Tinseltown
by Stephanie Taylor
A-list actress Deb Atkins hasn’t allowed her glamorous lifestyle to go to her head. She owes this to her wonderful family, who keeps her grounded. So, for Deb, not just any man will do, especially if he’s part of the Hollywood elite. Most actors have one thing on their mind, and happily ever after isn’t it. Until she meets Zach Sparks, her new co-star. Zach Sparks is famous not just for his acting skills, but his quick wit and good looks. One glance at Deb, and he's smitten. After a drunken night at a Vegas premiere after-party, one thing leads to another. The result: marriage. Deb is appalled by her actions. So much so, she and Zach can't get along on the set. Their producer demands they spend Christmas holidays together to work out their differences or they're both fired. Driven by selfish motivations, they don't expect to fall in love over Christmas or for their marriage to turn into a real one. But can their tenuous relationship withstand a bigger test than either of them ever imagined?
Excerpt:
“It doesn’t have to end,” she said, stepping into his embrace. “Hold me,” she demanded and looked as his full lips curled into a satisfied smile.
“What…” He cleared his throat. “What are you doing?”
“I’m saying the photographers don’t exist. I want you to kiss me.”
Zach’s eyes narrowed, although she detected a hint of a smile in their depths. She could feel the evidence against her stomach that he, indeed, wanted her. But photographs were being taken too rapidly at this point to think clearly. “You think they don’t already have a juicy story just by the way we’re standing and looking at each other, wearing our wedding rings?”
“Probably.” But he still didn’t move to kiss her.
“Then let’s give ’em a show,” she said
Zach cracked one of those disbelieving smiles and glanced toward the cameras. “You guys want us to give you what you’re after?”
A chorus of “yeahs” erupted and Zach smiled, twirling her around so the majority of the crowd could get a good view. Deb grinned up at him, loving this fun side.
“Hey, you!” Zach said as he pointed to a particular photographer. “What kind of shot will get you the most money?”
“Kiss her!” The others chimed in.
“Feel her up!” the photographer called with a grin.
Zach looked down at her, pure mischief dancing in the depths of his eyes. “You’re giving me permission to do this?”
She shrugged. “Why not? We can always claim later it was a set up.”
He frowned. “Why? No reason for us to be ashamed. I’ve felt you up plenty before. And we are married.” Winking, he pulled her flush against him. “Everybody ready?” he called without taking his eyes off her.
“I’m ready,” Deb whispered. Her body throbbed for his touch.
With cameras perched, Zach kissed her. His tongue danced, mocking his mood, and she tried to catch him. Each time she thought he would settle in for a melting kiss, he withdrew and started all over again. The crowd voiced their displeasure. Silently, Deb booed too.
Tearing away, Zach held his hand up. “Hold on, guys. We’re just getting warmed up.”
Deb grinned and shook her head. Zach’s mouth settled over hers quietly. The photographers melted away. His hands were at the base of her spine, holding her close. Without much effort, she rubbed discreetly against him and he responded accordingly. His kiss turned hot and fervent.
When each breath came quicker than the last and she felt out of control, the cheering brought her back to the present. Since Zach appeared to be more engrossed in other matters — like making her knees go weak — she reached around him and squeezed his butt. The crowd called out loudly and flashes were like strobe lights behind her lids.
Zach pulled away, throwing his head back and laughing heartily. “You amaze me, Deb. That’s what I love about you.”
Deb smiled back at him as he kissed her once more before they waved to the crowd and left.
**Special Note** Tinseltown was previously released through another publisher. Astraea Press is re-releasing it in July 2013. Tinseltown will be exclusively available on Amazon.
STEPHANIE TAYLOR is a freelance editor, author and business owner. She spends her time making other authors’ dreams come true at Astraea Press as Editor in Chief and Owner. Stephanie opened Astraea Press because of the lack of non-erotic book publishers and has finally found a home for her books. Stephanie has a doctorate in multi-tasking and can actually walk a tightrope while balancing a dinner plate on her head and typing her next novel with the other. She lives in Alabama with her three children and her wonderful husband of eleven years.
