Page 5 of Heartbreaker

Jade Cantrell freezes in the open door, her mouth dropping open, shock ricocheting across her gorgeous face.

But her surprise only lasts for a moment.

Because then she smiles…

And the bottom falls out of my world.

CHAPTER TWO

Jade

Holy hotter-than-the-surface-of-Mars-in-the-middle-of-summer-without-sunscreen.

My skin tingles just looking at Royal freakin’ Ewing.

I mean, where in the there-are-hot-guys-all-over-Los-Angeles-but-this-one-is-spectacular has he been hiding?

Okay, I know the answer but it’s a little hard to think with him just a few feet away from me.

I’ve been a huge fan for a long time, and have always found him handsome, but nothing prepares me for the hotness he exudes in person. I had no idea he would be here tonight, much less hanging out in my dressing room.

“Hi,” I say, when I finally find my voice. “I’m Jade.”

“I know.” He slowly gets to his feet, eyes locked with mine.

My heart does a little staccato dance in my chest as he approaches me, left hand outstretched. “Royal Ewing.”

“Believe me, I know.” I put my hand in his and the sparks are so strong I almost jump.

What is happening here?

“Congratulations on Song of the Year.”

Our hands linger much longer than is appropriate.

Except I don’t want him to stop touching me.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A lazy shrug. “I just wrote it—you made the song come alive.”

Deep blue eyes search my face and I’m a little mesmerized.

“Th-thank you.”

Finally, I pull my hand from his.

Before I do something stupid.

“I apologize if I’m not supposed to be here.” He looks around. “My assistant said she got permission for me to sit in here while we wait for our car to come around.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” I wave a hand. “I wasn’t planning to come back here but my limo’s stuck in traffic and I wanted to powder my nose.”

“If you’d rather I leave…” His voice trails and I quickly shake my head.

“Not at all. Make yourself comfortable.” I move to the small dressing table and plop down on the stool. Well, as much as someone wearing a full hoop skirt can plop. What was I thinking, wearing this contraption? My agent thought it would be elegant and classy, which it is, but it’s uncomfortable. I have to pee but there’s no way I can get to the bathroom by myself.

I open my tiny evening bag and pull out some lip gloss. My lipstick stain has held up well but my lips are a little dry so I dab on the gloss and pucker in the mirror. Tall, dark, and ridiculously hot is watching, but I don’t care.

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