Page 90 of PR Stunt

Anna catches my drift immediately, brows lifting slightly, but she lets it go. Instead, she shrugs. “Well, whatever it was, it was perfect. The world loved it.”

I don’t respond, just lean back against the pillows, willing my brain to shut down.

Anna studies me for half a beat before adding, “Also…why did you leave early? I mean, those exit photos? Iconic. But still, why?”

My throat tightens. The accusations. Leaving. Grayson standing up for me. Supporting me, no questions asked. The hoodie. Cooking for me. The eggs that were annoyingly good. Seeing his bedroom.

The whole night was too much.

I banish the thought before it can take root, flopping back on the bed with an exaggerated sigh.

“The food sucked.”

Anna watches me closely. “This has nothing to do with Lauren, does it?”

My entire body goes rigid. I sit up straight. “Why?” My voice is careful, measured. “What did you hear?”

Anna narrows her eyes slightly. “Grayson didn’t say anything. He was tight-lipped, even with Miranda. She told me.”

I exhale, shoulders easing only slightly. “It’s nothing. Really.”

Neither of them look convinced, but thankfully, Anna lets it drop. Instead, she pulls her phone out, scrolling. “Okay, let’s talk Mexico. You’re staying at a five-star resort. Private villas, full concierge service. I’ll send a detailed itinerary to your email later.”

I nod, half-listening, half-distracted by my own thoughts.

Sienna stretches dramatically before standing. “Char, I’m gonna grab some of your beach cowgirl hats.”

I wave her off. “Yeah, of course. Go ahead.”

Anna keeps talking, detailing activities and her expectations. Same old drill.

Sienna reappears, one hand holding a hat…and the other gripping a very familiar navy hoodie. The hoodie. The one I definitely did not mean to keep. The one I definitely did throw into the farthest corner of my closet in an attempt to forget it existed. My cheeks go hot as Sienna stops, holding it up like evidence. She sniffs it once and then dramatically widens her eyes.

“Wait. Is this—”

Sienna’s eyes jump between the hoodie and me, eyes alight with amusement. “A boy’s hoodie?” She takes another exaggerated sniff. “Dare I say…Mr. Cole’s?”

I stammer, trying to form some kind of excuse. A lie, anything…but they’re already laughing.

And no matter what I say, I know I’m never living this down. I sigh, finally giving in. “You guys are the worst.”

Sienna just grins.

“I was cold, okay? I borrowed it for five minutes. That’s all.”

Sienna chucks the hoodie at me. The second it hits my chest, I’m immediately wrapped in his scent. Ugh. I hate that I like it. With a dramatic groan, I fling it onto the floor like it’s radioactive.

Anna shakes her head, standing up. “I gotta go, but have a safe flight. A car will pick you up for the airport.” She grabs her coffee and slings her bag over her shoulder before adding, “Grayson will meet you at the private lounge.”

She leans down, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “Bye, Char. Remember to have fun! You’re going on holiday too. Work and play.”

Sienna follows suit, grabbing her tote. “Bye, gal pal. And don’t forget that you’re going to be the spiciest little pepper in Mexico.”

I actually laugh at that, shaking my head as she leans in for a hug. “Thanks, Sienna.”

She winks before heading out, leaving me alone with the clothes, the silence…and that damn hoodie on the floor. I let out a long breath and flop back onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I flip over onto my stomach and text Juno.

Me