If I had any lingering doubts about why I made such a stupid mistake in the first place, they're gone in an instant. At the first touch of his lips to mine, my body goes limp against his, the rush of heat taking over. I'm aware of every place we touch, of every slightest movement of his skin against mine. His lips are demanding and teasing, toying with me. This is a man who knows how to kiss.Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I remember why I'm here. I push gently against his chest until he breaks the kiss."Ready to stop already?" he asks, with an expression that makes my heart skip a beat."Can we go inside?" I ask again. "Into the house?"He chuckles, and the sound makes me tingle all the way down to my toes. "If you insist. After last time, I didn't think you minded being outside."He's making me blush on purpose, I know it. I was shameless the last time we met. Caught up in the moment. I don't behave like that normally, and he must know that.I follow him up the palm-lined

Any thought I had of paying for my own clothes goes out the window as soon as I glance at a tag in La Bella Boutique. I was expecting the prices to be double or triple those of what nice clothes might cost back home. Instead, it's more like five or six times as much. I'm not sure I even have enough in my debit account to buy a single dress.Especially when you won't be able to fit in that dress in a few months, I remind myself.I refuse help from the salesgirl when she approaches me. Instead, I wander through the racks, eyeing the dresses around me. Some are simple and elegant, others shimmery and bright. Some have classic designs, others are what I can only assume are the hot new fashions. I have a couple of "nicer" dresses back home - things to wear to the occasional wedding or funeral I find myself attending - but nothing that looks like anything in this store.And even if I knew what I liked, I have no idea what I'm expected to wear to a Hollywood party. How formal is this thing

I climb out of the car. There are a handful of other people filtering inside - and they all look like they could be celebrities or models.I jump at the touch of Rafe's fingers on my back."Are you ready?" he murmurs into my ear."Yes," I say, finding my courage. This is just a stupid party, I tell myself. You're going to have to learn to be brave for the little one growing inside you. I imagine there are going to be much tougher challenges on the road ahead.You should let yourself enjoy the moment, I tell myself as I let Rafe lead me toward the door. Here I am looking fabulous, walking into a mansion, on the arm of a gorgeous man who most women probably dream of dating. If there was ever a moment to let go and live it up, it's now.Rafe's hand flattens against my back, almost as if he can sense my nerves. I smile up at him, and he pulls me closer to his side."Just smile and nod and make small talk," he tells me. "And if all else fails, stroke a few egos. The people in this tow

I have no idea how to answer Dante's probing question.Suddenly a woman - the red-haired one Dante was standing with earlier - appears at his side. Ashlyn, I remember."I told you not to give her the third degree," she says to him. To me, she adds, "I hope he isn't bothering you.""He's not," I say quickly.She smiles. It's a pretty, genuine smile, and I get the distinct impression that this woman is normal, like me. A regular person. Maybe it's the dusting of freckles on her nose or simply the friendliness in her eyes, but she gives off a distinctive 'girl next door' quality. Rafe said she was a baker - that means she probably didn't grow up with models and movie stars."Good," she says. "We were both just a little curious about you. Rafe never brings dates around.""So I've been told." I glance back at Dante, but his intense study of me makes me want to squirm. So I keep my eyes on Ashlyn. Nice, normal Ashlyn."I'm Ashlyn," she says, extending a hand."I'm Edie." I take her h

I bolt down the stairs as fast as my heels allow, not bothering to see if he follows. When I reach the foot of the stairs, I find Ashlyn waiting, trying to look casual as she lingers by the railing. She takes one look at me and concern fills her face."Edie," she says. "What - ""I'm leaving," I tell her, pushing past. I don't like being rude to her, but the faster I get away from Rafe and his family, the better. I dash toward the front door, but Ashlyn catches up with me quickly."What happened?" she asks."Nothing," I tell her. "Nothing at all. Which is my cue to leave. I shouldn't have come here."Ashlyn keeps pace with me as I hurry down the steps to the driveway. It's only when I reach the bottom that I remember I have nowhere to go, no way to leave immediately. I'll need to call a taxi."Edie," Ashlyn says, "please tell me what's going on."There's nowhere to run. I stop and force myself to take a breath. My eyes are aching, but they're mysteriously free of tears.I look