Page 306 of Rush

I barely make it two steps inside before Ava yanks my hand and spins me.

“There she is!” she shouts over the bass. “The queen of the night!”

“You won Song of the Year!” I yell back, laughing.

“And you just charmed the whole world. Come on, there are people I want you to meet.”

Riley trails beside us, two drinks in hand.

“I’m so proud of you,” she says for what has to be the twentieth time tonight, pressing one into my palm. “I’m going to remind strangers you’re my best friend for at least the next decade.”

Ava pulls me through clusters of people—stylists, producers, someone’s agent, a couple of actors I vaguely recognize from television and movies. Big names in the music industry. Everyone’s talking at once, hugging, shouting over the music.

I keep hearing my name.

Orthat’s her.

I’m not sure which is worse.

Or better.

“Oh my gosh, I love your accent,” one singer gushes.

“Your eyes are incredible,” a male model adds.

The adoration comes fast and loud enough to make my head spin. All I want is to crawl up in front of my piano and disappear into song—or into someone’s arms.

The box rattles.

Someone taps my shoulder. I turn, already half-smiling?—

—and freeze.

Julian Vale.

The Julian Vale.

Oscar winner. GQ cover regular. Universally agreed-upon heartthrob Julian Vale. Rumored next James Bond, Julian Vale.

He’s taller than I expected. Tawny brown skin that glows under the party lights. A tux that’s sharp but worn like it’s an extension of him, collar casually undone. And his eyes?—

Green. Not hazel. Not brown.

Green.

Good lord.

The box rattles louder.

He smiles—slow, easy—like he’s already read the script and knows exactly how it ends. He smells expensive. Spiced and clean. Exuding quiet confidence.

“Hi, I’m Julian,” he says, leaning in just enough to be heard over the music. As if I wouldn’t know who he is—everyone knows who he is.

“Your performance was…electric.” His smile could knock the knees out from under anyone with a pulse.

“Thanks,” I manage, my mouth dry.

“You’ve got real presence and I mean that in the most respectful way possible.”