Page 45 of PR Stunt

Inside, the lighting is soft, intimate. A place meant for people who want to be seen without looking like they want to be seen. The hostess greets us, glancing between us with interest before leading us toward a corner table. Not too obvious, but visible enough. Strategic placement, all due to our team, of course. Grayson steps behind me and pulls out my chair.

I hesitate for half a second before sinking into the seat. I murmur, just loud enough for him to hear, “Chivalry. What a plot twist.”

Grayson leans down slightly, his voice for me, not the room. “Wouldn’t want the world thinking I was a bad boyfriend.”

No surprise there. Thinking about himself, not actually being a gentleman. The hostess sets two menus on the table, but her gaze lingers on Grayson just a little too long.

“Your server will be right with you, Mr. Cole.”

Grayson offers her a characteristically charming smile. “Thank you.”

She blushes and turns away, posture a little straighter than before. A drink could not come faster. I pick up the menu, ripping it open with more force than necessary. Across from me, Grayson is watching, too entertained. I ignore him, skimming the options, even though I already know what I want. I’ve been here before, and I’m one hundred percent the type of person to browse the menu beforehand. But anything is better than meeting his gaze and seeing that smug face.

A server arrives, smiling brightly. “Can I start you two off with something to drink?”

“Yes,” I say, maybe too quickly. “A glass of your rosé, please.”

Grayson glances up at the server, and her eyes widen as she takes him in. “Whiskey, neat.”

The server nods. “Any appetizers?”

“We’ll start with the tuna tartare,” Grayson says smoothly.

I pause, smoothing my napkin over my lap. Okay. Points for the tuna tartare.

“Great choice. I’ll get those right in.”

Glancing out the window, I watch as the waves crash gently against the shore, golden reflections from the restaurant lights rippling across the water.

“You left pretty quickly last night. After the ride.”

I meet his gaze, smiling fondly, like he just said the sweetest thing. “Didn’t need to linger longer than necessary. We completed the task. And if I’m being honest…” I tilt my head slightly. “It wasn’t very memorable. I’ve had much better rides.”

Grayson’s grin stretches slowly across his face. “Oh yeah?” he murmurs, voice low and maddeningly calm. “That’s interesting. ’Cause your legs wrapped around me said otherwise.”

Heat crawls up my neck. The server returns, setting our drinks down gently. I reach for my wine, taking a healthy sip. Grayson, still watching, leans back before finally picking up his whiskey.

Feigning the happy girlfriend, I flash a charming, practiced smile. “The only thing I was enjoying was looking forward to going home and my hot date with my book boyfriend.”

Grayson takes a sip of his whiskey, his voice light. “Right. Wouldn’t want Miss Grace to slip in her perfect, calculated ways.”

I set my glass down, my grip tightening slightly around the stem. “You don’t know me.”

“Then show me.”

A slow heat curls in my chest, annoyance, something sharper beneath it. I inhale, keeping my expression neutral. “No. That’s not part of the contract.”

The server returns, a bright smile aimed directly at Grayson. “Have we decided on mains?” she asks.

“Lobster ravioli, please,” I respond.

“And for you?”

“I’ll have the filet, medium rare,” he orders.

She taps it in and disappears toward the kitchen.

I take another sip of my wine, watching him over the rim of my glass. Why did he agree to this? The question randomly hits me. I actually don’t know. I set my glass down. “I don’t even know why you’re doing this.”