Page 76 of PR Stunt

“Keep telling yourself that,” he states.

Hailey lowers the camera and then glances up. “Have you talked to him today? Also, he should be here shortly.”

I shake my head, adjusting my earring, my tone flat when I reply. “No. I try to not talk to him unless I’m legally obligated to.” I don’t mention running lines with him the other night. No one needs to know about that. Especially not Juno.

Luca lets out a dramatic sigh, tossing a brush back into his kit. “Don’t you two have a Mexico vacation coming up?”

I groan, shaking my head. “Don’t remind me.”

Sienna glances up from where she’s adjusting my train, smiling. “Well, I’ve already started curating your looks. I’ll send them to your house before you go.”

“Is it too late to fake sick tonight? I’ll even let you guys come up with something creative.”

Luca gasps, clutching his chest. “As if. And waste this glam? Absolutely not. Wait, Char. Can I grab some on my phone before we go?”

I nod instantly. “Yes, of course!”

He grabs his phone, flipping on the mini light, angling it just right, and snapping some pictures and videos of the glam. The team take in the full look, a few murmurs of approval passing between them.

I grin at them. “Takes a village. Love you all.”

Sienna makes a final tweak to the gown’s hem, and Luca dusts off his hands, satisfied.

As I turn toward the mirror, something clicks in my head. “Oh! Meant to say thanks, by the way. The ChapSticks? Seriously, a lifetime supply,” I laugh. “I love you guys.”

Luca pauses mid-motion, glancing at me. “What?”

I wave a hand. “The box that showed up after the What’s in My Bag video.”

A knock at the door pulls our attention.

Hailey turns, grinning. “Mr. Boyfriend is here.”

I stick my tongue out at her.

She shakes her head, laughing. “Real mature, Charlie.”

Here we go.

“Miss Grace. Hailey. Luca. Sienna. Always a pleasure.” Grayson’s warm voice carries through the suite.

I spin on my heel without thinking. And immediately regret it.

Damn it. He does look like a vision. The custom black suit molds to him perfectly, understated but bold. Timeless, on theme, but undeniably him. I bite my lip, hating the thought as soon as it forms.

We’re going to look really good together.

Which is exactly the problem. It’s not just chemistry. It’s comfort. Familiar in a way that feels brand new. And that’s the part that scares me. Because everything about Grayson Cole says run. The headlines. The history. The trail of flings and tabloid scandals. He’s the guy you fake date for damage control, not the one who makes you feel seen.

And yet, here I am. Steady heart. No butterflies. Just a dangerous kind of calm. And everyone knows that’s the real red flag. Grayson’s gaze sweeps over me with infuriating ease. Our two looks go hand in hand. Cohesive, intentional, like a carefully curated power couple. When his eyes finally meet mine, there’s a challenge there. I don’t bite. Instead, I tilt my chin up and give him the most unimpressed look.

Hailey checks her phone and then claps her hands together. “Alright, we have to leave shortly. The van is downstairs—the stand-up one so the dress doesn’t crease.”

I nod, smoothing my gloves.

“As you guys know, it’s only a short drive, but with the red-carpet traffic backup, we’ll be inching along.”

She glances up at Grayson and me pointedly. “Miranda and Anna already prepped you both, but I was told to remind you to quote unquote behave.”