Page 36 of PR Stunt

Grayson’s expression shifts immediately back to the charm he wears so well. “Hey.”

Eloise, still practically vibrating from proximity, tries to play it cool. “Nice to finally meet you. You were incredible in Deep Waters. That Coast Guard rescue scene? I was literally holding my breath.”

Grayson offers a polite smile, the kind that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Appreciate that. Glad it landed.”

I watch it happen in real time. How quickly he assessed her energy, registered it, and decided not to give it any more than what was necessary.

Interesting. Well, good—he’s playing the loyal boyfriend part well.

I hear the telltale click-click-click of photos being shot nearby. I turn slightly.

A group of girls lingers nearby, pretending to stretch or check their phones, but really, they’re angling for photos. I force a breath, keeping my expression neutral as camera lenses burn into my skin.

“I thought the plan was to meet at mine,” I say too quickly and then add, “babe.”

Babe?

In what world would I ever call Grayson Cole babe? The second it leaves my mouth, I regret every decision that brought me to this moment. His eyes flash, and for a beat, I swear he stops breathing.

A slow, cocky smile unfurls across his face. “Babe?”

His voice is low, laced with amusement, like he’s rolling the word around in his mouth just to make me suffer. Oh, I loathe him entirely.

I narrow my eyes, stepping slightly closer. I say it quietly, just for him. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what? Don’t enjoy hearing you say it?”

Juno is fully pressing her lips together, shaking with suppressed laughter. Eloise watches the scene unfold, completely engrossed.

I squeeze my water bottle so hard I might break it. I turn to Eloise first, offering a quick, tight smile. “It was really nice to meet you.”

She’s not listening, still completely transfixed, like he’s the human embodiment of a fantasy.

Girl, I wish you could take him off my hands.

I grab Juno’s arm, pulling her in for a quick hug.

She leans in, but instead of saying goodbye, she whispers in my ear. “Oh, Char Char… You’re in deep trouble.”

I jerk back, glaring at her. The irony isn’t lost on me. Deep Waters. She couldn’t resist, could she? This wasn’t the plan, and Anna promised it would be controlled. Clean, easy, scripted.

And now everyone’s watching, and I didn’t get to prepare for this ambush.

“Just follow me,” I bite out to Grayson, spinning on my heel and heading for the car.

Chapter 14

I back into my garage, fuming. I yank my car into park, barely waiting for the engine to settle before throwing the door open. Marching toward the garage door, I smash the button to close it, watching as it begins to lower. Just before it shuts completely, I see him pull into the driveway, his Harley popping loud. I grit my teeth so hard my jaw aches. I need to have a very stern conversation with the entire team about sharing my location with Grayson.

As I whip around, my shirt snags on the garage door handle, jerking me back with an obnoxious tug.

“Seriously?” I mutter, ripping it free. Why does that always have to happen at the most inconvenient time?

Tearing off my sneakers at the door, I storm inside, straight through my house, and toward the front entrance. I jerk the door open just as his hand hovers mid-knock.

I grab the front of his shirt, right at the collar, and yank him inside. It takes more effort than I’d like to admit. The second he’s over the threshold, I shut the door a little harder than necessary.

“What the hell was that?” I say, voice rising. “The plan was to meet at my house, not start a crazed girl frenzy in a hiking parking lot.”