Free Never Say Never (The Price of Fame Series) by Aimée Duffy

“More like you make me crazy, you big…oaf.”
    He burst into a fit of laughter, dropped the paper on the table, and grabbed the back of a chair for support. Anger still flared in her stomach, but she cringed internally at the childish comment. He did make her crazy, and stupid, and wanton. The man was messing with her head.
    Not willing to be tormented further, she stalked by him to the counter. She’d been in for almost ten minutes and hadn’t lifted a finger. Richard wouldn’t be pleased if he knew she’d been slacking off.
    “Aw, Chloe. Wait.”
    She heard his footsteps on the wooden floor behind her. Chloe turned. She could see he was making an effort not to laugh at her, but somehow in her agitation, it made her anger hotter.
    “Don’t you think I know how desperate I look in that picture? I don’t need to be reminded, Sander.”
    The amusement slid from his face.
    “You’ll get a slap on the back from the guys, but women will look at me like I’m a cheap slut, throwing herself at a star.”
    Until now, she hadn’t cared what other people thought. But coming from him, the ribbing hurt. Her anger drained away, leaving her deflated and empty. She closed her eyes. Last night had been the best night she’d had in forever, and today was the price she paid. Wasn’t that the way her life was though? She scored a fancy job, got a dream man, then just at the peak of her happiness, it all shattered around her, leaving her broken and vulnerable.
    “Hey, I was joking.”
    Sander gripped her hips. Her eyes flew open, and she saw the pity in his expression. She didn’t want pity, not from him. Pulling his hands from her waist, she backed up.
    “Leave it, Sander. I’m not in the mood to joke around.”
    He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. It was me who kissed you. The photographer probably took a rake of pictures and picked the juiciest. I know you’re not crazy about me. You agreed so you’d have a chance to give your mother a better future.”
    “I’ll never, ever do more than kiss you for the camera. Ever.” Chloe didn’t know if it was herself she was trying to convince or him. “And yes, getting this job would help with my mum, and applying makeup is something I love—” She stopped, too scared to jinx the interview.
    “Never say never.” Sander winked. “I forgot to ask, how did the interview go?”
    His comment hinted that maybe something more would happen between them, and heat pitched in her tummy. She studied his face. A knowing grin curved his lips and his baby blues shone with barely concealed excitement, distracting her. The big kid. Chloe fought back a smile.
    “I’m sure you know more about it than I do.”
    He shrugged, the smile never leaving his face. “What do you say to dinner at The Ivy tonight?”
    Chloe blinked in rapid succession. “Excuse me?” There was no way they would get into the Mitchelin star restaurant without going on the three month wait-list.
    “The Ivy. Tonight at seven.”
    She opened and closed her mouth several times, but nothing would come out but puffs of air. He must have pulled some serious strings to get the reservation, even with his celebrity status. But when she wondered why he’d done that, her heart sputtered with excitement.
    “Did I get the job?”
    He grinned, but merely shrugged again. The way his eyes danced, Chloe guessed she did. Why else would he be taking her there? Without thinking, she threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn’t care that she was at work, couldn’t give a toss how many questions Rachel would badger her with. His arms banded around her waist, and he pulled her closer. Eyes watery, she chanted her thanks against his black shirt.
    “Don’t thank me. They hired you because of your talent.” He stroked her back.
    She pulled away, released her hold, and gazed up at his sky-blue eyes. Wiping her happy tears away, she shook her head. “If it wasn’t for you, they