Page 104 of PR Stunt

Grayson shifts closer, dropping his voice. “I’m starving. And I saw some fresh mango with Tajín on the beach.”

Chapter 31

I have a few top-tier experiences in life. And claiming the number one spot is a full day in the sun. That warmth that seeps into your skin, soaking into you like something light and golden, melting away anything heavy. The way your skin glows, kissed by fresh vitamin d. Especially when that day includes the ocean. Salt lingering on your skin, a natural detox.

And if you really want to reach peak top-tier feeling? Take a nap. On the beach. I did. For the first time in…I don’t even know. I can’t recall the last time I felt this unplugged. Not stressing about deadlines, call times, or work. Swiping a hand across the fogged-up bathroom mirror, I draw a heart. My face is flushed from the sun, my eyes bright but carrying a lazy edge. Lips pink, hair damp and curling over my shoulders. I already have tan lines, the contrast striking in the dim lighting.

Tonight’s schedule is, romantic sailboat dinner. I reach for my makeup pouch. I’m going to keep it natural—the sun has already done most of the work. I twist my damp hair into a sleek bun, securing it at the nape of my neck. It’ll be windy on the boat, and the last thing I want is my hair whipping into my face all night.

I smile to myself when the image of us surfing today comes to mind. I never would have imagined I’d actually enjoy it, but somehow, with Grayson, it was…fun. It’s a whole new thing I’m still trying to process, this unexpected rhythm we’ve fallen into.

But so far, it’s been oddly amazing. I spent practically the whole day in the water with him patiently teaching me how to surf. Still wrapped in my towel, I step out of the bathroom and walk to the closet, stopping in front of it. My fingers hover over the options before landing on the beige crochet Sienna styled for me. At a light knock at my door, I pad over and crack it open, sticking my head out.

Grayson stands there, hair damp, smelling of soap and salt air, and holding a margarita.

“I brought you a…getting-ready drink.”

His gaze lingers for a moment. I know what he sees: bare shoulders, damp skin, the towel knotted at my chest.

I cross my arms. “You just made that up.”

He grins. “I did. But I figured you’d want one.”

I do. Another top-tier: a getting-ready drink while on vacation. My heart squeezes unexpectedly. I smile, reaching for the glass. Our fingers brush as I take it. The drink is cool against my palm, but my skin is suddenly burning.

“Thanks,” I murmur, taking a sip. It’s strong. Tart. A slow-building heat from the jalapeño.

Much like the man standing in front of me.

Grayson leans against the doorframe. “You look good in that,” he says, glancing behind me at the two-piece crochet set hanging in the closet.

I swallow, the tequila hitting harder than expected. “I’m not wearing it yet.”

His mouth curves. “I know.”

And with that, he pushes off the doorframe, turns, and walks away. I stare after him for a second too long, and then I shut the door, finish my sip, and turn back to the closet. I walk back, drink still in hand when my phone starts ringing. Smiling, I grab it with my free hand and sink onto the bed, leaning back against the pillows and crossing my feet at the ankles.

“Hi, gal pal.”

“Stop,” Juno says immediately. “I can tell you’re just out here living your best life right now.”

I bite my lip, trying not to smile. “Work in Mexico. Not bad.”

Juno snorts. “Yeah, work. Sure. I saw those surfing pics and vids.”

A tiny smile tugs at my lips. “Yeah… It was…fun.”

Swirling my drink in my hand, I ask, “How’d your date with Halden go?”

“Oh! Amazing. He is so hot. We already have a second date planned. Can’t wait to climb that man like a tree.”

I laugh.

“Okay, well, I was just checking to make sure you’re actually enjoying yourself with that drop-dead gorgeous fake boyfriend,” she says.

The words fake boyfriend hit strangely.

Still, I chuckle anyway. “It’s been a surprisingly good time.”