Page 78 of PR Stunt

We’re inside now, weaving through the sea of Hollywood’s biggest names. And then I spot Miranda. She sees us instantly, cutting across the space, her attention locked onto Grayson.

“You look so handsome,” she says, her voice warm, her hands landing on his shoulders as she holds him at arm’s length. There’s pride in her expression, and something maternal.

“It’s been less than an hour since I saw you,” he says with a chuckle.

Then she turns to me. Her face softens. She reaches out, brushing a hand over my arm, and then gives a small shake of her head, like she doesn’t even have words. “Charlie…” She exhales slowly. “So, so beautiful.”

I smile, feeling the warmth of the moment settle. “Thank you.”

The energy in the entrance tent is alive, buzzing with movement. She glances around and then leans toward Hailey. “Where’s Anna?”

Hailey replies, “Work came up.”

I nod, not questioning it. Anna is always juggling a million things at once. Grayson and I stand among a mix of directors, a-list actors, and musicians I’ve admired for years. Grayson rests his hand softly against my back, sending a shiver down my spine. I spot a familiar face in the crowd.

“Juno!” My voice lifts with excitement. “You look insane.”

A vision in deep celestial blue, structured yet fluid, a gown that flows like starlight across the floor, her hair in a sleek low bun.

Juno grins. “Are you kidding me? You look…out of this world, Char.” She smiles, squeezing my hand one last time before stepping back. “I should go before they send someone looking for me. I’m up on the carpet in a minute.” She gives me one last knowing look and then slips toward the red-carpet entrance, gown catching the light as she goes.

A voice cuts through the crowd. “Grayson!”

I glance up just as Halden Carter steps around a cluster of gowns and tuxedos, making his way toward us. Grayson’s face breaks into recognition. They meet in the middle, clasping hands before pulling into one of those classic bro hugs. I’ve met Halden a handful of times. He’s Grayson’s co-star in Blackout. His deep-brown skin gleams beneath the warm, honey-toned light as those rich brown eyes shift toward me. He speaks to Grayson, eyes still on me. “So, this is the woman who’s finally tamed Grayson Cole.”

I laugh, resting a hand on Grayson’s chest. He draws me in, one arm wrapping around my waist, his hand curving over my hip.

“You give me too much credit, Halden,” I reply. “He’s still wildly untamed.”

And wildly not mine.

Halden grins, tilting his head slightly. “That so? Because the way he’s holding you right now says otherwise.”

I arch a brow, feeling the weight of Grayson’s hand at my waist, the solid warmth of him next to me.

Halden lifts a hand in mock surrender, flashing that dazzling smile. “Don’t worry. When Cole gives you trouble, you let me know.”

Hmm. Not if—when. Yeah, I know. His notorious past is always there, creeping up on us. Grayson’s grip tightens, not obvious or not aggressive, but enough that I feel it. I fight back a grin. Is that…jealousy?

Halden chuckles, shaking his head. “Nahhh, I’m kidding, man. You guys look good. Happy for you.”

Grayson eases, nodding. “Nice to see you, buddy. I’m sure we’ll see you inside.”

Halden nods, flashing me one last grin before stepping away and disappearing into the crowd.

“You two are up,” Hailey instructs.

Grayson and I move toward the front of the carpet. I give him a quick glance before pulling away. First are solo shots.

I step forward first. A red-carpet attendant lightly touches my elbow, guiding me toward the first photo marker at the base of the staircase. Another dresser sweeps behind me, fanning the train of my gown into a perfect pool of gold across the carpet before slipping out of sight.

I pose in the middle, turning just slightly so the light hits me right, my gaze drifting past the cameras. Everything is bright, buzzing. A million voices, but they all blur together. Farther up, I spot Juno posing ahead on the staircase. She catches my eye and winks. I wink back, barely suppressing a grin. Grayson is parallel to me at the base of the stairs, pausing for his own shots.

“Charlie! Left side!”

“Straight ahead!”

“Over the shoulder, Charlie!”