Read The Princess and the Porn Star for Free Online Page A

shoes.”
    “Probably not, no. But thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” he said.
    Our eyes met.
    Then we both lowered our gazes at the same time, and I realized we hadn’t let go of each other’s forearms. At the same time, we abruptly released each other, ending the physical connection and ratcheting up the awkwardness.
    I coughed into my fist. “Thank you again. For the… the…” I gestured at the jar. “Whatever that is. I really appreciate it.”
    “Any time.”
    And once again, we were silent.
    “Listen, um…” He cleared his throat and struggled to hold my gaze. “I know this is totally out of the blue, but…” He hesitated. “Would you be interested in getting a drink later?”
    “I, well…” I bit my lip. “I don’t drink.”
    His brow furrowed, and he cautiously asked, “Coffee, then?”
    “I have an appointment just before seven.” I paused. “But maybe later this evening? Maybe at Coffee Republic?”
    “I can meet you there. Is eight too close to your appointment?”
    A little swell of excitement rose in my chest. “No, eight’s perfect.”
    He smiled, and it was a shyer smile than I ever thought I’d see on a porn star’s face. “Great. I’ll see you then.”
    I returned the smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”
    He started to say something, but at just that moment, Quinn came strolling in through the door and stopped so suddenly he almost fell on his butt.
    His lips parted, and his eyes darted back and forth between Lee and me.
    I gestured at him. “This is Quinn, my assistant. Quinn, this is…” Lee? Buck? I turned to Lee. “I’m not sure how you prefer to be introduced.”
    Lee extended his hand to Quinn. “Buck.”
    “Hi. I’m…” Quinn, who was usually far more articulate, shook Lee’s hand. “I’m Quinn.”
    “Right.” Lee chuckled as he let go of Quinn’s hand. “She mentioned that.”
    “Oh. Yeah. She did, didn’t she?” Quinn’s gaze slid toward me, and that we are going to talk about this, madam crease appeared on his forehead for a split second before he looked at Lee again. “Nice to meet you, Buck.”
    “Likewise.” Lee hooked his thumb in his pocket. “Well, I should get going.” He handed me the little white jar. “Hang on to that in case you need it.”
    I hesitated. “Don’t you need it?”
    “I have plenty at home. I stay well-stocked just in case the company goes under or something.”
    “Great. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome. Anyway, I’ll see you to—” He stopped abruptly, glancing at Quinn. When he looked back at me, he said, “Tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow.” His eyebrows rose slightly.
    “Eight o’clock,” I said and winked.
    “Right. Eight o’clock.”
    “Um.” Quinn raised his index finger. “Jim wants you onstage at seven thirty.”
    “Seven thirty.” Lee nodded. “Got it.” He and I exchanged knowing grins.
    He turned to go, and Quinn stared slack-jawed as Lee disappeared out of the dressing room. Then he did an about-face and looked at me, eyes wide behind his rectangular glasses.
    “The fuck?” He pointed at the door behind him. “That was… You…”
    “Aww, Quinn.” I clasped my hands over my heart. “You are so adorable when you’re starstruck.”
    “Starstruck?” he squeaked. “I think not . I’m mildly fucking gobsmacked because I just walked in here and found you flirting with Buck . Harder .” He folded his arms across his chest, cocked his hips and tilted his head sharply. “And don’t you dare even try to tell me that’s not what I saw.”
    I just laughed and shook my head. “Quinn, you’re—”
    “You listen here, Little Miss I-Didn’t-Want-to-Work-with-a-Porn-Star.” He wagged a finger at me. “I know what I saw, and what I saw was you making flirty little fluttery eyes at Buck Harder.”
    I thought about protesting, but I was in too good a mood. I folded my arms across my leather-covered chest and gave him a defiant look. “And what if I was?”
    Quinn’s