Page 67 of PR Stunt

Anna spins the phone toward me. Sure enough, there are already viral threads spreading like wildfire. I stare at the screen, stunned and disbelieving. I mean…this is good. Of course, women can make the first move. I do fully support that. If you want something, go get it. I’ve always lived by that. So, technically, something positive came out of this. Even if it’s based on a complete lie. I cringe.

“Oh, my God.” Juno’s gasp is so dramatic, I brace myself for impact.

She claps a hand over her mouth, shaking with laughter. “Look at this slo-mo video of Charlie face-planting into the mud pool.”

“Oh, great,” I say dryly.

She shoves the phone toward me, screen replaying my spectacular wipeout. Arms flailing, legs kicking, completely swallowed by the mud. The slow motion makes it ten times worse. Yep, this will forever be on the internet. Lovely.

Luca gasps dramatically, clutching his chest. “Oh, no, no, no. Forget that one. This is the video of the day.”

He spins his phone around, showing everyone. Grayson, covered in mud, sweeping me into his arms and spinning me around after we won.

The video is slow-motion perfection. He’s grinning, and I’m laughing, my legs kicking up as mud flies everywhere. His grip is tight, fluid, like holding me is the most natural thing in the world.

The host’s voice from the interview plays over it: Hollywood’s it couple!

I clap my hands together. “Alright. It’s time for you all to go.”

Juno pouts. “But we’re having fun.”

I glare. “I’m not.”

Anna grins, barely looking up from her phone. “Oh, but hundreds of thousands of people are.”

I groan, rubbing my temples. “I need the hottest shower, a glass of wine, and possibly a new identity. That race just took years off my life, and you all suck.”

Luca presses a hand to his chest, mock-offended. “I thought we were bonding.”

Juno grins. “We were. Until Charlie decided she hates joy.”

I point to the door. “Out.”

Miranda sighs, but she’s clearly pleased with how today went. “Fine, fine. But rest up. We have plans to discuss tomorrow.”

Anna winks as she walks out.

Juno lingers by the door, giving me a once-over before wrinkling her nose. “I’d hug you, but…ew.”

Luca blows a kiss. “Love you, bye!”

He’s gone in a flash, the door swinging shut behind him.

Miranda smiles at me, clearly buzzing from the success of today. Then she glances at Grayson. “Nice work, Gray. That Blackout training really paid off. We’ll chat tomorrow.”

Grayson chuckles, “Get home safe.”

Then she’s gone.

I narrow my eyes at Grayson. “You too now.”

His grin lazily stretches, like he’s enjoying my unraveling way too much. He takes a step toward the door, pausing just before stepping out. Then, in that slow, infuriatingly smooth voice… “Enjoy that shower, Miss Grace.”

He walks out. The door clicks shut behind him. I throw a towel at it. I need that wine.

Immediately.

I grab my water bottle, towel, and whatever shred of composure I have left and then step out of my trailer. The sun’s lower now, casting long shadows between rows of trucks and trailers. I weave through them slowly, my footsteps soft but gritty, the dried mud on my leggings cracking with every move. Up ahead, the car that’s supposed to take me home is idling near the lot entrance. As I round the corner, I hear a clipped voice. I pause, ducking instinctively behind one of the parked suvs.