Page 3 of Ignacio

“Delta and her father are still in L.A. and want to meet with you—about pretending you’re back together to capitalize on the media frenzy. It was Eddie’s idea, and I think it’s brilliant.”

To resist the urge to hurl his cup off the balcony, Ignacio carefully placed it on the table. “No.”

“Ignacio, listen to me. This opportunity?—”

“I will find backers for the movie without stooping to lying to the public.”

“Or you could take a few publicity shots now and then with your ex.”

“She’s an ex for a reason.”

Yvonne’s voice softened. “Honey, I know she broke your heart, but that was ages ago. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.”

Ignacio stiffened. “She didn’t break my heart,” he all but snarled. Then he briefly closed his eyes.

He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t pretend for the cameras and handle the scrutiny that would inevitably come when the world thought they were back together. He could only imagine the barrage of questions about how and why they decided to give “love” another chance.

“Fine, she didn’t break your heart, but you broke up, and I understand pretending to be in a relationship might not be an attractive option for you, but I don’t think you should discount the idea.”

Slumping in the chair, Ignacio used the tips of his fingers to rub his temple where a headache had blossomed in the past few minutes. “I need time to think.”

“How much time?”

“I don’t know!” Ignacio exclaimed in exasperation. “I’ll text you my answer once I’ve had time to figure out what the hell I want to do.”

“All right, all right, don’t shoot the messenger. I’ll hold off Eddie and Delta. Will twenty-four hours be enough time?”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Ignacio grumbled, though twenty-four years would be preferable.

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

After the call ended, he sat on the balcony, staring out at the city. Already, his chest felt as if it was caving in. Yesterday, when he had seen Delta, he’d been unprepared and almost suffocated at the sight of her. How the hell was he supposed to manage being in a fake relationship with his ex in front of the world? Paparazzi everywhere. A frenzy of flashing cameras. Their faces splashed acrossPage Sixand every grocery store gossip rag. Theprying eyes ofTMZandEntertainment Tonightfollowing their every move.

He thought about the script and proposal in the fireproof box under his bed. He’d sent out multiple copies to potential backers, all without a single bite.

Now, opportunity stared him in the face. All he had to do was… pretend. Pretend that he adored her. Pretend that Delta James, his first and only love, hadn’t eviscerated him eleven years ago.

Could this be the only chance he had of getting his film made?

No, there would be another opportunity—one that didn’t include becoming entangled with Delta. He’d find a way.

He sent Yvonne the following message:Not interested.

Her response came almost immediately.

Delta and her father really want this. They’re on their way to you.

Ignacio stared at the text in disbelief.

They had some nerve. Well, they were wasting their time, and he couldn’t wait to tell them so.

Chapter Two

In the back of the limousine, Delta James pulled up yet another article on her phone:Have Actor Ignacio Santana and R&B Artist Delta J Reignited Their Old Flame?

The writer went on to say,Could it be true? The playboy of Hollywood and his good girl R&B princess are back together again?

She skimmed the rest of the article in favor of the photo in the middle, which showed her and Ignacio at the party. They had accidentally bumped into each other, and he reached out to steady her by grabbing her arm. But the photo looked as if he were holding her instead, their eyes locked on each other as she gazed up at him.

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