and snow fell gently outside. Against the Christmas lights, it was the most peaceful, beautiful sight Deb could remember in a long time.
    Slipping out to the back patio, Deb sought solace above everything else. She was so confused over their relationship. Each time he was near, she realized she wanted more than he seemed to. Yes, he’d said he wanted to try, but yet he’d admitted himself he refused to touch her. He might ooze sex appeal, but it didn’t mean she trusted him. He was an actor.
    She felt a little like Brad just then. It wasn’t fair to label Zach just because he was an actor. Was it? He had taken advantage of her when she was drunk — a mistake she wouldn’t have let happen otherwise. Then he had kissed her senseless as they were dancing the night they’d arrived.
    But she wanted those kisses. She didn’t have to think twice to know she’d kiss him again. She wanted Zach in a way her body couldn’t deny. It had been true from the moment she had laid eyes on him years ago when they’d crossed paths at a premier. He hadn’t seen her, but boy, she had seen him. And now that she was his wife for the next few weeks, she suddenly didn’t want to let go.
    Brad played a role in her fear of moving on. For so long she had thought herself to be in love with him; then, after only a few short moments, her life and everything she thought to be true, turned inside out. She was over him, faster than she thought she would be, but the emotional