Read Online Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster - Free Book Online

once again: comfortable and happy and full of wonder about the woman who had reentered his life without warning.
    The musical comedy began, and Josh watched Riley more than he watched the show. Her laugh was loud and hearty and anything but feminine. She threw her head back with her mouth open and roared; tears of joy streamed from her eyes. Her enjoyment was infectious, and Josh found himself not curtailing his own laugh for the first time in years. He was so used to making sure he was projecting an appropriate image for a man of his status that he hadn’t realized how much of his life had been impacted by his career. Or perhaps limited was a better word.
    By the time the show ended, Riley’s tears of laughter had washed away most of her makeup, revealing the natural beauty that lay beneath. Her high cheekbones shone pink, and her thick lashes set off the glow of yellows and greens in her hazel eyes. Josh felt a tug in his heart, the speed of which threw him for a loop.
    As they headed for the front exit, Riley slowed her pace. “Shouldn’t we go out the back?”
    He’d been so caught up in her that he’d almost forgotten. “The back will be swarming with people trying to get autographs. We’re better off going out the front with a bit of cover." The last thing he wanted was to let go of her hand, but if he had any hope of shielding her from the media, they had to exit separately. Chances were strong that there wouldn’t be any media out front. Photographers usually stalked the back entrance after the shows to take pictures of the actors.
    The thought of anyone but Claudia seeing them holding hands didn’t bother Josh, but Claudia could make Riley’s life hell. “Riley, we should walk out like we’re not together. I’m really sorry, but just in case. It’s probably for the best. You can leave first, and I’ll follow. Go to your left and I’ll meet you around the corner.”
    “Oh, good idea. You’re so sneaky.” Riley laughed. She let go of his hand and whispered, “I feel like I’m sneaking around in high school or something.”
    “Me too, but you’re the last person I want to sneak with,” he said honestly.
    She frowned, and he realized she thought he meant something other than what he’d intended.
    “I mean I’d rather walk out holding your hand, but I don’t want to give Claudia a reason to treat you any differently.”
    “Why do you let her be that way?” Riley asked.
    “I don’t let her. Claudia is who she is. There’s no changing her personality, but she’s the best damned design assistant anyone could have, and…she’s Peter’s niece.”
    Riley flushed and looked down.
    “What?” Josh asked.
    “I thought you two were, you know…”
    Josh shook his head. “What on earth would make you think that?” If Claudia had planted that seed in Riley’s mind, he’d speak to her first thing in the morning. That was going too far.
    Riley shrugged. “Something about the way she was around you the day we met.”
    “She’s a master at manipulation and creating false impressions. I’m aware of her tricks, but I didn’t think you’d really buy into them.” Or I’d have cleared it up right then . Josh would straighten that situation out tomorrow as well. No more of her invasions of his personal space. It was high time he stepped up and gave Claudia a few rules.
    Riley shrugged. “It was hard not to.”
    “Wait, you don’t think that I…No, no, no. I have never and have no interest. Riley, really?” How could she think he’d ever fall prey to Claudia’s games? Do I come across as that much of a player? Josh hadn’t realized that the image he projected of himself could be so clearly misconstrued by those who knew him. Then again, he’d only begun to get to really know Riley. Growing up together in a small town where family feuds ruled out friendships and crushes grew from afar didn’t exactly offer a chance to develop a well-rounded view of a person.
    “Sorry. I know better