Page 26 of For One Night Only

“We never confirmed our relationship,” I blurt, because that was the whole problem, wasn’t it?

Valerie reddens. “Sorry, when theythoughtI was with you. I’m not saying we confirm anything now. That would be…” she trails off, chastened. “We can just drop some vague hints. If everyone starts to, I don’t know, assume that we’re together, it can only help my image even more. Plus it’ll sell more tickets, and we get that bonus if we sell out.”

I let out a breath. “Do you really think this is a good idea? Did you talk to Wade?”

She snaps her gaze to mine. “No, but I spoke to my publicist. She agrees that we could benefit from a showmance—but I’ll only do it if you’re comfortable.”

A lump forms in the back of my throat as emotion threatens to overwhelm me. After everything that happened between us, I really can’t believe she’s asking me to do this.

Then again, maybe I can. Valerie has never been afraid to ask for things. And besides, she knows this business better than I do these days. Last night I might have looked the part, but I don’t even know how to be rock star Caleb anymore. The last thing I want to do is complicate that further by pretending we’re some happy couple, but…damn it.

Her eyes are filled with so much hope it makes my heart twist. Despite everything, I just can’t say no to her. And hell, I’m already here. What’s one more thing outside of my comfort zone?

“Fine, we can play it up for the cameras. Now can I finish packing?”

“Thank you!” she says. She presses a quick kiss to my cheek before darting back through the door.

My skin burns from the touch of her lips.

When the door clicks shut, I don’t resume packing. I just stand there for a minute, stunned. Did I really just say yes to fake dating my ex, who flat-out refused to confirm we were dating back when we wereactuallytogether?

Oh god.

I guess if it helps Valerie renew her show, then fine. That’s what she wanted. I’m already here anyway, so I’ll do it, even if seeing my name all over social media makes me want to throw up. And yeah, I can see how generating more interest might help us make that bonus. The more money I can put in the bank for my little sister, Carrie, the better.

And maybe…I need to give Valerie this. I broke up the band because I was wounded enough to leave the industry without looking back at the friends I left behind. If we’d continued making music, Valerie might not be scrambling to save her career. Maybe she’d have that Grammy by now.

Her desperation is my fault.

Still, I don’t love this idea. I knew there’d be some press when I agreed to the reunion. I just wasn’t planning to add our complicated relationship to the mix any more than we had to. I laugh dryly to myself. At least the fans will be excited.

A few minutes later, I get a text from Carrie.

Carrie:OH MY GOD. Are you and Val back together?

God, seriously? Now I have to lie to my sister.

Me:None of your business.

Carrie:That’s not a NO.

Me:We haven’t seen each other in years, do you really think we’re back together?

Carrie:Fuck, I don’t know. I always shipped you.

Me:Don’t say fuck.

Carrie:What, like you didn’t say fuck when you were in high school? I know every word on Wanderlust, you know. But seriously, you haaaaave to tell me—are you and Val back together? That would rock. I always liked her better than Morgan.

The last thing I need to do is get her hopes up.

Me:You met Morgan ONCE before we broke up. That’s hardly a fair comparison.

Me:The media is going to speculate about Valerie and me, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. Just part of being back in the industry.

Being vague with my sister isn’t much better than lying, and I feel ashamed, but it’s too late now. Still, I want her to stop reading into all the headlines.

Carrie:Whatever you say.

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