Page 18 of PR Stunt

“If what I think you’re suggesting is actually what you’re suggesting, you’re out of your mind,” I tell him.

“I’m just saying, it could be fun. Me and you. It doesn’t have to be all work. Unless, of course, you’re worried you won’t be able to cut it off in two months. Then I get the hesitation.”

My blood boils as I glare at him, my fingers curling into fists under the table. His eyes sparkle, tracking my annoyance.

“You know what? You’re right. Maybe this could be fun.”

His mouth starts to lift until I add, “If only you were my type.”

“That’s funny. I’d wager I’m exactly your type.”

I open my mouth to fire back, but Anna cuts in, clapping her hands together. “Okay! We’ve fine-tuned the details, so let’s wrap this up.”

I force my attention back to the papers in front of me. Just sign the damn thing, Charlie. It’s business. Nothing more.

My gaze skims over the contract, reading every line twice, because if I’m going to sell a fake relationship with him, I at least want to understand exactly what I’m agreeing to.

When I reach for a pen, my hand comes up empty.

I glance at the table. Nothing.

Reluctantly, my gaze lifts to the pen in Grayson’s hand. He leans across the table and holds it out like an offering.

I clear my throat and take it, careful not to touch him.

I’d spent years being careful. Careful with my words. Careful with my image. Careful with every decision because one wrong move could cost a woman twice as much in this industry. Grayson, meanwhile, seemed to stumble from one headline to the next and somehow came out more popular every time.

One signature. A few months. I can do this. The ink moves smoothly as I scrawl my name across the line. I set the pen down and slide the document toward him.

He signs without bothering to read it through and pushes it back to Miranda.

Miranda gathers the contracts, Anna taps away at her phone, and suddenly, there is nothing left to discuss. Chairs scrape against the floor as everyone stands, the room buzzing with final exchanges of we’ll coordinate the first appearance soon and paparazzi will be planted for the right moments.

Straightening my blazer, I grab my purse from the table, pausing to say goodbye to Anna.

As we hug, she murmurs in my ear, “I know how hard this was for you, but this is the right move.”

Miranda approaches next, extending a hand, something unexpectedly soft in her eyes. “Thank you, Charlie. I’ll keep Gray in line.”

I shake her hand, offering a dry smile. “I don’t envy you.”

Miranda huffs out a quiet laugh, giving a small shake of her head. “He can be…a lot. But he’s worth the trouble.”

I arch a brow. “If you say so.”

Her expression is knowing, warm but firm. “I do.”

I stride toward the door, but a toned golden forearm beats me there, pushing it open before I reach the handle. I give Grayson a quick nod and step past him into the hallway, heading straight for the elevators.

The group follows. As soon as we step inside, Grayson shifts behind me, near enough that I catch the faintest trace of his cologne—a deep, warm scent. Smoky cedar wood laced with a hint of spice.

Goose bumps prickle along my neck. I can feel his eyes on me. No doubt plotting all the ways he’ll make these two months miserable. I focus on the glowing numbers as the elevator descends, willing them to move faster. The second the doors slide open, I’m the first one out. Turning, I give Anna one last hug and offer Miranda a wave as they head off together.

I dig for my keys in my purse, already focused on my exit, but Grayson lingers beside me.

He nods toward the Bronco. “That yours?”

I sigh, unlocking the door. “No, I just enjoy loitering next to random cars.”