Crossroads of the Galaxy

A book in the tradition of the Heinlein juveniles.
 
Young Alex Bredakoff always wanted to be a star trader. But it wasn't until his family moved to the Nexus space colony and he met Kasinda Venderling--daughter of a trader, and someone who's been plying the star lanes her entire life--that he realized how truly exciting--and dangerous--his life could become.

But when you're in a runaway starship with a kidnapped alien prince, flying straight into a sun, it's a little late to re-evaluate your options.