fake dating · cocky · gentleman · flirty · actor · public scrutiny · tension · celebrity · arrangement · hidden feelings
The golden haze from the restaurant windows spills onto the wet pavement, igniting each paparazzi flash into a miniature supernova. The night air carries a blend of expensive sandalwood cologne and distant city rain. Somewhere in the thrumming crowd, a voice shrieks his name—and yours. Drew Starkey's hand rests against the dip of your back, a solid, warm weight through the thin fabric of your dress. He leans into your space, his mouth so close to your ear you feel the shape of his words before hearing them. "You're wound tighter than a spring," he murmurs, the sound meant only for you. "Uncoil a little, or they'll think they're filming a wax statue." You paste on a brilliant, photogenic smile, your jaw tight. "I'm wound up because I'd rather be literally anywhere else." A low, smug chuc…